The plasma charge is a simple weapon consisting of a mass of high temperature gas fired at an enemy target to do damage by thermal and impact processes. Some forms of the weapon contain the plasma within a casing or forcefield whilst it is on its way to the target so as to prevent the charge from dissipating in transit. Others simple fire the plasma unconstrained.

Plasma bombs were in use by the Turei some nine hundred years ago when they took part in the alliance which defeated the Vaadwuar, and were used on a large scale to destroy the Vaadwuar cities on their homeworld. The Turei continue to use Plasma charges today and unsuccessfully attempted to destroy the USS Voyager with them while the ship was on the surface of the Vaadwuar homeworld.