Concussion missile/Legends



A concussion missile was a short-range, wingless anti-vehicle missile generally deployed by vehicle mounted launchers. There were a wide range of concussion missiles, varying in speed, maneuverability, and destructive capability. The concussion missile evolved from the ancient concussion spheres that were bigger, slower, and less destructive weapons that were similar to traditional bombs.

Characteristics
Weapons manufacturers generally produced both the launchers and the missiles, and sold them as units. Ground forces used them against any fast moving vehicle. In space combat, most concussion missiles were anti-starfighter weapons.

Each missile was stored and launched from a pressurized canister which was designed to protect it during transport, storage, and loading, but also acted as a launch tube. The canisters were racked in magazines that were loaded into a vehicle. The magazines were circular and the missile was launched out sideways before igniting and traveling its due course (only applies for ground-based launchers).



Each concussion missile featured an armor-piercing tip that penetrated a target's hull before igniting the missile's compact energy pack. The impact would trigger the missile's warhead, which like proton torpedoes, was either nuclear or thermonuclear in nature. A concussion missile did not necessarily need to impact in order to detonate, however, some could be set to explode at a preset proximity to the target. In atmosphere, the missile created a deafening sonic boom and caused major damage to the surrounding area.

History
Starfighters such as the Rebel Alliance A-wing and the Imperial Missile Boat made extensive use of concussion missiles in dogfights. Capital ships typically favored turbolasers because missiles were expensive and could only be carried in limited numbers. Some were equipped with multiplie-lock on systems.

Lando Calrissian used concussion missiles during the Battle of Endor. It was with this kind of missile that was fired at the main reactor of Death Star II. His wingman, Wedge Antilles used Proton Torpedoes in the run against the second Death Star.



Notable models

 * Arakyd ST2 concussion missile
 * Dymek HM-6
 * Dymex HM-8
 * Krupx MG5

Behind the scenes
In early LucasArts games, such as Star Wars: X-wing, concussion missiles were simply referred to as missiles. This kind of warhead is used commonly in all X-wing series games.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * The Battle of Cadinth
 * Edge of Victory II: Rebirth
 * Emissary of the Void
 * Star Wars: Legacy