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

File:ML16 320x240.jpg
The ML-16

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 loses 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.

The ML-16 does less than 1/3 of the armor damage of the GTW Avenger, and between 1/3 and 1/2 of its Freespace 2 equivalent, the GTW Subach HL-7 - for the same energy. I guess the GTW Flail and the GTW Training Laser are worse on armor, but if this isn't a bad gun on unshielded targets, I don't know what is.

Performance

Statistics

Range	900 m
Rate of Fire	5 shots per second
Velocity	450 ms-1
Base Damage	5
Armor Damage	Excellent	Minimal
Shield Damage	Poor	{{{8}}}
Subsystem Damage	{{{9}}}	{{{10}}}

Notes

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