Ion Atomiser
Type	Main Gun
Available From	BOR
Fitted To	Medium ships
Role	Anti-Medium, Anti-Shield,
Required License	Military License (+10)

In-game Description

The Ion Atomiser is a weapon system based on Paranid and Teladi Phased Shockwave Generator technology. Its compressed energy projectiles expand on impact, creating a series of phased energy shockwaves, which greatly deplete shields and disrupt ship systems. During launch, each projectile is primed to detonate after covering the distance between the barrel and the target at the time of launch, effectively limiting the projectiles lifespan. This timed detonation catches targets in the resulting explosion, even if those targets narrowly avoid a direct impact, turning near misses into hits. Some Boron pilots have reported, with relief, that this time fuse has also prevented some cases of friendly fire. While the Ion Atomiser is said to be difficult to use against small, fast targets, some creative and experienced pilots manage to do so.

Tactical Overview

The Ion Atomiser is a peculiar weapon with many things going on.
Let's start with the main feature: The timed fuse.
The projectiles fired by this weapon will explode after they travel the distance the target was at at the moment of firing. For example, if the target is 2km away when firing, the projectiles will explode after traveling 2km.
As the in-game description states, this makes hitting fighters very difficult as the projectiles tend to explode in front of or behind the target. This usually results in complete misses.

Against medium targets, the Ion Atomiser is much more effective simply because they are so much larger. Direct hits are more likely and deliver a heavy punch.
The engine disruption is also strong enough to prevent the target from escaping.
However, the low hull damage output makes it difficult to destroy the target. Similar to the Ion Gatling, pairing the Ion Atomiser with the Phase Cannons is a good idea.

Against large targets, the primary focus should be removing turrets, which the Ion Atomiser is very good at. Turrets have little hull strength, and most of their health comes from shields.
You can also fire from cover and hit turrets with the explosion, thanks to the timed fuse.
Aiming for the primary shield generators is also a good idea as that would multiply the damage of the explosive part, as it hits multiple objects sharing the same shield health.

Specifications

Construction Cost

Universal Build Method