Plasma cannons (also known as plasma pulse cannons[1]) were a particle weapon system used by the Union Fleet, both on larger vessels and shuttlecraft, and possibly other species of the galaxy.[n 1] Cannons directed bolts of plasma to damage other ships.[2]
Plasma cannons were the primary offensive weapon of Exploratory-class vessels such as the USS Orville.[3]
Description[]
Plasma cannons were designed to fire bursts of "intense ionized packets of charged particles."[3] The plasma bolts were linear, non-tracking bullets, and somewhat evadable by more maneuverable spacecraft. Intensity could be adjusted from a low burst (a mild shot most often utilized as a "warning shot") to a high-powered burst capable of penetrating ship armor.[3]
A plasma cannon consisted of two ionic discharge arrays that concentrated energy in a single point. Microwave antennae launched this energy forward as a beam of plasma. The nominal range of plasma cannon fire was several kilometers.[3]
This weapon was one of the weaker in the Union arsenal. On ships like the Orville, for instance, the plasma cannon was incapable of penetrating the deflector screens of larger Krill destroyers like the Kakov. In such predicaments, the Orville resorted to much more destructive plasma torpedoes.[4]
The Union Falcon-class and Pterodon-class vessels carried dual plasma cannons, which could be fired "almost indefinitely." The cannons were recharged when the ship's speed exceeded 10 kilometers per second by magnetic fields.[1]
History[]
In September 2419, the Orville trades fire with a Krill destroyer in the Battle of Epsilon 2.[5]
Several months later in a fever-pitched battle, Navigator John LaMarr targets an enemy Krill's quantum engines with plasma fire. A brilliant tactic that saves the USS Druyan.[6]
At the end of the year, Captain Ed Mercer narrowly avoids destruction at the hands of the Kakov, a ship with deflector screens impenetrable to plasma cannonfire.[4]
In light of the Kaylon attack, the Moclans propose a new round of weapons upgrades for all Union Fleet explorer-class vessels and above. Aboard the Orville, Captain Mercer observes a 30% increase power upgrade to the plasma cannons. In orbit of the Sanctuary world, Acting captain Talla Keyali orders Isaac to fire upon the tractor beam emitters of a Moclan Battlecruiser holding the shuttlecraft ECV-197-1. When their tractor beam is taken out, the Moclans and the Orville exchange cannon fire with the former soon proving to have the advantage as the Orville is forced to elude the Moclan vessel.[7]
In an alternate timeline, Ed uses the plasma cannons of shuttlecraft ECV-342-1 within an ice moon, causing large pieces of ice to break off and destroy a pursuing Kaylon interceptor.[8]
Appearances[]
- Episode 1x01: Old Wounds
- Episode 1x04: If the Stars Should Appear
- Episode 1x06: Krill
- Episode 1.5x04: The Word of Avis, Pt. 2
- Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2
- Episode 2x12: Sanctuary
- Episode 2x14: The Road Not Taken
Notes[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 André Bormanis. The Guide to The Orville. Dark Horse Books. Sept. 2024. Pg. 34.
- ↑ André Bormanis. The Guide to The Orville. Dark Horse Books. Sept. 2024. Pg. 35.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 André Bormanis. The Guide to The Orville. Dark Horse Books. Pg. 42.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Episode 1x06: Krill
- ↑ Episode 1x01: Old Wounds
- ↑ Episode 1x04: If the Stars Should Appear
- ↑ Episode 2x12: Sanctuary
- ↑ Episode 2x14: The Road Not Taken