Ionic Discharge Cannon

An Ionic Discharge Cannon being wielded by an XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit

The Ionic Discharge Cannon is a very short-ranged, rapid-firing form of heavy Ion Weapon that is most likely a derivative of the Ion Accelerator. Ionic Discharge Cannons fire high energy ion streams that vaporise flesh and metal with equal ease. These high-energy particles are accelerated by an electromagnetic field and react explosively with the target as a result of the direct transfer of energy at the atomic level. Unlike most Ion Weapons, the Ionic Discharge Cannon cannot overcharge its shots; instead they emit an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) upon detonation, which can overload electronic circuitry, causing anything from minor malfunctions in electronic systems to fires. The effects of this can also blind enemy infantry and sensors that are hit.

The Ion Accelerator is based on Ion Weapon technology acquired as part of a fruitful alliance between the Syrr'Tok Brotherhood of the Demiurg and the Water Caste of the Dal'yth Sept, and is a prototype weapon designed for use as a primary weapons system for the experimental XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit. An Ionic Discharge Cannon can be nova-charged by the Y'vahra's Dark Matter Nova Reactor to dramatically increase its rate of fire.

Sources

• Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition), pg. 66
• Battlefleet Gothic Magazine 19, pg. 9
• Forge World – XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit Experimental Rules Datasheet