Bombardment cannon
A Bombardment Cannon is a classification of weapon found almost exclusively on Space Marine Fleet vessels. They are mounted on the dorsal of Battle Barges.
The cannon consists of a turret-mounted linear accelerator that fires magma bomb warheads of much higher calibre than regular torpedoes at a much higher velocity. Its primary function is planetary bombardment, which is used in support of Space Marine landing forces. This suits the battle tactics of the Adeptus Astartes quite efficiently. Thus a single vessel can bombard an area of planet, then immediately deploy drop-pods containing battle-brothers to mop up the confused opposition. It can be used in ship-to-ship combat to great effect. The high power of the warheads will literally render armour plating irrelevant, and can tear an enemy vessel to shreds in mere moments.
Targeting data for ground targets can be supplied by planted targeting beacon.[3] The Bombardment Cannon can also fire plasma shells. These can be modified to reduce their payload. At full yield, shells fired by the Bombardment Cannon of a Strike Cruiser would send tsunamis halfway around a planet on impact while its explosive force would devastate the atmosphere for tens of thousands of kilometres in all directions.[4]
See also
Sources
- 1: Battlefleet Gothic Resources: Imperial Fleets, pg. 21 (accessed 2010.11.25)
- 2: Battlefleet Gothic Armada 2
- 3: Storm of Iron (Novel) — Iron Warriors: The Omnibus (Omnibus), Bridgehead, Chapter Two
- 4: The Swords of Calth (Novel), Chapter 7
