Lasgun

This article refers to elements from Original Dune Pages for this subject as it appears in other canons: Lasgun article for Expanded Dune Lasgun article for The Dune Encyclopedia

A lasgun (or laser weapon) was a continuous-wave laser projector weapon that was perhaps the most widely used hand-held weapon in the Imperium. It commonly took the form of a pistol or rifle. Its firing pattern was typically a constant, narrow beam, but the nozzle could sometimes be adjusted to alter the width and spread of the beam. Its power source was a cell cartridge that could be replaced when depleted.

Size and form could vary from small, handheld lasguns to long field-models and large and armored heavy duty models. The Cutteray was essentially a Short-range version of a lasgun used mostly as a cutting tool and surgeon's scalpel.

During the days of the Old Imperium, lasguns were often ornate in their design, with detailed scrollwork embedded into their handles, which were usually some exotic wood. However, by the time of the Honored Matres, the designs had become less intricate and more functional.

Lasguns were the preferred weapon for armies. However, when shields were being employed, lasguns were generally not used because contact reaction between a lasgun beam and a shield created a nuclear explosion that often killed everyone within a large radius.

During the time of the Faufreluches, many soldiers and assassins preferred knives and swords in combat, both because they safely penetrated personal shields, and because of newfound appreciation for the art of swordsmanship.

Stats

Length: 45 - 90 centimeters (stock)
Mass: 2 - 5 kilograms
Settings: 3 (Pulse-fire, Arc-fire, Full burn)
Range: 5 - 225 meters
Ammunition: 100 charges in power cell (good for 100 pulses or 20 arcs per cell)

Extended Dune

Known models

• Lasgun
  • Laser Pistol (handheld Lasgun)
    • modern field-model lasguns
    • small lasgun
  • Lasrifle
    • long field model
  • Lascannon (large lasguns)
    • Antiaircraft weapons
    • antique harkonnen lasguns
    • Armored Lasgun
    • Assault Lasgun
    • heavy duty Lasgun
    • Lasbeams

Images of lasguns

Fremen guards armed with projectile rifles, carbines and lasguns, serving the Atreides (Frank Herbert's Children of Dune miniseries, 2003)

Jamis aiming a heavy lasgun from cover, during a Fremen evening ambush of Harkonnen harvesters and carryalls (Dune, 2021)

Fremen guerillas using lasguns to zap and damage Harkonnen harvesters and carryalls during evening ambush (Dune, 2021)

Fremen guerilla fighter firing captured lasgun at Harkonnen harvester during daytime ambush (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Fremen guerillas using lasguns to zap and damage Harkonnen harvesters during daytime ambush (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Fremen guerillas emerging from their hiding place beneath the sand, aiming lasguns at Harkonnen harvesters during daytime ambush (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

A Harkonnen warship firing a lasgun at Duncan Idaho's ornithopter (Dune, 2021)

Cutteray lasgun carried by the Sardaukar in the botanical testing station assault (Dune, 2021)

Gurney Halleck checking spice field, scouting ahead of a smuggler harvester, armed with sword and lasgun (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Smuggler spice harvester crew serving as dune men, armed with swords and lasguns for self-defence (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney Halleck aiming lasgun at Fremen attempting an ambush on his crew of a smuggler harvester (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney Halleck firing lasgun at Fremen attempting an ambush on his crew of a smuggler harvester (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney Halleck's lasgun worn on his belt, while he resorts to drawing a sword against incoming adversaries (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Armoured House troopers with lasguns (Dune CCG)

Lasgun Turret (Dune CCG)

See also

• Projectile weapons - Ranged weaponry shooting projectiles, either mechanical or firearms.
• Images of lasguns

External links

• Lasgun article at Technovelgy.com
• Cutteray article at Technovelgy.com