Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl
It is moving at around 0.05c, so it cannot really spread out that much over 100 km (it has around 66 milliseconds to spread). It uses an effect similar to the shape charge used for the nuclear bombs of the Orion drive. Instead of focusing it on a 60-degree arc, it focuses it on a 1-minute arc, which allows the explosion to do damage at a distance.
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Fair point if the velocity is that high. I had always tended to dismiss plasma weapons effectiveness but dont recall taking speed into account. If you can get it high enough dispersion seems a lot less a factor. In atmosphere you still have to deal with resistance of the medium so range is going to be reduced.