M2700 Light Machine Gun

The M2700, often called the Madsen Gun, is the primary squad automatic weapon of the Imperial Tekkelien Ground Forces. It's design is over 150 years old, and new models are considerably lighter and more reliable than the first ones. It serves a suppression role, able to provide heavy, consistent fire on the move at the squad level. It is one of the few weapons not designed within the Tekkelien Empire. It is produced under license from a Danish company.

Role
The Imperial Ground Forces rely on motorized maneuver warfare to outpace the enemy. Their maneuverability also allows them to avoid heavy weapons such as air and naval strikes, meaning that minimal equipment weight is imperative. The M2700 was designed for guerilla warfare and light infantry, making it ideal for the Imperial doctrine. At 15 pounds empty, it is one of the lightest LMGs of its caliber. It fires soft iron bullets coated in vinyl for the barrel grooves, which are significantly lighter than the lead ammunition of the past.

Fireteam Tactics
At the fireteam level, the Madsen gun is seen as another rifle, but capable of sustained, automatic fire. It can be fired on the move like a rifle, keeping up with the regular riflemen, all while providing suppression for the rest of the team. In fireteam tactics, the gunner with a Madsen typically stays near the front and center of the team, and is the first to return fire or make contact with the enemy. Then, they provide a heavy volume of accurate covering fire to allow the rest of the team to move.

Squad Tactics
At the squad level, there are two Madsen gunners. They operate in tandem, with one team covering as the other moves. Generally, the fireteam used for suppression will have their gunner get into a fixed position and make use of the bipod for long bursts of automatic fire. The team used for killing will use their Madsen gun more like a rifle, firing in shorter bursts and taking more time to aim accurately.

Design
The M2700 is based on a gradual evolution of Danish and German firearms. The earliest versions were still wood-paneled. It has a slim build similar to an early rifle, but with a thicker handguard and various enhancements to support sustained automatic firing. The receiver is heavier and sturdier, and the barrel both lengthened and made with stronger steel to resist heat.

The handguard was made wider and with more ventilation, compared to contemporary assault and battle rifles, to avoid overheating compared to traditional rifles. Inside the handguard are also larger and more robust liquid helium heat exchangers to help discharge the increased heat in battlefields with no atmosphere.

To deal with the excessive recoil of sustained automatic fire, the stock is heavier and with built in padding and hydraulic dampeners to reduce user fatigue and discomfort. A counterweight system running under the barrel helps reduce felt recoil as well.