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Difference between revisions of "Aliens"
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− | [[Image: | + | {{Infobox Movie|{{PAGENAME}} |
+ | |name=Aliens | ||
+ | |picture=Aliens_Poster.jpg | ||
+ | |caption=''Poster'' | ||
+ | |country=[[Image:USA.jpg|25px]] United States | ||
+ | |director=[[James Cameron]] | ||
+ | |date=1986 | ||
+ | |language= | ||
+ | |studio=20th Century Fox | ||
+ | |distributor=20th Century Fox | ||
+ | |character1=Ripley | ||
+ | |actor1=[[Sigourney Weaver]] | ||
+ | |character2=Newt | ||
+ | |actor2=Carrie Henn | ||
+ | |character3=Hicks | ||
+ | |actor3=[[Michael Biehn]] | ||
+ | |character4=Burke | ||
+ | |actor4=[[Paul Reiser]] | ||
+ | |character5=Bishop | ||
+ | |actor5=[[Lance Henriksen]] | ||
+ | |character6=Hudson | ||
+ | |actor6=[[Bill Paxton]] | ||
+ | |character7=Lieutenant Gorman | ||
+ | |actor7=[[William Hope]] | ||
+ | |character8=Vasquez | ||
+ | |actor8=[[Jenette Goldstein]] | ||
+ | }} | ||
'''''Aliens''''' is the 1986 sequel to ''[[Alien]]''. The now classic science fiction film was only the third feature directed by [[James Cameron]] (following ''Piranha Part Two'' and ''[[The Terminator]]''). [[Sigourney Weaver]] returns as Ellen Ripley, who travels with a platoon of US Colonial Marines to investigate a loss of contact with the colony established on the same planet discovered by the crew of the ''Nostromo'' in the original film. For ''Aliens'', the majority of the weapons seen in this film were actual firearms visually modified for the production. | '''''Aliens''''' is the 1986 sequel to ''[[Alien]]''. The now classic science fiction film was only the third feature directed by [[James Cameron]] (following ''Piranha Part Two'' and ''[[The Terminator]]''). [[Sigourney Weaver]] returns as Ellen Ripley, who travels with a platoon of US Colonial Marines to investigate a loss of contact with the colony established on the same planet discovered by the crew of the ''Nostromo'' in the original film. For ''Aliens'', the majority of the weapons seen in this film were actual firearms visually modified for the production. | ||
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{{spoiler}} | {{spoiler}} | ||
− | |||
==M41A Pulse Rifle== | ==M41A Pulse Rifle== | ||
− | The Marines of the United States Colonial Marine Corps (USCM) famously carry the [[M41A Pulse Rifle]] as their standard issue weapon. In the film, the weapon is described as a futuristic assault rifle with a magazine capacity of 99 rounds (loaded to 95 to prevent jamming, according to the ''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual'' by Lee Brimmicombe-Wood) of 10mm caseless armor-piercing ammunition with a pump-action 30mm grenade launcher mounted underneath the barrel. The rifle is also fitted with an LED readout that displays the number of rounds remaining in the rifle's magazine. At the end of the film, Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) fastens one of these rifles to an M240 Flamethrower in her attempt to rescue Newt (Carrie Henn). | + | The Marines of the United States Colonial Marine Corps (USCM) famously carry the [[M41A Pulse Rifle]] as their standard issue weapon. In the film, the weapon is described as a futuristic assault rifle with a magazine capacity of 99 rounds (loaded to 95 to prevent jamming, according to the ''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual'' by Lee Brimmicombe-Wood) of 10mm caseless armor-piercing ammunition with a pump-action 30mm grenade launcher mounted underneath the barrel. The rifle is also fitted with an LED readout that displays the number of rounds remaining in the rifle's magazine. At the end of the film, Ellen Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) fastens one of these rifles to an M240 Flamethrower in her attempt to rescue Newt (Carrie Henn). |
The Pulse Rifle was constructed from an [[M1A1 Thompson]] submachine gun fitted with a cut-down [[Remington 870]] shotgun with the heat shield and foregrip of a [[Franchi SPAS-12]] covering it, although only one weapon used on the production had a functioning shotgun unit. The weapon was finished with a custom-made futuristic aluminum shell painted in "Brown Bess" paint, although due to the predominantly blue on-set lighting in the film the weapons often appear olive green on screen. Following the production, all but one of the Pulse Rifles (the "hero" rifle with the functioning shotgun unit) were broken down - the surviving gun was reused in the filming of ''[[Alien³]]'' several years later. | The Pulse Rifle was constructed from an [[M1A1 Thompson]] submachine gun fitted with a cut-down [[Remington 870]] shotgun with the heat shield and foregrip of a [[Franchi SPAS-12]] covering it, although only one weapon used on the production had a functioning shotgun unit. The weapon was finished with a custom-made futuristic aluminum shell painted in "Brown Bess" paint, although due to the predominantly blue on-set lighting in the film the weapons often appear olive green on screen. Following the production, all but one of the Pulse Rifles (the "hero" rifle with the functioning shotgun unit) were broken down - the surviving gun was reused in the filming of ''[[Alien³]]'' several years later. | ||
[[Image:M1sb.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M1A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine (the basis for Pulse Rifle) - .45 ACP]] | [[Image:M1sb.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M1A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine (the basis for Pulse Rifle) - .45 ACP]] | ||
− | [[Image:Pulse Rifle-1-.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The remaining "Hero" M41A Pulse Rifle from ''Aliens''. This weapon is constructed from an [[M1A1 Thompson]] and a cutdown Remington 870. Note that unlike the other prop guns, it has a trigger for the Remington.]] | + | [[Image:Pulse Rifle-1-.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The remaining "Hero" M41A Pulse Rifle from ''Aliens''. This weapon is constructed from an [[M1A1 Thompson]] and a cutdown Remington 870. Note that unlike the other prop guns, it has a trigger for the Remington and the shotgun's barrel protrudes further beyond the front of the weapon.]] |
+ | [[Image: M41a01.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Another screen-used M41A Pulse Rifle from ''Aliens'', with the original paint. Note the lack of the Remington trigger on this prop.]] | ||
+ | [[Image: M41a02.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Opposite side view of an M41A Pulse Rifle from ''Aliens''.]] | ||
[[Image:Aliens_Pulse.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Private R. Frost ([[Ricco Ross]]) loads an [[M41A Pulse Rifle]]. Note the LED display is off despite loading in a magazine.]] | [[Image:Aliens_Pulse.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Private R. Frost ([[Ricco Ross]]) loads an [[M41A Pulse Rifle]]. Note the LED display is off despite loading in a magazine.]] | ||
− | [[Image:Aliens_Pulse2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''"I want to introduce you to a personal friend of mine.."'' <BR>Corporal Dwayne Hicks ([[Michael Biehn]]) instructs Ripley on how to use an M41A Pulse Rifle.]] | + | [[Image:Aliens_Pulse2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''"I want to introduce you to a personal friend of mine..."'' <BR>Corporal Dwayne Hicks ([[Michael Biehn]]) instructs Ripley on how to use an M41A Pulse Rifle.]] |
− | [[Image:Aliens_Pulse3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley holds | + | [[Image:Aliens_Pulse3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ellen Ripley holds the [[M41A Pulse Rifle]] for the first time as Hicks assists and tells how to handle the rifle. The LED readout is visible in the middle of the weapon, reading 42 rounds, which stays the same number (which should change to 0 when unloaded) even after Ripley briefly unloads the gun and then puts it back into the gun.]] |
[[Image:ALIENS-M41-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Hicks fires his M41A before retreating back.]] | [[Image:ALIENS-M41-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Hicks fires his M41A before retreating back.]] | ||
[[Image:ALIENS-M41-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Hudson ([[Bill Paxton]]) before letting loose with his M41A Pulse Rifle. Hudson also lets loose a record number of f-bombs as well.]] | [[Image:ALIENS-M41-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Hudson ([[Bill Paxton]]) before letting loose with his M41A Pulse Rifle. Hudson also lets loose a record number of f-bombs as well.]] | ||
[[Image:Aliens_030.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Vasquez ([[Jenette Goldstein]]) fires the Pulse Rifle. Note the shells ejecting despite the fact the rifle was supposed to fire caseless ammunition. Also note how Vasquez is keeping her eyes open in spite of the low-light conditions and the high muzzle flash.]] | [[Image:Aliens_030.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Vasquez ([[Jenette Goldstein]]) fires the Pulse Rifle. Note the shells ejecting despite the fact the rifle was supposed to fire caseless ammunition. Also note how Vasquez is keeping her eyes open in spite of the low-light conditions and the high muzzle flash.]] | ||
[[File:Aliens 756.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) loads a magazine into the Pulse Rifle while in the dropship.]] | [[File:Aliens 756.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) loads a magazine into the Pulse Rifle while in the dropship.]] | ||
− | [[File:Aliens 745.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The LED readout displaying the 95 rounds in the magazine.]] | + | [[File:Aliens 745.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The LED readout displaying the 95 rounds in the magazine. Prior to loading the magazine, the round count was 0, then correctly goes up to 95.]] |
− | [[Image:Aliens 026.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) prepares to enter the fray with the M41A Pulse Rifle and flamethrower together. Note the LED readout here only reads "42" instead of "95".]] | + | [[Image:Aliens 026.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) prepares to enter the fray with the M41A Pulse Rifle and flamethrower combo tied and taped together. Note the LED readout here only reads "42" instead of "95". Also note the flashlight taped on the carrying handle of the Pulse rifle is visible after Ripley's modification gear up sequence.]] |
− | [[Image:Aliens 022.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A closeup of Ripley's Pulse Rifle and flamethrower.]] | + | [[Image:Aliens 022.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A closeup of Ripley's Pulse Rifle and flamethrower as she fires the rifle at the stray Xenomorphs and Alien Queen's eggs.]] |
− | [[Image:Aliens 025.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A closeup of the 30mm pump action grenade launcher.]] | + | [[Image:Aliens 025.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A closeup of the 30mm pump action grenade launcher before Ripley works the pump action.]] |
===Special=== | ===Special=== | ||
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[[File:AliensBTS_04.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The targeting system used for the Smart Gun, incorporating many parts: it is based on a Beyerdynamic HM560 headset, with additions including, amusingly, the scope from the G1 ''Megatron'' Transformers toy.]] | [[File:AliensBTS_04.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The targeting system used for the Smart Gun, incorporating many parts: it is based on a Beyerdynamic HM560 headset, with additions including, amusingly, the scope from the G1 ''Megatron'' Transformers toy.]] | ||
[[File:Aliens 715.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Closeup of the targeting system worn by Vasquez ([[Jenette Goldstein]]). The system was inspired by the targeting devices mounted on the helmets of US Apache helicopter pilots.]] | [[File:Aliens 715.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Closeup of the targeting system worn by Vasquez ([[Jenette Goldstein]]). The system was inspired by the targeting devices mounted on the helmets of US Apache helicopter pilots.]] | ||
− | [[Image:PopGun.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Edison Giocattoli 3-in-1 "Secret Agent" folding pop gun, one of many pop guns built on the same casing.]] | + | [[Image:PopGun.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Edison Giocattoli 3-in-1 "Secret Agent" folding pop gun, one of many pop guns built on the same casing. This version or one very much like it was the one used to make the Smart Gun battery props, since the same folding rear handle is seen on the "belt tool" props.]] |
[[File:Aliens 767.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Closeup of the battery that must be connected in order for the Smart Gun to be fired.]] | [[File:Aliens 767.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Closeup of the battery that must be connected in order for the Smart Gun to be fired.]] | ||
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Another weapon used by the Marines is the [[M240 Flamethrower]], most notably used by Sergeant A. Apone ([[Al Matthews]]), Corporal Dietrich ([[Cynthia Dale Scott]]), Private Drake ([[Mark Rolston]]), and Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) when she famously tapes it to an [[M41A Pulse Rifle]] before she goes to rescue Newt (Carrie Henn). These flamethrowers were created from parts from [[M16 rifle series|M16 rifle]]s with the [[M203_grenade_launcher|M203]] handguard. The 'faux' flamethrower used the upper receiver assembly of an [[M16A1]] - cut into two parts, using the top handle facing forward, but the section with the ejection port turned backwards. | Another weapon used by the Marines is the [[M240 Flamethrower]], most notably used by Sergeant A. Apone ([[Al Matthews]]), Corporal Dietrich ([[Cynthia Dale Scott]]), Private Drake ([[Mark Rolston]]), and Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) when she famously tapes it to an [[M41A Pulse Rifle]] before she goes to rescue Newt (Carrie Henn). These flamethrowers were created from parts from [[M16 rifle series|M16 rifle]]s with the [[M203_grenade_launcher|M203]] handguard. The 'faux' flamethrower used the upper receiver assembly of an [[M16A1]] - cut into two parts, using the top handle facing forward, but the section with the ejection port turned backwards. | ||
− | ''Aliens'' is notable as being one of few films to employ military-spec liquid-fueled flamethrowers in its production, as opposed to the vastly more common (and far safer) | + | ''Aliens'' is notable as being one of few films to employ military-spec liquid-fueled flamethrowers in its production, as opposed to the vastly more common (and far safer) propane-powered models usually seen in films (although some propane models are also used in the movie, usually in scenes with actual actors using the weapons). The liquid fuel flamethrower is most notably seen in the sequence where Ripley incinerates the Alien nest. |
[[Image:M240Flamethrower.jpg |thumb|none|450px|M240 Flamethrower]] | [[Image:M240Flamethrower.jpg |thumb|none|450px|M240 Flamethrower]] | ||
[[Image:Aliens 707.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Wierzbowski ([[Trevor Steedman]]) holds the Flamethrower.]] | [[Image:Aliens 707.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Wierzbowski ([[Trevor Steedman]]) holds the Flamethrower.]] | ||
− | [[Image:ALIENS-M240-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Wierzbowski and Frost with the M240 Flamethrower before loading up.]] | + | [[Image:ALIENS-M240-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''"Absolutely badasses!"'' <BR>Wierzbowski and Frost with the M240 Flamethrower before loading up.]] |
− | [[Image:Aliens 712.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[Image:Aliens 712.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sergeant A. Apone ([[Al Matthews]]) and Pvt. Dietrich ([[Cynthia Dale Scott]] deploy their flamethrowers at an infected colonist and chest burster.]] |
[[Image:Aliens_Flamethrower_new.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sergeant A. Apone ([[Al Matthews]]) wielding an M240 Flamethrower.]] | [[Image:Aliens_Flamethrower_new.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sergeant A. Apone ([[Al Matthews]]) wielding an M240 Flamethrower.]] | ||
[[Image:Aliens 714.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Dietrich ([[Cynthia Dale Scott]]) holds the M240 Flamethrower.]] | [[Image:Aliens 714.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Dietrich ([[Cynthia Dale Scott]]) holds the M240 Flamethrower.]] | ||
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[[File:Aliens 754.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) pulls a Flamethrower off the weapons rack in the dropship. In the original releases for the film, an editing mismatch was long present in this scene, when in the very next shot the first weapon laid down on the deck is the Pulse Rifle.]] | [[File:Aliens 754.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) pulls a Flamethrower off the weapons rack in the dropship. In the original releases for the film, an editing mismatch was long present in this scene, when in the very next shot the first weapon laid down on the deck is the Pulse Rifle.]] | ||
[[File:Aliens 751.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Flamethrowers seen on the right, as Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) then grabs a Pulse Rifle.]] | [[File:Aliens 751.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Flamethrowers seen on the right, as Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) then grabs a Pulse Rifle.]] | ||
− | [[Image:Aliens_Flamethrower3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|This was originally the next shot following the above screenshot, as the flamethrower is placed down in a continuity error. This goof has been fixed in recent Blu-ray releases of the film | + | [[Image:Aliens_Flamethrower3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) places the M240 flamethrower on top of the [[M41A Pulse Rifle]] to tie up and duct tape them together. This was originally the next shot following the above screenshot, as the flamethrower is placed down in a continuity error. This goof has been fixed in recent Blu-ray releases of the film. ]] |
[[Image:Aliens 709.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Closeup as Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) ignites the pilot on the flamethrower.]] | [[Image:Aliens 709.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Closeup as Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) ignites the pilot on the flamethrower.]] | ||
− | [[Image:Aliens 028.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) with her flamethrower and pulse rifle combo.]] | + | [[Image:Aliens 028.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ripley ([[Sigourney Weaver]]) with her flamethrower and pulse rifle combo as she enters the fray to rescue Newt.]] |
==UA571-C Remote Automated Sentry System== | ==UA571-C Remote Automated Sentry System== | ||
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In the special features included with the Collector's Edition DVD, it is mentioned by one of the film's armorers that the VP70 was chosen as the standard issue sidearm for the Colonial Marines because of its "futuristic look" as well as its relative obscurity. | In the special features included with the Collector's Edition DVD, it is mentioned by one of the film's armorers that the VP70 was chosen as the standard issue sidearm for the Colonial Marines because of its "futuristic look" as well as its relative obscurity. | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:HK VP70 pistol.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Heckler & Koch VP70 - 9x19mm]] |
[[Image:AliensVP70withHolster.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Screen-used Heckler & Koch VP70 and holster from ''Aliens'' - 9x19mm.]] | [[Image:AliensVP70withHolster.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Screen-used Heckler & Koch VP70 and holster from ''Aliens'' - 9x19mm.]] | ||
[[Image:AliensVP70.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Opposite side view of a H&K VP70 from ''Aliens'' - 9x19mm.]] | [[Image:AliensVP70.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Opposite side view of a H&K VP70 from ''Aliens'' - 9x19mm.]] | ||
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==Smith & Wesson 39== | ==Smith & Wesson 39== | ||
− | PFC Vasquez ([[Jenette Goldstein]]) uses a blued [[Smith & Wesson 39]] with ivory grips as her sidearm. She most notably uses it to kill an Alien while moving through the vents, but burns her foot from the creature's acidic blood in the process. | + | PFC Vasquez ([[Jenette Goldstein]]) uses a blued [[Smith & Wesson 39]] with ivory grips as her sidearm. She most notably uses it to kill an Alien while moving through the vents, but burns her foot from the creature's acidic blood in the process. |
− | |||
[[Image:S&W39.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Smith & Wesson 39 - 9x19mm]] | [[Image:S&W39.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Smith & Wesson 39 - 9x19mm]] | ||
[[Image:ALIENS-SW39-1.jpg|thumb|600px|none|PFC Vasquez's S&W 39 in the holster.]] | [[Image:ALIENS-SW39-1.jpg|thumb|600px|none|PFC Vasquez's S&W 39 in the holster.]] |
Latest revision as of 13:39, 7 September 2024
|
Aliens is the 1986 sequel to Alien. The now classic science fiction film was only the third feature directed by James Cameron (following Piranha Part Two and The Terminator). Sigourney Weaver returns as Ellen Ripley, who travels with a platoon of US Colonial Marines to investigate a loss of contact with the colony established on the same planet discovered by the crew of the Nostromo in the original film. For Aliens, the majority of the weapons seen in this film were actual firearms visually modified for the production.
The following weapons were used in the film Aliens:
WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!
M41A Pulse Rifle
The Marines of the United States Colonial Marine Corps (USCM) famously carry the M41A Pulse Rifle as their standard issue weapon. In the film, the weapon is described as a futuristic assault rifle with a magazine capacity of 99 rounds (loaded to 95 to prevent jamming, according to the Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual by Lee Brimmicombe-Wood) of 10mm caseless armor-piercing ammunition with a pump-action 30mm grenade launcher mounted underneath the barrel. The rifle is also fitted with an LED readout that displays the number of rounds remaining in the rifle's magazine. At the end of the film, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) fastens one of these rifles to an M240 Flamethrower in her attempt to rescue Newt (Carrie Henn).
The Pulse Rifle was constructed from an M1A1 Thompson submachine gun fitted with a cut-down Remington 870 shotgun with the heat shield and foregrip of a Franchi SPAS-12 covering it, although only one weapon used on the production had a functioning shotgun unit. The weapon was finished with a custom-made futuristic aluminum shell painted in "Brown Bess" paint, although due to the predominantly blue on-set lighting in the film the weapons often appear olive green on screen. Following the production, all but one of the Pulse Rifles (the "hero" rifle with the functioning shotgun unit) were broken down - the surviving gun was reused in the filming of Alien³ several years later.
Special
M56 Smart Gun
Both PFC J. Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein), and Private M. Drake (Mark Rolston) use a heavy machine gun system designated the "M56 Smart Gun" (the weapon's designation comes from the Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual). These weapons were constructed from German MG42 machine guns with the grip and stock removed. The body-mount apparatus was a built-up Cinema Products Model III Steadicam harness with the Model III Steadicam arm attached to the left side: the arm was then bolted to the MG42's rear sight bracket using a custom C-clamp. The two rigs are not identical, with both using different variations of the Model III arm (Drake's has more anodized components than Vasquez's), and Vasquez's vest was modified slightly for comfort.
'Dressing' on the MG42 was constructed from various motorcycle parts, most notably the handlebars from a 1976 Husqvarna ("Husky") Magura 360 used for the linkage to the weapon's actual trigger (actually a brake lever mounted in a clutch perch) and grips, a 1981 Kawasaki KZ750 control panel used for the front controls, and the footpegs from a Kawasaki AR-125 used to decorate the barrel shroud. The weapon is paired with a special sighting system worn on the operator's head. This was inspired by the FLIR eyepieces mounted on the helmets of US AH-64 Apache pilots.
When the Marines are ordered to unload their weapons, Vasquez is seen removing a module to "clear and lock" her weapon: this module normally serves as a connector between two cables, one on the gun and one on the Steadicam arm. According to the Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual, this is a "DV-9" battery unit that can be disconnected in order to prevent the weapon from firing. The battery prop was constructed from an Edison Giocattoli 3-in-1 "Secret Agent" folding pop gun fitted with two "connectors" made from classic quarter-inch mono audio jacks. The same pop gun was also used to make "tools" of unclear function worn on the belts of six of the Marines in the film.
Special
M240 Flamethrower
Another weapon used by the Marines is the M240 Flamethrower, most notably used by Sergeant A. Apone (Al Matthews), Corporal Dietrich (Cynthia Dale Scott), Private Drake (Mark Rolston), and Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) when she famously tapes it to an M41A Pulse Rifle before she goes to rescue Newt (Carrie Henn). These flamethrowers were created from parts from M16 rifles with the M203 handguard. The 'faux' flamethrower used the upper receiver assembly of an M16A1 - cut into two parts, using the top handle facing forward, but the section with the ejection port turned backwards.
Aliens is notable as being one of few films to employ military-spec liquid-fueled flamethrowers in its production, as opposed to the vastly more common (and far safer) propane-powered models usually seen in films (although some propane models are also used in the movie, usually in scenes with actual actors using the weapons). The liquid fuel flamethrower is most notably seen in the sequence where Ripley incinerates the Alien nest.
UA571-C Remote Automated Sentry System
In the extended version of the film, the Marines set up sentry turrets in the hallways leading to their refuge. In the Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual, this weapons system is designated as the "UA571-C Remote Automated Sentry System". These were built upon WWII German MG42 machine guns, the same weapons used for the M56 Smart Guns and provided by Bapty & Co. (The UK film armorer). The ammo drums on the side are from WW1 German Spandau Maxim MG08/15 machine guns, leading to them frequently being misidentified as MG08s.
"GAU-113/B"
The Cheyenne dropship, a fictional VTOL aircraft in the Aliens universe, can be seen with a multi-barrelled, chin-mounted cannon of some kind. In the Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual, this weapons system is designated as the "GAU-113/B". Some of the barrels appear to be chambered for different calibres of ammunition, and the weapon would appear to operate "Gatling"-style (owing to the circular arrangement of the barrels). Similar weapons are seen dual-mounted in the front of the Marines' APC.
Shotguns
Ithaca 37 (Shorty Custom)
Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn) keeps an Ithaca 37 hunting variant with an engraved receiver customized with a cut down barrel and MP40 pistol grip (making it resemble the Ithaca 37 "Stakeout") handy for "close encounters". In one memorable scene, Hicks sticks the barrel of the weapon in an Alien's mouth, and yells "Eat this!" before blowing the back of its head off. The resultant acid spillage apparently destroys the weapon, as it is never seen again. It appears to be the same custom Ithaca 37 featured in the British television series The Professionals and Dempsey and Makepeace, although the wire stock has been removed and the grip wrapped in tape.
Remington 870
The "over/under 30 millimeter pump action grenade launcher" seen underneath the M41A Pulse Rifle is in reality a cut-down Remington 870 shotgun mounted inside the heat shield of a Franchi SPAS-12 and operated using a cut-down SPAS forend. This particular weapon uses grenade rounds that are roughly the shape of shotgun shells. The grenade round props were constructed from a 12 gauge snap cap with various cuts and a button added on top - in fiction, the button on top can be depressed to detonate the round by hand.
Special
Handguns
Heckler & Koch VP70
The Heckler & Koch VP70 is the service pistol of the Marines in the movie. This gun is notably seen in the hands of Private Frost (Ricco Ross) just before the Aliens attack. Cpl. Ferro (Colette Hiller) attempts to draw hers from its holster, but is unable to in time when an Alien gets aboard her ship. Lieutenant Gorman (William Hope) uses one to shoot at Aliens during the airshaft scene. Another VP70 is seen given by Vasquez to the synthetic droid Bishop (Lance Henriksen), who then declines to take it and passes it back to Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). Sergeant A. Apone (Al Matthews), Corporal Dietrich (Cynthia Dale Scott), Private Spunkmeyer (Daniel Kash), and Private Crowe (Tip Tipping) keep theirs holstered throughout the film.
In the special features included with the Collector's Edition DVD, it is mentioned by one of the film's armorers that the VP70 was chosen as the standard issue sidearm for the Colonial Marines because of its "futuristic look" as well as its relative obscurity.
Special
Smith & Wesson 39
PFC Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein) uses a blued Smith & Wesson 39 with ivory grips as her sidearm. She most notably uses it to kill an Alien while moving through the vents, but burns her foot from the creature's acidic blood in the process.
Rifles
M16A1
What appear to be M16A1 rifles are briefly seen on the gun racks in the USS Sulaco's armory.
L85A1
Several L85A1 rifles are seen on the gun racks in the Sulaco's armory.
Colt Commando
Seen on the gun racks in the USS Sulaco's armory.
Machine Guns
Lewis Gun (Modified)
What appears to be modified versions of the Lewis Gun are seen on the weapons racks in the USS Sulaco's armory. In a production image, it appears that these machine guns have their barrel shrouds removed.