Melta Weapon
From Lexicanum
| Ranged: Projectile - Missile - Ordnance - Laser - Plasma - Melta - Auto - Bolt - Flame - Gauss - Sonic | Combat: CC - Chain - Power - Force |
Melta Weapons are heat-based weapons which work by sub-atomic agitation of the air. Targets on the receiving end are heated to the point of being vaporised. The effect on flesh is fearsome to say the least, while vehicles can be reduced to molten slag. Most melta weapons use highly pressurized pyrum-petrol gases with a two part injection system which forces the gases into a molecular state, which will vaporise just about anything. Unfortunately, due to the high power consumption and range dissipation, the weapon is only effective over very short distances, but anything caught in the blast is likely to be destroyed.
Although short-ranged and slow to fire, they are prized for their power against armoured vehicles. They are also considered a good alternative to plasma weapons, which are unreliable and capable of killing their user. Besides the roar of the explosive vaporising of the target's moisture, melta weapons themselves make little noise when firing. Given their fairly quiet and very effective nature, infiltrating parties make use of melta weapons to destroy enemy vehicles before they get a chance to fight on the battlefield.
Many races make use of the same basic technology. In the Imperium they are called meltas, and often referred to as 'fusion guns', 'melters', 'cookers' and 'vape guns'. Equivalent weapons used by other races have similar effects, although sometimes completely different technology and methods of operation. Both the Tau and Eldar use melta weapons, primarily for tank hunting like the Imperium.
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Imperial Melta Weapons
Meltagun
Main article: Meltagun
The Meltagun is the most commonly seen melta weapon in use by the Imperium and is commonly found throughout all of the Imperium's fighting forces (including the Imperial Guard, Inquisition, Sister of Battle, and Space Marines.
Multi-melta
Main article: Multi-melta
The Multi-melta is a heavier version found primarily on vehicles and occasionally carried by Space Marine Devastator squads and Sisters of Battle.
Inferno Pistol
Main article: Inferno Pistol
The Inferno Pistol is a very rare and smaller melta weapon, used only by the agents of the Inquisition (Witch Hunters and Daemonhunters) and a select few Space Marines (Commander Dante of the Blood Angels Chapter).
Eldar Melta Weapons
Fire Pike
Main article: Fire Pike
The Fire Pike is an Eldar weapon used by the Fire Dragon's Exarch.
Fusion Gun
Main article: Fusion Gun
The Fusion Gun is an Eldar weapon used by the Fire Dragons Aspect and Storm Guardians.
Fusion Pistol
Main article: Fusion Pistol
The Fusion Pistol is an Eldar weapon used by Harlequins and Autarchs.
Tau Melta Weapons
Fusion Blaster
Main article: Fusion Blaster
The Fusion Blaster is a Tau weapon and is similar to the Imperial version in power.
