[TML] RTT FGMP

[Jerry W Barrington]

On 7/15/08 4:54 PM, "Tom Naro" <tomnaro at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Well no.  The point of the FGMP rule is to reflect that first generation
> PGMP/FGMP can ONLY be safely used by battledress equipped personnel.  The
> battledress/FGMP combination is a parallel evolution of the weapon/armor
> systems.  Each design pushes the development of the other.  We should remember
> that the FGMP is an evolution of the PGMP and both weapons have the same kinds
> of problems.

If it's about 1st gen weapons, that should be clearly stated.  And *any*
good rad suit should be sufficient protection.

> The first LBB PGMP does not even have a proper shoulder stock.  It has a
> socket that plugs into the shoulder of the battledress.  (I remember some
> mention of interlocks as well - so the weapon will not fire unless the socket
> is plugged in properly.  In addition the weapon does not have proper sights -
> aiming is done through a helmet mounted display.  The LBB package is almost 10
> kg of weapon and powerpack.)  It would be very difficult for a non-battledress
> person to properly aim and fire the weapon.

Interlocks are easily defeated.  It could be mounted on a tripod or vehicle.
And HUD helmets are easy to get.

> Did we forget that IR radiation (heat) could be a factor in the FGMP.  As
> Leonard pointed out, the hard radiation emitted would not seriously affect the
> environment in the long term.  Neither would a localized temperature spike of
> 400 degrees.  But both of these would certainly be hazardous to anyone nearby
> without protection. 
>  
> The combination of radiation and heat and little globs of hot plasma castoff
> makes the FGMP dangerous to unarmored people - that has always been a part of
> Traveller.  

I don't expect loose globs of plasma.  That stuff comes out at high
velocity.  Even a moderate angle off to one side is still going to send it
*well* away from the operator.  Reflec armor should handle the heat flash.

> We tend to think of a FGMP as a rife, but it is much more like a very high
> velocity flame thrower.
>  
> A FGMP is a frightening weapon - Troops in battledress armed with FGMPs
> are truly terrifying.