|
An integral part of the Cobra Viper fire-team, the Frag-Viper can toss high-explosive fragmentation grenades with all the range and accuracy of an M-79 or M-203 R.P.G.L. [Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher], but without the noise from the muzzle blast. The secret lies in the manual hurling basket, based on the cesta used in the Basque sport of Jai Alai. The Frag-Viper cesta is equipped with automatic feed and variable time-fuser with a cable link to the helmet's automatic range-finder. A Frag-Viper, with a fifty round magazine and automatic feeder, can deliver fifteen grenade rounds-per-minute. Their insect-like goggles contain electro-optical image-intensifiers that provide both infrared and night vision capabilities to locate targets wherever they may hide.
In 1992, the individually code named Frag-Viper Letal (translates as "Lethal") was dispatched to Brazil. In 2006, Cobra knocked the top-secret M.O.T.H. satellite out of orbit. This military satellite was a top-secret laser defense platform that had the potential to disrupt Cobra operations worldwide. Desiring this technology for themselves, Cobra was able to pull the not yet operational M.O.T.H. out of orbit. In order that no one get their hands on this new technology, the satellite was programmed to break into four primary components that would be spread around the globe should it depart from its orbital plane. A particular Frag-Viper was assigned to a Night-Viper squad leader for Operation: Flaming M.O.T.H. – a satellite recovery mission in the treacherous jungles of South America.
Originally hailing from an area known for its abundant forest reserves, this disaffected youth ironically grew to hate nature. His yearning to unleash an explosive arsenal on the environment made him the perfect fodder for the Cobra army. Eventually, as a Frag-Viper, he racked up Cobra’s highest field score ever – though not a count of the most enemies eliminated, but of the least amount of friendly forces neutralized as well as foliage left standing. The Frag-Viper’s high-explosive ordnance was expected to prove to be especially effective in clearing jungle undergrowth and flushing out any camouflaged G.I. Joe troops. He was also expected to clear an area for extraction using any and all weapons at his disposal.
|
