Some good research Annaa.
However, I don't believe the M41-A is an EMP weapon. Gorman already says it fires "10mm explosive tipped caseless. Standard light armour piercing round".
Annaa wrote:
Because the electromagnetic pulse has almost no direct harm to the human body
It wouldn't kill Aliens then... and even if it did, why would they need a solid 10mm round with an explosive tip?
In the Special Edition, Hudson says:
"Check it out. Independently targeting particle-beam phalanx. WHAP! Fry half a city with this puppy. We got tactical smart missiles,
phased plasma pulse rifles, RPGs. We got sonic, electronic ball-breakers! We got nukes, we got knives, sharp sticks..."
Phase - To adjust the [material] phase of (something), especially so as to synchronize it with something else.
Plasma - Technically a seperate material phase, but basically a superheated gas used as a propellant. In theory, you could instantaneously sublimate and ionise a solid directly into a plasma.
Pulse - I assume this is just an electrical pulse used to fire the round.
So in essence, I read that as caseless rounds whereby an electronic pulse is used to turn the phase of a solid propellant into a plasma and shoot the 10mm explosive-tipped bullet at something.
Just my own geeky little thoughts, though.... whaddya reckon?