Laser cannon

Laser Cannon
Type	Cannon

The Laser Cannon was an energy projectile weapon used by the Terran Confederation and Kilrathi fleets. The laser cannon was a reliable weapon with a long range and a low damage potential. As of 2654, it was believed that laser cannons had accounted for more enemy kills than any other weapon. Laser cannons were found on the Hornet, Rapier II, Venture, Salthi, Dralthi, Krant, Gratha and Jalthi. The laser cannon also forms the basis for the Turreted Laser and the Dual Laser Turret. They were featured in both Weapons of the Terran and Kilrathi Fleets and Borger's All The Sector's Weapons Systems. Variants include the Mk. 25 Laser Cannon.

Wing Commander

Joan's Fighting Spacecraft -- Vega Sector Supplement for 2654.092

Lasers don't do a lot of damage. Still, nearly all pilots have at least one story in which the long range of the laser allowed them to get first strike on a foe. Despite their low damage potential, lasers are reliable, versatile, and effective - they have probably accounted for more enemy kills than any other weapon.

Wing Commander I & II: The Ultimate Strategy Guide

Using Your Ship's Guns

At this point, the laser cannon was employed only on the Hornets, although scuttlebutt indicated that a new class of fighter, the Rapier, would use them as well. The laser's range and speed are its most important characteristics. It's the weakest gun in Terran arsenal, but it reaches its target rapidly, doesn't deplete blaster power quickly, and has a range of 4,800 mrrs (meters relative to range and speed). The range is 1,800 mrrs more than any other gun. As a pilot, this information indicates that you don't have to lead moving targets as much, can fire more shots in a burst, and can hit targets while they're far away.