AMC ATS-03 "Fire Flower"
Heavy Particle Rifle

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The ATS-03 is a Heavy Particle Rifle with experimental opening rails.

--- USER MANUAL ---

CONTROLS:
FireGuns - Use Gun
AG1 - Open Rails
AG2 - Antennas

( i ) Gun has a 4 second cooldown time.

--- End USER MANUAL ---

The ATS-03 is a Heavy Particle Rifle and a testbed for experimental outwards opening rails, hypothesized to aid cooling. It features a three-segment design like the other ATS-series Particle Rifles.

SIZE: (closed, with shields, antenna inward)
L 6580 mm
W 3650 mm
H 1910 mm

MASS: ~15 tons (with shields)

DESIGN

The ATS-03's speciality is its mobile electromagnetic rails, opening outwards by 15 degrees to allow for the faster cooling of the rails and emitter, especially when the unit is mounted on a fast-moving machine.

In the optimal firing mode, the panels are parallel to the firing direction, so that the plasma emitted is accurate in striking the target. The panels can be opened after the firing process.

The unit can be side- or base-mounted, and specialized heavy armor plates can be installed on unused side attachment points. The heavy attachment point is preferred due to its stability and reliability to send power to the unit.

Attachments: An option for ATS-03 units is the Advanced Guidance System. An optical sight and two rangefinders are equipped on the hull of the weapon.

PERFORMANCE

The ATS-03 is a Particle Rifle; it discharges a superheated mass at high speeds to damage enemy armor. The effective range in Earth conditions is about 3.0 km.

At its standard configuration, it launches a projectile and cools down for 4 seconds. Note that when it is mounted on a fast-moving machine like an attack spacecraft in atmosphere, it is able to cool down faster.

Opening the rails in a vacuum has no effect as there is no conduction to aid in cooling. All cooling will have to be done by the liquid cooling system (lighter than other similar energy weapons) in this case.

The ATS-03 does not perform as well as other similar energy weapons in space, but remains a great choice for atmospheric use.

USES

The ATS-03 can be mounted on various armored vehicles, Combat Walking Systems, spaceships, and stationary weapons platforms.

It is most effective when used on an attack spacecraft, but its large size and weight limits the number of spacecraft that can support it.

It is most often used on Heavy Combat Walking Systems, as additional armament for spaceships, and as an anti-spacecraft gun.

PRODUCTION

An estimated 350 ATS-03 units have been produced in its run time, under a built-to-order scheme.

Only militaries may purchase ATS-03 units. Later, ASTIND. Corporation produced a commercial variant under a different designation, which had a significantly (~40%) lower power output to adhere to UN regulations. About 400 of such units were produced.