HP-45A1 Assault Rifle

Overview
The HP-45A1 Assault Rifle is the newest model of rifle produced by HP Industries, and is their most successful combat rifle in terms of production. The rifle was quickly introduced to the UNMC forces right at the height of the Human-Exohuman War, replacing the HP-45 Assault Rifle that had served since 2315. The A1 model has continued to serve as the main combat rifle ever since its adoption.

Design
Like its predecessor, the A1 model is gas operated and designed with reliability and sturdiness as a first priority. The A1 improved on every single aspect of the previous rifle, with upgrades to the tech system, reduction in weight as well as a slight reduction in overall length, stronger materials, and has a recoil dampening system so effective that many soldiers don't even notice the kickback even when on fully automatic mode. The A1 also has an overall less complicated integration system, allowing attachments and many different kinds of upgrades to be fitted to the rifle with more ease to the soldier. Even the grips of the rifle have improved to maximize comfort to the user.

History
The HP-45A1 was in wide production as early as 2343, using factories on multiple UNC colonies to manufacture the rifle, with millions of orders for the rifle put in from the UNMC after initial testing was done. By 2345, the rifle was ready to be shipped out to UNMC military units, and the first deliveries were scheduled for Earth in the latter weeks of October. Unfortunately, this was also the time when the Exohumans unleashed their attack on Earth, and the rifle was quickly shipped from the facilities by the thousands and used by any UNMC soldiers that remained to fight on Earth during the initial stages of the war. Overtime, the rifle replaced the older model and A1 rifles became more and more common within the UNMC. By the end of 2345, the older models were virtually non-existent in the military and the A1 was being used by most of the UNMC soldiers, who gave it widespread praise due to its effectiveness and reliable nature even in the worst battlefield situations. The rifle is expected to serve in the UNMC for many more years and shows no signs of being replaced, already spawning a few different models including a carbine version and a model specifically designed for spec-ops soldiers.