Plasma rifles or plasma casters are high tech weapons firing superheated bolts of plasma, powered by either microfusion cells or heavy energy cells, which find numerous applications in military and industrial fields. The bolts form into toroids in the plasma chamber, which are then sent down a superconducting barrel,[1][2][3] propelled by, and in some models stabilized by electromagnetic claws upon exiting it.[4] However, the plasma bolt chamber can be hotwired in order to accelerate the bolt formation process, effectively turbocharging the rifle.[5] The primary damage mechanism of plasma rifles is thermal transfer, causing serious burns to soft targets and melting hard ones. In extreme cases, the plasma can cause spontaneous dissolution of the target, including separation of soft tissues from hard ones or wholesale molecular destabilization that turns the target into a viscous green fluid.[6]
Initially, the weapon was a bulky, industrial plasma caster, manufactured by Winchester Arms; while it performed admirably, it was expensive and required specialized training to use. However, later developments for the United States Army would lead to a more compact design that was cheaper to produce and easier to train for, perfectly suited for urban warfare.[7]
The Winchester Model P94 is a bulky, industrial-grade energy caster, firing superheated bolts of plasma down a superconducting barrel,[1] ending in electromagnetic claws helping to stabilize the plasma bolt.[4] Interestingly, in an interview for Future Weapons Today, United States ArmyColonelMoretti slammed the design,[7] likely for being bulky and outdated. This would lead to corporations like REPCONN Aerospace and Poseidon Energy undertaking projects intended to replace the P94.[8][9]
Characteristics[]
A top of the line energy weapon, performing well at close and medium ranges, dealing plenty of damage. Efficient, powerful, and accurate. Perfect endgame weapon.
The caster in use in Vault 15. Note the different item icon, name and alternate Vault design.
References
↑ 1.01.1Fallout and Fallout 2 item description: "{1500}{}{Plasma Rifle}" "{1501}{}{A Winchester Model P94 Plasma Rifle. An industrial-grade energy weapon, firing superheated bolts of plasma down a superconducting barrel. Powered by Micro Fusion Cells. Min ST: 6.}" Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel item description: "name_plasmaRifle = {Plasma Rifle}" "desc_plasmaRifle = {A Winchester Model P94 Plasma Rifle. An industrial-grade energy weapon, firing superheated bolts of ionised gas down a superconducting barrel. Powered by Micro Fusion Cells.}" (PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout), PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout 2), and Items.txt)
↑The Courier: "What kind of prototypes?" Arcade Gannon: "Plasma rifles. They were intended to replace the P94 plasma caster. There was some corporate espionage going on between Poseidon Energy's Project SEMELE and whatever was going on here." (Arcade Gannon's dialogue)