UNSC-CV9 PAS

The **CV9 PAS**, short for Particle Accelerator System, is a revolutionary railgun developed by the UNSC Defence. It represents one of the few successful implementations of railgun technology for infantry use in heavy combat scenarios, serving the needs of the NXSC Armed Forces.

## Design

The development of the CV9 PAS was made possible by groundbreaking scientific advancements following the *Nevian-Colossian War*, enabling the creation of portable, hand-held electromagnetic launchers suitable for combat use. The key innovation of the CV9 PAS lies in its disposable power cell and the utilization of ferric-shelled XCL-15E projectiles, which significantly reduce the weapon's overall weight. While lighter than its predecessors, the CV9 PAS remains too heavy and unwieldy for standard-issue use by non-augmented personnel. Nonetheless, it is widely recognized as a major breakthrough in the field of handheld railgun technology, offering a unique entry into the market.

The CV9 PAS operates on the principle of parallel accelerating rails, using a large electric current that flows from one rail, through the projectile, and into the other rail. This interaction generates powerful electromagnetic forces that accelerate the projectile to an incredible speed. Prior to firing, the railgun requires a brief charging period, after which it launches high-explosive rounds at immense velocities. The combination of the kinetic impact and explosive yield makes this weapon effective against both infantry and armored vehicles. Early production models and subsequent variants in the CV9 line addressed the issue of unintentional discharges, which could occur if the charge was held for too long.

Notably, the CV9 PAS lacks a traditional scope or any form of optical magnification. This design choice is attributed to the incredible speed of the projectiles, which creates a flight path visible only to the operator and those in close proximity. However, when paired with a heads-up display (HUD), the weapon becomes a formidable tool for precision sniping against armored targets, harnessing its advanced technology to overcome its lack of traditional optics.

### Specifications

* Length: 1110mm
* Caliber: **16x59mm XCE-15E**
* Effective Range: 3000-5000 Meters maximum lethality
* Weight: **15.1 kg**

## Trivia

### General

* This railgun can penetrate 5 inches of composite armour.
* For regular NXSC Army soldiers and marines, wielding the CV9 PAS presents a formidable physical challenge due to its weight and size. It demands a great deal of strength and training to effectively carry and operate the weapon.
* In contrast, for KNIGHTs, who are enhanced with cybernetic augmentations and advanced powered armor, the CV9 PAS is a manageable firearm. Their physical enhancements make it relatively effortless for them to handle the railgun, effectively leveling the playing field and allowing them to wield it as just another weapon in their arsenal.
* The resulting accelerator system magnifies the speed of the projectile by many times superior to that of sound.
* KNIGHT supersoldiers use this weapon on a large scale, as normal troops find it cumbersome.
* This railgun is a loosely downscaled version of the CV80 railgun manufactured by the UNSC Defence.
* It can be overcharged by using external battery packs to supercharge the projectile at excessive speeds, granting more power at the cost of the railgun jamming and knocking the user out of the ground.