All energy weapons must be powered by an external battery or similar power supply. Every shot fired drains a certain amount of battery power from the Chemical, Fission or Fusion battery that powers it. Energy cells can be used to recharge a battery, but energy weapons cannot be run directly off it.
The WEC has been issuing more energy weapons to their soldiers in response to increasing Resistance attacks. On the whole, energy weapons are deadlier than projectile weapons are, but they possess some major drawbacks, the most obvious of which is the need for a battery. Further, although some energy weapons have a good targeting system, others cannot be fired with much degree of accuracy.
The Resistance has compiled an extensive amount of information on the WEC arsenal of energy weapons. Resistance soldiers are well-advised to study the information well.
PA-31 "ADJUDICATOR" LASER RIFLE
At least one soldier in each WEC infantry squad is code-designated as the "lightning rod" and carries this weapon. The WEC also trains Special Forces "lightning teams" whose members all carry PA-31's as their standard arm. These squads are used for anti-armor missions, attacks on armored emplacements, and for stealth infiltrations.
This automatic weapon can be fired at a rate of approximately 5 shots per second. An advanced focusing chip system has significantly improved the refire rate over the old PA-21 laser pistol, and has also increased targeting accuracy. However, the PA-31 is still best used for close or medium-range combat; long-range targeting is still a difficulty. This is the only energy weapon that leaves human bodies intact upon death. The noise level of the PA-31 is very low, thus making it ideal for stealth assaults on complexes.
This weapon is particularly effective against robots and weapons platforms. All Resistance soldiers must be comfortable in handling this weapon, as it is the standard energy weapon issued to our soldiers.
PL-1 "UNIFIER" PLASMA RIFLE
The only WEC plasma-based rifle, and the only plasma weapon in existence, the PL-1 rifle has a unique mode of operation. Superheated, ionized gases are mixed into a state of equilibrium and formed into linear pulses by a condensed magnetic field. These plasma balls flare to 1200 degrees centigrade and can easily pass through most metallic barriers.
Due to the intense heat of a plasma pulse, a direct hit from a PL-1 is capable of literally disintegrating a non-shielded human target, leaving behind only a small scattering of carbonized residue. Its incendiary effects also make it extremely effective against vehicles and servomechs. This fully-automatic weapon is capable of firing up to twelve shots per second, giving it the highest refire rate among either projectile or energy weapons. However, it consumes battery power very quickly.
The PL-1 rifle is normally used for military commando operations and police SWAT teams, and was only recently approved for use by the Special Forces.
The PL-1's use of a magnetic field in its firing system allows for pinpoint marksmanship. For this reason, the WEC has seen fit to outfit the Special Forces with this weapon. The PL-1 also is an ideal weapon for Resistance soldiers, as it is excellent for stealth infiltrations. No corpse is left behind when a human is shot. Further, the extremely high refire rate and pinpoint targeting make it ideal for eliminating guards quickly and quietly.
EM-4 "VORTEX" ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE RIFLE
The EM-4 Vortex fires a concentrated electromagnetic pulse, which interferes with the gyroscopic guidance mechanisms of all standard servomechs. A secondary effect of the EM pulse is to temporarily "paralyze" the reactive circuits, thus removing the servomech's offensive capability.
Against humans, this weapon is capable of instant vaporization of an unprotected target. However, it's main function is restricted to anti-servomech operations.
The WEC stockpiles these weapons in case the need arises for them for anti-servomech operations. The Resistance raids WEC weapons frequently, but takes special care to raid EM-4 stockpiles, simply because these weapons are so effective against servomechs, which the WEC are producing more of.
Targeting is a serious problem for the EM-4 Vortex; the accuracy of the weapon is very poor. WEC scientists are working to upgrade the rifle with a more advanced guidance chip, but the prototype is still in development. The EM-4 is best used at close or medium range. Another drawback of this weapon is that it is extremely energy-inefficient. Nevertheless, it is a weapon that Resistance soldiers should not overlook, due to its effectiveness against mechanical targets.
XP-5 BROILER
This experimental weapon fires an intense and tightly-focused microwave pulse. This charge is powerful enough to literally liquify the flesh of an unprotected human target. Against mechanical targets it is also extremely effective, producing effects comparable to extreme heat, as well as disrupting and destroying most electromagnetic processes.
This weapon has a fairly accurate targeting system. It is slightly less damaging than the UV-9, but holds thhe advantage of a significantly higher refire rate.
This weapon is not yet approved for use among any WEC troops.
UV-9 PULSAR
The UV-9 is the single most destructive single-user firearm ever developed by humanity. Its battery generates and fires a pulse of concentrated ultraviolet energy measuring 397 nanometers in length. This charge has an extreme incendiary effect on any substance it impacts, and is capable of literally burning all the flesh and organs from an unprotected human target in a matter of seconds.
Experimental heavy-weapons units are testing this weapon, and the Enforcer Corps and Headquarters Elite Guard have been issued with it. The UV-9 is on the verge of approval for standard WEC issue.
Extremely effective against either human or mechanical targets, the UV-9 has outstanding accuracy, but a slow refire rate.