Intent: Supply an affordable, multipurpose tool suited to both civilian and military applications.
Development Thread:
Manufacturer: Creed Defense Industries
Model: SPW-72 "Bug Killer"
Modularity: Capable of using a variety of fuels, from simple natural gas to military grade pyrium.
Production: Simple mass production
Material: Mostly stamped steel. Other materials depend on the place of manufacture. Pyrium is only available directly from specialized refineries located in the Creed system.
Classification: Agricultural tool/multipurpose specialized weapon system.
Length: 28 inches with stock removed, 39 inches with stock attached.
Weight: Depending on ammo type, up to 20 lbs loaded
Ammunition Type: Most liquid or compressable gas fuels. Military usage specifies pyrium.
Ammunition Capacity: Pyrium allows for 2 1/2 minute continuous burn time per canister. Burn time may vary with other fuels and is typically *considerably* shorter. Internal compressor is capable of propelling up to five canisters worth of fuel depending on pressure settings.
Range: Up to 200 yards using pyrium fuel and maximum pressure settings.
Market price: 400 GSC. Fuels sold separately.
Description:
The SPW-72 is somewhat unusual in terms of Rastal weaponry as it was originally designed as a multipurpose tool for civilian colonist rather than for military service. The basic concept was to provide individuals on frontier worlds with a device capable of agricultural and ground clearing capabilities, which would also provide them with a limited means to defend themselves against enemies such as the Kha'Veni or the Venator, both of whom present a realistic danger to newly settled worlds. To this end, it was designed to be very simple to produce and maintain, easy to use, and capable of operating with a wide variety of fuels, from simple fossil-based supplies to high-tech synthetics.
During the most recent spike in Kha'Veni raids, the SPW-72 proved itself as an effective choice in a defensive role, preventing the loss of a good number of pioneer lives, and earned the nickname "Bug Killer". The usefulness of the weapon did not escape the attention of the Guard's top officials, and work was commenced to suitably modify it for military use.
In the end, the weapon itself needed no real alteration, and development focused on creating a safe, stable fuel supply that would make the Bug Killer viable for military service without adding any remarkable drawbacks to the simple design. The result was Pyrium, a solid state fuel which is aerosolized as it leaves it's canister, and burns at an extremely high temperature. This offered a huge increase in the effectiveness of the weapon, with two significant drawbacks - in an uncontained form, Pyrium can spontaneously ignite at temperatures above 32 degrees celsius, and is mildly radioactive. Little else is known about this compound, as it's actual makeup is highly classified.
The SPW-72 itself is very straightforward in design. Fuel canisters clip into the front of the weapon, and an adjustable bracket allows similar but not identically sized canisters to be used. A simple gauge indicates how much fuel is remaining. Pressurization is provided by a small, high efficiency compressor built directly into the weapon, which in turn is powered by a series of small high capacity batteries - in civilian or locally produced versions, these can be relatively mundane cells, but the CDI version uses high tech alternatives similar to those found in the SPW-113 or EL-3. A gauge is provided to measure remaining battery life, and another to provide pressure information.
The weapon features no safety. Other controls allow to pressure adjustment, as well as offering several different burst lengths, though either or both of these features are occasionally omitted on local production examples. The stock is designed to be completely removed should the user desire a more compact weapon Finally, ignition is provided via either a piezo-electric spark, or a small pilot flame, depending on the fuel used.