Ion cannon

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Ion cannons are weapons used in Star Wars that can disrupt the target's electrical systems in addition to causing physical damage.

Disabling Properties

An ion cannon blast on a target can fry the electronic circuitry of the target, necessitating the equipment to be repaired[1]. A droid's memory may be wiped if it is affected by ion cannon fire.[2]

Eventually, a starship hit by repeated ion cannon fire will lose power.

Of course, the energy contained in the ion cannon bolt can still cause physical damage upon impact. Fighter-sized starships have been destroyed upon being hit by planetary ion cannons blasts[3].

Use in Standard Combat

Ion cannons are used alongside turbolasers in many battles[4]. Ion cannons assist in overcoming enemy shields and disrupt the target's electronic systems more quickly than unassisted turbolasers would.

Properties Against Shields

Ion cannons are blocked by particle shields, but will pass through ray shields[5]. In practice, this means that a target's combat shields must be defeated before any significant effect on its electronic systems takes place[6].

References

  1. X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
  2. X-Wing: Wraith Squadron
  3. X-Wing: Rogue Squadron, page 272
  4. X-Wing: Isard's Revenge
  5. Essential Guide to Weapons & Technology, page 76
  6. X-Wing: Rogue Squadron, page 138