[TML] A little tinkering with Lasers

[Garry Ward]

The standard TL 12 120 Mj laser has a short range of 120,000 Km (4 Brilliant 
Lances hexs of 30,000 Km).

Same for civilian lasers on free traders and on Plankwells.

Based on the formulas in FF&S, to get a 120 Mj laser to fit the standard 
description, it needs a Focal Area diameter of 2.19 meters.

Ok; what happens to the 120 Mj laser if you give it larger Focal Area?

At 3 meters, the short range goes to 225,000 Km

At 4 meters, the short range goes to 400,000 Km.

Damage doesn't change, it's still 28 points with a penetration of 1/9, it 
just does it much further away.

So, civie models of the 120 Mj are the 2.19 meter and the military model are 
4 meter.

Illegal retrofits on Civie ships with the military size laser....

New way to tell if a given Far Trader is associated with pirates....

Random cargo check by port authorities or customs cutter turns up the wrong 
size lasers in the shipment...

Garry