View source for Heavy ion weapon system

{{Status|Canon}}
A '''heavy ion weapon system''' is a kind of superweapon system employed aboard [[Forerunner]] warships.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=377}}

==Overview==
===Operation===
Heavy ion launchers fire bolts of [[Wikipedia:Exotic matter|exotic matter]] accelerated to a significant fraction of the speed of light, and are considered almost impossible to counter or stop.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Heavy ion launchers have the power to buckle continental plates and disintegrate even [[phase-rotated fortifications]],{{Ref/Reuse|WF86}} and a single shot was often considered enough to take out even the most well-protected [[Flood hive]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Multiple shots are enough to render a planet wholly uninhabitable.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

===Usage===
One such weapon was employed aboard the ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' as its main weapon, adapted from emplacements used on [[Planet-breaker|planet-cracking siege platforms]]. After being fired, the ''Mantle's Approach'' must reconfigure itself.{{Ref/Book|Id=WF86|HWF|Page=86-87}} Heavy ion weapon systems were also employed on the largest [[Fortress-class vessel]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Forerunner|weapons}}

[[Category:Forerunner naval weapons]]