Name:  Medium 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).

BattleMechsIndustrialMechsCombat Vehicles

Prototype Date:	3070
Production Date:	3072
Extinction Date:	—
Recovery Date:	—

BattleMech Specific Construction Rules

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT COMBAT AND CONSTRUCTION TABLE
RULES LEVEL PROGRESSION TABLE
ALPHA STRIKE WEAPON CONVERSION TABLE
MegaMek Output → Weapon List:  Medium VSP Laser
MegaMek Output → Critical Slot:  ISMediumVSPLaser
Record Sheet Output → Critical Slot:  Medium VSP Laser

Prototype Date:	3070
Production Date:	3072
Extinction Date:	—
Recovery Date:	—

IndustrialMech Specific Construction Rules

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT COMBAT AND CONSTRUCTION TABLE
RULES LEVEL PROGRESSION TABLE
ALPHA STRIKE WEAPON CONVERSION TABLE
MegaMek Output → Weapon List:  Medium VSP Laser
MegaMek Output → Critical Slot:  ISMediumVSPLaser
Record Sheet Output → Critical Slot:  Medium VSP Laser

Prototype Date:	3070
Production Date:	3072
Extinction Date:	—
Recovery Date:	—

Combat Vehicle Specific Construction Rules

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT COMBAT AND CONSTRUCTION TABLE
RULES LEVEL PROGRESSION TABLE
ALPHA STRIKE WEAPON CONVERSION TABLE
MegaMek Output → Weapon List:  Medium VSP Laser
MegaMek Output → Critical Slot:  ISMediumVSPLaser
Record Sheet Output → Critical Slot:  Medium VSP Laser