Ion Cannon

In science fiction, an ion cannon is a fictional energy beam weapon firing beams of ions. Due to its power it is usually classified as a superweapon. In some cases, it is used to disable devices, vehicles, and anything else that has an electrical or similar power source. The science fiction inspiration for this effect arises from the electromagnetic pulse generated by nuclear detonation, which can be devastating to electronic devices.

In Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back the Rebel Alliance uses an ion cannon on the planet Hoth to temporarily disable Imperial Star Destroyers in the vicinity of the planet and prevent them from firing on escaping Rebel ships. Ssi-ruuk ion cannons were used to disable Rebel Alliance craft in the novel The Truce at Bakura. The Jawas used ionization blasters to disable R2-D2.

Ion cannons are also present in several games: Command and Conquer, Unreal Tournament 2004, and Starcraft, for example.

In Command and Conquer, the Global Defense Initiative, or GDI, uses a satellite based Ion Cannon device to attack Brotherhood of Nod installations and forces, and at the end of the First Tiberium War, the "Temple of Nod."

Ion Cannons are also employed by the Eurasian Dynasty in the game Earth 2150 as a means of disabling enemy units in preparation to capture them.

In Unreal Tournament 2004, the Ion Cannon is a space based weapon similar to the GDI ion cannon, but unrelated in terms of storyline (the games are unrelated). It is aimed with a special targeting laser designator in Unreal Tournament, in Command and Conquer and its sequel Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun by the player selecting a location on screen, and in the First Person Shooter Command and Conquer: Renegade by the player placing a beacon at the desired strike location.

In the television series Stargate SG-1, ion cannons were used as surface to space weapons to protect the Tollan from Goa'uld attack. In this case, the intent was not merely to disable craft: one ion cannon could easily destroy a mother ship with one shot.

In the computer game series Homeworld, ion cannons are beam weapons used against capital ships, due to their combination of immense power and narrow field of fire.

In Starcraft, Rayner's faction is withheld from withdrawing beacause of Tarsonis' ion cannon, which resembles a massive telescope. The weapon was never fired, leading to speculation that it may be designed for long range bombardment.