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Cannons are kinetic projectile weapons. They represent some of the most primitive technology still in use by Alfador conceptually, albiet with modern amenities.
Varieties:
Autocannon
Dual chemically and self-propelled ordinance with shaped-charge design. Reminiscent of ancient artillery technology. Ordinance carries sophisticated guidance technology and armed with configurable explosive warheads, but lacks kinetic power and is only useful for precision strikes. The largest autocannons can fire within milimeters of margin of error from interstellar distances. Autocannon rounds tend to be much bulkier and heavier than equivalent sized kinetic accelerator rounds due to the explosives and chemical components.
Multicannon
Extremely rapid-firing multi-barrel cannons of smaller overall caliber (typically 1/4 to 1/6 the standard caliber size). Most often used by vessels to handle smaller vessels or overwhelm defenses with volume fire.
Kinetic Accelerator
Slower firing electromagnetically propelled ordinance firing at significantly higher speed than autocannon technology. Shells are also equipped with self-guiding systems but tend to be less precise, only offering accuracy down to the meter depending on size and distance fired. Kinetic Accelerators rely on raw kinetic damage, but can also be equiped with explosive warheads and other customization much like autocannon rounds.
Railgun
Extremely rapid ordinance fired at the limits of relativistic speed. Railguns fire metal slugs with no guidance, but are fast enough that self-correction is often not needed. The most sophisticated railgun tech can fire projectiles approaching 10% the speed of light, causing immense damage. Equipped with self-destructing technology to prevent mishaps from missed rounds. Railguns tend to be 1/10th the size of a kinetic accelerator in bore.
Size Examples
Autocannon/Kinetic Accelerator | Multicannon | Railgun
Transport/Gunship class
Class 1 - 280mm | 70mm | 22mm
Class 2 - 350mm | 88mm | 36mm
Class 3 - 580mm | 150mm | 55mm
Corvette class
Class 4 - 640mm | 160mm | 64mm
Class 5 - 720mm | 180mm | 75mm
Destroyer Class
Class 6 - 850mm | 215mm | 86mm
Class 7 - 990mm | 250mm | 100mm
Cruiser Class
Class 8 - 1.4m | 350mm | 150mm
Class 9 - 2.9m | 580mm |
Class 10 - 5.5m | 920mm
Battleship Class
Class 11 - 15.8m | 3.2m
Class 12 - 22.5m | 5.5m
Dreadnought Class
Class 13 - 32m
Class 14 - 55m
Class 15 - 82m
Titan Class
Class 16 - 190m | 48m | 19m