M68 Gauss cannon
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| M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor | |
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110 kilograms (243 lb)[2] |
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750 rounds[2] |
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The M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor is a model of Gauss cannon used by the armed forces of the United Nations Space Command. While overshadowed by its more common M68B variant, the M68 was used during the Human-Covenant War as an anti-armor weapon capable of firing hypervelocity, high-density projectiles. Also known among the troops as the "68," "Rail Gun," "Tent Pole," and the "Gas Gun,"[2] it can be mounted on a stationary stand, or mounted on a vehicle. In the vehicle-mounted role, it is most famous as an armament on the M12G1 "Gauss" Warthog.
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
Despite its name, the M68 does not operate as a Gauss gun, instead named after the 19th century mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss - the pioneer for the underlying technology behind the weapon.[4][5] As with other Gauss cannons, the M68 fires using asynchronous linear induction motors; using staged electromagnets that turn on-and-off in sequence to accelerate the projectile inside the barrel up to hypersonic velocities.[2][6][7] [8] In practice, this is similar to the much larger naval coilgun turrets and Magnetic Accelerator Cannons used on UNSC starships as heavy space combat weapons, or the smaller Stanchion series of handheld coilgun anti-materiel weapons. In this respect, it is sometimes informally termed a "mini-MAC".[9]
The weapon overall measures 3.0 meters (9.7 ft) in length,[1][Note 1] with a barrel length of 2 meters (6.6 ft).[8] It has a very similar design to the older M65 Gauss cannon used by the Colonial Military Authority, though unlike the M65 has a re-centred optics module and an integrated body shield that can protect the operator from incoming frontal fire.[1] The optics module consists of two large lenses which are connected to a firing computer in the weapon itself. The user is displayed a screen that shows a readout of what the gun can see alongside a heads-up display for aiming.[10] The Gauss cannon is additionally capable of smart-linking to a heads-up display such as that in MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor, allowing an operator to project the weapon's reticle even when the optics package is not available.[8]
When fired, the Gauss cannon's projectiles cause an ear-splitting sonic boom as they accelerate[8] - personnel stood within 20 meters (66 ft) of the weapon when it is fired may suffer permanent hearing damage if they do not have hearing protection.[2] As the projectile travels through the air, it emits a burst of intense blue-white light due to the friction of the round heating up.[8] The speed of the projectile is such that they appear instantaneous to the human eye,[1] and impact their target before the operator has even finished pulling the trigger.[8]
Ammunition[edit]
The M68 Gauss cannon fires a ferric-tungsten 25x130mm round. These are fed into the weapon by a rotating cylindrical magazine towards the back of the barrel capable of holding 750 rounds.[2]
There are a number of ammunition types available, depending on use case.
- 25x130mm Armor-Piercing, Limited Penetration/Frangible (APLP/F)[2]
- M485 25x130mm High-Velocity/Ferric-Tungsten Hollow-Point Projectile (HV/FTHPP).[6][7]
Variants[edit]
There are half a dozen design variants of the M68 ALIM platform, all of which are produced by Misriah Armory.[6] However, the most common is the M68B variant of the Gauss cannon - one which eclipsed the standard M68 and became the most commonly-used Gauss cannon of both the UNSC Army and UNSC Marine Corps during the Human-Covenant War. The M68B has a distinctive silhouette, with a bulkier power feed architecture and cooling system.[1]
Catherine-B320 operating an M68B Gauss cannon during the Battle of Sword Base.
