The CSPL-12 Projectile Launcher is a simple, yet reliable weapon that fills a large need in supporting small unit tactics for a variety of situations. It must be stressed that the canister effects depend entirely on what canister load is employed. Canisters containing the pertinent agent are either mounted in the weapon or are stored in its four-canister magazine. Although the Caspel does not suffer as many oddities as other projectile launchers, it is essential that any smoke or chemical support be pre-planned, since this weapon only accepts its specially designed canisters (meaning no substitute ammunition from other weapons can be used in the Caspel). Unfortunately, it is known that pirates, and the Rebels have acquired this weapon, and it is considered by them to be an artillery weapon.

    Its dye and smoke canister loads are employed mark pickup and landing sites, as well as air strike targets, while the T-238 and Spore/B canisters are employed for prisoner capture. Stormtroopers are known to fire the most lethal canister agents at short range, since their armour is generally impervious to gas attacks. If fired on a starship, it takes five minutes to effectively vent the canister agents. In all, this weapon is employed by many Imperial Army units and some Stormtrooper units.

    It is claimed by tardy troopers that the Caspel is a finicky weapon that tends to jam and ignite canisters while they are loaded in the launcher. Dirt caught around the canister priming pin is what causes the Caspel to jam. From this point, the canister has been primed and will ignite if jarred. However, if the weapon is kept clean this problem is avoided. The death of General Azarin on the planet of Lafra is the most notorious accident involving the Caspel. An investigation proved that the accident was caused by the negligence of a trooper, and not by a design fault of the Caspel.