T3222 ENHANCED COMPRESSION RIFLE

Adopted as Starfleet’s standard Type-3 Phaser Rifle in 2382, the T3222 was the first phaser capable of automatic fire, marking a significant advancement in Federation weaponry.

The late 24th century was a turbulent period for the Federation, with conflicts like the Cardassian War, the Borg invasion, and the Dominion War disrupting its golden age. Despite the devastation, these wars spurred rapid advancements in technology, particularly in phasers. The T3211, introduced in 2373, was the first to incorporate compression technology. Although it was initially limited in deployment during the Dominion War, it became popular with Starfleet personnel after the conflict, leading to two subsequent models, the T3212 and T3213, with only minor improvements.

The T3211, while effective, was criticized for its complexity and cumbersome controls. In response, the T3222 streamlined the user interface while retaining the flexibility of the T3211. The T3222 featured preset tactile controls for essential functions—such as a stun/kill switch, power cell release, and a safety/select-fire switch—easily accessible with the firing hand, ensuring ease of use in high-pressure combat situations.

Ergonomics were also improved. The T3222 had an adjustable stock and used a modular attachment system called M-clamp, allowing easy customization. With a folding hand grip and flashlight issued as standard, and options like an underslung infinity modulator or isomagnetic disruptor. The design’s durability was enhanced after a T3213 was damaged during the Battle of the Bassen Rift when Captain Picard used it to strike a Reman guard.

The most significant upgrade was the addition of select-fire, allowing the T3222 to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. Though the compressed action of the T3211 increased its rate of fire over the older T3113, some armours had attempted to modify their T3211 for automatic fire, leading to overheating or rapid power drain. The T3222’s design incorporated a larger cooling system, a duranium-alloy emitter casing, and a higher-capacity power cell to support automatic fire while preventing these issues. However, the T3222 was not intended as a support weapon, being designed for short bursts over sustained automatic fire. And these upgrades made the T3222 larger than the T3211, measuring 78 cm (stock collapsed), weighing 4 kg, and featuring a bulkier profile.

In 2381, after completing design and initial testing, the T3222 was issued to select SFSO units for field trials, quickly gaining popularity with operators. It was later made available to the rest of SFSO and, by late 2382, formally adopted by Starfleet. Its enhanced features and increased firepower led to the T3222 fully replacing the T3211 and its variants by the end of the decade.