Approved Ranged Weapon Nox E-9 "Harrier"

[VesperWorks]

Nox E-9 "Harrier"​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: A mass-produced burst-fire blaster pistol optimized for close-quarters combat, used by Atramentum enforcers, troopers and shipboard security forces.
Image Source: MidJourney
Canon Link: N/A
Permissions: N/A
Primary Source: N/A

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Nox Munitions (Subsidiary of VesperWorks)
Affiliation: Nox Munitions, VesperWorks, Project Vesper, Serina Calis, Atramentum
Market Status: Closed-Market
Model: Nox E-9 "Harrier"
Modularity: Yes

• Fire selector chip (semi-auto / 3-round burst)
• Muzzle device options (compensator, recoil shroud, suppressor mount)
• Grip configurations (tactical / biometric / armored glove-compatible)

Production: Mass-Produced
Material:

• Duraplast Outer Casing:
  Encasing the weapon is a matte-black duraplast composite shell that resists scuffing, corrosion, and environmental pitting. The shroud includes ferrosilk-laced microtexturing that subtly distorts common electromagnetic scans, reducing detectability in standard sweep-and-clear operations. While not true stealth-grade, it offers a degree of passive concealment in urban and metallic environments.
• Reinforced Durasteel Internal Frame:
  The skeletal structure of the Harrier is forged from a hardened durasteel alloy refined under high-torque molecular compression. This gives the weapon exceptional strength and rigidity while resisting warping from repeated plasma discharges. The internal frame is machined to endure violent recoil shock and extreme pressure fluctuations during rapid fire—crucial for burst-fire stability.
• Ceramaweave-Lined Heat Vent Sheath:
  The internal barrel assembly is wrapped in a thin ceramaweave sheath—an advanced, fire-resistant fiber used in repulsor engines and reactor housings. This lining absorbs and dissipates thermal load from repeated burst sequences, allowing the weapon to operate longer without entering heat lockdown. It also acts as a secondary protection buffer against internal plasma misfires.
• Impact-Dampening Polymer Grip with Gel Core:
  The Harrier's grip is constructed from reinforced thermopolymer molded over a core of reactive damping gel. This ergonomic composite absorbs micro-vibrations and disperses the harsh recoil generated by the pistol's burst function. It is also resistant to both electrical shorts and flame exposure, allowing the weapon to remain stable even in breach fire or damaged corridors.
• Titanite-Reinforced Firing Chamber Rails:
  A set of titanite-infused ceramic rails line the plasma bolt channel within the chamber, guiding energy releases with minimal degradation over time. This specialized material blend tolerates extreme temperatures and resists energy pitting, ensuring the emitter matrix remains accurate even after hundreds of rounds in burst mode.
• Non-Ferrous Alloy Fasteners & Screws:
  All internal screws, tension pins, and modular mounts are composed of a non-magnetic, rustproof alloy. This prevents degradation in high-moisture or vacuum environments and ensures long-term field reliability. It also allows operatives to safely magnet-mount or holster the pistol in zero-G operations without interference.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Blaster Pistol
Size: Small
Weight: Average
Ammunition Type: Power cell & Tibanna gas canister
Ammunition Capacity:

• Power Cell: Large (45 shots)
• Gas Canister: Average (30 reload cycles)

Effective Range: Personal
Rate of Fire: High (3-round burst mode; semi-auto mode available)
Damage Output: High
Recoil: High

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Modular Fire Selector (Semi-Auto / Burst Mode):
  The Harrier's onboard fire control system allows the user to switch between precise single shots and devastating 3-round burst fire. The selector module is electronically hardened and switchable via a recessed slide toggle or integrated HUD command (for linked gear), enabling the wielder to adapt in real time to changing combat environments.
• Modular Muzzle Assembly Port (Attachment Compatible):
  At the business end of the Harrier lies a reinforced muzzle assembly rail compatible with a variety of tactical attachments. The most common options include:
  • Recoil Compensator: Redirects plasma vent gases to reduce muzzle climb.
  • Flash Dampener: Suppresses bolt bloom in low-light zones.
  • Blast Cone Brake: Increases spread but adds shockwave impact in tight environments.
    This system allows a single Harrier frame to serve multiple battlefield roles—from stealthy breach to riot control.
• Heat-Cycled Ceramaweave Barrel Liner:
  A proprietary heat-venting ceramaweave sheath lines the inner barrel, protecting it from chamber burnout during extended burst-fire usage. It works in tandem with vent channels along the upper slide to bleed off excess thermal buildup and minimize the likelihood of plasma discharge irregularities, especially in vacuum or enclosed shipboard conditions.
• HUD-Linked Ammunition & Heat Display:
  The E-9 Harrier can transmit live data to compatible VesperWorks or Sith military HUDs, including:
  • Remaining shots in the power cell
  • Number of reload cycles on the gas canister
  • Chamber temperature and vent timing
  • Suggested cooldown intervals
    This data helps reduce accidental overloads and allows more precise burst pacing during fast engagements.
• Plasma Pulse Channeling System (PPCS):
  A miniature stabilizer grid inside the emitter node synchronizes all three rounds in a burst to ensure cohesion and tight spread. This feature drastically increases damage output within the pistol's effective range by focusing the bolt grouping with near-zero variance, even under recoil.
• Shock-Gel Infused Tactical Grip:
  The pistol's grip utilizes a specialized shock-absorption gel infused beneath a textured thermopolymer shell. This not only mitigates the notorious recoil of burst fire but allows for better grip retention in high-moisture or blood-slick combat zones. It remains stable even under heavy glove use or partial cybernetic manipulation.
• Quick-Release Field Maintenance Hatch:
  Accessible via a pressure-toggle near the gas chamber, this hatch allows the operator to clear jams, swap power cells, or conduct quick system resets without needing a bench or tools. Designed for zero-G and field use, it makes the Harrier one of the easiest burst-capable pistols to maintain under battlefield conditions.
• Stun Modulator Attachment:
  In law enforcement or crowd-control deployments, the Harrier can be fitted with a pulse dispersion modulator that converts plasma bursts into blunt-force stun waves. Though less lethal, the spread can incapacitate multiple unarmored targets at once—ideal for riot squads, prison deployment, or political suppression units.
• Tactical Suppression Effect (With Flash Cone Muzzle):
  While not a true area-of-effect weapon, the Harrier's optional blast cone muzzle disrupts ambient air and ionizes bolt impact to generate a concussive "thump" at close range. This has a mild stunning effect on nearby enemies, disorienting those in narrow corridors or low-gravity chambers—useful for breaching fire teams.

STRENGTHS

• Devastating Close-Quarters Burst Fire:
  The Harrier's core advantage lies in its ability to deliver a rapid 3-round burst of tightly grouped plasma bolts. At close range, this results in near-instant lethality against most unarmored or lightly armored opponents. A single trigger pull can neutralize a threat before it can react—a critical edge in boarding actions, hallway fights, and room-clearing scenarios.
• Modular Tactical Customization:
  Equipped with a modular muzzle rail and interchangeable grip configurations, the Harrier can be field-adapted to various combat roles without requiring a new platform. Whether outfitted with a recoil compensator for urban engagements, a stun modulator for security duty, or a flash cone for breaching, the Harrier offers unmatched flexibility for a sidearm in its class.
• Superior Suppression & Shock Value:
  The Harrier's burst fire generates significant acoustic and visual impact. This not only disorients targets but also serves as psychological suppression—forcing enemies into cover or breaking ambush momentum. In small-unit operations, the pistol's distinct roar can give squads the time they need to maneuver, dominate, or extract.
• Advanced Heat Regulation for Burst Control:
  Internally lined with ceramaweave heat shielding, the Harrier can withstand repeated bursts without catastrophic failure. Though it still risks overheating under abuse, its design allows for sustained, tactically paced fire without permanent chamber damage. For trained operatives, this translates to a reliable, repeatable burst cycle during extended skirmishes.
• HUD Integration and Smart Feedback:
  Unlike many standard-issue pistols, the Harrier provides real-time feedback through smart-link integration with compatible helmets or wristpads. Operators receive live updates on power cell status, chamber heat, and recommended cooldown intervals—reducing the chance of misfire or thermal lockdown mid-combat. This grants elite troops a significant edge in situational awareness.
• Durable Construction & Field-Ready Maintenance:
  Crafted from reinforced durasteel and sealed against environmental hazards, the Harrier can survive drops, strikes, and rapid pressure changes often encountered in spaceborne or planetary siege operations. Its quick-release hatch and field-strip design allow troops to clear jams or swap cores on the fly, without needing tools or a workbench.
• Glove-Compatible Ergonomics:
  The Harrier's oversize trigger guard and shock-gel-infused grip were designed with combat gloves, powered gauntlets, and cybernetic limbs in mind. This ensures that even in full armor or EVA suits, users can draw, aim, and fire without delay—making it ideal for boarding parties, spacewalk fire teams, and atmospheric drop units.
• Crowd Control & Riot Suppression Variants:
  With the addition of the stun modulator, the Harrier becomes a powerful non-lethal deterrent capable of dispersing crowds, subduing prisoners, or controlling political uprisings. This allows security and occupation forces to scale force response without switching platforms, ensuring operational continuity across escalation levels.

WEAKNESSES

• Excessive Recoil in Burst Mode:
  The Harrier's 3-round burst unleashes a significant volume of energy in rapid succession, generating notable kickback—even with the internal dampening systems. While trained operatives can mitigate this with proper stance and grip, untrained users may struggle to control their aim across multiple shots, especially in fast engagements or while moving.
• Rapid Heat Buildup Under Sustained Use:
  Despite advanced internal heat regulation, the Harrier is not immune to thermal stress. Firing more than 4–5 consecutive bursts without pause can push the chamber close to lockdown threshold, triggering a forced cooldown cycle. In drawn-out firefights or suppressive scenarios, this limitation can leave the wielder temporarily disarmed, vulnerable, or reliant on backup weapons.
• Poor Long-Range Accuracy:
  Tuned for tight, short-range bolt cohesion, the Harrier's plasma dispersal pattern begins to destabilize sharply beyond 25–30 meters. At medium to long range, bolts scatter or lose energy integrity, making it unreliable for sniping, support fire, or stand-off tactics. This weapon excels in close quarters but flounders in open field engagements.
• Loud & Visually Distinctive Firing Signature:
  Unlike stealth-focused pistols, the Harrier's default profile is visually and audibly aggressive. Each burst produces a sharp, concussive report and visible plasma discharge, especially in low-light or zero-G environments. This makes it impossible to conceal its use in most environments, potentially revealing the operator's position during infiltration or ambush situations.
• Heavy for a Sidearm:
  Compared to conventional blaster pistols, the Harrier is noticeably bulkier and heavier due to its reinforced chamber, recoil system, and internal heat shielding. This extra weight slows draw time, strains holsters, and may fatigue the wielder in extended missions—particularly when carried as a backup weapon on a full loadout.
• Reduced Magazine Efficiency in Burst Mode:
  Burst fire drains power cells and gas canisters significantly faster than single-shot pistols. A single 3-round burst consumes nearly 3× the energy while only producing marginally more total damage output. This makes the Harrier ammo-hungry and forces operators to carry additional cells or risk running dry mid-mission.
• Requires Skilled Handling for Effectiveness:
  The Harrier's power comes with complexity. Optimal use requires understanding its burst pacing, recoil compensation, and heat threshold. In the hands of an untrained user, the Harrier is a wild and inefficient weapon—less accurate, prone to overheating, and difficult to control. It is not beginner-friendly and punishes poor form.

DESCRIPTION

Engineered by Nox Munitions, the military-grade sidearms division of VesperWorks, the Harrier emerged as a direct response to the limitations of the M-10 "Wraith." Where the Wraith was built for surgical assassination and quiet operations, the Harrier was born for chaos. It is a close-quarters weapon of brute force, designed to dominate corridors, breach killboxes, and clear interior ship decks in the opening seconds of contact.

Every aspect of its design prioritizes raw stopping power at close range. A single pull of the trigger unleashes a three-round burst of overcharged plasma bolts, each stabilized by an internal PPCS (Plasma Pulse Channeling System) to strike in tight formation. Against unarmored or lightly armored targets, this translates into total kinetic overmatch—a target doesn't just fall, they crumple. They collapse. They cease to be a threat.

Field-tested in the sealed hulls of drifting freighters and the pressure-locked corridors of deep-space outposts, the Harrier rapidly became a favorite among Deathdrop boarding teams, Sith-aligned enforcers, and Atramentum black cells operating in politically unstable zones. Its fearsome bark—a concussive thump that echoes like thunder in confined space—serves as both a warning and a promise: something just died around the corner.

But like all powerful tools, it has its costs.
The Harrier is heavy for a sidearm, and its recoil is not subtle. It can overheat. It cannot be concealed. It cannot be silenced. While it will annihilate an opponent at fifteen meters, it will struggle to hit them at forty. And it demands a steady hand and tactical awareness to prevent it from turning on the wielder through misfire or exhaustion. It is a force multiplier in trained hands—and a blunt, unpredictable hazard in anyone else's.

Still, what the Harrier lacks in elegance, it repays tenfold in utility. The weapon is highly modular, field-configurable, and built for abuse. From riot control units loading stun modulators to deep-space sentinels mounting blast cones for breach work, the Harrier adapts to battlefield roles without losing its identity: close-range overwhelm.

 

[Delsin Shaw]

VesperWorks

Approved