DC-15A blaster rifle

The DC-15A blaster rifle was the weapon of choice for the Republic's clone troopers in the Grand Army of the Republic. It was a larger, more powerful long-range alternative to the DC-15S blaster.

Characteristics


While the use of blasters freed a clone trooper from the need to carry projectile ammunition, the inherent instability of plasma gas meant the DC-15A was notoriously difficult to aim. For the well-trained clones of Kamino, however, this was not a problem. The blasters were powerful and deadly in the hands of the specially trained clone troopers. The rifle also sported a telescopic sight, normally stored under the rifle, but could be mounted on top for long range shots.

The weapon's tibanna gas cartridge carried enough gas for approximately 500 shots, depending on the power settings of the weapon (The highest power setting shot 50 rounds per clip). It fired blue plasma bolts that could destroy enemy infantry units. It is fully automatic.

The DC-15 could interface with the helmets of clones to provide a video gunsight on the clone trooper's helmet display. Mounted on a tripod, the maximum effective range of a DC-15A was 10 kilometers. On maximum power, a shot from a DC-15A could leave a 0.5 meter hole in any ferroconcrete wall.

History
Manufactured by BlasTech Industries, the DC-15-series was a range of plasma weapons used during the Clone Wars. Later, eight years into the reign of the Galactic Empire, anti-troopers bred on Kamino would used these weapons to fight against the Empire.

Behind the scenes
The DC-15A blaster rifle that the majority of the clone troopers carry in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith is based on parts from the German MG-34 General Purpose Machine Gun from World War II (the same gun was used as the basis for the DLT-19 heavy blaster rifle in the original trilogy), making up the rear half, as well as much of the BlasTech E-11 blaster rifle (carried by the Imperial stormtroopers from the original trilogy) turned upside-down for the front.