Phased Cannon Array

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Overview

The Phased Cannon Array uses advanced technology to fire three combat-capable ion cannon beams at the same time in different phase patterns.

Advantages over the Ion Cannon

The Phased Cannon Array is able to effectively strike shields and armor with three times the equivalent destructive firepower as a conventional ion cannon but with the same power requirements as an ion cannon. The different phase patterns allow the beams to attack shielding or armor along several avenues at once, allowing for better exploitation of armor and shield weaknesses. Tests involving the Phased Array Cannon aboard the new New Haven-class Superdreadnaught have shown incredible power. Of course, the rig aboard the New Haven-class Superdreadnaught contains 12 Phased Cannon Array barrels, which gives it the equivalent destructive power of 36 ion cannons firing at once.

Disadvantages of the Phased Cannon Array

The Phased Cannon Array has a firing time of 10 seconds, which is 5 seconds less than the ion cannon. The system drains a lot of power from a vessel's weapons capacitors, leaving the weapon unable to fire again for 45 seconds. This is generally why most, if not all vessels with the weapon, are designed more for broadside attack. Once the Phased Cannon Array has been fired, the vessel can turn broadside and engage the enemy until the weapon is recharged.