Overview
The Heavy Array is a gas-powered rotary weapon system designed for sustained suppressive fire from fixed fortifications, airships, and large rovers. At 1,200 slugs per minute, the distinctive high-velocity trails and three-meter danger space make it as much a psychological deterrent as a practical weapon.
Vaelstrad Arrays engineers high-rate-of-fire weapons with exceptional cooling and elemental resilience. They operate independently but maintain exclusive supply agreements with Solarn Legacy Engineering, providing the cannons mounted on every armed Solarn airship. Unlike most products sold under the Solarn umbrella, Vaelstrad systems vary widely in price—from infantry-accessible repeaters to city-defense platforms valued in the billions.
Specifications
Type
Fortification-mounted rotary
Caliber
8 mm slugs
Rate of Fire
1,200 slugs/min
Muzzle Velocity
1,200 m/s
Weight (unloaded)
500 kg
Length
3,000 mm
Barrel Length
1,500 mm
Feed Device
Gas/crank rotary
Cost
500 ASH (500,000 VAR)
Operational History
Heavy Arrays made their reputation during the Warlord Eras when Destroyer-Class Engineered would deploy from airships carrying them in what can only be classified as super-massive armor. The shorter unmounted variant was developed specifically with Destroyers in mind. There have also been accounts of hybrid natural-borns carrying these into battle for limited periods, though such feats remain rare.
Their beaten zones of 10 to 20 meters proved decisive in holding relay hubs against opportunistic raids. When ground forces were insufficient to repel attackers, a properly positioned Heavy Array could deny approach corridors long enough for reinforcement or evacuation.
Discontinued Variant
Vaelstrad produced a slightly smaller variant with a higher rate of fire. It was discontinued due to concerns about barrels melting under sustained use.