Plasma pistol

**Plasma pistols** are a class of single-handed, semi-automatic SDF infantry directed-energy sidearm. the GDF has typically type-classified encountered plasma pistols under the designation of **Directed Energy Pistol**.

## overview

### Design details

The general design of the plasma pistol remains consistent across different variants; the weapon is made up of two main components: the upper component, which includes the main rear grip and a firing coil, and the lower component which doubles as the weapon's foregrip. As a directed-energy weapon, the plasma pistol fires superheated plasma from its muzzle, where, when the weapon is active, the upper and lower charging poles constantly generate a surge of plasma; on certain variants, the charging poles take on a claw-like appearance. The charging poles tend to emit a deep green glow; even at the lowest setting, the firearm is an effective source of light. The top of the weapon contains the upper firing coil; the coil is covered by a hatch, which opens as a venting port, as it lifts and exposes the internal components when the weapon overheats, either from repeatedly firing at its semi-automatic bolts or after discharging a scaled burst. The rear grip features the holographic charge display—a circular progress bar that indicates the weapon charge as it is fired—the display indicates when the weapon is about to overheat from its semi-automatic bursts, or when the weapon is fully charged for a scaled burst. There is a small button on the left side of the weapon; this exposes the upper firing coil and allows access to the weapon's internal components. Certain variants of the plasma pistol also feature a tracking sight.

The plasma pistol is powered by a battery cell. This battery can be recharged using a variety of power sources. Plasma pistols have a core power output of 100-150 KV at 2~3 dA, but when overcharged, the power output can reach 1.5 MV @ 2~3 dA.

### Operation

While weak on its own, the plasma pistol has a wide variety of functions and becomes deadly in large numbers. The plasma pistol has two modes of fire. The first option is rapidly firing the semi-automatic short bursts of plasma; these plasma bolts are capable of quickly degrading dissipative energy shields or vaporizing flesh. The second option is holding down the trigger to overcharge the weapon's energy output and, upon releasing the trigger, the weapon fires a scaled burst—a blast of plasma that briefly tracks a targeted enemy. The large bolt from the scaled burst has increased damage, but notably carries a devastating short-range EMP effect that can disabled capacitors in electronic equipment, armor, and vehicles on impact. However, after the overcharged bolt is fired, the pistol will automatically overheat. Until it cools down, the pistol cannot be fired again, giving opponents enough time to counterattack.

### Semi-automatic bursts

When rapidly tapping the trigger, the plasma pistol will fire small bolts of plasma at an exceptional rate of fire. The semi-auto firing mode can be used until the weapon overheats, after which it must cool down for a few seconds before it can be used again. As the weapon approaches low battery, it may sputter and fail to fire. These bolts deal little damage to targets protected by energy shields, though still more than most kinetic weapons. Against unarmored targets, though, the lethality of the plasma pistol is extreme. Injuries inflicted to a victim are severe third-degree burns, this level of injury causes the wound to be cauterized instantly upon impact. Body fluids would be subjected to flash vaporization, inducing a strain or a shock on the body after impact. Fluids trapped in organs or arteries, in addition to the rapid expansion of heat, would cause ruptures or small explosions causing additional damage to the target. Near misses can also cause injury to the target, as they produce severe burns to the area they pass, this can also cause heat trauma or heat stroke from the extreme temperatures of the bolt. Should the plasma bolt strike cover, the impact can cause splash damage by flinging heated debris.

### Scaled burst

If the plasma pistol's trigger is held for a few seconds, the plasma at the charging poles will gather into a large spherical mass. Holding down the trigger continuously drains the battery. Releasing the trigger will fire a single bolt of larger size than usual. This bolt, if aimed correctly, will track its target for a short distance if they attempt to dodge. The overcharged bolt creates an electromagnetic pulse, stunning most electronics and even melting some systems. If the target is protected by energy shields, all but the strongest shields will break, allowing their body to take damage. If the overcharge strikes a vehicle, it will be temporarily disabled and rendered helpless for several seconds. Should an overcharged bolt strike an unarmored flesh target, it will result in instant death.

## types

### アタッカーpattern plasma pistol

The アタッカー pattern plasma pistol, designated by the GDF as "Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol. Within the GDF's designation, however, there are innumerable different sub-classes.

### 打者 pattern plasma pistol

The *打者* pattern plasma pistol is, While functionally and visually similar to the ピアッサー pattern plasma pistol, features slight improvements to its durability and native-link compatibility.

### ピアッサー pattern plasma pistol

The ピアッサー pattern plasma pistol, designated by the GDF as "Type-54D Directed Energy Pistol", has a chassis with a noticeably bulbous design.