Heavy ion weapon system

A heavy ion weapon system is a kind of superweapon system employed aboard Forerunner warships.

Operation
Heavy ion launchers fire bolts of exotic matter accelerated to a significant fraction of the speed of light, and are considered almost impossible to counter or stop. Heavy ion launchers have the power to buckle continental plates and disintegrate even phase-rotated fortifications, and a single shot was often considered enough to take out even the most well-protected Flood hives. Multiple shots are enough to render a planet wholly uninhabitable.

Usage
One such weapon was employed aboard the Mantle's Approach as its main weapon, adapted from emplacements used on planet-cracking siege platforms. After being fired, the Mantle's Approach must reconfigure itself. Heavy ion weapon systems were also employed on the largest Fortress-class vessels.