Using compressed neutrons in an ultra-dense state, the cannon would accelerate them to extremely high velocities. Upon impacting a solid opposing force ( be it a shield of hull), it temporarily collapses into a black hole. This lasts a couple of nanoseconds because there is not enough mass or energy for it to form a stable black hole, so the force of pressure exceeds the specific gravity of the singularity and explodes. This explosion is known as a white hole.
Effects: Massive damage to a specified target including irradiating the target heavily. Consuming a signification portion of the armor of the target in both the initial impact and secondary explosion.
I propose this as a potential mechanism in RP behind a new forward gun that could be added in the future. Comments, suggestions?
This sounds strikingly similar to the Nomad Singularity Cannon. (Nomad SNAC)
Quote:The Singularity cannon has been shown to be the most fearsome and devastating weapon to the disposal of the Nomad lesser ships. Virtualy creating a small black hole through the focus of massive amounts of energy from the Nomad ship into one spot, the Singularity cannon sucks in everything in it's path untill it extinguishes in a matter of several moments.
Of course you have a little more information than the infocard on how the black hole is actually created. Perhaps a thought. (Of course it doesn't include anything about the 'explosion' as well. Only the implosion of a Black Hole)
Well the Nomad Singularity Cannon works off a supposed (in my mind) different manner. It uses compressed energy to engage a temporary singularity which is then projected forward. Again, this singularity does not have the compressed mass or energy (in a singularity they are one and the same anyway) to sustain itself indefinitely so it dissipates. Explosively.
This is different as it is just packaged neutrons that are on the brink of degeneracy, all they need is a push. Technically, it is LESS advanced than the Nomad Singularity Cannon, requiring far more effort ( but no less energy ) to activate.
To clarify, this is something that the Houses of Sirius, and quite possibly other human powers could create with current technologies. The problem would be it would require such massive equipment it would only work as a forward gun. That is how I would RP it into existence, at least for now.
EDIT: Forgot to mention a primary difference between the two systems. The Degenerate Mass Cannon has a superior range as it is meta-stable when launched (meaning it is stable until interacted with by an outside force) while the Nomad Singularity Cannon is already degenerating after being launched so it has a limited range.