The A280-CFE, also known as the covert field edition convertible heavy blaster pistol, the A280-CFE blaster rifle, or simply the A280-CFE blaster, represented a modular version of the A280 blaster rifle. Its design centered around a core pistol that could be reconfigured to function as either an assault rifle or a sniper rifle. Captain Cassian Andor notably employed an A280-CFE during the Battle on Jedha, the mission to Eadu, and the Battle of Scarif.
The heavy blaster pistol known as the A280-CFE featured a larger frame, showcasing the recognizable boxy aesthetic familiar to those acquainted with BlasTech designs. By utilizing two attachments, the CFE could be rapidly transformed into a blaster rifle. Originally conceived during the era of the Clone Wars, the CFE gained popularity among Fulcrum agents of the Alliance to Restore the Republic throughout the Galactic Civil War.
To convert the pistol into rifle mode, a barrel and housing unit, complete with a multi-optic scope, was clipped onto the pistol's barrel, while a buttstock was inserted into the rear. This added length and stability enhanced accuracy, and improved Galven-patterns increased penetration and cohesion. However, a limitation of the CFE was its necessity to use low-powered eleton gas, due to the clip-on barrel design which prevented the use of more potent gas types.
The foundational pistol prop was created using the lower and upper receiver components taken from the American AR-15 rifle.