Ion Cannon

An ion cannon fires bursts of ionized energy that cause damage to a target's mechanical and computer systems by overloading and fusing circuitry. Unlike blaster bolts, ion bursts cause no structural damage. They do, however, neutralize ship weapons, shields, engines, and other vital systems. Ship-mounted ion cannons come in a variety of low power ratings, while those designed to serve as planetary defenses have the highest power ratings available. Planetary ion cannons are mounted in multistory, spherical towers that have their own power supplies. These tower cannons hurl devestating bursts of ionized energy into space to ward off hostile vessels.