Following feasibility studies which concluded such a weapon was possible the DDS have placed an order for a "massive parallel beam energy weapon" and the ship to carry it. The Type 18 (a name has yet to be decided) will be a single-role warship designed simply to get the cannon into position.
The weapon (naturally given the acronym MPBEW by the DDS though something snappier is expected to be decided upon soon) has the energy output of around 50 Z6 cannons but focussed in one beam. Such a weapon could potentially destroy small moons however its expected use will be against enemy ship formations and ground bases. The DDS only expect to build a small number of Type 18s which will be specialised weapons but part of the wide portfolio of options Firefly is keen for the DDS to build.
The Type 18 could enter service by 2117.
