Grand Admiral, First Order Central Command
Image Source: Killzone Shadowfall
Intent: To make the sci-fi version of a SMAW/Javelin for Helldivers to use.
Development Thread: N/A
Manufacturer: Shadowline and House Tregessar
Model: SMAC 'Smacker' Particle Beam Gun
Affiliation: Shadowline and House Tregessar
Modularity: N/A
Production: Minor Production
Material: Standard Blaster and Particle Beam components
Classification: Multipurpose Man-Portable Particle Beam Cannon
Size: Handheld (large)
Length: 128cm
Weight: 8.24 kg
Ammunition Type: Powercell/Particle Gas Canister.
Ammunition Capacity: Power Cell: 4. Gas Canister: 8
Effective Range: Roughly sniper range, but very inaccurate past standard blaster rifle range.
Rate of Fire: Single Shot or Two-shot burst.
Special Features:
Two fire modes (HE and AP)
Very powerful man-portable weapon
Twin-barrel weapon allows for two-shot burst
Built in targeting computer
- Brutally effective anti-armor and anti-structure weapon
- Dual fire modes allows for battlefield versatility
- Two-shot burst can defeat many shield and armor systems
- Large and awkward to use.
- Versatility means it lacks the capability of a single-role weapon.
- Requires two-man team for most effective use.
- Slow rate of fire and limited ammunition.
Description: Shoulder-mounted Multipurpose Assault Cannon is a large man-portable particle beam cannon designed for use as an assault weapon (bunker-buster), support gun, and limited anti-armor weapon, deployed primarily with Helldiver units who expect to run into particularly heavy enemy tanks or fortifications.
The weapon has two barrels, and can fire in one of two modes. The first mode uses a tighter cohesive field to propel the particle bolt at higher velocities and with increased penetrative power. This has the side effect of reducing the explosive yield, making it more effective at penetrating vehicle armor than collapsing walls or demolishing fortifications. Generally speaking this is known as 'AP' mode. While powerful, the handheld nature of the weapon limits its ability to destroy large vehicles. For example a shot from the SMAC could knock out an AT-ST or a TIE Fighter, but would have limited effect against an AT-AT, unless fired repeatedly at its leg joints.
The second mode is the opposite, with a looser field resulting in a lower velocity but much higher explosive yield on impact. This mode is called 'HE,' and is generally used against hardened but not strictly armored targets. Effective against bunkers, houses, etc. it is much less efficient against armor. While light vehicles like a Landspeeder would still be vulnerable a proper tank could absorb several hits without much trouble.
Each fire mode requires a different type of gas canister. For a typical team, the second 'Lancer' carries one of each type. Unlike most blasters, the gas canister is designed to be rapidly swapped out, and this only takes several seconds compared to several minutes. It does still mean you can't really switch from AP to HE on the fly, though.
The most innovative feature by far is the fact that the SMAC has two barrels, designed to be fired one after the other in a 'burst,' doubling down on firepower while barely effecting accuracy or precision. The burst capability uses a recoil delaying system similar to that in the SA-4, but it's imperfect, and considerable strength and skill is required to use it effectively. The two shot burst, properly utilized, is capable of defeating reactive armor and similar armoring designs.
The weapon also has a cycle time after firing, to allow for cooling. While this is only a few seconds, it noticeably limits the rate of fire and the usefulness of the weapon in a heated firefight. This is not a conventional firearm and is not used as such.
The weapon is large and heavy, and burns through it's specialized power packs and gas canisters quickly. These two are large and heavy, and so SMAC operators tend to be two-man crews, one with the weapon, the other with the ammo. Collectively, these make up Helldiver 'Assaultman' teams, otherwise known as 'Lancers.'
The weapon also sees infrequent use by House Tregessar Security Forces (who seldom have need for such a destructive weapon) and more frequently by Tregessar Assault Guards.
Primary Source:
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Particle_beam
