1. Introduction
The aim of this page is to collect GURPS 4th edition statistics for equipment used by the British Army in the first years of the 21st century. Many items are already covered in GURPS High-Tech (some of them under other designations), and statistics from that book are not duplicated here.
2. Weapons
Guns (Pistol) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)
Walther PP (L47A1)
See under the Walther PP in GURPS High-Tech p.99. Rarely issued after the 1990s.
SIG P226 (L105A1)
See GURPS High-Tech p.102.
The P226 SIG Pistol (L105A1) is currently a limited issue sidearm although it is a contender in the ongoing competition to find a replacement for the L9A1. It was an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR), and is issued alongside the P229.
SIG P229A2 (L117A2)
See GURPS High-Tech p.102.
The SIG P229A2 is a smaller variant of the P226, and is the replacement for the P228. It was a UOR which is now being issued in greater numbers, as it is more convenient to carry than the larger P226. Note that the British Army uses the 9mm Parabellum version - Dmg 2d+1pi, Wt 2.4/0.6, other stats unchanged. It may use P226 magazines; the magazine projects from the bottom of the grip, but in GURPS terms there is no Bulk penalty.
Browning Pistol (L9A1)
See GURPS High-Tech p.99.
The Browning High Power Pistol (L9A1) is the general issue sidearm.
Guns (SMG) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)
Heckler & Koch MP5 Submachine Gun (L92A1)
See GURPS High-Tech p.123.
Issue limited to special forces and task forces involved in special operations.
Guns (Rifle) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Acc | Range | Weight | RoF | Shots | ST | Bulk | Rcl | Cost | LC | Notes |
| 7 | H&K G3KA4, 7.62x51mm | 6d+1 pi | 4 | 800/3,650 | 10.4/1.7 | 10 | 20+1(3) | 10+ | -4 | 3 | $1,200/$31 | 2 | |
| 8 | Diemaco C8 SFW, 5.56x45mm | 5d pi | 4 | 500/3,200 | 7.3/1 | 15 | 20+1(3) | 9 | -5 | 2 | $1,100 | 2 | [1] |
| 8 | L115A3, .338 Lapua Magnum | 5dx2+1 pi | 6+3 | 1,400/6,000 | 19.8/0.8 | 1 | 5+1(3) | 12B+ | -7* | 3 | $5,600 | 3 | [2] |
| 8 | AW50F, 12.7x99mm | 6dx2(2) pi | 6+3 | 1,700/6,500 | 33/2.2 | 1 | 5+1(3) | 13B | -7* | 2 | $8,000/$152 | 2 | [1,2] |
| follow-up | 1d-2 [1d-2] cr ex |
[1] Accessory rail (High-Tech p.161).
[2] Fine (Accurate).
L1A1 SLR (1957-1985)
See the FN FAL in GURPS High-Tech p.115. The Self-Loading Rifle is still remembered fondly, particularly by those troops who later had to put up with the L85A1.
L85A1 (1985-1994)
See the L85A1 in GURPS High-Tech p.118.
L85A2 (1997-)
See under the L85A1 in GURPS High-Tech p.118.
The standard issue rifle is now the L85A2, known popularly as the SA80. This is an enhanced variant of the original L85A1 version with improvements to the working parts (cocking handle, firing pin etc.), gas parts and magazines.
During active service, the L85A2 is commonly fitted with a SUSAT 4x optical sight, and can also be fitted with a 40 mm L17A2 Under-slung Grenade Launcher (UGL), and a LLM01 laser aiming and torch attachment.
It should be noted that the rifle has never been designated "SA80" (instead always being known as the L85 A1/A2) and the "SA80" refers to the research program "Small Arms for the 1980s" under which it was designed.
Colt M16A1
See GURPS High-Tech p.117.
Heckler & Koch 53 Assault Rifle (L101A1)
See under the H&K G3A3 in GURPS High-Tech p.116. Rarely issued after the 1990s.
Heckler & Kock G3KA4 (L100A1)
A carbine variant of the G3, rarely issued after the 1990s and now relegated to police armed-response units.
Diemaco C8 SFW Carbine (L119A1) (5.56x45mm)
This Canadian relative of the M16 uses a long and heavy barrel to provide a fire-support capability in carbine form. (Treat it as a machine gun for sustained-fire purposes.)
Lee-Enfield rifle, L42A1 (7.62x51mm) (1960s-1990)
Many examples of the venerable Lee-Enfield No. 4 were converted, mostly by Holland and Holland, to NATO standard 7.62mm and issued as as sniping rifles. See under the Enfield SMLE Mk III in GURPS High-Tech p.112.
Accuracy International L96A1
See the PM under Accuracy International AW, GURPS High-Tech p.118.
Long Range Rifle L115A1 (.338 Lapua Magnum)
See the AWM under Accuracy International AW, GURPS High-Tech p.118.
Long Range Rifle L115A3 (.338 Lapua Magnum)
In November 2007 the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced that their snipers in the Army, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment are to get a new rifle. Accuracy International will supply 580 L115A3 Long Range Rifles with day telescopic sights. The L115A3 is being supplied as part of a broader Sniper System Improvement Programe (SSIP) which also includes night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods. The L115A3 rifle is due to be ready for operational use in the spring of 2008. The upgrade from the L115A1 include Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II LP telescopic sights, a larger magazine, a folding stock, and chambering for +P ammunition.
Accuracy International AW50F 12.7x99mm (2000-)
The AW50F is intended to engage a variety of targets including radar installations, light vehicles (including light armoured vehicles), field fortifications, boats and ammunition dumps. The standard ammunition is APHEX (on table); it is also used with match-grade solid ammunition (6dx2 pi+, $38/shot).
Barrett L82A1
See the M82A1 in GURPS High-Tech p.118. Rarely issued.
Light Support Weapon (L86A2)
See under the L85A1 in GURPS High-Tech p.118. Since the mechanism (substantially the same as the L85's) does not cope well with sustained fire, unlike a true machine gun, the L86A2's role has generally shifted to a marksman's weapon.
Guns (LMG) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)
Minimi light machine gun (L108A1/L110A1)
See GURPS High-Tech pp.136-137.
General Purpose Machine Gun (L7A2)
See the FN MAG in GURPS High-Tech pp.134-135.
Gunner (Machine Gun) (DX-4 or most other Gunner at -2)
Heavy Machine Gun (L2A1)
See the Browning M2HB in GURPS High-Tech p.133.
Guns (Grenade Launcher) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -4)
Underslung Grenade Launcher (L17A1, L17A2) (2005-)
See under the H&K AG36 in GURPS High-Tech p.144.
Guns (Light Anti-Armour Weapon) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -4)
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Acc | Range | EWt. | RoF | Shots | ST | Bulk | Rcl | Cost | LC | Notes |
| 7 | Hunting LAW-80 | 6d6x6(10) cr ex | 1 | 22/550 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 7+ | -4 | 1 | $3,000 | 1 | [1,2,3] |
| linked | 6dx2 cr ex | ||||||||||||
| 8 | Saab Bofors NLAW | 6dx8(10) cr ex | 2+2 | 22/400 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 8+ | -6 | 1 | $14,000 | 1 | [1,2,3] |
| linked | 6dx3 cr ex | ||||||||||||
| 8 | Dynamit Nobel Defense Anti-Structure Munition | 6dx6(10) cr ex | 2 | 22/550 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 8+ | -6 | 1 | $2,000 | 1 | [1,2,3] |
| linked | 6dx2 cr ex |
[1] Hazardous backblast (see description).
[2] First Range figure is minimum range, not 1/2D.
[3] Sling swivels (High-Tech p. 154).
Hunting Engineering LAW 80 (1987-2008)
The LAW 80 (Light Anti-armour Weapon 80), sometimes erroneously referred to as LAW 94, is a man-portable one-shot disposable anti-tank weapon used by the British Army and others. It entered service in 1987 to replace the Carl Gustav RR (see GURPS High-Tech p.148) and at the time of writing is being replaced in service by the ILAW (AT4).
The LAW 80 can be combined with the Addermine acoustic sensor system to create an off-route mine, which may also be command detonated.
The LAW 80 incorporates a 9mm spotting rifle with five rounds of ammunition: Dmg 3d-1 pi inc, Acc 4, Range 170/1,900, Shots 5.
ILAW (L2A1) (AT4) (2006-)
See GURPS High-Tech p.149. In British service the Intermediate Light Antitank Weapon was brought in to fill the gap between cessation of production of the LAW 80 and availability of the NLAW.
Saab Bofors NLAW (2008-)
This disposable fire-and-forget missile (formerly known as the MBT LAW, and designated RB57 in Swedish service) has been adopted by the British, Swedish and Finnish armed forces. Its inertial guidance requires the user to track the target for 3 seconds before firing, and will then hold the missile on a course that will overfly the target (+2 Acc if this is done). The missile has both conventional and top-attack modes, selected before firing; in the latter mode active magnetic and optical sensors detect overflight of the target and trigger the warhead.
The system includes a night sight (Night Vision 7) which may be retained after firing, but does not use active sensors before firing.
The NLAW has a soft launch and can be fired from confined spaces such as from inside buildings and vehicle hatches, and from all positions and angles up to 45 degrees. Backblast: 2d cr.
Anti-Structures Munition (2010-)
The Anti-Structures Munition is a variant of the MATADOR, itself an updated Armbrust. This man-portable shoulder-launched weapon is intended for destroying hardened structures such as fortified buildings or bunkers.
Backblast: 1d+1 cr.
FGM-148 Javelin ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) Launcher
See GURPS High-Tech p.153. Replaces the Milan (p.151).
Artillery (Cannon)
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Acc | Range | EWt. | RoF | Shots | ST | Cost | LC | Notes |
| 7 | 51mm Light Mortar | 7d [2d+1] cr ex | 1 | 50/750 | 13.8/2 | 1(7) | 1 | 11B | 1 | [1] | |
| 7 | 81mm Mortar | 6dx2 [5d-1] cr ex | 2 | 100/6,200 | 90/10 | 1(4) | 1 | 20M | 1 | [1] |
[1] First Range figure is minimum range, not 1/2D.
Royal Ordnance 51 mm Light Mortar (L9A1)
The L9A1 51mm Light Mortar is a man-portable mortar system used by the British Army. Smoke, illuminating and high explosive bombs are available. A short range insert device allows the weapon to be used in a direct fire mode. The 51mm mortar, which replaced the World War II vintage 2 inch mortar (see High-Tech p.146), was due to be phased out by the use of the 40mm L17A2 UGL (Under-slung Grenade Launcher) mounted on the L85A2; however operational experience has led to the decision to replace it with a 60mm Mortar.
Ammunition for the 51mm mortar has a small, ring-pull safety pin on the side of the nose-fuze. The fuze remains unarmed until the pin is withdrawn. Therefore, the safety pin must always be removed and discarded before a mortar shell is fired (which will reduce RoF to 1(5) if the mortar is being fired single-crewed).
81 mm Mortar (L16) (1965-)
The United Kingdom's L16 81mm mortar is the standard mortar used by the British army. The version used by the U.S. armed forces is known as the M252. The version produced and used by Australia is named the F2 81mm Mortar.
In armoured or mechanised battalions the L16 mortar is mounted on a vehicle, usually the FV432 AFV. In light role battalions it is normally carried on a vehicle but fired from the ground. It can also be broken down and man-packed by the mortar detachment, but this is pretty unpleasant for all involved and is generally to be avoided. The ammunition in this case would be carried by the rest of the battalion - each man carrying two greenies (four bombs) in addition to his own personal kit.
The weapon itself can be broken down into L16A1 barrel (29lb), L5A5 bipod (28lb), baseplate (25.5lb) and sight (7lb) loads.
The RoF figure given is for a trained crew working at normal speed; novices may fire at RoF 1(11). Fast reloading can increase RoF to 1(2), but each such loading requires an Artillery (Cannon) roll at -5 to avoid a malfunction (B407).
Throwing (DX-3 or Dropping-4)
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Weight | Fuse | Bulk | Cost | LC | Notes |
| 8 | L109A1 | 5dx2-1 [2d] cr ex | 1 | 3-4 | -2 | $40 | 1 | [1] |
[1] Takes a Ready maneuver to pull the pin.
L109A1 HE Fragmentation Grenade (2001-)
The L109A1 came into service in the British military in 2001, replacing the L2A2 as the standard anti-personnel grenade. The L109A1 weighs 465g and has a fuse delay of 3-4 seconds. The grenade is filled with RDX explosives. On detonation the steel shell bursts and fragments outwards at high velocity. The fatality radius is up to 10m but fragments may travel as far as ~200m from detonation.
3. Vehicles
Driving/TL (Automobile)
| TL | Vehicle | ST/HP | Hnd/SR | HT | Move | LWt. | Load | SM | Occ. | DR | Range | Cost | Locations | Notes |
| 7 | Land Rover Defender 90 | 60 | 0/3 | 11 | 2/35 | 3 | 0.6 | +3 | 1+5 | 6 | 400 | $45K | G4W | [1, 2] |
| 7 | Land Rover Defender 110 | 60 | 0/3 | 11 | 2/35 | 2.6 | 1 | +3 | 1+8 | 6 | 400 | $50K | G4W | [1, 2] |
| 8 | Land Rover Defender 90 | 60 | 0/4 | 11 | 2/40 | 3 | 0.6 | +3 | 1+3 | 6 | 400 | $55K | G4W | [1, 2] |
| 8 | Land Rover Defender 110 | 60 | 0/4 | 11 | 2/40 | 2.6 | 1 | +3 | 1+6 | 6 | 400 | $60K | G4W | [1, 2] |
[1] Improved brakes (High-Tech p.229)
[2] Run-flat tyres (High-Tech p.229)
Land Rover Defender (1983-)
The Land Rover models Ninety and One Ten were introduced in 1984/1983 as a modification of the Series III, offering permanent four-wheel drive, a lockable differential, and improved suspension. The larger 127 was introduced in 1985.
In 1990 the line was renamed Defender, to distinguish it from the more luxurious Land Rover Discovery line.
The 2007 Defender made several substantial changes to the ageing design, most of them to comply with modern safety standards (e.g. reducing passenger capacity by shifting from longitudinal bench seats to a more conventional 2-3-2 configuration in the 110" wheelbase version). It has a militarised Ford DuraTorq engine, and a six-speed gearbox to expand the useful speed range in both directions relative to earlier versions. Demisting and general heater performance is vastly improved. The core ladder-frame and bolted panel construction remains, however, as do the power takeoff and superb off-road capacity.