Rather than targeting a specific enemy vessel, the ion pulse cannon fired a massive ion burst that expanded outward from the cannon, disabling everything in its path. Plasma rotors formed a vital part of the weapon, as they were charged prior to each burst of ionized particles. After each shot, the technicians had to allot some time to clean up residual ionized particles in the cannon before firing again.
Unfortunately, the cannons took their tolls on the Malevolence as well. The sheer power of the cannons was very difficult to control; after firing the weapons, some of their energy would leak back into the cruiser, temporarily depowering on-board systems in the process.
The Malevolence's ion sphere generated by the pulse cannon.
The Separatist flagship Malevolence gained infamy at the start of the Clone Wars, when it used its ion pulse cannons to destroy entire Republic task forces. The Subjugator-class was the only warship-design known to use the ion cannon model in its superstructure, as its power-requirements were highly unique.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Visual Guide
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- The Clone Wars Campaign Guide