Z-6 Rotary Blaster Cannon

Z-6 Rotary Blaster Cannon
Model: Merr-Sonn Munitons Inc. Z-6 Rotary Blaster Cannon
Type: Chaingun
Scale: Character
Skill: Blaster: Rotary blaster
Weight: 16kg
Ammo: 20; Can be attached to a power generator for longer use
Cost: 5,500; Power Packs: 150
Availability: 4, X
Range: 3-50/150/400 (750 meters maximum range)
Damage: 7D+1

Notes: The Z-6 is truly a Heavy Blaster; the size and weight of this weapon require a minimum Strength of 3D to wield properly and cannot be lifted by someone with less than 2D Strength. Characters with low strength attempting to use the Z-6 do so at higher difficulty, all range increments are treated as one higher, unless the weapon is tripod mounted.

Due to the weapon's design, it is impossible to fire a single round. 5 ammo are consumed in a single shot as the weapon rapidly fires, resulting in the weapon's high damage rating.

This weapon is equipped with a Burst Mode, firing up to 166 rounds per second. A burst may be targeted on a single target, dealing 8D damage, or may be fired in an arc, dealing regular damage against those within the firing arc. A separate skill roll (without additional multiple action penalties) is required for each target within the burst arc. A full clip allows for three bursts. The burst mode generates significant recoil; a Moderate Strength roll is required after each burst to maintain control of the gun and fire the next round.

Description: The Z-6 rotary blaster cannon was a heavy weapon that fired a massive spray of blaster bolts at a target. It was similar to a heavy repeating blaster, except it did not require a tripod to operate and thus could be carried by a single heavy weapon specialist. The Z-6 was large and unwieldy and required training to use effectively.

Working around a basic limitation in capabilities inherent in typical man-portable blaster weapons, the Z-6 incorporated a rotary assembly of six barrels, each with its own actuating chamber, wrapped around a coolant-lined core. The galven circuitry used in the blaster meant that the Z-6 had both a high cyclic discharge rate and good cooling, allowing for a tremendous sustained rate of fire (up to roughly 166 discrete full-powered shots per second).

Despite its impressive firepower, the weapon had several notable limitations, specifically the high rate of energy pack consumption, significant weight, and powerful recoil. The weapon is thus considered a special-issue arm deployed in specific situations, rather than a general purpose weapon. Efforts by Merr-Sonn to counteract its limitations were not completely successful, and variants that addressed those issues tended to end up being trade-offs.

Clone trooper Hevy used the Z-6 during his training as well as on the Rishi moon outpost. When approaching the command center, the gun had jammed on him.

The rotary blaster cannon required a power pack to operate; after 20 shots, the power pack must be replaced. This weapon could also be attached to a power generator for longer use. It weighed 16 kg and cost 5,500 credits, but its sale was restricted for military use only.