Plasma Beam
From Halopedia, the Halo Wiki
The term Plasma Beam is used to describe superheated Plasma fired in a concentrated form from a Covenant weapon, able to fire its energy in that state.
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[edit] Overview
Typically the Covenant fire their Plasma in bolts, which is accomplished by forming a magnetic bubble around the superheated ionized gas - once fired, the magnetic bubble holding the Plasma is guided towards its destination. Plasma fired in a narrow, concentrated beam is accomplished by modifying the magnetic field so that the superheated Plasma is guided continuously in a straight line towards its destination. The Plasma Beam is used on specific Covenant weapons and are reserved for assault platforms like the Scarab or the Locust. A Plasma Beam is used to take down large scale objects, that either may be in the way of infantry objectives, or as part of destroying a habitable area. If faced with a large military presence assault platforms can use their plasma beam to cut through armor and infantry with ease.
Locust Light Assault Platforms use their Charged Plasma Cannon[1] to deal with structures that may be too small for a larger assault platform to destroy. Locusts may be able to perform hunter-killer roles, finding infantry and eliminating them, they can also fulfill an anti-armor role, capable of destroying heavy armor if needed.
Scarab Ultra Heavy Assault Platforms use their Front-Mounted Cannon to destroy large structures that may be blocking infantry objectives, or if a area must be effectively destroyed. Their main weapon can be used against vehicles if they are within the Scarab's line of sight. They cannot however be used in hunter-killer situations against single, or small groups of infantry.
Covenant Capital Ships also have a weapon that can fire a Plasma Beam and is used when a large ship is too close to a Planet's surface to bombard it from orbit with its normal weaponry - Plasma Beams are fired from the belly of the ship right where the ships central grav lift is deployed when unloading troops and supply's.
[edit] Advantages
- Weapons with the ability to fire a Plasma Beam can destroy obstacles with ease and speed, cutting down the time it would take Plasma Mortars to accomplish the same job.
- A Plasma Beam is easy to control, and can destroy with precision and accuracy.
- Can be used to destroy a large enemy presence with destructive ease.
- The Plasma Beam from the Scarab has an energy output of about 9,5 Giga Joules.
[edit] Disadvantages
- The range of destruction is not as effective as a Plasma Mortar, as the resulting impact will not spread outside of the initial impact zone.
- Weapon can only sustain fire for a short amount of time.
- Fast and nimble vehicles can out maneuver the weapon; on larger assault platforms like the scarab, its weapon is only effective in a certain line of sight.
- Once fired it takes a considerable amount of time to recharge before being able to fire again.
- It is ineffective at long range, as the magnetic field loses its energy at long distances.
[edit] Gallery
 Locusts and Scarabs firing their weapons. |
 A Scarab firing its main weapon at a Scorpion Tank. |
 A Scarab's weapon destroying a vehicle. |
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