
Each additional charge requires a significant amount of preparation time, ensuring that the scout ship is only capable of firing them in even numbered rounds.
The EMP wave hits multiple arbitrary mechanical targets (it is possible for the wave to hit the same target multiple times). The number of hits is fixed and equal to the Ion Technology level. Hitting a target causes its maximum shield to be reduced by 5000, but not below zero as a result. The current shield value will change in the shield recovery phase, at the end of the combat frame.
This ability makes research ships extremely useful against uncovered Deathstar, Supernova Star and other flagships. However, having cover from ships with a low shield value can minimize the effectiveness of an EMP attack.
The Ion Technology from level 1 is required to operate.