MultiTac A1 Hand Phaser

MultiTac A1 Hand Phaser

The MultiTac A1 Hand Phaser stands out for its unparalleled versatility, advanced Tactical Mode, and multi-modal settings that offer both Pulse and Beam firing options. These key features make it a highly adaptable and reliable weapon, suitable for a wide range of operational scenarios. The A1 also incorporates a hardware extension slot for customization, advanced safety mechanisms, and a user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with other Solas Tempus technology.

Capabilities

The MultiTac A1 Hand Phaser is distinguished by its exceptional versatility, particularly in its multi-modal settings and advanced Tactical Mode. The weapon offers two basic fire settings—Pulse and Beam—along with three power modes, allowing for easy yet adaptable operation. Its advanced Tactical Mode integrates seamlessly with other Solas Tempus technology and can be enhanced through a hardware extension slot, which accommodates various add-ons like holographic scopes or sensor arrays.

Multi-Modal Settings

The A1 features two basic fire settings—Pulse and Beam. Pulse fires repeated high-power pulses, while Beam initiates a continuous stream. Additionally, there are three basic power modes: Non-Lethal, Lethal, and Manual. Non-Lethal is set to stun, and Lethal is set to kill. The Manual mode allows for specific control over firing power, width, and modulation. This design ensures easy operation with minimal training while maintaining versatility for more experienced users.

Hardware Extension Slot

The A1 features a hardware extension slot on the top, designed to accommodate a variety of add-ons such as a holographic scope, sensor array, or output booster. This slot allows for easy customization and adaptability to different mission profiles. It should be noted that the use of Tactical Mode requires either an Ocular Heads Up Display or a similar display system, or a holographic scope attached to this extension slot for optimal functionality.

Advanced Tactical Mode

Combines an advanced targeting system with an evolved Tactical Mode, offering both accuracy and user-friendliness. This eliminates the issue of locking onto unintended targets and allows for rapid switching between settings. The system integrates seamlessly with other Solas Tempus technology, such as Vertex Scanners or tactical visors, when a holographic scope is attached for enhanced situational awareness.

Versatile Power Options

Designed to use standard power cells for general operation, the A1 can also accommodate advanced high-powered cells without requiring any modifications. This ensures long-lasting and stable energy supply, allowing the weapon to remain operational for extended periods without the risk of overheating or explosion.

Advanced Safety Mechanisms

Incorporates multiple layers of safety features to prevent unintended firing. The first layer is an advanced safety mode that electronically prevents accidental discharge. The second layer is a physical safety switch that disconnects the triggering mechanism from the control computer, offering an additional level of security for both the operator and bystanders.

Device Security and User Authentication

The A1 is equipped with a security feature that allows it to be easily locked or unlocked. When assigned, the weapon is locked to a specific user and can be authenticated through external means such as a standard-issue communicator or a biometric scan. The biometric scanner is located at the rear of the barrel, where the firing information display is also situated, ensuring that only authorized personnel can operate the weapon.

Field-Ready Maintenance and Durability

The A1 is engineered for easy field stripping and maintenance, requiring minimal specialized training or tools for upkeep. It is designed to be resistant to liquid and particulate contaminants, featuring multiple redundancies in key systems to ensure reliability. Diagnostics are straightforward when using a Vertex Scanner, but the weapon itself is constructed to be easily dismantled and repaired with minimal expertise, making it highly suitable for field operations.

Components

The MultiTac A1 Hand Phaser is primarily composed of three major components: the Emitter Assembly, the Power Cell Compartment with Indicators, and the Control Computer. The Emitter Assembly is the front end of the weapon, utilizing advanced nadion particle technology to offer various firing modes. The Power Cell Compartment serves as the weapon's energy source housing, designed to accommodate both standard and high-powered cells, and features a straightforward power-reserve indicator. The Control Computer is the internal microprocessor that manages all functions, including firing modes and safety mechanisms. These components are designed for easy field stripping and maintenance, making the A1 highly reparable and reliable in various operational conditions.

Emitter Assembly

The front end of the weapon where the energy beam or pulse is emitted. Incorporates advanced nadion particle technology for various firing modes.

Power Cell Compartment and Indicators

Serves as the housing for the weapon's energy source and is designed to accommodate both standard and advanced high-powered cells without modification. Features a power-reserve measure with four indicators located by the trigger, showing capacities at 100%, 75%, 50%, and less than 25%. The color of the indicator light specifies whether a high-power or standard power cell is in use.

Control Computer

The internal microprocessor that manages all of the weapon's functions, including firing modes, safety mechanisms, and power management.

Firing Mechanism

The physical components that initiate the firing sequence, including the trigger and related circuitry. Can be disconnected from the control computer via a physical safety switch.

Systems Access and User Interface

Features two main control surfaces for user interaction. The first is located at the rear of the barrel, incorporating the firing information display, primary control buttons, and a biometric scanner for user authentication. The second is a panel on the right side along the barrel, which becomes accessible for detailed beam or pulse settings when the device is set to Manual control mode.

Biometric Scanner

Integrated into the rear of the barrel, this scanner is used for device security and user authentication.

Hardware Extension Slot

Located on the top of the weapon, this slot allows for the attachment of various hardware add-ons like holographic scopes, sensor arrays, or output boosters.

Tactical Mode Interface

A specialized circuit that allows for rapid switching between settings and integrates with other Solas Tempus technology, such as Vertex Scanners or tactical visors.

Outer Casing

The external shell of the weapon, designed to be resistant to liquid and particulate contaminants. Features ergonomic design for comfortable use.

Design History

In 2388, the MultiTac A1 became the standard sidearm for all Solas Tempus personnel, culminating a development process that began with the problematic MultiTac X series prototypes. Initially introduced as the MultiTac X6 in 2382, this final prototype successfully addressed the operational, maintenance, and safety issues that had plagued earlier versions, leading to its rebranding as the A1 and limited production. By 2385, it had been standardized for specialized security teams like Tactical Command (TACCOM), thanks to its multi-modal capabilities and robust design.

Models X1, X2, and X3 Prototypes (Tested in 2371 to 2377)

The MultiTac X1 served as the inaugural prototype in the series, with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing phaser technology through its multi-modal capabilities. It was equipped with a nadion particle beam that had adjustable settings for stun, kill, and disintegration. Additionally, the prototype debuted a "Tactical Mode" designed for rapid switching between these settings. However, during field tests, this "Tactical Mode" malfunctioned in a catastrophic manner. The weapon began to discharge randomly across all settings, leading to unintended injuries and collateral damage. Due to this critical safety failure, the X1 never advanced beyond the prototype stage.

Seeking to rectify the X1's deficiencies, the MultiTac X2 prototype was developed with a more reliable "Tactical Mode" and optimized power consumption. This version also featured advanced targeting systems and an ergonomic design, both of which were influenced by new technological splices into the Blazing Umbra Station. Despite these improvements, the prototype encountered a critical flaw during testing: the "Tactical Mode" interfered with the new targeting systems, causing the weapon to lock onto unintended targets, including friendly units. This malfunction resulted in a disastrous live-fire exercise, leading to the immediate shelving of the X2 prototype.

Intended to be the ultimate iteration of the X series, the MultiTac X3 prototype was engineered with a robust design for increased durability and utilized advanced power cells to extend its battery life. Both the "Tactical Mode" and the targeting system were overhauled to function cohesively. However, during the final testing phase, the advanced power cells became unstable and detonated. This explosion caused extensive damage to the testing facility and posed a severe safety risk. Consequently, this catastrophic event led to the immediate termination of the X3 project and prompted a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire MultiTac X series.

Models X4 and X5 Prototypes (Testing in 2378 and 2379)

The MultiTac X4 was developed to overcome the catastrophic failures of its predecessors. While it successfully avoided such outcomes, it introduced a new set of challenges that prevented its deployment. The prototype was plagued by frequent operational failures, often refusing to fire or switch modes when needed. These issues necessitated frequent maintenance, driving up the costs and making it economically unfeasible for large-scale deployment. Additionally, the maintenance procedures were complex, requiring specialized training that presented a steep learning curve for Starfleet personnel. Due to these operational and economic limitations, the X4 was not approved for mass production.

Following the failure of the X4, the MultiTac X5 aimed to resolve the operational and maintenance issues that plagued the X4. While it succeeded in offering a more reliable operation and lower maintenance costs, it introduced a critical safety concern. The prototype was prone to accidental discharge during the drawing of the weapon, posing a significant risk to both the operator and bystanders. Despite numerous attempts to rectify this issue, a viable solution was not found in this iteration of the prototype. As a result, the X5 was also deemed unfit for deployment.

MultiTac X6 Phaser Prototype (Tested in 2382)

The MultiTac X6 emerged as the final prototype in the X series, designed to address and rectify the myriad issues that plagued its predecessors. It successfully cleared all testing phases, demonstrating operational reliability, ease of maintenance, and safety across a range of conditions. Recognizing its success, the prototype was rebranded as the MultiTac A1 Hand Phaser and transitioned into limited production. By 2385, the A1 had not only proven its effectiveness but had also become the standard issue for various specialized security teams, including Tactical Command (TACCOM). Its multi-modal capabilities and robust design made it a preferred choice for these elite units.

Acceptance as Standard Side Arm

In 2388, the MultiTac A1 reached a significant milestone: it was adopted as the standard sidearm for all Solas Tempus personnel. This decision was based on years of successful operation and overwhelmingly positive field feedback. The weapon's journey from a challenging prototype to a reliable, standard-issue sidearm stands as a compelling testament to the rigorous testing and iterative development that characterized its creation.