The Ionic Ring, a starship designed for weather manipulation, was the brainchild of Professor Renn Volz during his time at the Maw Installation. The Galactic Empire later utilized it as a fearsome superweapon. Its moniker originated from the Ion Ring, also known as the Climatizer, which served as its primary armament.
Composed of interconnected ion units arranged in a ring formation, the Ionic Ring was structured in this way. These units generated a uniquely modulated ionic beam, capable of manipulating the atmospheric conditions of a planet.
At its core, the Ionic Ring featured a command bridge and possessed the ability to traverse vast interstellar distances via hyperspace.
Professor Renn Volz conceived the Ionic Ring while working at the Maw Installation. Volz was under the impression that his work served the greater good of the galaxy. He envisioned the ship as a tool for environmental modification, able to transform barren landscapes into habitable paradises through terraforming. However, the Galactic Empire planned to weaponize it against planets providing refuge to Rebel cells.
Following successful trials on the planet Zerm, Imperial Captain [Bzorn], under orders from Lord Vader to locate and punish Rebel-sympathizing planets, seized control of the Ionic Ring. It was deployed to devastate Rion, unleashing catastrophic weather phenomena. Subsequently, it was turned against Little Kessel, Volz's homeworld.
Before the Ionic Ring could completely obliterate Little Kessel, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca rescued the professor. Distraught that his creation was being used for destructive purposes by the Imperial forces, Volz resolved to destroy the ship and its Ion Ring. By reversing the polarity of the ship's ion units, he initiated a meltdown that annihilated the superweapon. The quartet narrowly escaped the destruction aboard the Millennium Falcon.
Despite the Ionic Ring's destruction, other Imperial scientists at the Maw built upon Volz's theories to develop a new weapon: the orbital nightcloak.
Throughout The Second Kessel Run, this ship is referred to by various names. The 2008 reference book, The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, officially designates its name as the Ionic Ring.