I am creating a CGI fighter/bomber and need the Hive Mind’s help in choosing a direction to go with armaments.
Would the main laser guns work better as the more traditional cannon type or the reciprocating ball type like on a Gunstar? Or does anyone have a new direction a should explore for offensive weaponry.
Thanks in advance.
Sorry, can’t help myself. Not often I get to break out that cap.
I would think it would be interesting to go in your own direction in designing a laser. Perhaps go for a more retro-inspired look by checking out WWII canons (although, in all honesty…you say Gunstar and I am already sold).
I think of this scene every time I hear the word “laser”
Where on the shark are you thinking of placing them?
There is always a Chain Gun style laser. Ala the Vulcan Cannon in an A-10. But I too ama huge fan of the Gunstar…Maybe both…A Huge Vulcan Cannon on a Ball turret
Offensive weapons :
Implant a humanoid-shaped Ellen & Starbuck to infiltrate the enemy mother ship and raise hell 
Add : a Cavil for comedic effect 
Was the Vulcan Cannon used on the fighters in the Wing Commander movie? But I like the idea of either a single or dual forward mounted chain guns. As a side note, as a young kid I think I remember getting to see an A-10 up close. It is one of my favorite aircraft.
I have a new question: what is the effective range of a viper, or gunstar?
If this ship is space-worthy, (I’m assuming it is because this is Galactic Water Cooler and you’re talking lasers) then maybe it has warp drive and it docks on a larger space borne ship that has artificial gravity. Certainly warp and gravity capabilities could be used against an adversary in the form of mines or torpedos that could cause concentrated shifts in a gravity field that could alter ships courses, crush them, shake them like a kewpie doll, or tear their ships apart completely. It could be as simple as screwing up another ships artificial gravity system, crushing everyone on board but leaving the ship intact along with any sensitive information (maps, plans, weapon designs and locations). The possibilities are endless.
I have crafted the gatling gun laser cannons on a ball pivot system. I have a add in some details. If there is a way to post a little pic of what I have, I might show it off.