The Sparker, a moniker given to it by Galactic Republic pilots, was a starship-affixed ion cannon manufactured by the Santhe Corporation in the course of the Galactic War fought between the Republic and the Sith Empire. Although Sparkers inflicted very little hull damage to opposing vessels, they swiftly depleted the target's shields and rendered systems inoperable. Due to its poor accuracy at extended ranges and a low firing rate, the Sparker's energy usage was only at a reasonable level.