Weapons equivalents in the real world for XCOM weapons - a lot of people have thought about it, but I may be obsessed with it. Here's an attempt to get it out of my system. Some of these suggestions are freely borrowed from previous discussions.

Rifle - HK G36 was discussed but it could really be any modern battle rifle - MP5, AK47, M16, CAR15, G3... ( http://remtek.com/arms/hk/mil/g36/g36.htm )

Pistol - SOCOM use 45ACP, aka HK MK23. Link as above.

Autocannon - The new 25mm XM307 OCSW could rapidly fire AP and HE grenades. No rotary barrel though it does have automatic fire. ( http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/sys...ground/ocsw.htm ) Manville 25mm is an obscure make of 18-shot revolver gun, notably used by Mouse in The Matrix, that has the right look.

Heavy Cannon - MGL-MK1, revolver 6-shot 40mm grenade launcher, with HE, AP, and In grenades. http://www.milkor.co.za/ (perhaps upgraded versions could fire high-velocity grenades like the MK19 automatic grenade cannon)

Rocket Launcher - Predator Antitank Missile has been suggested.

HWP Cannon - M242 Chain Gun, 25mm, "Bushmaster" (modified for single shot) http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-m242.htm

HWP Rocket - M202 Quad Launcher, 66mm. (2 per turret @ 4 shots each) Originally developed to disperse incendiary rounds.

Grenade - Standard M67 fragmentation grenade. Note the nearest thing to our timer is "cook-off" time. Electronic fuses are possible and reliable.

Electroflare - no equivalent. Invented because burning flares can't be picked up. There is a "pen gun flare" pyrotechnic. Perhaps modern LED Flashlights with a weighted case for throwing would fill the niche. http://www.pocketlights.com/inova247.asp

Proximity Mine - no equivalent. Claymore tripwires and ultrasonic sensors are possible. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/slam.htm "SLAM Mine" appeared in Splinter Cell as the Wall Mine.

High Explosive - C4 satchel charges.

Interceptor fighter - USAF Lockheed F-22 Raptor scheduled for release 2004 will replace the F-15. http://www.geocities.com/nicscics/YF22.htm

Skyranger transport - Anotov AN-72 [Cadmus]{ http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/vvs/an72-01.htm ) or Osprey CV-22 have the right size and range

Laser weapons - no modern equivalent. General Electric? http://www.cndyorks.gn.apc.org/yspace/arti...battlelaser.htm

Discussion welcomed

The Skyranger..............
It's not "Harrier",it's not "Osprey".Never heard of that "Antonov".......
But there IS a MOST SIMILIAR "Dornier" design.
Don't remember it's name though.........
The Manual says the Skyranger is a Russian plane though.

Raytheon are probably the best bet for laser weapons, I think. I'll see if I can find the proper web address for an article I found on them....