Designed and developed in the 20th century by the (then) United States of America, PAVETAC was a laser guidance system originally used to guide warheads dropped from aircraft. It functioned by painting the intended target with a laser beam, allowing warhead flight-path corrections based on position relative to the guidance beam.
The PAVETAC system of 2053 is an updated version of this targeting system. Contained solely in microtronics and upgraded for higher reliability and cybernetic implant, the PAVETAC system is now used for field guidance of launched missiles. This system functions as an eye and headware modification designed to broadcast a tightbeam laserguide. Launched missiles, whether from a portable launcher or installation, correct their flight path as long as the target is illuminated by the PAVETAC laser (and the warhead is PAVETAC capable).
This combat system comes in several levels, each more sophisticated than the previous. In order to hit a target with a warhead using the system, it is necessary to make a lock test which determines whether the laser system is providing enough correction capability for the inbound warhead to hit its designated target. The gamemaster should calculate a target number as usual, but it should not be modified by laser sights, smartlinks, or any other weapon system (but negative modifiers that raise the target number, such as cover and movement, do apply). The only other modifier to this target number comes in the form of a lock adjustment, found below. Once a modified target number is obtained, roll a number of dice equal to the character's relevant combat skill (typically gunnery) plus an extra number of lock dice (also found below) against the target number. One success insures that the warhead hits its designated target (no scatter), and damage should be resolved normally. If a single success is not achieved in the test, scatter should be rolled for and the point at which the warhead impacts determined.
PAVETAC warheads cost three times as much as standard rockets (available in AVR, APR, and HER forms) and have an availability of 10. Standard rockets are unusable with a PAVETAC system.
|
Level |
Lock Dice |
Lock Adjustment |
Essence Cost |
Price |
|
1 |
+1 |
-2 |
0.3 |
15000 Y |
|
2 |
+2 |
-3 |
0.5 |
35000 Y |
|
3 |
+4 |
-5 |
0.9 |
75000 Y |
[Drek! I've seen someone
with a PAVETAC system in action, and it's just too fraggin' scary. A bunch
of us were on a run to haul a couple of convicts back to Seattle, and my
friend Ridge was stalkin' up 'em. Next thing I know, a guy is perched with
a portable launcher, and this ever-so-fine beam is on Ridge. Seconds later,
Ridge is relocated to the surrounding countryside. It was enough for the
rest of us to bug out.]
Torch
[I'll take credit for that shot.
You'd better not come back, either.]
Buck Flash
[That was a very nice
shot, sir!]
William