GTW ML-16 Laser

The ML-16 is a Primary weapon which was in heavy use before the appearance of the Shivans and their shielding technology. The ML-16 works adequately against hull and devours only a negligible amount of energy, allowing the pilot to divert more power on engines.

Weapons in Descent: FreeSpace

Primaries Secondaries Turrets Weapon Comparison Table, FS1

Weapons in FreeSpace 2

Primaries Secondaries Turrets Weapon Comparison Table, FS2

Tech Room Data

Argon laser weapon - uses transparent ceramic technology in order to create an optical system that is extremely durable and stable under battle conditions - provides adequate destructive damage to the hull of enemy ships by vaporizing molecular bonds at the target area and destabilizing molecular bonds across the grain of the hull material.

The GTA issues ML-16 Lasers to every fighter and bomber in service.

Veteran Comments

The ML-16 is an acceptable weapon at the beginning of the main campaign. Unfortunately, after shielding on fighters become common, the weapon losses its efficiency. Prefer the Avenger to this weapon.

The ML-16 is not a bad gun against unshielded targets. In fact try using it against a Shivan cruiser hull and you will be pleasantly surprised. However, without any ability to damage shields, it really isn't a viable choice later in the campaign.

Performance

Statistics

Range	900 m
Rate of Fire	5 / s
Velocity	450 mps
Damage	5
Against Hullplating	Excellent
Against Shields	Minimal
Against Subsystems	Poor

Notes

You will see more of this weapon in the Terran-Vasudan War Project