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--- starship_weaponry_and_defenses [2011/07/31 21:08] – [Missiles] - corrected spelling of "Namiki". hagalaz
+++ starship_weaponry_and_defenses [2011/07/31 21:10] (current) – Added weapon size information. hagalaz
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 ===== Spaceship Weapons =====
 ==== Kinetic Energy Weapons ====
-**Kinetic energy weapons** take many forms, from pellets to bullets and darts. These depend on high velocity to do their damage. They are propelled by various means, ranging from chemical propellant in old fashioned cannons to hybrid ETGs (electro-thermal guns) and the more experimental electro-magnetic coil guns. ETGs are currently the most widespread technology. One problem with kinetic energy weapons is that their projectiles become space junk that remains dangerous long after the battle is passed. Projectiles have been developed that automatically disintegrate some time after firing, but these are more expensive and have not been universally adopted yet.
+**Kinetic energy weapons** take many forms, from pellets to bullets and darts. These depend on high velocity to do their damage. They are propelled by various means, ranging from chemical propellant in old fashioned cannons to hybrid ETGs (electro-thermal guns) and the more experimental electro-magnetic coil guns. ETGs are currently the most widespread technology. One problem with kinetic energy weapons is that their projectiles become space junk that remains dangerous long after the battle is passed. Projectiles have been developed that automatically disintegrate some time after firing, but these are more expensive and have not been universally adopted yet.  ETG weapons are generally available in 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, and 45mm bore sizes.
 General Products has been the gold-standard manufacturer of starship ETG weaponry for several decades. InterCore, Omicron Industries, and Starck Technologies (a recent addition from Annyrion) all produce kinetic energy weapons, as well.
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 ==== Directed-Energy Weapons ====
-**Lasers** have recently been reintroduced as shipboard weapons. Their advantage is that their beam literally moves at the speed of light and therefore is very accurate, when compared to ETG kinetic energy weapons.  The tradeoff involves the large banks of energy storage units required to supply power to the laser.  If these energy storage banks become damaged, the laser loses effectiveness or may not have sufficient power to function.
+**Lasers** have recently been reintroduced as shipboard weapons. Their advantage is that their beam literally moves at the speed of light and therefore is very accurate, when compared to ETG kinetic energy weapons.  The tradeoff involves the large banks of energy storage units required to supply power to the laser.  If these energy storage banks become damaged, the laser loses effectiveness or may not have sufficient power to function.  Lasers are generally rated according to power requirement: R5, R10, R15, and R30.
 Some research has been made in the area of **particle accelerator** weapons, but the only existing prototypes are in the form of a spinal-mount linear accelerator, with accelerator length corresponding directly to weapon effectiveness.  Circular-track accelerators currently have too great a mass penalty in the form of shielding to permit safe use onboard starships.  Barring breakthroughs in radiation shielding technology, particle weapons may be limited to ships with long hulls.