A-SAT Laser Cannon

Laser cannon module being attached to Arkbird by SSTO craft (10/3/2010)

ORIGIN: (Real World)
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GAMES FEATURED IN:
Ace Combat 05: The Unsung War

COMPATIBLE AIRCRAFT
Arkbird

OVERVIEW:
The A-SAT Laser Cannon was originally developed as a part of the original Arkbird blue prints. Its purpose was to sweep aside various space debris left behind by the 1994XF04 Ulysses Asteroid. The immense power of the A-SAT Laser allows the Arkbird to engage targets from orbit outside of the earth's orbit and on or underneath the earth's surface. Though the exact penetration range of the A-SAT when firing from space towards earth is unknown, the A-SAT is capable of hitting submerged naval targets well below 500 feet, from orbit.

HISTORY:
In 2008, after the 1994XF04 Asteroid Impact, Osea and Yuktobania initiated a joint project to clear the space surrounding Earth of space debris, which mainly consisted of asteroid fragments. For the next two years, the laser cleared the surrounding space in peace, until the Yuktobanian blitz assault in fall of 2010.

However, by that time, a second laser to replace the first had already been created, ironically by Yuktobanian Engineers and Scientists. Following the devastating attack, the Osean Government authorized the laser to be mounted onto the Arkbird as an answer to Yuktobania’s Scinfaxi-class Submarines.

On October 3rd, 2010, the Basset Space Center was attacked by Yuktobanian Stealth Bombers and Airborne soldiers while preparing to launch Osea’s trump card. Following the destruction of the attacking forces by the 108th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the craft was launched and was attached to the Arkbird. Following the attachment, the Arkbird went into action, destroying the Scinfaxi with two bursts from the laser itself. However, the Arkbird was soon knocked out of commission by explosives placed into a routine cargo shipment by Belkan spies.

Soon thereafter, Belkan agents commandeered the Arkbird, and planned to nuke a Yuktobanian City until they were bounced by four black fighters wearing the symbol of the Razgriz. Following a pitched battle, the laser cannons themselves were destroyed along with the Arkbird, never to see combat again.

SPECULATION
Not much is known about the weapon; but it was two firing points - one on the top and one on the bottom of the Arkbird (The cannon on the top appears to be a modification done by the Grey Men). The beam seems to be re-purposed Belkan technology from the Excalibur cannon used during the Belkan War.

Sources:
Ace Combat 05: The Unsung War

Accreditation
Jubinator, for the top cannon information

*Original Article by Ayre (Ribbon-Grey)*