P.P.G. PISTOL

	class:	Auricon EF-7
	type:	Earthforce PPG Pistol contract 9091-7782
	length:	15 centimeters
	mass:	380 grams
	power:	Fusion Batteries - Deuterium/Triterium
	ROUNDS:	12
	Optional security:	molecular coded grip fingerprint lock

Earthforce's primary hand held weapon is the Auricon EF-7 PPG pistol.  The term PPG stands for "Phased Plaser Gun."  These weapons fire bolts of charged helium plasma, which is contained in a magnetic field.  "Caps", are highly condensed helium storage units and a nuclear battery in the grip supply energy to the weapon. Helium is ionized by a laser burst then a strong electrical discharge forces the plasma out of the weapon at high speeds.  PPG's can easily burn through organic tissue, bone and metal at higher energy levels.

The EF-7 has three power setting, each setting capable of inflicting a different level of damage.  Setting ONE produces a strong kinetic/electrical impact with little burning.  This is often referred to as a "stun" setting as the strong electrical charge can render a person immobile or unconscious.  Setting TWO is the weapon's kill setting, capable of causing serious surface damage to organic tissue.  Setting THREE is the highest setting on the EF-7.  While this can reduce the number of shots per cap to as little as four, this setting guaranties a kill and is strong enough to burn through metallic alloys.