Laser weapon

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Ranged Close Combat

Electric (Arc • Tesla) • Flame • Gauss • Graviton • Grenade • Ion/Plasma • Laser • Melta • Missile • Bolt • Ordnance • Projectile • Grenade launcher • Monofilament/Web • Sonic • Volkite

Chain • Force • Electric (Arc • Taser) • Power • Miscellaneous

Laser weapons or las weapons is a name given to all Imperial and some alien laser based weapons. Imperial laser technology is relatively simple, with most Imperial worlds possessing the technological base needed for their manufacture. Las weapons are cheap, easy to maintain and are some of the most reliable weapons of the Imperium. They are issued in vast numbers to the Imperial Guard in the form of the lasgun and these are readily available on most Imperial worlds.[1]

Workings

Laser weapons emit a highly focused, high energy beam of light which on impact produces a rapid temperature change on the target's surface, causing vaporisation in the form of a small explosion. The beam itself lasts for only a short duration, creating a searing flash of light and distinctive snap or crack sound as air is ionised. Energy for each shot is stored within a fast discharge generator, taking up most of the weapon's mechanism, and regulates the power of each beam to prevent overpowering and improve reliability.[1] However, some would argue the las weapons are less consistent to ballistic projectile weapons, one point being that the power fluctuates from shot to shot.[7]

Rechargeable power packs feed the discharge generator, each of which usually consist of a highly efficient liquid metal core and vary in size and capacity depending on their usage. Light internal power packs, used in lasguns and pistols, on average are good for forty shots; large crate-sized power packs used in lascannons, in order to maintain maximum power output efficiency, need replacing after every shot. Overpowered laser packs, also known as "Hotshot" power packs, contain a more potent charge but provide less shots than a normal power pack, as well as putting extra stress on the barrel and being more difficult to recharge.[1]

Most worlds produce their own distinct laser designs made from locally available materials and containing their own unique features, such as solar converters to recharge power packs and various types of optic sights. These designs can range from highly ornate, hand-crafted dueling pistols to robust service weapons issued to the Imperial Guard.[1] By being tuned to a blue-green frequency, Lasers weapons can operate underwater.[6]

The production of some more unusual and unspecified Imperial heavy las weaponry utilizes prismata crystals in their manufacturing process. Because of this, these red glowing crystals are expensive and highly sought after in order to make lucrative sales to the right buyers.[4]

Ammunition

Main article: Power Pack
Lasgun and a spare charge pack[9a]

A major advantage of las weapons within the Imperium is the rechargeable power cells of their charge packs. Las charge packs can be refilled by connecting them to most Imperial Standard power sockets. These can also be recharged through exposure to light, heat, and even naked flame, however, doing so shortens the pack's lifespan and risks upsetting the weapon's machine spirit.[9a]

Types of laser weapons

Imperium

Personal

Support/Vehicle

War Engine

Warship

Chaos

Support/Vehicle

Eldar

Laser weapons used by the Eldar are superior to Imperial designs, thanks to their usage of psychically-grown crystals and more efficient power generation and transmission systems. This results in weapons more energy-efficient, more accurate and more powerful than their Imperial counterparts. Many Eldar admire the elegance of laser weapons, priding themselves on their mastery of light itself.[2]

Personal

Support/Vehicle

War Engine

Warship

Orks

Dark Eldar

Squats

See Also

Sources

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