Royal Forces Standard Magazine Project 10-20
Royal Forces Standard Magazine Project 10-20 Imperial Directive No. 990-04/NAVCOM
“One magazine. Three platforms. Infinite logistics.”
Overview Recognizing the inefficiencies caused by multiple pistol calibers and incompatible magazine designs across its far-flung territories, the Third Imperium initiated a major logistical reform in 990: the Royal Forces Standard Magazine Project 10-20.
This initiative, originally spearheaded by the Imperial Navy (IN), aimed to streamline ammunition supply and weapon interoperability across joint-service operations—especially in frontier sectors and expeditionary environments.
Standardization Strategy The core objective of the project was the introduction of a universal magazine well standard compatible with three primary platforms:
Auto Pistol
Submachine Gun (SMG)
Carbine
A single magazine design, available in multiple capacities, was adopted across these platforms:
Magazine Type Platform Compatibility Typical Use 10-round Pistol, SMG, Carbine Sidearm carry, low profile operations 20-round SMG, Carbine (optional pistol) Patrols, boarding parties 30-round SMG, Carbine Assault scenarios, suppression fire
SMGs and carbines can accept the 10-round flush-fitting pistol magazine in emergencies or when profile concealment is critical.
Expansion to Joint Services Due to early success within Navy units, the program was extended to:
The Imperial Interstellar Scout Service (IISS)
The Imperial Army
Interservice cooperation ensured shared magazine and ammunition design, leading to a dramatic reduction in:
Training complexity
Ammunition redundancy
Spare parts inventory
Resupply loadout inconsistency
Ammunition Development: 10×20mm The chosen cartridge for the system is the 10×20mm, a compact high-pressure round optimized for terminal performance across pistol-length and carbine-length barrels.
Ling Standard Products, a megacorporate defense contractor, made significant investments in licensing, tooling, and mass production of the new round. Their support enabled high-volume, sector-wide distribution of 10×20mm ammunition under Imperial Armory Protocol 10-20/LS.
The 10×20mm round balances penetration, recoil management, and compatibility with advanced materials like smart-sleeve cased rounds and poly-ferric jackets.
Logistical Impact The Standard Magazine Project 10-20 significantly enhanced operational readiness by:
Reducing variant ammunition stocks by 67% fleet-wide
Increasing cross-service interoperability during joint operations
Enabling mixed-unit fireteam integration without resupply friction
Lowering supply chain costs in remote deployments
The project is now considered a baseline standard for small arms in the Spinward Marches, Solomani Rim, and Deneb sectors, and is under review for mandatory adoption fleet-wide.
Approved Manufacturers Ling Standard Products (primary defense contractor)
Tavonni Armaments (authorized for localized sector production)
Imperial Ordnance Central Arsenal (prototype R&D and testing)
Ling Standard Products