Energy Bomb

From Elite Wiki
Energy Bomb
Energy bomb small.jpg
Name Energy Bomb
Cost 900.0 ₢
TL Availability 8

A powerful one-shot device that emits a high-powered electromagnetic pulse, disrupting plasma containment in drives of nearby ships, resulting in catastrophic damage. Well shielded larger vessels are capable of withstanding this assault on occasion, but small ships invariably do not survive. Triggering the Energy Bomb temporarily deactivates sensitive components. The pulse is harmonised with the drive of the firing ship.

Overview

The Medusa Pandora Self-homing Energy Bomb is a tactical weapon capable of Megazon Destruct Force 13 with a heat radius of 9000km. Developed by the Klaus-Kline laboratories for multi-rôle combat using "launch and leave" techniques.

Residual Effects

The release of an energy bomb creates magnetic field shockwaves that can cause catastrophic vibrations in certain minerals, including most asteroidal rock types. This invariably results in the fragmentation of asteroids that are within the range of an energy bomb explosion.

Energy Bomb removed

Thanks to an energetic & vigorous campaign by several members of the community, the energy bomb was saved from removal from v1.74 (circa 2010). The argument for removal was that the energy bomb was far too powerful and affected the game balance by leaving the player unaffected. However, being an original feature of Elite, removal engendered strong emotions from fans of the classic game.

But it should be noted that it was an issue back in 2004. The ensuing debate back then led to the creation of the Quirium Cascade Mine.

As proposed by Giles, the energy bomb was reinstated in v1.74. The energy bomb has nevertheless been disabled by default since version 1.77, which focused on more “visible” core game changes.

Whilst Oolite's first lead developer Giles/Aegidian was sympathetic to it, the second & third (Ahruman and Cim) were not!

Update on Energy Bomb removal

The Energy Bomb is now only available by OXP.
Download and install Energy Bomb OXP by Cim (or get it through the in-game Expansions Manager)

Links



Oolite Equipment
Standard Equipment
Astrogation ConsoleCargo HoldCompassEnergy banksEngine/Main Drive • HUDIFF ScannerLife Support SystemsMissilePulse LaserShieldsShip's HullTorus Jump DriveView Screen • Witchspace/Hyperspace Drive
Optional Equipment
Advanced Navigational ArrayAdvanced Space CompassCargo Bay ExpansionDocking ComputersE.C.M. SystemEscape PodExtra Energy UnitExternal Heat ShieldingFuel ScoopsGalactic HyperdriveIntegrated Targeting SystemMilitary Shield EnhancementMulti-Targeting SystemNaval Energy UnitPassenger BerthScanner Targeting EnhancementShield BoostersTarget System Memory ExpansionWitchdrive Fuel InjectorsWormhole Scanner
Weapons
Beam LaserECM Hardened MissileEnergy BombMilitary LaserMining LaserMissilePulse LaserQuirium Cascade MineTwin Plasma Cannon