Originating as a joint research project by Diverse Optics Incorporated and Irian BattleMechs Unlimited, in 3040 with the goal of devising ways to improve the pulse laser series. Their efforts eventually bore fruit in 3045 resulting in the invention of the medium overcharged pulse laser (OC-PL). On paper the prototype seemed like a technological breakthrough matching the range of the venerable medium laser with the advantages of the medium pulse laser. However in practice the improvement came at the cost safety as the OC-PL lacked power inhibitors and dampening fields that make standard laser weapons safe to operate and inert when damaged.
In lieu of safety devices the OC-PL mounts a series of capacitors that allows the OC-PL to store an extra reserve of electricity to extend its firing range. Much like a gauss rifle if an OC-PL is struck there is a significant chance of an explosion. Compounding further each weapon has a usage time of roughly 200 hours before critical systems became unstable. All of this made the OC-PL unpopular in field tested ground units but found a niche in AeroSpace units already used to constant maintenance.
The small variant of the OC-PL proved unworkable and a series of missed milestones delayed the large OC-PL well into 3050. Eventually the project was abandoned all together with the Clan invasion as superior Clan salvage began to proliferate into the Inner Sphere. The legacy of the OC-PL faded with the introduction of the x-pulse series in 3057 which overcame the technical setbacks that plagued its development.
Damage[6] Heat[4] Range[3/6/9] Tons[2] Critical Slots[1] *If an OC-PL takes a critical hit, treat the result as a 5 point ammunition explosion in the location containing the OC-PL.
