Darth Vulcanus
Better than other-other space Kaiden
LDA-I Imperial Laser Diffusion Array
Basic Information
- Image Source: http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/205/9/9/sci_fi_plasma_machine_by_akeronz-d6ey57b.jpg
- Intent: To create a unique Electronic Warfare Weapon for the Imperial Remnant
- Development Thread: N/A
- Manufacturer: Imperial Arms
Production Information
- Model: LDA-I
- Affiliation: The Imperial Remnant
- Modularity: None
- Production: Minor
- Material: Circuits, EMP Energy Device (seen above)
Description
The Imperial Laser Diffusion Array is a specialized EMP emitter designed to disrupt the magnetic seal around blaster, laser and plasma rounds in space. Acting in a similar manner to a shield, this device emits a pulse of electromagnetic radiation and energy that interferes with the magnetism which contains standard energy rounds of all types. However, unlike a shield, it cannot be impacted by energy weaponry and thus cannot be burned out through continuous fire. Instead, the energy and radiation is emitted at a stable rate over an expanded area of about 14 kilometers (a modest distance for space combat); causing energy projectiles to destabilize upon making contact and resulting in the energy being violently released much in the same manner as laser flak.
In tests, it is estimated that about 50 - 75% of energy rounds fired at a target were stopped by the LDA; preventing damage to shields. However, it is was soon discovered that a ship utilizing the LDA cannot utilize shields at the same time. This is for two reasons. Firstly, the EMP emitted from the system is not strong enough to interfere with shields nor is it strong enough to disrupt missile guidance systems. This means that the ship using the LDA must deactivate its shields in order to effectively use the LDA. Secondly, the power requirements to maintain the EMP pulses is so taxing that a ship's systems would overload if shields ere active at the same time as the device.
The advantage this system has over standard shields, is its ability to screen multiple ships; saving important capital ships from what would be devastating volleys. Ships within a close proximity (1 - 14 kilometers) to the device will be protected; taking generally around 25% of the damage they normally would thanks to round "popping". It is also important to note that the radiation field is not detectable by non-specialized sensors as the EMP generally interferes with most shield and lifeforms sensors; making it near impossible for enemy vessels to get clear shield and hull readings on allied ships within the field while echoing effects plague any allied ships affected by the field (making ships within the fields range unable to read enemy shield and hull statuses).
However, this device does not discriminate between enemy and friendly fire. All energy rounds, both friendly and enemy, are dissipated by the field. This means that friendly ships close enough to be affected by the field will lose 75% of their energy weapon effectiveness. Energy round "popping" while typically keeping the energy from damaging capital ships, the resulting flak can be deadly to starfighters around the general area of the popped round. Prolonged use of this system can severely hinder critical systems aboard the ship utilizing its services; causing targeting systems to fail, lights to shut down or even life support to halt function. These hazards, however, can be avoided by properly insulating critical systems with EMP shielding, capacitor drains or even dense metals like lead.
No ship under 800 meters may use this system.
