PGMP-12

Generic PGMP-12
Generic PGMP-12
Group:	Ranged Weapon
Tech Level	TL–12
Size	800.0 mm
Weight	6,000.0 grams (9,000.0 grams loaded)
Cost	Cr10,000
Ammo	Power Pack, high capacity
Manufacturer	Various
Generic PGMP-12

The PGMP-12 (1,000 grams loaded; Cr210; TL-12) is a fearsome early generation Plasma Weapon.

• It is a DEW Light Weapon that projects superheated plasma inflicting kinetic and heat damage.
• It is known to some as the PGMP-C.

Description (Specifications)

"Plasma Gun, Man Portable-12 (PGMP-12):" The first light energy weapon (other than lasers), the weapon consists of a power pack carried on the firer's back, the weapon itself, and a flexible power link. The power pack powers a laser ignition system in the weapon itself which heats hydrogen fuel to a plasma state. The plasma is contained in the ignition chamber briefly and then released through a magnetically focused field along the weapon's barrel. The high initial velocity plasma jet is 2.0 cm in diameter but begins to dissipate immediately. Each power pack has sufficient energy to discharge forty plasma bolts before recharging is necessary. Each pull of the trigger discharges one plasma bolt. Because of the considerable recoil, the PGMP-12 may only be fired a few times a minute. Recharging requires four hours connected to a high energy source (such as a ship's power unit).

Weapon Characteristics

Length: 800.0 mm. Weight of weapon: 6,000.0 grams. Weight of power pack: 3,000.0 grams. Base price: Cr10,000 (extra power packs: Cr2,500, commercial cost to recharge: Cr50). Tech level 12. Extreme Range 750.0 meters.

History & Background (Dossier)

As sophont civilizations gain greater and greater mastery over volatiles and high energy physics, more capable weapons are developed. Typically very early energy weapons are developed in the TL:7-9 epoch including fuel-air explosives and very large nuclear weapons, which vastly outclass the atomic weapons of the TL:4-6 epoch.

By TL:10-12, Plasma Weaponry becomes viable and supplements lasers, particle beams, and other energy weapons. By the end of the epoch, the advanced PGMP-12 appears, which is extremely advanced for its time. Plasma weaponry continues to be refined and developed.

By the TL:13-15 epoch, the first fusion weapons begin to debut, which can project greater damage than the earlier plasma weapons. The FGMP series in increasingly refined as it goes from a bulky battle dress-only form down to sophont-wielded rifle-like form. As the materials technology and miniaturization improves, future fusion pistols will undoubtedly become viable.

Selected PGMP Models

1. TL-12 PGMP or PGMP-12
2. TL-13 PGMP or PGMP-13
3. TL-14 PGMP or PGMP-14

References & Contributors (Sources)

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• Frank Chadwick. Mercenary (Game Designers Workshop, 1978), 37.
• Marc Miller. Imperial Encyclopedia (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), TBD.
• Gary L. Thomas. "PGMP-12." The Travellers' Digest 11 (1989): 35.
• Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science