Kinetic Accelerator Technology

Kinetic Accelerators are a new type of technology developed during the early 22nd century and used widely by the time of the 23rd century. Guns with kinetic accelerators are similar to railguns and coilguns, but instead of a solid round being accelerated only by electricity, used both a specialised propellant and electricity to propel projectiles quickly. This made kinetic accelerators fairly compact and easier to use and utilised compared to railguns or coilguns that relied completely on electricity. In a way, kinetic accelerators is a de-evolution of railguns and coilguns. 
They were primarily used to accelerate the projectiles of a cannon or gun, increasing muzzle velocity, penetration and thus lethality. Kinetic accelerators borrowed some of its technology and design from electrothermal-chemical technology that was in experimental stage during the late 21st century and ultimately succeeded it. 
The United Earth Federation as well as many others made extensive use of kinetic accelerator technology in its weaponry, the UEF notably had all of its standard guns upgraded with kinetic accelerators or replaced. 
By the 28th century, plasma weaponry was further developed and was beginning to see wide usage. Plasma could freely switch between piercing and high-explosive by controlling the energy charge and formation of the plasma bolt and could save space by removing the need for a loading mechanism and ammo stowage. Armor-piercing plasma bolts proved highly effective at cutting through thick and sometimes even steeply angled armor due to its incredible concentration of heat into an dart-like form. Plasma weaponry would eventually replace kinetic accelerators for major militaries. Albeit some would continue to see limited usage for specialised purposes. 
However, in the mid 31st century, kinetic accelerators would come back into the spotlight due to advancing technologies further enhancing kinetic weaponry, allowing railgun-like rifles to become available, and advancing armor technology making even personal body armor much more resistant to plasma bolts. By this point, naval ships stuck to plasma while ground forces began mixing both plasma and kinetic weaponry together in their doctrine.
Category:Technologies