Concussion missile
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A concussion missile was a short-range, wingless anti-vehicle missile generally deployed by vehicle mounted launchers. There were a wide range of concussion missiles, varying in speed, maneuverability, and destructive capability. The concussion missile evolved from the ancient concussion spheres that were bigger, slower, and less destructive weapons that were similar to traditional bombs.
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[edit] Characteristics
Weapons manufacturers generally produced both the launchers and the missiles, and sold them as units. Ground forces used them against any fast moving vehicle. In space combat concussion missiles ranged in potency from anti-starfighter weapons launched from other diminutive craft; all the way up to devastating warheads that are capable of crippling massive capital ships that are launched from specialized defensive satellites[1].
Each missile was stored and launched from a pressurized canister which was designed to protect it during transport, storage, and loading, but also acted as a launch tube. The canisters were racked in magazines that were loaded into a vehicle. The magazines were circular and the missile was launched out sideways before igniting and traveling its due course (only applies for ground-based launchers).
Each concussion missile featured an armor-piercing tip that penetrated a target's hull before igniting the missile's compact energy pack. The impact would trigger the missile's warhead, which like proton torpedoes, was either nuclear or thermonuclear in nature. A concussion missile did not necessarily need to impact in order to detonate, however, some could be set to explode at a preset proximity to the target. In atmosphere, the missile created a deafening sonic boom and caused major damage to the surrounding area.
[edit] History
Starfighters such as the Rebel Alliance RZ-1 A-wing interceptor and the Imperial Missile Boat made extensive use of concussion missiles in dogfights. Capital ships typically favored turbolasers because missiles were expensive and could only be carried in limited numbers. Some were equipped with multiple-lock on systems.
Lando Calrissian used concussion missiles during the Battle of Endor. It was with this kind of missile that was fired at the main reactor of Death Star II, though his wingman Wedge Antilles used Proton Torpedoes.
[edit] Notable models
[edit] See also
[edit] Behind the scenes
In early LucasArts games, such as Star Wars: X-wing, concussion missiles were simply referred to as missiles. This kind of warhead is used commonly in all of the X-wing games.
[edit] Appearances
- The Starfighter Trap
- Jedi Quest: The Moment of Truth
- Shatterpoint
- Star Wars: Battlefront II
- Star Wars: Empire at War
- Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption
- Imperial Double-Cross
- River of Chaos
"No Disintegrations, Please" - Star Wars Adventure Journal 14 (Appears in flashback(s))
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (First appearance)
"The Battle of Cadinth" - Star Wars Galaxy 2
- Tatooine Ghost
- X-wing: Isard's Revenge
- Recovery (Mentioned only)
- Edge of Victory II: Rebirth
- Emissary of the Void
- Star by Star
- Dark Journey
- Destiny's Way
- The Final Prophecy
- The Unifying Force
- Star Wars: Demolition
[edit] Sources
- Tales of the Jedi Companion
- The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
- Starships of the Galaxy
- The New Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology
- Star Wars Roleplaying Game Revised Core Rulebook
- Star Wars Miniatures: Starship Battles
- Star Wars: Empire At War
