Restricted Weapon Cycler Cannon

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CYCLER CANNON

AFFILIATION
Open market.

MANUFACTURER
Various.

SIZE
Varies.

WEIGHT
Varies.

COMPOSITION
Durasteel.

WEAPON TYPE
Projectile thrower.

DAMAGE TYPE(S)
Explosive.

AMMUNITION CAPACITY
1 projectile.

FIRE SELECTOR
Single-shot.

MAX RANGE
Varies.

DESCRIPTION​

Cycler cannons are an archaic form of projectile artillery weapon, largely dismissed as obsolete in a Galaxy where missiles and energy weapons have taken over the battlefield. Despite this, weapons of this kind persist in service, and have a surprising level of utility.

Long ago, before the advent of high-output energy weapons such as lasers or blasters, projectile artillery was the rule rather than the exception. Over time, the aforementioned technologies became more powerful, and before long took on the dominant role in direct-fire applications. Despite this, and despite the falling cost of guided and unguided rocket systems, projectile cannons retained an undeniable edge in the field of indirect fire. Able to arc their shots in a manner which remains impossible for most energy weapons, projectile cannons can shoot over obstacles which would block a laser or blaster, and can penetrate certain forms of shielding meant to block energy weapons, such as ray shields.

Cycler cannons vary widely in size and power, from light weapons able to be handled by a small team of troops to monsters built into static positions and meant to shell targets over the planetary horizon. Although very early projectile cannons fire solid shot, most modern examples derive their destructive power from explosive force, firing explosive-packed shells to demolish fortifications, infrastructure, vehicles and unlucky troops. Although most early examples used chemical explosive charges to launch their projectiles, examples made by starfaring cultures typically use a magnetic pulse accelerator; despite this, the roar of displaced air and friction-ignited muzzle flash is a common occurrence when cycler cannons are fired. Due to the change in propellant, cannons can be built much lighter and less cumbersome than in pre-spaceflight eras.

LEGALITY​

Restricted. Cycler cannons are extremely powerful weapons, and are thus banned from private ownership on most civilized worlds.

INTENT​

To create a type of projectile artillery for use in ground bombardment.

RESTRICTIONS​

Cycler cannons are artillery weapons, and cannot be used in PvP engagements, although they might be used for ambience if appropriate.