ARCHIMEDES II



 is a deadly orbital laser super-weapon powered by Helios One and controlled with Euclid's C-Finder in Fallout: New Vegas.

Characteristics
Before can be used, it must be activated by choosing to divert the power of Helios One to it at the end of the That Lucky Old Sun quest.

Triggering it by "firing" Euclid's C-Finder at a target causes three laser beams to converge on the target, followed by a massive blue laser beam from the sky which causes massive damage. It can only be used once in each 24-hour period. To determine if another strike is possible the player can check the ammo for Euclid's C-Finder - it will be 1 if the weapon is ready to fire, or 0 if the proper amount of time has not passed.

should be distinguished from Archimedes I, a related weapon that acts as a security system for Helios One.

Appearances
appears in Fallout: New Vegas.

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

 * The weapon may show the opening "target" lasers, but never fire. (note* less common on Xbox due to update)
 * Solution: Save the game with Euclid's C-Finder drawn. Quit the game and restart (or reboot the console). Reload the save game and wait for the laser to fire. Note that the laser will immediately perform the firing sequence upon wherever it was aimed before the save, so make sure you aim away from any friendly NPCs to avoid accidentally killing them (and/or any followers if Hardcore Mode is enabled).