C-lance
C-lances are a modern staple of space warfare. These payloads function by harnessing the energy of a nuclear explosion and shaping it into a narrow, concentrated beam of plasma that is referred to as the c-beam. This is achieved through a shaped-charge warhead, containing a small nuclear charge surrounded by a lining made of materials that can withstand the initial pressure of detonation, vaporize in appropriate time, and aid in directing the plasma towards the target. When detonated, the nuclear charge explodes, the metal of the lining vaporizing almost instantaneously under the intense heat and pressure and transforming into a state of plasma. This plasma, now moving at a significant fraction of the speed of light, forms the c-beam. The beam is capable of delivering massive amounts of heat and kinetic energy, enabling it to penetrate and destroy distant targets with precision.
C-lances are primarily deployed in space theaters and naval combat, where their long-range and precise destructive capabilities can be fully utilized without the interference of atmospheric distortions. In the vacuum of space, the c-beam travels without losing energy to friction or air resistance, maintaining its velocity and destructive power.
In-atmosphere use of c-lances is technically feasible, but significantly less effective. The presence of an atmosphere disperses the energy plasma beam, reducing its coherence and consequently its destructive power. Additionally, the atmospheric ionization caused by the c-beam's passage (especially if fired at high altitudes, as seen in most combat cases) can lead to secondary effects such as electromagnetic pulses.
Due to the huge cost of spacebound colonies and the destructive potentials of c-lances, this weapon's use against or within the confines of a colony is considered abhorrent by all factions. Not only would it cause huge civilian casualties, but the destruction of such colonies to these weapons would be seen as immensely wasteful in the terms of infrastructure potential. Such is the reason that many factions instead opt for standard invasions of colonies through the use of naval infantry.