ARCHIMEDES



 is a protection system for HELIOS One in Fallout: New Vegas.

Characteristics
(sometimes just referred to as "ARCHIMEDES" or the "ARCHIMEDES Plant Defense System") is the first version of a space-based laser weapon developed by Poseidon Energy at HELIOS One. It should be distinguished from ARCHIMEDES II, the second iteration of the system, which can target any location in the Mojave Wasteland. is a security system for HELIOS One that uses a space-based laser to destroy targets in the area around the plant.

When the player activates HELIOS One during the That Lucky Old Sun quest, they are given a choice to arm. This will automatically initiate a test run of the system, which will bring down an orbital laser strike on the area around HELIOS One. This will kill all the NCR soldiers outside the building, causing massive increase in NCR infamy, but surprisingly no karma loss.

Behind the scenes

 * The ancient writers Lucian and Anthemius of Tralles wrote that the Greek scientist Archimedes built a 'heat ray' weapon using mirrors to focus the sun's energy on enemy ships. It was purportedly used at the Siege of Syracuse. Most scientists are skeptical that such a device would be practical or efficient.

Bugs

 * If the player doesn't divert power to ARCHIMEDES II, but does arm ARCHIMEDES I, the voice on the P.A. system warning about the weapons test will mention a test firing of the "ARCHIMEDES I and II laser systems".

Appearances
appears in Fallout: New Vegas.