IG1 - Virus Bombs

[timski]

Does anyone have a definitive answer as to what Virus Bombs actually do in IG1? Only one ship can use them, and they appear to act like regular bombs. This leads me to the conclusion that they are a missing feature. Anyone able to confirm that?

[vakundok]

All I know is that it lowers the population of the target world reducing the tax income of your enemy. (So, it is best suited for hit and run tactics.) I do not know whether:
1, What (if there) is the exact ratio? (If I remember well, the result is quite radical, like 1/4 of the original.)
2, Do multiple bombs (in the same battle) have the same affect as a single?
3, Do they work through the planetary shields or not?