Built for improved firepower, this enhanced version of the Ion Cannon delivers an electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) which can quickly disable enemy systems and engines, dealing heavy damage and arcing to modules near the points of impact.
The Ion Pulser's nonstandard gain medium projects highly-ionized baryonic matter in a coherent bolt via one of three rotating linear accelerator apparati. When the ion bolt impacts the target it creates a localized magnetic field which plays havoc with all manner of electronics, including sensors, fuel igniters, targeting modules, computers, etc. The weapon also fuses certain circuits, and can mildly strain shield generators, thus it does negligible amount of permanent damage. Rarely the only weapon type fitted on ships.
–In-Game Description
The Ion Pulser is a close-range support weapon, effective at disabling targets unprotected by shields.
When hitting hull or armor an EMP arc will form in addition to the Ion Pulser direct damage, potentially striking weapons or engines far from the impact point. This makes dropping shields against an Ion Pulser particularly risky.
Fares quite well in combination with other close-range strike weapons such as the Heavy Blaster, most especially with Safety Overrides to soften the flux cost for usage.
