P.P.G. RIFLE

	class:	Earthforce Issued PPR
	type:	Mk.II & Mk. IX Phased Plasma Rifles contracts 4474-6652a & 7541-6222
	length:	68 to 80 centimeters
	mass:	3.6 kilograms
	power:	Fusion Batteries - Deuterium/Triterium
	ROUNDS:	32 to 64
	Optional security:	molecular coded grip fingerprint lock

Earthforce standard issued heavy assault weapons for personal use are the Auricon Mk. II PPG Rifle, and the Mk. IX Assault Rifle.  Both of these sturdy weapons are capable of firing between 32 and 64 rounds.  Like the standard issued Auricon EF-7 pistol, the PPG Rifles use a "cap" containing condensed helium along with a fusion battery to supply power. The weapon uses a laser to ionize the helium, turning it into a plasma. In turn, the plasma is contained in an electromagnetic bubble and then discharged by an electrical discharge that forced the helium plasma bolts out of the weapon at the speed of sound.

PPG rifles fire in the high kilowatt to low megawatt range, depending on the weapon's setting.  The higher the setting, the fewer total rounds these weapons are capable of firing before the cap must be replaced.  The Mark IX variant of the heavy assault rifle is by far the most powerful Earthforce issued plasma rifle available, capable of not only firing a steady stream of energized plasma, but also various gasses, projectiles and plasma grenades.