VP70 Production information Manufacturer Heckler & Koch Model VP70 Type Machine pistol Technical specifications Size Length 20.5 cm Magazine Size 18 rounds Ammunition Type 9×19mm Parabellum Operation Blowback Usage Era(s) Mid-late 20th century Affiliation USCM Weyland-Yutani
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The Heckler & Koch VP70 is a German-made semi-automatic/three-round burst capable pistol chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.

OverviewEdit

The VP70 was the first ever polymer-framed pistol (a distinction often incorrectly given to the Glock 17, which was actually introduced 12 years after the VP70). This made it far lighter than most other pistols available at the time.

A unique feature of the pistol is the combination shoulder stock/holster available for the non-civilian version that, when mounted, allows selective fire, enabling the pistol to fire in three-round bursts as well as the standard semi-automatic. When not in use, the shoulder stock doubles as a holster for the weapon. Civilian models of the pistol do not feature burst-fire capability, although some can still mount the shoulder stock.

Appearances Edit

In Aliens, the VP70 is the standard sidearm of the United States Colonial Marine Corps, despite the fact the pistol ceased production in 1989, some 190 years before the events of the film. It is seen being use by Private Frost and Lieutenant Gorman.

In Aliens vs. Predator, a pistol called the VP78 appears. However, the model in-game is not actually based on the VP70, but rather the Italian-made Beretta 92FS.

In Aliens: Colonial Marines, the VP70 is once again used by the USCM, under the name W-Y 88 MOD 4 Combat Pistol. Lieutenant Gorman's own VP70 is also featured in the game as a "legendary weapon", simply called Gorman's Pistol.

Behind the ScenesEdit

The VP70 was chosen for its role in Aliens because of its futuristic appearance (particularly at the time the film was made). Furthermore, it remains a fairly uncommon weapon, and its ambiguity helped to mask its real-world origins in the movie.^[1] Using an unusual but existing weapon for the Marines' sidearm was far cheaper than modifying a more common pistol to look futuristic, as with the Pulse Rifles.

GalleryEdit

VP70 with optional shoulder stock attachment.

VP70 prop

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ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd, Gordon Carroll, David Giler, Walter Hill, Stan Winston. Superior Firepower: The Making of 'Aliens' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.