why would we need plasma guns?

also the weight would come into play, there would be no need for extra ammo, maybe a few spare batteries other than that the lightness of such a weapon could have a large impact as there would be little to no recoil.= TOTAL DESTRUCTION.

Don't listen to the Movies; we will not use laser guns. There are a huge number of reasons:
1. lasers will make a neat hole through their target, but any hit Thats not on the heart, spine or brain would be useless.
2. lasers are dangerous, they will go through buildings having a high risk of friendly fire.
3. Armour penetration is not a factor, we could just as easily produce reflective heat absorbing meshes as opposed to normal ballistics armour.
4. Why make a totally new weapon when you can upgrade existing weapons to do just as good a job without needing expensive high tech?

If you want future weapons, then you should look into smart bullets that explode upon penetrating the target, that can avoid corners, and that can be made incredibly small. plasma/laser guns are a dud, forget it.

Originally posted by Dimitri Dzengalshlevi

Originally posted by Ophiuchus 13
reply to post by mercanaries3

 

They penetrate elite or sparten armor lol havent you seen HALO Reach

Actually, that's the main benefit of plasma. It's a superheated substance that can pierce through armor, especially static armor (as opposed to something that may stand a chance like ERA).

And yes, I have read a few HALO books. The Covenant ships' plasma cannons are quite effective at penetrating USMC shields

edit on 1-6-2011 by Dimitri Dzengalshlevi because: (no reason given)

Interesting lol Thanks

reply to post by mercanaries3


I can see it as an air to air possibility like the ADF 01 Falken on Ace Combat but right now the power source is currently too large for a man carry weapon.
Also instead of bullet calculations you would have to calculate beam attenuation ,perhaps a particle cloud or reflective surfacing would disperse a plasma strike.