Futuristic takes on old weapons

[Ninjin]

I like the idea of having futuristic takes on older technology, like redesigning swords, slings, javelins, etc.

One idea is a redesigned Compound Bow and arrows using high tech technology. The bow uses advanced alloys and instead of using tension to fling arrows, it uses 4 actuators down its length.

By placing your fingers on the string, a small current running through the bow string gets disrupted and the actuators keeping the bow's shape power down, allowing for an easy draw. When let go, the actuators immediately return the bow to its original shape, firing the arrow much further and faster than earlier bows. The actuators can also allow the bow to fold up and be stored on the hip.

High tech arrows also bring another aspect to the old technology, providing a variety of options.

Tracer arrow: Upon impact, the shaft of the arrow detaches and leaves the arrowhead attached to the target, sending out a constant signal that can be tracked.

Shock arrow: Upon impact, unleashes a surge of electricity capable of debilitizing an opponent or fry internal electronics of a robot or computer.

Antimatter arrow: Contains a small amount of anti-matter in the head of the arrow in an electromagnetic field that dissipates on impact, causing the antimatter to contact matter and result in a sizeable explosion. Alternatively, the arrow can be set to explode after a period of time or by remote.

Homing arrow: Upon firing, the arrow seeks out the established target using tiny thrusters near the head, allowing for minute alterations to trajectory mid-flight.

Plasma arrow: With a range finder built into the arrow, a burst of plasma is released a fraction of a second before impact from the tip of the arrow, drastically increasing the penetrating power.

 

[BlackBat242]

Muzzle-loading firearms.

The "charge" is a self-contained solid bullet/"powder" package. The whole thing is stuffed into the muzzle, then rammed down by the rammer stick (the bullet is pointed for easy "this end in first" identification.

The hammer is pulled back, but when the trigger is pulled the hammer merely hits a pressure-sensitive block that generates an electrical pulse on impact.

This pulse ignites the "powder" charge, firing the weapon.

The pressure-sensitive electrical-generating block would need to be replaced periodically... perhaps each time the weapon is fired, to simulate "priming the pan" or "installing the cap".


This would especially be common for "dueling pistols"... a matched pair of single-shot pistols is a "to the first hit" duel would be interesting if both shooters missed their first shot.

 

[mike wightman]

An antimatter arrow :file_28:

 

[DangerousThing]

An antimatter arrow :file_28:

I suppose you could try it, once.

Antimatter arrow - MCR 1
Using it: Priceless.

AntiMasterCard.

 

[DangerousThing]

Seriously now.

The Pump Action Laser

A laser rifle, perhaps a TL or so early, that uses an electrically charged gas for the lasing. The gas is in a cartridge, and this is loaded in something that looks like a pump action shotgun.

I wonder if the right type of shotgun could shoot normal types of shells and these? Though I'd imagine if you switched to laser shells without cleaning the gun, the beam would ignite any powder residue in the barrel...

 

[DaveChase]

Muzzle-loading firearms.

The "charge" is a self-contained solid bullet/"powder" package. The whole thing is stuffed into the muzzle, then rammed down by the rammer stick (the bullet is pointed for easy "this end in first" identification.

The hammer is pulled back, but when the trigger is pulled the hammer merely hits a pressure-sensitive block that generates an electrical pulse on impact.

This pulse ignites the "powder" charge, firing the weapon.

The pressure-sensitive electrical-generating block would need to be replaced periodically... perhaps each time the weapon is fired, to simulate "priming the pan" or "installing the cap".


This would especially be common for "dueling pistols"... a matched pair of single-shot pistols is a "to the first hit" duel would be interesting if both shooters missed their first shot.

www.google.com/patents/US20070137470

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/electric_ml/electricml.html

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWFf5KvFTo

These with these below.

Dave Chase

 

[Enoki]

I like the idea of having futuristic takes on older technology, like redesigning swords, slings, javelins, etc.

One idea is a redesigned Compound Bow and arrows using high tech technology. The bow uses advanced alloys and instead of using tension to fling arrows, it uses 4 actuators down its length.

By placing your fingers on the string, a small current running through the bow string gets disrupted and the actuators keeping the bow's shape power down, allowing for an easy draw. When let go, the actuators immediately return the bow to its original shape, firing the arrow much further and faster than earlier bows. The actuators can also allow the bow to fold up and be stored on the hip.

High tech arrows also bring another aspect to the old technology, providing a variety of options.

Tracer arrow: Upon impact, the shaft of the arrow detaches and leaves the arrowhead attached to the target, sending out a constant signal that can be tracked.

Shock arrow: Upon impact, unleashes a surge of electricity capable of debilitizing an opponent or fry internal electronics of a robot or computer.

Antimatter arrow: Contains a small amount of anti-matter in the head of the arrow in an electromagnetic field that dissipates on impact, causing the antimatter to contact matter and result in a sizeable explosion. Alternatively, the arrow can be set to explode after a period of time or by remote.

Homing arrow: Upon firing, the arrow seeks out the established target using tiny thrusters near the head, allowing for minute alterations to trajectory mid-flight.

Plasma arrow: With a range finder built into the arrow, a burst of plasma is released a fraction of a second before impact from the tip of the arrow, drastically increasing the penetrating power.

I'd go further and say that a fully guided crossbow bolt and arrow could be made available. If a .50 caliber machinegun can fire a guided bullet today either of the above would easily be possible. One where you have target recognition, IR, or possibly a remote laser designator like a guided bomb uses today. With proper aerofoils to allow maneuver on it this could be made to go around corners and such.
For deflade targets (ie., behind cover or in a trench etc.) you could launch a bolt or arrow at high trajectory to fall in the vicinity of the target and the guidance system would correct the fall to obtain a hit.

Another would be a rocket assisted round for bow or crossbow. You launch it like a regular inert bolt / arrow and at 10 to 20 feet from the release point the motor ignites and the bolt / arrow will accelerate giving several hundred yards range rather than maybe one or two hundred at most.

HEAT round: Same thing. Relies on explosives not speed. An enlarged head on the arrow or simply a larger diameter bolt in a crossbow.

Secondary firing arrow. The arrow shaft is hollow and made of a very strong material allowing it to act like a gunbarrel. It comes pre-loaded with a powder charge and bullet that fires on impact with the target. This would be very useful against body armor where the arrow pierces enough to stick but not injure followed by the target being shot at point blank (literally) range by a gun round that will pierce the body armor at contact range.

 

[aramis]

Seriously now.

The Pump Action Laser

A laser rifle, perhaps a TL or so early, that uses an electrically charged gas for the lasing. The gas is in a cartridge, and this is loaded in something that looks like a pump action shotgun.

I wonder if the right type of shotgun could shoot normal types of shells and these? Though I'd imagine if you switched to laser shells without cleaning the gun, the beam would ignite any powder residue in the barrel...

chem-laser ruounds could be made for shotguns and very pistols

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

Look I know the others are too nice to say it, but...

I like the idea of having futuristic takes on older technology, like redesigning swords, slings, javelins, etc.

One idea is a redesigned Compound Bow and arrows using high tech technology. The bow uses advanced alloys and instead of using tension to fling arrows, it uses 4 actuators down its length.

By placing your fingers on the string, a small current running through the bow string gets disrupted and the actuators keeping the bow's shape power down, allowing for an easy draw. When let go, the actuators immediately return the bow to its original shape, firing the arrow much further and faster than earlier bows. The actuators can also allow the bow to fold up and be stored on the hip.

High tech arrows also bring another aspect to the old technology, providing a variety of options.

Tracer arrow: Upon impact, the shaft of the arrow detaches and leaves the arrowhead attached to the target, sending out a constant signal that can be tracked.

Shock arrow: Upon impact, unleashes a surge of electricity capable of debilitizing an opponent or fry internal electronics of a robot or computer.

Antimatter arrow: Contains a small amount of anti-matter in the head of the arrow in an electromagnetic field that dissipates on impact, causing the antimatter to contact matter and result in a sizeable explosion. Alternatively, the arrow can be set to explode after a period of time or by remote.

Homing arrow: Upon firing, the arrow seeks out the established target using tiny thrusters near the head, allowing for minute alterations to trajectory mid-flight.

Plasma arrow: With a range finder built into the arrow, a burst of plasma is released a fraction of a second before impact from the tip of the arrow, drastically increasing the penetrating power.

I am sorry Hawkeye, you aren't really a super hero.

 

[far-trader]

I am sorry Hawkeye, you aren't really a super hero.

OK, you're off my Christmas list!

( A longtime-ago Hawkeye fan )

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

Now on a serious note.

As for the pump action or revolver laser. I would just make the barrel the lasing tube and have the round be a quick discharge power cell.

Now about these muzzle loading firearms. I liked it till you got to the priming the pan bit. Seems silly to add an unnecessary step in there just to make it a Space Musket. I mean the muzzle loading is cool. I can teach some Native Infantry from TL-3 to use the things with no problem.

Drop this part in the tube, pointy end up. Smack it one with this rod. Point and pull this lever here. And...BOOM! Got that?​

Making the poor savages have to go through priming the pan is just one more thing they can screw up.

Just saying.

EDIT: Oh and for all the obnoxiousness of my Hawkeye comment, I really do like the actuator bow. That is actually pretty sweet to my non-bow using eyes. I thought you might want to know that. The arrows, those I am biased against, but I can't see why not in a lot of their cases. And oh, sure, you can have the MCr 2 AM Arrow. :devil:

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

Oh darn.

OK, you're off my Christmas list!

( A longtime-ago Hawkeye fan )

Well, it's not my fault it's true.

I was always, Cap, Tony and Petey, with Vision running in fourth. I can't help it, I love the tech. And don't worry, I am going to have this talk with Oliver too. :devil:

Then I have to break it to Bruce that he does have powers and we here in the government would really like him to come and get tested and indexed.

 

[rancke]

I'm not sure I believe in the shotgun laser shells, but I absolutely love the idea of breaking open a TL5 shotgun, dropping in two laser-shot shells, and blazing away.

The laser shells would have to be VERY expensive to explain why they're not a standard option on the Traveller weapons lists, but they'd be a lovely ace in the hole for one of my NPCs. :devil:


Hans

 

[far-trader]

Well, I have done up the laser cartridge revolver. A shotgun/rifle version wouldn't be much of a stretch.


http://www.travellerrpg.com/CotI/Discuss/showthread.php?p=334747

 

[DaveChase]

I do not see any reason not to have laser (12ga) shotgun style rounds.

We currently have 12ga taser rounds that will work in a shotgun or the special made shotgun that can only fire the 12ga taser rounds.

Plus there is the 12ga rocket that only works in break open style shotguns

I see 2 versions of this kind of firearm/ammo
1) is a self contained round that works only with break open style shotguns. It takes a the 12ga (or 10ga) size to hold the round because of the laser and high power, quick discharge capacitors.
2) is a laser round that is designed for special use shotgun. This shotgun has several recharagable high power, quick discharge capacitors built into the stock. The shotgun can fire standard shotgun rounds but the shotgun itself is twice as heavy as normal shotgun. Also if a laser round is fired after shooting regular shotgun shells and is not cleaned first, there is a chance of misfire and the barrel melting. At the very least the barrel starts to heat up with each shot of the laser if barrel is not cleaned.

The difference between the 2 types of shells is the amount of damage that they do. Number 1 shell has a small diameter beam since it does not use the barrel to keep the beam aimed, is a -1 to hit.
Number 2 shell is more focused (accurate) and can cause greater damage to target.
Also, since the power for the shell is in the shotgun, the shotgun does not need to be reloaded for each shot. (Most shotguns of this time have enough power for 6 shots of the laser round before needing recharge. They can be hooked up to a power pack which will recharge 1 shot per 3 combat rounds)

Number 1 shell can be used in the special shotgun also, but gains no special benefits other than it can be fired more than once from the shotgun's power source.

Dave Chase

 

[Khan Trav]

How about a laser or plasma type claymore mine?

 

[aramis]

I'm not sure I believe in the shotgun laser shells, but I absolutely love the idea of breaking open a TL5 shotgun, dropping in two laser-shot shells, and blazing away.

The laser shells would have to be VERY expensive to explain why they're not a standard option on the Traveller weapons lists, but they'd be a lovely ace in the hole for one of my NPCs. :devil:


Hans

the corrosive, hot, toxic post reaction chemicals are hell on the barrels.

laser pistol type range.

 

[BlackBat242]

Now about these muzzle loading firearms. I liked it till you got to the priming the pan bit. Seems silly to add an unnecessary step in there just to make it a Space Musket. I mean the muzzle loading is cool. I can teach some Native Infantry from TL-3 to use the things with no problem.

Drop this part in the tube, pointy end up. Smack it one with this rod. Point and pull this lever here. And...BOOM! Got that?​

Making the poor savages have to go through priming the pan is just one more thing they can screw up.

Just saying.

The "priming" bit was more for the "prestige noble edition"... part of the whole image thing, pretending you are "doing it like the archaic shooters did".

I was viewing that as being part of the thread idea.


I fully agree with your comments as pertain to functional weapons intended for actual practical use, though... no sense making things more complex than necessary.

However, if that is where you are going, a modern version of the Springfield 1873 "trapdoor" would be even better.
"Lift this lever, drop this into the groove pointy-end forward, and push the door closed, making sure it clicks into place. Point & pull this lever."

Eliminates the separate rod, and decreases loading time. Loading can also be done with the weapon still pointed at the enemy.

Or go the break-open route:
"Push this button and let the barrel drop down. Drop this into the tube pointy-end first, and lift the barrel back up until it clicks. Point & pull this lever."

 

[Ninjin]

Liking all of these ideas. Love the plasma shotgun idea; great for when you need to be a space badass.


Gauss Blunderbuss: By loading the front of the barrel with various metal objects such as nails, bars, and other improvised material, significant damage can be done to a target at short range as they are launched magnetically. Very limited range.

Grav Javelin: Integrated with grav belt technology, the Grav Spear can be thrown much farther than a human could possibly throw.

Repulser knuckles: Using repulser technology, when being punched with these modified brass knuckles, you are knocked back upon impact.

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

I got a question.

Do gravitic hand grenades count?

I have a player who wanted to make a hand grenade that when it went off would project a gravity field. Which I can see might be useful. Though I think of them as more useful as gravitic mines used to bring those G-Carriers and Tanks down to the ground where they can be blasted by infantry with anti-vehicle rockets, but is just me.