Federation Weapons Rifles

FEDERATION WEAPONS RIFLES The phaser rifle uses directed and focused energy as a weapon. Although powerful it is rarely used because the hand phaser has proved to be so effective. Early models of phaser rifles are cocked by twisting the linear ribbed section along the top of the weapon until it makes a clicking sound. The rifle fires a thin red beam. Typically, some energy wash will splash of the target. The phaser rifle of the 2360's, also know as a phaser type-3 has a square snap-up sight and is held from below by two grips. Beam width and intensity can both be controlled by the user. The energy cell is used at .05 megajoules per second. Common effeciency of the discharge crystal is approximately 86.65 percent.
By 2373, the phaser rifle has been greatly redesigned. The rifle has a square barrel with an aiming light above it. Aboive and behind the aiming light is a smooth, raised section from which a dim yellow status light glows. The hand grip and trigger are near the back of the weapon, which has a very short stock. To prevent enemies from erecting shields that are able to counter the phaser beam, the beam modulation can be changed in a prearranged or random sequence. This model of phaser rifle generates a white blast rather than a continuous beam. The rifle is light enough to carry in one hand. and can be fired from the hip like a pistol as well as being used with a more conventional two handed grip.

The first phaser used by Starfleet is a bulky weapon. It is supported by a single handle, and produces little or no recoil. When it is fired, directed energy can be seen moving through the prefire chamber before being emitted through the barrel. This phaser rifle is used only in unusual situations.

This rifle is more refined and controllable than its predecessor. The rapid nadion pulse can be measured, as well as the energy flow from the prefire chamber to the emission aperture.

This model of phaser rifle is carried aboard the USS Voyager NCC-74656. It fires a yellow beam, and is used more frequently than the preceding models.

Although they all function the same way, there a several types of rifle available to Starfleet in 2370's. This one has a two handed grip similar to its predecessor.

The phaser rifle is constructed of light weight material and can easily be carried in one hand. Some models, such as this one, have a single grip. For accurate aiming, the user can support the barrel with their free hand without any danger.

After Starfleets initial contact with Borg it became clear that in orde to prove effective against all species the phaser will have to be adjustable. All model rifles in use in the 2370's can be programmed to automatically alter the frequency of the beam, making it harder for an opponent to generate an effective shield.