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

In-game Description

The Ion Gatling was developed by Faded Dreams Defences to improve the chances of Boron dogfighters. Its electrically charged particles are not only effective against shields, but also impair the target's mobility and allow the attacker to pin down hostile fighters. This proved effective against regular Split incursions, but the weapon's specialisation requires it to be combined with other weapons or fleets to supplement its shortcomings in hull penetration. To counter the Ion Gatling's proficiency against inept Split shields, Split raiders started deploying fighters without shields.

Tactical Overview

The Ion Gatling is the primary space superiority weapon for the fighter pilots of the Boron Navy.

With a very high rate of fire and shield damage, it will chew through the shields of enemy fighters in seconds. Medium-sized targets should be wary as well. The damage output is even high enough to threaten capital ships.

The Ion Gatling is also rather heat efficient, allowing pilots to fire for extended periods. The accuracy is also excellent.

The only real downside is the low damage against the exposed hull of a target. While the Ion Gatling will strip shields very quickly, actually destroying the target is where it struggles. This makes it a natural choice to pair it with the Phase Gun to deal with the target's armor plating.

The one thing that turns the Ion Gatling from a good weapon into a deadly one is its ability to slow down the target. Each projectile that hits the target reduces its maximum speed, and the effect stacks with each hit. 
This will turn mobile enemy dogfighters into sitting ducks, unable to move. Even medium ships get their engines disrupted, though to a lesser degree. This ability allows for devastating one-two-punch combos involving heavy missiles or other heavy weaponry.
Do not underestimate this ability. 
Once the Boron catch a target, it won't be able to escape.

Specifications

Construction Cost

Universal Build Method