Particle Lance

A distant descendant of the particle accelerator, a particle lance, or particle-beam weapon, accelerates a stream of atomic or subatomic particles to extremely high speeds at a target. While a directed energy weapon, the mass of its particles makes lances more effective against shields than lasers.

Utility

While the first particle accelerators were scientific research tools, it didn't take long for the idea of a high-speed particle beam to be weaponized. Particle lances are routinely carried in massive turrets and fixed spinal mounts alongside other weapons, able to tear through shields and armor alike with ruthless efficiency.

Access & Availability

While bulkier and more power-hungry than equivalent railguns or coilguns, the theory behind particle lances is actually relatively straightforward. Thus, many societies employ such weapons, with the Sagittari Union mounting enormous lances on their superheavy warships.