I think AT4 (M136) probably killed Viper’s future as a system, especially after combat performance in Panama and ODS. Congress was so fed up with viper that the program was substantially defunded in the early 80s and trials reopened resulting in AT4 procurement. If you do want to introduce an M72/M136 alternative, the SMAW/B300 saw limited use in the US Army and was type standardized in the USMC. The Armbrust was also well regarded in tests and available for purchase, but the lethality is closer to the M72 than the M136.
The copperhead could be there in a campaign, but they’re definitely not the most rugged munition, requiring special handling. But it’s big at 137lbs. If you want to introduce it you will need the following, in addition to standard FA items-
1. NATO standard 155mm tube (M198, M109, M114, FH70, etc.)
2. Missile test set, cased M712 round, G/VLDD or other laser designator
3. Met data for engagement area, especially cloud base height
Copperhead shoots are normally computed in advance because of the designation, weather, and trajectory requirements. The round has a pre-determined trajectory and “footprint” it is shot into to be able to acquire the laser designation and maneuver to the target. The round is set to a three digit Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) that the observer also uses. If the cloud base is too low for the round to be able to acquire and track to target after descending through it or no PRF matched designator is available the round will “go stupid” and follow a ballistic trajectory. The key safety requirement is to ensure the designator is with 45 degrees left or right of the gun-target line (angle t) to prevent acquisition of the designator by the round rather than the target spot.
A few ideas to introduce copperhead into a campaign:
1. PCs are tasked to lase, or escort an observer into position to lase for a copperhead shoot at a high payoff point target (SSM system, radar, etc).
2. PCs must conduct a patrol to secure an abandoned Field Ammo Supply Point with a supply of copperheads needed to support an upcoming operation. Just for fun, you could make the PCs hump or pack animal the rounds out!
3. PCs receive copperhead support or be facilitated by a copperhead mission. This could be through a third party (thinking of the SASR team in “How do you say g’day in Polish”) who happens to be lasing an HPT for an unrelated mission.
4. Krasnopol (RU copperhead equivalent in 152mm) is used against the PCs or recovered by the PCs from a cache/vehicle. Insignificant on its own, but valuable combat information if part of an organized force.
Hope this helps.
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