A Plasma Rifle is the generic term for a man-portable, dedicated energy weapon designed to replace conventional slugthrower assault rifles (such as Pulse Rifles).
Unlike their earlier predecessors (such as the M78 PIG) or tripod-fixed plasma cannon cousins, most plasma rifles are intended to be carried by whole squads as their primary battle rifles, rather than used purely in a support or anti-armor role.
Appearances[]
Plasma rifles tend to feature more frequently in Aliens comic book and novel stories (such as Earth Hive), possibly due to their later time period compared to the original film trilogy, although such weapons' absence in Alien Resurrection suggests plasma weapons were never widely adopted for military use outside of some military forces.
"Phased plasma" weapons are mentioned by Hudson as being part of the USCM's available armory in the film Aliens, though the weapons are never seen or used in the film (although originally, it was their standard-issued weaponry in its original treatment). The video game Aliens: Colonial Marines later featured a weapon that was based on this dialog, which is a powerful charge-up beam rifle. Aliens: Fireteam Elite features a fully-automatic Hyperdyne Systems plasma rifle as one of the selectable weapons.
In the Predator series, Fireteam Voodoo might acquire a OWLF plasma rifle prototype and use it as one of the many possible weapons used by the group.
Specific Models[]
Specific models plasma rifles featured in media include:
- XM99A Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle, a weapon used by the USCM in the video game Aliens: Colonial Marines.
- Hyperdyne Systems EVI-87 Zvezda Plasma Rifle and its predecessor, the former weapon used by the UACM fireteam in Aliens: Fireteam Elite.
- 50 Watt Plasma Rifle, a weapon used in the novel Alien: Sea of Sorrows.
- Plasma Rifle Prototype, a weapon used by Fireteam Voodoo in the video game Predator: Hunting Grounds.
Non-Human Uses[]
The Yautja, who use plasma technology for their primary ranged weapons, have their own version of the plasma rifle called a "Burner".