A plasma-based weapon from Hellion Arms LLC, the AWEB (Assault Weapon, Energy Based) is a fully automatic plasma rifle, used by multiple armed forces.
The AWEB uses a rotating cylinder brought into firing position by a manual pump that doubles and the handguard. Each chamber of this cylinder contains around .45 kg (1 lb) of solid oxygen, which is enough to fire about 30 times before a rechamber is required. Reloading is a simple process, as the cylinder is removable and swings out to the left.
Other than its unique action, the AWEB differs from other plasma-based weapons in other ways. For example, the fixed scope has a variable zoom function, able to switch between 1.4x, 3x, and 7.6x. Additionally, it has a smart threat detection system, where it can tag both friendly and hostile units in the field. This is done by programming the weapon to recognize microchips implanted in the helmets of friendly troops. Personnel with this chip that are tagged by the scope are deemed "friendly" and those tagged without the chip are seen as "hostile."
Though many representatives of Hellion Arms call this weapon a "plasma assault rifle," this is not the case. An assault rifle is designated by four main prerequisites: it must be light enough for the average infantry to carry, it must be capable of fully automatic fire, it must have a detachable magazine, and it must have a light cartridge. Even if you count the oxygen cylinder as a "detachable magazine," the weapon's plasma rounds are not considered a cartridge, meaning the weapon is most correctly termed a "light plasma weapon."
The AWEB's only production line is located on Charon's southernmost point, which is one of the coldest places in the nearby extrasolar neighborhood. This low temperature is required to solidify the oxygen used to power the AWEB.