Multi-cannon
Template:Quote The Multi-cannon is a small calibre machine gun that rapidly fires kinetic projectiles. Multi-cannons consume less power than energy weapons, generate less heat, and have a longer range, but have a finite stockpile of ammunition that must be replenished.
The continuous hail of projectiles that multi-cannons fire are relatively easy to keep on-target and can be fired at the same time as other, more energy-thirsty weapons such as lasers due to their low distributor draw, making them very common weapons among pilots. As kinetic weapons, they have a high chance of breaching hulls and causing extra damage per hit, and their damage does not begin to drop off at range as quickly as that caused by laser weapons does.
The downside to multi-cannons is that they cause relatively little damage over time compared to some other types of weapon, most especially against larger ships because of their relatively low armour piercing values being pitted against high Armour Hardness. They also have a damage penalty against shields, as all kinetic weapons do.
The Class 4 multi-cannon is notably different in that it fires higher calibre shells at a slower rate, rather than an stream of projectiles (see note below). They also have substantially better range and armour piercing capability.
Specifications
| Class | Rating | Mass (T) |
Integrity | Power Draw(MW) |
Weapon Mode |
Damage Type |
Damage | Armour Piercing |
ROF | DPS | Thermal Load/s |
Ammo Clip Size |
Ammo Maximum |
Value (CR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | 2.00 | 40 | 0.280 | Fixed | Kinetic | 1.10 | 22 | 7.70 | 8.60 | 0.10 | 100 | 2,100 | 9,500 |
| 1 | G | 2.00 | 40 | 0.370 | Gimbal | Kinetic | 0.80 | 22 | 8.30 | 6.80 | 0.10 | 90 | 2,100 | 14,250 |
| 1 | G | 2.00 | 40 | 0.260 | Turret | Kinetic | 0.60 | 22 | 7.10 | 4.00 | 0.00 | 90 | 2,100 | 81,600 |
| 2 | E | 4.00 | 51 | 0.460 | Fixed | Kinetic | 2.20 | 37 | 7.10 | 15.60 | 0.11 | 100 | 2,100 | 38,000 |
| 2 | F | 4.00 | 51 | 0.640 | Gimbal | Kinetic | 1.60 | 37 | 7.70 | 12.60 | 0.14 | 90 | 2,100 | 57,000 |
| 2 | F | 4.00 | 51 | 0.500 | Turret | Kinetic | 1.20 | 37 | 7.30 | 7.30 | 0.10 | 90 | 2,100 | 1,292,800 |
| 3 | C | 8.00 | 64 | 0.640 | Fixed | Kinetic | 3.90 | 37 | 5.90 | 23.10 | 0.18 | 100 | 2,100 | 140,400 |
| 3 | C | 8.00 | 64 | 0.970 | Gimbal | Kinetic | 2.80 | 37 | 6.70 | 18.90 | 0.30 | 90 | 2,100 | 578,436 |
| 4 | A | 16.00 | 80 | 0.730 | Fixed | Kinetic | 4.60 | 68 | 3.00 | 28.00 | 0.40 | 100 | 2,100 | 1,177,600 |
| 4 | A | 16.00 | 80 | 1.220 | Gimbal | Kinetic | 3.50 | 68 | 3.40 | 23.30 | 0.50 | 90 | 2,100 | 6,377,600 |
- Ammo Max does not account for the current belt, so a total of 2,190 rounds (belt and reserve) when at max ammo capacity.
- Class 4 Multi-cannons have lower rate of fire (3.0/s for fixed, 3.4/s for gimballed), but fire two rounds of ammunition at the same time giving a projectile count of 6.0/s and 6.8/s for Fixed and Gimballed respectively.
Engineer Modifications
This weapon can be modified by Engineers to enhance its abilities.
Modifications
The following modifications can be applied to this module:
Possible Experimental Effects
Modifying this module can sometimes result in any one of the following special effects also being applied:
Gallery
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Class 2 Multi-cannon
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Multi-cannon concept art
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Class 3 multi-cannon concept art
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Class 4 multi-cannon concept art
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Class 1 Multi-cannon
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Class 2 Multi-cannon
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Anaconda showing twin C3 multi-cannons
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Sneak peek at a Class 4 multi-cannon from newsletter #120
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Fer-de-Lance HCS Pournelle with Class 4 multciannon on gimbal mounting
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Large (Class 3) Multi-cannon
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Huge (Class 4) Multi-cannon, rear view
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Multi-Cannon size comparison (Class 4 vs Class 2)
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Dual Class 4 Multi-cannon firing
