Overheating is an issue, but simply submerging the weapon's barrel will help cool heat sinks down and prevent permanent damage.
The chassis can be opened in the field for servicing, while a damp cloth is enough to wash mirrored and glass components. However, beyond these components, the AER9 is a very forgiving weapon. The lenses are also delicate when exposed, but can be replaced with cut clear glass, although a skillful hand is needed to duplicate the original cutting. The aforementioned diverter is extremely difficult to repair and renders the weapon unusable if damaged.
While the components are well protected (the diverter is shielded by a carbon fiber housing), they can be damaged. The principle of operation is simple, shared across all weapons of the AE platform: Power is drawn from microfusion cells and sent through a General Atomics International wave/particle diverter and on through precision-cut lenses of the crystal array to generate a focused laser beam.
The titanium cage housing the laser rifle mechanism is durable and retains focus of the internal arrays over extended periods of time, although the emphasis on reliability reduces firepower compared to state-of-the-art models like the AER12, with its gold alloy housing. The primary energy service weapon of the United States military, the AER9 is a sturdy, reliable weapon focusing on ruggedness and usability over performance. The following section is transcluded from Laser rifle.