Diamondback Assault Rifle
Production information
Manufacturer:	Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works
Type:	Battle rifle
Cost:	500,000 credits
Introduced:	3 September 2175 CE
Discontinued:	14 October 2184 CE
Technical information
Size:	Two-Handed
Damage per hit:	High
Maximum ammunition:	Unlimited
Fire mode:	Selective fire
Operation:	Gas operated
Rate of fire:	760RPM (max)
Accuracy:	Low (30)
Range:	400-500 meters
Usage
Era(s):	Asari Cycle Pax Galactica Era
Counterpart:	M-8 Avenger M-99 Saber
Affiliation:	Systems Alliance Numerous other governments, PMCs, corporations

The Diamondback assault rifle was a selective-fire heat sink-based block-fed battle rifle manufactured by Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works. Manufactured and entering service in 2175 CE, the Diamondback assault rifle was designed for use by the Systems Alliance Armed Forces, namely their top special forces units. While the weapon's accuracy was decent, the weapon's high penetration meant it could punch through most heavy armor and kinetic barriers in just a few shots, and the weapon's range allowed it to serve as a makeshift marksman rifle, capable of firing over long distances and with little recoil: the weapon excelled during the Skyllian Blitz where it was first deployed, whittling down batarian anti-ballistic defenses such as armor and shields with little effort. Largely used by the Black Jackals, Crimson Vampires, N7 and Blue Falcons, the Diamondback assault rifle was considered the special forces rifle of the entire Alliance military, utilized only by the best operatives, and Commander Shepard would make extensive use of the rifle during the Eden Prime War where it proved very effective against geth troops. The weapon was, in design, succeeded by the M-8 Avenger following the introduction of thermal clips in 2184 CE, which replaced block-fed weapons wholesale across the entire galaxy following the Battle of the Citadel. After this transition, the Diamondback was replaced by the M-99 Saber in service with Alliance special forces units.