XS-110 DEWS
With a wealth of forerunner weaponry being discovered on Requiem, the UNSC was eager to unlock the secrets of Hard-light weapon technology. While the full technology still remains hidden from the UNSC, partial success has been created in generating a weak hard-light beam, though the power of such a beam is minimal. A scientist researching captured forerunner weapons noted that the range of the hard-light beam was far greater over a long distance then a UNSC laser of similar power. While the laser was devastating at close range, it's power dropped vastly over a very short distance, while the hard-light beam remained consistent throughout various tests. The UNSC immediately began researching into it's potential.
Within a few months and at the cost of a frigate, the UNSC had developed a working prototype of it's revolutionary new energy weapon system. The weapon was a fusion of human and forerunner technology. A high-powered UV laser is protected inside a thin hard-light beam. The hard-light beam protects the laser from the negative effect of the atmosphere and dissipates on contact with the intended target, allowing the laser to deliver it's full power over a much, much greater range then was previously possible. The laser was powerful enough to cut through the hull of anything in it hit at a massive range of up to 2 miles. While the firepower is impressive, the visual trail is distinct and will give the position of the shooter away instantly.
While the weapon bears resemblance to the S-99 series of rifles, the weight of the weapon is much greater, due to the advanced power-system located where the clip normally would be. However, even this great burden could not power the weapon to be effective at any range beyond 200m. Thus the weapon can be modified to draw upon power from a Spatan-IV suit for a full power shot effective to over 2 miles. However, the firing the weapon drains full power from various systems, including the shields and servos, leaving the operator immobile and vulnerable for a brief moment. The damage however is devastating, far greater then any previous handheld weapon system and it's power supply is virtually limitless, leaving the only delay while firing is a few seconds for the power to return. The only limiting factor on producing more of these weapons is finding a sufficient power supply.