Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol: Difference between revisions

The '''Plasma Pistol''' is a Covenant [[Directed Energy Weapon]] that uses a superheated ionized gas called [[Plasma]] instead of projectile ammunition. The weapon is powered by a battery cell and uses [[Hydrogen Fluoride]] as a source of fuel.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 163''</ref> The weapon has a power output of 100-150 KV @ 2~3 dA, but when overcharged, the power output is 1.5 MV @ 2~3 dA.<ref name="bung"/> The Type-25 DEP is a semi-automatic weapon using a single collimator design that gives the weapon its smooth and aerodynamic, claw like appearance. The Type-25 DEPs functionality is straight forward, the rear section of the pistol has a holographic display which indicates temperature as the weapon is fired — in the center of the holographic display is a small red pad, this pad is the Type-25 DEPs safety and activation mechanism. Before the plasma pistol can be fired the user must place his thumb on the pad, the pistol than activates and can be fired. On the left side is another small red button this opens the top heating vent and allows access to the internal components of the Type-25 DEP. The Type-25 DEP is a standard-issue for lower-ranking Covenant infantry such Unggoy, Kig-Yar and Yamne'e<ref name="ency">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''page 320''</ref>, but is occasionally used by higher ranking species within the Covenant such as [[Ossoona]] Elites<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 28''</ref>; as such, it is the most commonly encountered Covenant energy weapon.<ref name="ency"/>

Against infantry, the lethality of the Type-25 Directed Energy 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.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''' ''pages 328''</ref> Body fluids would be subjected to flash vaporization, inducing a strain or a shock on the body after impact<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 22''</ref>, 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.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''' ''page 19''</ref><ref name="reach">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''' ''page 315''</ref> Should the plasma impact an object, the impact can cause splash damage creating debris both non-heated and heated that may come into contact with a target, with a crippling or lethal effect.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''' ''page 15''</ref> Generally two hits from either a Plasma Pistol or Plasma Rifle will kill a light or unarmored target. The Type-25 Pistol also has the ability to charge a single superheated bolt, which can instantly deplete almost any form of [[Energy Shield|energy shielding]]<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' ''page 116''</ref> and disable [[vehicle]] mechanics temporarily, and if an overcharged bolt were to hit a flesh-based target, it will result in an instant kill.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 81''</ref> This high-powered shot makes the Plasma Pistol a formidable strategic weapon, however like its counterpart, over-extended periods of fire will overheat the weapon. In the context of the ''Halo'' games, all of the plasma weapons' strength and lethality are compensated for both the sake of ESRB rating and gameplay.  

The Plasma Pistol is a close-to medium range weapon, and as such can inflict high damage at range. The Plasma Pistol can also be used at long range if the user fires slowly and aims carefully by leading the target. The Plasma Pistol is extremely efficient at killing "soft" targets, while dealing large amounts of damage to a heavily armored target. Its overcharge ability is extremely dangerous to shielded infantry, and to non-shielded infantry. Because of the extreme temperatures released, a vehicle running on a hydrogen engine, or one that is lightly covered, can be damaged or disabled if the bolt hits it — in addition to the high temperatures, the electromagnetic bottle containing the plasma can produce an EMP which can disable any electronic device within range. When compared to the Plasma Rifle, the Plasma Pistol's non-overcharged firing mode is far more accurate at medium and long ranges, although the plasma projectiles tend to arc downward at long range. SPARTAN-IIs, SPARTAN-IIIs and Elites have the ability to dual-wield Plasma Pistols, doubling their efficiency in close- to mid-range combat situations. If fired fast enough, the high velocity of the plasma projectile coupled with the force of the kinetic impact, can knock over, or stun infantry.  

Although the the Plasma Pistol can strike a target at long ranges, it is not suited for long-range combat, due to two distinct properties of the weapon's operation. The first is the rate of thermal expansion which is determined by the rate of the bloom of the bolt, blooming is the result of plasma breakdown in the air at energy densities of around a megajoule per cubic centimeter. This effect causes the plasma to defocus and disperse energy into the atmosphere. It can be more severe if there is fog, smoke, or dust in the air. As the bolt is accelerated away from the "barrel" of the weapon the plasma begins to decay as a result of the weakening magnetic field. Speed also factors in to this, the faster the bolt is accelerated, the farther the bolt will travel before the temperature of plasma begins to decay and the magnetic field becomes unstable and finally dissipates. As the bolt loses velocity it also loses kinetic damage as it travels longer distances.