Laser Rifle
A directed-energy weapon that uses lasers to inflict damage.
A laser weapon is a type of directed-energy weapon (DEW) that uses lasers to inflict damage. Laser weapons are of two types: low-power laser dazzlers that blind optical systems or human eyes, and high-power lasers that can physically damage or destroy targets, such as enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
Quick Facts
- Tier
- Late-game (more powerful than the Plasma Rifle)
- Setting
- Aboard Citadel Station
Lore & Background
It describes real-world laser weapons, including the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), YAL-1, Iron Beam, and various anti-drone systems.
Reader's Guide
It notes that high-power laser weapons capable of damaging or destroying a target are experimental as of 2026, and that low-power lasers can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
Did You Know?
- The US-Israeli Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) was canceled in 2005 due to bulkiness, high costs, and poor anticipated results.
- The YAL-1 airborne laser was canceled in December 2011 and scrapped in September 2014.
- Iron Beam is a laser-based air defense system designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs at a range of up to 7 km.
- The Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons bans weapons designed to cause permanent blindness.
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