Plasma Weapon
From Lexicanum
Plasma Weapons operate by converting normal gases or fuel materials into an energized state of matter known as plasma, the stuff of the stars themselves.
When fired, the fuel material is energized into plasma and unleashed as brightly glowing "bolts" of pure energy. This energy is encased in a magnetic containment field that prevents the plasma "bolt" from dissipating before reaching its target. Once the plasma comes into contact with a solid material, the magnetic field ruptures, venting the superheated energy onto the target. The enemy is then vaporised.
Plasma is incredibly dangerous stuff. Imperial versions of the weapon are particularly unstable due to their imperfect designs. Overheating is prevented mainly by venting excess heat into the surrounding area due to a lack of proper cooling equipment. Even with this countermeasure, it is not uncommon for weapons to completely overheat or explode, killing or maiming the user. A plasma weapon struck or knocked out of a hand by a weapon hit will easily explode, killing its user.
Plasma guns and pistols use a plasma energizer to convert the ammunition supplied by gas containment flasks, which are good for about ten shots. Plasma cannons are typically powered by a generator of some sort.
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Imperial Plasma Weapons
Plasma Pistol
Main article: Plasma Pistol
The Plasma Pistol is a smaller, one-handed version of the Imperial plasma gun. It is used primarily by officers in conjunction with some form of Close Combat Weapon.
Plasma Gun
Main article: Plasma Gun
The Plasma Gun is the standard Imperial plasma weapon, used by units from the Space Marines, Imperial Guard, Sisters of Battle and Daemonhunters.
Plasma Cannon
Main article: Plasma Cannon
The Plasma Cannon is a huge version of the Plasma Gun and is generally only used by Devastator Squads, although it is also sometimes mounted on vehicles where its instabilities are dealt with by large heat dispersion units.
Plasma Blastgun
Main article: Plasma Blastgun
The Plasma Blastgun is a Titan based weapon that can easily decimate huge amounts of enemies in a single shot.
Deathstrike Warheads
Main article: Deathstrike Warhead
Eldar Plasma Weapons
Eldar Plasma Grenade
Main article: Plasma Grenade2
Plasma Grenades are grenades that release a small explosion of plasma to dislodge enemy infantry from cover. This usually allows the Eldar to use their superior agility to make a first strike when assaulting into cover.
Eldar Starcannon
Main article: Starcannon2
The Starcannon is a plasma weapon designed by the Eldar. It has a higher rate of fire and narrower focus than the Imperial Plasma Cannon. It is also designed with a sufficient cooling mechanism so that it does not fail due to overheating.
Tau Plasma Weapons
Tau Pulse Pistol
Main article: Pulse Pistol
The Pulse Pistol is a smaller version of the the Pulse Rifle for use in close combat.
Tau Pulse Rifle
Main article: Pulse Rifle
The Pulse Rifle is the standard weapon of the Tau and is used primarily by Fire Warriors.
Tau Pulse Carbine
Main article: Pulse Carbine
The Pulse Carbine is a more compact version of the Pulse Rifle, with an attached Photon Grenade Launcher. It has a shorter range and slower rate of fire than the Pulse Rifle.
Tau Burst Cannon
Main article: Burst Cannon
The Burst Cannon is a similar weapon to the Pulse Rifle, but has a much higher rate of fire.
Tau Plasma Rifle
Main article: Plasma Rifle
The Plasma Rifle is used by Tau Battlesuits and is a heavier version of other Tau weapons.
Tyranid Plasma Weapons
Bio-Plasma
Main article: Bio-plasma
Some Tyranids can generate plasma within their own bodies and expel it over a short range.
