Further Information

- Military Doctrine
- Army Organization
- Weapons
BlasTech DH-17 Pistol
BlasTech DL-44 Pistol
BlasTech E-11 Rifle
BlasTech T-21 Rifle
E-Web Repeating Blaster
PLX-2 Missile Launcher
Thermal Detonator
Proton Grenade
Vibroax
- Armor
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PLX-2 Portable Missile Launcher

The PLX-2, or "Plex," combination missile and rocket launcher is the newest standard-issue weapon for rapid, high-powered projectile response. It is used against vehicles, fortifications, atmospheric craft and other projectiles. It is especially suitable as an anti-repulsorcraft weapon.

The launcher is an over-the-shoulder device operated by one person. It fires "dumb" rockets in a line-of-sight attack, or can program and fire the smart Gravity-Activated Mode (GAM) guided missile designed for use with this weapon. The Plex chambers one projectile and holds a second in reserve.

Guided missile tracking modes are selected with the push of a firing stud on the launcher housing. Two different modes are supported. In EPR mode, the GAM homes on intense infrared sources, such as vehicle or missile exhaust. In the Gravity-Activated Mode for which the missile is named, its onboard computer first records the target’s silhouette. It pursues that image until it is close enough to lock onto the gravity-wave anomalies that are the signature of repulsorlift propulsion. The GAM missile can pursue a target for 40 kilometers before its fuel expires.

The Plex is lightweight, a nice change from other systems. But it can’t take rough handling or the targeting system falls apart. It can be repaired with standard maintenance tools, but that takes about an hour. And there’s no time for that if you’re in the middle of action. You can override a broken targeting system and fire it anyway, but there’s no guarantee you’ll hit anything. If you fire a rocket, you’re all right — that’s line of sight. But if it’s a GAM, one or the other of the tracking systems kicks in and there’s no telling which.

A small problem for careless troopers is the firing stud. You have to tap it twice — once to set the guidance system and a second time to fire. I’ve seen troopers in a hurry press it only once, then wonder why the missile didn’t fire.

Aside from those things, a Plex-fired GAM is the best seek-and-destroy weapon that exists for use against repulsorcraft. It’s fast, and almost impossible to shake once it locks onto a target. The GAM’s visual tracking system can be confused by other images in the sky. Good evasive maneuvers can lose the missile, too. But once it’s caught a repulsor signature, that craft is gone.