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The Plasma Blastgun uses the same technology as its smaller cousins, the [[Plasma Pistol]], [[Plasma gun|Gun]], and [[Plasma Cannon|Cannon]], but on a massive scale. Unlike its smaller brethren the Blastgun does not suffer from the same overheating problems due to the fact that the massive engines carrying it can install more efficient cooling systems.{{Fn|2}} Still, the sheer amount of waste heat and thermal shockwave generated by the Plasma Blastgun can be dangerous to anyone standing too near, requiring some caution when operating around friendly units.{{Fn|3}} The firepower unleashed by a Plasma Blastgun is stupendous, able to defeat Titan-grade [[Void Shield]]s in a few shots and reduce armour to slag.{{Fn|4}} For this reason the weapon is a suitable replacement for the [[Volcano Cannon]] in cases where a field refit must be carried out, although the Plasma Blastgun cannot match it in terms of range and requires the firer to get closer their target.{{Fn|2}} The Blastgun also benefits from the fact it taps directly into the plasma reactor of the Titan carrying it, allowing for an unlimited number of shots.{{Fn|1}} Smaller vehicles which cannot carry reactors must make due with massive photonic fuel cells which provide fewer shots, however even with this in mind the Blastgun is simpler to maintain and supply than other comparable weapons like [[Turbo-laser Destructor]]s, making it the ideal choice for extended operations.{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|4}} Like many other plasma weapons the Blastgun has multiple firing modes, able to unleash either a single full-powered blast or a series of weaker rapid-fire shots, increasing its utility against many different types of opponents.{{Fn|1}}
Plasma Blastguns can be mounted on the arm hardpoints of [[Warhound Scout Titan]]s or the carapace hardpoints of [[Reaver Battle Titan|Reaver]] and [[Warlord Battle Titan]]s.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|5}} They can also be mounted on the carapace hardpoints of the mighty [[Emperor Titan]]s.{{Fn|6}} Plasma Blastguns are also the main armament for the [[Stormblade]] and [[Macharius (Heavy Tank)#Macharius 'Omega'|Macharius 'Omega']] tanks.{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|88b}}
===Ryza Pattern Plasma Blastgun===
The most common version of the Plasma Blastgun.{{Fn|88b}}
===Omega Pattern Plasma Blastgun===
A variant of the more common Ryza pattern, the Omega pattern blastgun was recovered in [[M39]] by [[Explorator]] [[Vaslistle Hum'nal]], though doctrinal arguments within the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] would prevent its field testing and development for centuries. The weapon uses a more compact generator design and force crucible, which is easier to manufacture and repair and can be mounted in smaller war machines such as the Macharius, but also generates more heat and is less stable than the Ryza pattern. Regardless the weapon's benefits outweigh its drawbacks and it is constructed on [[Lucius (Forge World)|Lucius]], [[Hellgrace]] and [[Dynax Primus]].{{Fn|88b}} It used, for example, in the [[Macharius Omega]] tank.{{Fn|8a}}
== Sources ==
*{{Endn|6}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/article.jsp?categoryId=cat60005a&aId=3400020 Imperial Datasheet - Emperor Battle Titan]
*{{Endn|7}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-GB/Mars-Pattern-Warhound-Titan-Plasma-Blastgun Mars Pattern Plasma Blastgun] ''(last accessed 15 August 2015)''
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse Second Edition]], **{{Endn|8a}}: Pg. 10**{{Endn|8b}}: Pg. 20
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