Viewing Weapons & Equipment
Weapon & Equipment Information
General Details
Name:  Large VSP Laser
Type (Category):  Weapon (Energy)
Reference:  Tactical Operations: Advanced Units & Equipment (p. 133)

Description:
A variation of the pulse laser concept, the variable speed pulse laser (VSP laser) uses a series of rotating lenses and electronic cut-offs. This system enables the laser to track a target and alternate the speed with which it generates its pulses, based on range to target. This effect allows the VSP a greater range than a standard pulse laser, but at less damage potential and less accuracy, while such damage and accuracy are conversely increased at shorter ranges.

Game Rules:
In game play, Variable Pulse Lasers function as pulse lasers (and are compatible with targeting computers in the same fashion) in every way, except that the to-hit modifier and damage value changes depending upon the range bracket. At short range, VSP Lasers receive a –3 to-hit modifier and their maximum damage value, while at medium range, they receive a –2 to-hit modifier and reduced damage. At long range, a VSP Laser has a –1 to-hit modifier and delivers its lowest potential damage to the target.

Against conventional infantry, VSP Lasers are treated as direct-fire energy weapons, but add 1 point for attacking infantry at long range, 2 points for medium range and 3 points for short. For example, a Large VSP Laser (damage 11/9/7) attacking infantry at short range would inflict 5 casualties ([11 damage at short ÷ 10 = 1.1, round up to 2] + 3 for VSP short range = 5), while a Small VSP Laser hitting infantry at long range would strike only 2 troopers ([3 damage at long ÷ 10 = 0.3, round up to 1] + 1 for VSP long range = 2).
Unit Type Availability
BattleMechsIndustrialMechsCombat Vehicles
Inner Sphere Data (BattleMechs)
Prototype Date:  3070
Production Date:  3072
Extinction Date:  
Recovery Date:  

BattleMech Specific Construction Rules
May be mounted on Inner Sphere units in accordance with the following construction rules:
 May be equipped with a Laser Insulator

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT COMBAT AND CONSTRUCTION TABLE
Heat (Aero)
Damage (Aero)
Range (Aero)
Rating
Availability
Cost (C-bills)
Weight (Tons)
Criticals
Battle Value
Direct-Fire
Explosive
10 (10)
11/9/7 (10/7)
–/4/8/15 (Medium)
E
X-X-E-D
465,000
9
4
123.000

RULES LEVEL PROGRESSION TABLE
Start Year
End Year
Rules Level
3070
3071
Experimental
3072
3079
Advanced
3080
Standard

ALPHA STRIKE WEAPON CONVERSION TABLE
Heat
Short
Medium
Long
Extreme
Special Abilities
10
1.265
0.863

MegaMek Output → Weapon List:  Large VSP Laser
MegaMek Output → Critical Slot:  ISLargeVSPLaser
Record Sheet Output → Critical Slot:  Large VSP Laser