From the Depths Advanced Cannon Calculator

Advanced Cannon Input Panel

Example Data Table

Formula Used

This calculator uses design estimator formulas. They help compare cannon layouts before in-game testing. The formulas are intentionally transparent, so you can tune them for your own balance notes.

• Shell Length: gauge in meters × shell modules.
• Shell Mass: shell volume × density factor × module composition factor.
• Muzzle Velocity: propellant velocity + rail velocity + manual boost, multiplied by barrel efficiency and shell profile factor.
• Reload Rate: 60 × autoloaders × clip bonus ÷ base loading time.
• Cooling Rate: cooling per second ÷ heat per shot, converted to rpm.
• Ammo Intake Rate: feeders × 60 ÷ estimated intake seconds.
• Sustained Rate: minimum of reload rate, cooling rate, intake rate, and desired rate.
• Recoil Safety: recoil absorption ÷ recoil impulse × 100.
• Armor Margin: estimated armor piercing minus target armor rating.

The final threat score combines kinetic score, payload score, armor margin, and sustained fire rate. It is a comparison score, not a guaranteed damage value.

How to Use This Calculator

Start with the cannon role. Choose rapid fire, kinetic penetration, payload damage, or balanced support. Enter the gauge and shell module count first. Then enter powder, solid body, and warhead modules. Keep these values within the total shell module count.

Add barrel length, coolers, autoloaders, clips, and ammo feeders. These values control practical fire rate. Add rail energy only when the design uses rail assistance. Use target armor and range to test expected combat conditions.

Press the calculate button. Review the result box above the form. Check the primary limiter first. Add coolers if cooling limits the gun. Add autoloaders or clips if reload limits the gun. Add feeders if ammo intake limits the gun.

Use CSV export for spreadsheets. Use PDF export for sharing a build note. Test the final design inside the game before relying on it in campaign combat.

Advanced Cannon Planning Guide

Why Cannon Balance Matters

Advanced cannons can fill many combat roles. A small gauge gun can fire fast. A large gauge gun can hit hard. A rail assisted design can push velocity higher. A payload shell can punish large surfaces. The best design depends on space, cost, recoil, and target armor.

Gauge and Shell Length

Gauge controls shell width. Module count controls shell length. Together, they shape mass, reload pressure, recoil, and payload size. A long shell may look powerful, yet it can slow the whole weapon. A short shell may fire often, yet it may lack impact. Good designs start with a clear target.

Reload, Cooling, and Intake

A cannon is only as fast as its weakest support system. Autoloaders affect reload throughput. Coolers affect safe sustained firing. Ammo inputs affect how fast rounds can reach the loaders. If one value is far lower than the others, extra parts elsewhere may be wasted. The limiter result shows where upgrades should go first.

Damage Style

Kinetic shells need velocity and solid bodies. They perform best when armor piercing exceeds the target armor rating. Payload shells need warhead space. They often prefer larger gauges and controlled fire rates. Hybrid shells can work well, but they can also become unfocused. Compare armor margin and payload score before choosing.

Recoil and Accuracy

Recoil can ruin accuracy and damage nearby parts. Heavy shells and rail energy increase recoil pressure. Absorbers protect the platform and improve control. Accuracy also matters at long range. A small error angle becomes a wide spread over distance.

Testing Your Build

Use this tool to narrow a design. Then test it in the designer. Watch sustained rate, shell cost, recoil behavior, and target performance. A good cannon is not only powerful. It is reliable, affordable, and matched to the craft carrying it.

FAQs