Grasers
### Technical Manual
### GRASER-09 (Gamma Ray Amplifier by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
**For Use Against Lightly Armored/Unshielded Vehicles and Personnel**
---#### Chapter 1: **Overview and Purpose**
The **GRASER-09** is a directed-energy weapon designed for anti-personnel and anti-crew operations against lightly armored and unshielded vehicles. It operates by emitting high-intensity gamma rays using **Matter/Antimatter Cell (M/A-C)** technology. The gamma radiation, passed through specialized **lens and mirror arrays**, is slowed to maximize interaction with biological tissues, resulting in immediate internal damage or burns to exposed crew and personnel, while leaving most structural elements intact. The **GRASER-09** is particularly effective when engaging vehicles where the goal is neutralizing occupants without extensive collateral damage to hardware. ---#### Chapter 2: **Specifications**
#### Chapter 3: **Operational Use**
1. **Preparation**
- **Power up the system**: Ensure the M/A-C is properly inserted into the GRASER-09 power compartment. An audible tone will confirm successful initialization. - **Calibration**: Allow the internal lens and mirror arrays to self-calibrate. Calibration takes approximately 5 seconds after power-up. - **Safety Checks**: Verify safety protocols are engaged prior to operation. Gamma radiation should not be directed toward unintended targets as collateral damage to biological tissue is irreversible.2. **Firing the Weapon**
- **Target Acquisition**: Utilize integrated optics for target designation. Engage the GRASER only when the target is within the 500 to 1,500-meter effective range for maximum damage efficacy. - **Trigger Mechanism**: Depress the firing mechanism for no longer than 1 second to discharge a focused gamma burst. The discharge will pass through the internal lens system, concentrating radiation for instant biological incapacitation. - **Post-Fire Protocol**: Allow 3 seconds for the weapon to cool between shots. During this period, the internal coolant systems will engage to prevent overheating of the M/A-C. 3. **After Action**: After engaging, immediately assess target incapacitation. The GRASER is designed for minimal damage to vehicles while maximizing crew incapacitation. If the target vehicle is shielded, results may vary based on shielding material and configuration. ---#### Chapter 4: **Care and Maintenance**
Proper care and maintenance of the **GRASER-09** is critical for ensuring long-term operational effectiveness. Follow these guidelines strictly.1. **M/A-C Management**:
- **Handling**: Matter/Antimatter Cells must be stored in a secure, radiation-shielded environment. Handle with extreme care. If a cell becomes unstable, evacuate and follow local hazardous material protocols. - **Replacement**: The GRASER-09 is designed for quick replacement of M/A-C units. Depress the release latch and eject the spent cell, then insert a fresh unit, ensuring the connection is solid before resealing.2. **Lens and Mirror Array**:
- **Cleaning**: Every 5 discharges, clean the lens and mirror arrays using approved non-abrasive wipes. Dust or debris on these surfaces can reduce the effectiveness of the gamma ray beam. - **Recalibration**: The lens system requires recalibration after every 20 discharges. This is an automatic function but should be monitored. Manual recalibration can be initiated from the onboard control panel. - **Inspection**: After every operation, visually inspect the mirror surfaces for warping or microfractures, as these can severely reduce targeting accuracy.3. **Coolant System**:
- **Fluid Levels**: Check coolant fluid levels after every mission. If fluid levels drop below 50%, refill immediately using authorized coolant solutions. - **Coolant Pump**: Ensure the coolant pump is functioning properly. If overheating occurs, cease operations immediately and inspect the pump for blockages or malfunctions. ---#### Chapter 5: **Troubleshooting**
1. **Failure to Discharge**:
- **Action**: Check M/A-C for secure connection and power levels. If the M/A-C is stable and connected, perform a system restart.2. **Overheating**:
- **Action**: If weapon overheating occurs, cease operations for 10 minutes and inspect the coolant system. In extreme cases, let the system cool naturally.3. **Inaccurate Discharge**:
- **Action**: Ensure the lens array is free of obstructions and the targeting system is properly calibrated. If problems persist, manual recalibration may be required. ---#### Chapter 6: **Safety Guidelines**
#### Chapter 7: **Training Requirements** (continued)
**Training modules should include the following:**1. **Weapon Familiarization:**
- Operators must demonstrate proficiency in the basic operation of the GRASER-09, including the safe loading and unloading of the Matter/Antimatter Cell (M/A-C), activating the power systems, and correctly using the integrated targeting optics. - Training simulations should focus on target acquisition, including the identification of lightly armored vehicles and the optimal range for firing the weapon.2. **Radiation Safety:**
- Operators must complete a comprehensive radiation safety course, covering the risks of gamma radiation to biological tissue and the necessary protective equipment. - Proper procedures for minimizing exposure, maintaining safe distances, and managing contaminated zones should be practiced extensively. - Emergency protocols in the event of accidental discharge or containment breach must be memorized and rehearsed.3. **Maintenance Protocols:**
- Operators should be trained in routine maintenance procedures, such as cleaning and inspecting the lens and mirror arrays, coolant system upkeep, and the proper storage of M/A-C units. - Hands-on practice should involve troubleshooting common issues such as power fluctuations, beam misalignment, and coolant system failures.4. **Live-Fire Exercises:**
- Operators should participate in controlled live-fire exercises in secure training facilities to gain experience with the weapon’s recoil, cooldown periods, and environmental impact. - These exercises should include engaging both stationary and moving targets, simulating realistic combat conditions. - Special focus should be given to engaging targets with shielding technology, allowing operators to learn how the GRASER-09 performs against varying levels of protection. ---#### Chapter 8: **Field Applications**
The GRASER-09’s unique properties make it ideal for specific tactical scenarios, including:1. **Urban Combat:**
- The GRASER-09 is particularly effective in dense urban environments where minimizing damage to infrastructure is critical. It can be used to neutralize the crew of lightly armored vehicles without causing significant damage to surrounding buildings or other assets.2. **Anti-Crew Tactics:**
- The GRASER-09 is ideal for operations where neutralizing a vehicle’s operators is the priority, such as hostage situations or surgical strikes against command vehicles. The weapon's gamma radiation penetrates light armor to incapacitate the crew without destroying valuable hardware.3. **Long-Range Engagements:**
- With an effective range of up to 1,500 meters, the GRASER-09 is well-suited for sniper operations against personnel in exposed or lightly shielded environments. Operators can maintain a safe distance while neutralizing targets with precision. ---#### Chapter 9: **Storage and Transportation**
1. **Storage:**
- When not in use, the GRASER-09 must be stored in an approved radiation-shielded armory. Ensure the weapon is powered down completely and that the M/A-C unit is removed. - The weapon should be secured in a horizontal position with appropriate padding to prevent damage to the lens and mirror arrays.2. **Transport:**
- When transporting the GRASER-09, ensure it is packed in its designated hardened container with shock absorption. The M/A-C unit must be transported separately in a radiation-proof containment unit. - Handle with care, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or impact, as this could damage the internal systems or disrupt the M/A-C’s stability. ---#### Chapter 10: **Emergency Procedures**
In the event of a malfunction or radiation exposure, follow these emergency procedures:1. **Gamma Radiation Leak:**
- Evacuate the area immediately and notify the radiation safety officer. Secure the weapon in a shielded location and implement local radiation containment protocols. - If exposed to gamma radiation, follow medical emergency procedures and undergo immediate decontamination and medical evaluation.2. **M/A-C Instability:**
- If the M/A-C exhibits signs of instability (such as unusual heat, noise, or visible radiation leakage), place the cell in an emergency containment unit and evacuate the vicinity. Notify command and follow hazardous materials handling protocols.3. **Weapon Overheating:**
- Cease firing immediately if the coolant system fails or the weapon overheats. Power down the GRASER-09 and allow it to cool before attempting any maintenance or further operation. Do not continue firing as this could result in catastrophic failure of the M/A-C or lens arrays. ---#### Chapter 11: **Approved Modifications and Upgrades**
Operators are authorized to modify the GRASER-09 under approved military guidelines. The following modifications are sanctioned:1. **Enhanced Optics:**
- An upgraded targeting system with infrared and night-vision capabilities may be installed to improve performance in low-visibility environments.2. **Cooling System Upgrades:**
- High-performance coolant systems can be installed to reduce the cooldown period between discharges, allowing for more rapid firing in high-stress situations.3. **Reinforced Lens Array:**
- A reinforced lens array, constructed from advanced materials, may be installed to improve durability and beam focus. This upgrade is recommended for operators engaged in extended field operations where environmental factors (such as dust or debris) may impair the weapon’s performance. ---#### Chapter 12: **Disposal and Decommissioning**
1. **M/A-C Disposal:**
- Matter/Antimatter Cells must be decommissioned by certified personnel in accordance with hazardous material guidelines. The M/A-C must be safely neutralized and disposed of in a radiation-proof containment facility.2. **Weapon Decommissioning:**
- Decommissioning the GRASER-09 requires disassembling the lens and mirror arrays and securing them in radiation-safe containers. The weapon should be transported to an authorized facility for permanent deactivation or disposal. Follow military disposal regulations to ensure proper decommissioning procedures are met. ---**End of Technical Manual for GRASER-09**
A Hammer for Every Nail
Originally (and officially still) a counter to light vehicles, the Graser fires a burst of gamma radiation at a target. The radiation is specifically slowed down by a lens-and-mirror array in order to maximize contact with and calibrate to organic matter. This means that the burst will bypass solid material and terminate inside the organic material it encounters. This means that for lightly armored and unshielded vehicles as well as combat armor and battlesuits, defenses can be bypassed in favor of simply killing the crew while leaving equipment relatively intact.The Teal Stigma
Due to ionizing radiation, mutilation of casualties, and the health effects of survivors (sometimes Grasers are colloquially known as 'cancer guns'), Grasers are stigmatized and generally illegal on all human worlds except Neptune from where they originate. They're considered weapons of terrorists and pirates, the latter preferring them due to the wealth of loot left behind. As such, only Vanguard Dynamics, Martian Arms, and Stellaris Mining Consortium manufacture Grasers.Expensive and Dangerous
Aside from the stigma and legal restrictions, Grasers are also cost-prohibitive compared to other weapons. The ammunicion is a Matter/Antimatter Cell, a cubic device that combines trace amounts of matter with a precisely calibrated amount of antimatter to create a Gamma Radiation Burst, against which the weapon and ammunition cell are shielded and mirrored. The entire burst is sent through the barrel and projected at an enemy. In any sort of atmosphere, it leaves a smoky glowing teal trace. If the weapon is cracked, or the Cell is damaged, then using them can be catastrophically dangerous. Graser Pistol: A small model about the size of a large caliber pistol. LC 0, $3,300 Graser Carbine: A snub-nosed Graser designed for use by commandoes. LC 0, $13,000. Full Graser: A long version of a Graser designed for range. LC 0, $24,000. Graser Shoulder Mounted Portable: A Graser designed for clearing out an area or an entire tank crew at once. LC 0+M, $80,000. Graser Semi-Portable: A Graser wtih a 'spear stand,' a single extendable foot that solidly grips the ground and can be raised and lowered as needed, up to 6'. LC 0+M, $120,000.Beam Weapons (Any)
| Manufacturer(s) | Weapon | Damage | Acc | Range | Weight | RoF | Shots | ST | Bulk | Rcl | Cost | LC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VD, MA, SMC | Graser Pistol | 3d (10) rad 1d (10) burn |
6 | 10/30 mi | 1.5/C | 10 | 20(3) | 4 | -2 | 1 | $3,300 | 0 | |
| VD, MA | Graser Carbine | 4d (10) rad 2d (10) burn |
12 | 80,240 mi | 5.6/C | 10 | 16(3) | 5 | -3 | 1 | $13,000 | 0 | |
| VD, MA | Full Graser | 3d (10) rad 1d (10) burn |
12 | 120,/360 mi | 8/C | 10 | 8(3) | 5 | -4 | 1 | $24,000 | 0 | |
| VD, MA | Graser SMP | 3d (10) rad 1d (10) burn |
12 | 30 yard cone | 11/C | 1 | 1(3) | 11 | -8 | 1 | $65,000 | 0+M | |
| VD | Graser SP | 4dx10 (10) rad 1dx10 (10) burn |
18 | 480/1,400 mi | 70/C | 10 | 60 (8) | 18M | -10 | 1 | $190,000 | 0+M |
Item type
Weapon, Ranged
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