Pulse Weaponary

TYPE
PULSE DISCHARGE CANNON [fighter]

The Pulse Discharge cannon is the primary weapon for many fighter craft used by the younger races.  Sturdy and powerful, this pulsed plasma weapon fires several consecutive bursts of energized plasma.  Using a rotating cylinder (along the same conceptual design as a gattling gun), energized plasma is injected into the firing chamber of the Pulse Discharge cannon.  An electrical discharge then forces the plasma out of the fighter.

For a ship like the Earthforce SA-23 E Arrora class Starfury, the low-end power output of the Pulse Cannon is 20 megawatts.  The total energy output of this Starfury's weapons per volley is 32 gigajoule, at maximum power.  Should be noted that older models of this weapon, like on the SA-23 E Arrora, can only fire four burst per discharge from each barrel.  Newer version, such as those seen in use on the SA-26 Thunderbolt can fire a steady, continuos stream of concentrated plasma fire.

TYPE
PLASMA CANNON [capital ship]

One of the most powerful weapons used on the capital ships of the younger races is the Plasma Cannon.  This type of weapon fires super charged bursts of energized plasma.  Upon impact with a target, they will explode against and burn through the hull of an enemy ship.  They can only fire one massive energy burst before re-charging, but inflict a great deal of damage.  This weapons key draw back is its short effective range.

TYPE
PULSE CANNON [capital ship]

Pulse Cannons operate along principles very similar to the pulsed discharge guns found on many fighter craft, scaled up for use on capital ships.  Similar to the Plasma Cannon, this weapon fires several consecutive bolts of super-charged plasma.  On average each individual energy bolt is not as powerful as those fired by a standard Plasma Cannon, but all the energy together is significantly more powerful and gives this weapon a better chance of connecting with its target.  Also, as the plasma is never brought to terminal charge, this weapon has a significantly greater range than a normal Plasma Cannon.  Minimal recharge time is usually one second.  This is the weapon of choice for almost all the younger races.

TYPE
PULSE PHASER [capital ship]

Pulse phasers were originally developed for the Defiant Project.  Instead of a constant stream of phaser fire, the pulse systems fires strong close bunched packets of the phaser energy.  The intended effect of this is to punch through the shields rather than wear them down with a continous stream.  The range is droppedby about 15 percent for almost twice the power.  Minimal recharge is less than a second, and the weapon is capable of burt firing up to three pulses every shot.