Directed-energy weapon: Difference between revisions
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{{Main|Plasma Torpedo}} | {{Main|Plasma Torpedo}} | ||
[[Image:Plasma Rifles.jpg|left|200px|thumb|One of the most commonly used Directed Energy Weapons, the [[Plasma Rifle]]]] | [[Image:Plasma Rifles.jpg|left|200px|thumb|One of the most commonly used Directed Energy Weapons, the [[Plasma Rifle]]]] | ||
The Covenant | |||
The Covenant's most common weapon type, however, is superheated plasma that is contained within a controlled magnetic field, able to be guided to a target and dealing heavy damage. Ship-mounted plasma weapons can launch torpedoes, capable of tracking their targets with precision, making them devastating in ship-to-ship combat, or can fire very large streams of plasma from afar to glass a planet's surface from orbit. Vehicle-mounted plasma weapons usually have a high rate of fire, but lack the guidance systems. Infantry weapons commonly use guided plasma, such as the [[Plasma Rifle]], [[Plasma Pistol]], and the [[Plasma Grenade]]. | |||
==Particle Beam Weapons== | ==Particle Beam Weapons== | ||
Revision as of 23:04, November 17, 2008
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A Directed Energy Weapon (or DEW) is a type of weapon that delivers a non-solid projectile with a high enthalpy (kinetic and thermal). It transfers energy to a target for a desired effect. Some of these weapons are real or in development; others are at present only science fiction.
Lasers
- Main article: Laser
Pulse lasers are standard armament on Covenant warships, and equipped to UNSC Prowlers, used for precision strikes and for point-defense, intercepting fighters and missiles attacking the ship[1]. The UNSC currently uses a man-portable anti-vehicle laser weapon, the Spartan Laser or Galilean.
Plasma
- Main article: Plasma Torpedo
The Covenant's most common weapon type, however, is superheated plasma that is contained within a controlled magnetic field, able to be guided to a target and dealing heavy damage. Ship-mounted plasma weapons can launch torpedoes, capable of tracking their targets with precision, making them devastating in ship-to-ship combat, or can fire very large streams of plasma from afar to glass a planet's surface from orbit. Vehicle-mounted plasma weapons usually have a high rate of fire, but lack the guidance systems. Infantry weapons commonly use guided plasma, such as the Plasma Rifle, Plasma Pistol, and the Plasma Grenade.
Particle Beam Weapons
- Main article: Particle Beam Weapon
The Covenant also use accelerated particles as weaponry, such as the devastating capitol-ship mounted Energy Projector and the infantry Type-50 Sniper Rifle System. These weapons use charged or neutral particles, and may appear similar to lasers though the differences are extensive. Though humans have an understanding of accelerated particle technology they have not yet used it for weaponry.
As of the early 21st century, humanity had developed particle accelerators, but the machinery needed to work one is massive. At this time, humans also did not understand how particles at such speeds interacted with other matter.
