M133 Precision Anti-Materiel Energy Weapon System

The , better known by the nickname of the 'Retaliator' is a derivative of the same technology used in the M6 Spartan Laser. It uses much of the same technology, but exchanges raw firepower for long range precision. While a smaller weapon, in a rifle arrangement, it is somewhat more unwieldy due to the need to carry a external power supply and coolant supply to ensure best performance. When used as an emplaced weapon, with all it's required equipment, it becomes a lethal weapon against infantry and armour, and extremely damaging at range. 
==Role==
The M133 is technically designated as an anti-materiel rifle, with its intended role to be used against enemy materiel on the battle field, such as mines, unexploded ordnance, military equipment, stationary weapons, and light vehicles. However, the weapon is extremely effective against infantry, and are often prioritised for use against heavily armed and shield Covenant officers. By increasing the power output, the weapon could even be used in an anti-tank role, or an anti-air role, cutting into armour and tearing them to shreds. 
==Operation==
The rifle uses much of the same technology as the Spartan laser, but with different scaling for the systems. The particle accelerator, partly reverse engineered from the Covenant Beam Rifle, sits in the receiver, and is fitted into a rail that allows it to move forward or back, as manipulated by the external bolt handle. When moved forward, it locks into the trunnion, which also holds the barrel. The barrel is a non-magnetic, and is made from a high-heat resistant ceramic, intended to survive high energy outputs, and shield the more delicate opponents of the rifle. Over that is the cooling sheathe, using cryonic coolant shared with cryopods. And over this cooling sheaths, is a magnetic mesh that serves to modulate and contain the beam, similar to the larger M6. Despite the heat resistance, the barrel is an expendable component, and will eventually heat up beyond use. When this happens, it can be removed by opening the release latch on the right side of the barrel jacket. The barrel is contained under tension, and when the release latch is hit, the barrel is ejected backwards out of the gun to the right side of the shooter, and can be quickly replaced, the latch closing on the barrel being locked into place. 
The removable battery is only sufficient for firing for a second on full power, and is then spent and must be replaced and recharged. The gun can be connected to a microfusion reactor, which can be carried separately, providing it with a far longer firing time. Likewise, it can also be attached to an external coolant system. However, each of these are bulky, requiring a three man team to carry the entire weapon system. This means the weapon must be set up ahead of time, making it difficult to move rapidly. At a push, a single Spartan can carry the rifle, and both the coolant and external power supply, at the cost of mobility. As an emergency measure, it can also be connected to the microfusion power packs of a MJOLNIR suit, though they run the risk of depleting the power supply of their power armour.
==History==
The M133 began development in 2529 under an umbrella program to development new refinements of the for combat deployment. The M133 is the only one to reach production, with the contract held by Hannibal Weapon Systems. The radical system only saw limited deployment, with its weight and logistics meaning it was limited in an offensive capability, and difficult to redeploy in a defensive role. With a minimum crew of three, it was not easy to utilise. In addition, the cost of the rifle itself was high, but combined with expensive and expendable barrels, and the external coolant and power packs, it became prohibitively expensive. Where it became popular was use with Spartan operators, who could carry the weapon, and it's external supplies, single handedly, enabling them to fight with it more easily. Such weapons were deployed to great effect during the Battle of Briar and during later conflicts, and served relatively unmodified into the post-war era. 
Category:UNSC Weapons