M70 Gauss cannon

This article is about the model introduced in Halo 5: Guardians. For the model introduced in Halo 2, see M68 Gauss cannon.

The M70 Electromagnetic Launcher is a Gauss cannon employed by various human military and paramilitary forces. It is the newest addition into the Gauss cannon family, following the widespread M68 Gauss cannon employed by UNSC forces during the Human-Covenant War.

Design details
The M70 Gauss cannon utilises a hybrid of established coilgun technologies and Covenant-derived pulsed power systems. The system implements new asynchronous linear-induction motors and rail channels, and even incorporates alien materials and reverse-engineered components. Unlike prior models, the M70 does not require the use of a power tether, and is instead powered by an internal capacitor.

Even with the new additions, the coilgun has seen little improvement in armor penetration from its predecessor, the M68 Gauss cannon. Misriah Armory promises that up-scaled versions of the new coilguns suitable for installation on armored vehicles and aerospace vehicles will conclusively prove the value of moving to a new architecture.

Development history
The M70 EL (then known as the X555 Electromagnetic Launcher Advanced Technologies Testbed) was first tested in classified operations during the Requiem Campaign, utilizing a hybrid of existing technologies and Covenant-derived pulsed power systems. The implementation of the new asynchronous linear-induction motor and rail channels has proven itself in testing, and development costs has stayed within budget, though its precise mechanisms remain highly classified. The X555 was later redesignated the M555 Electromagnetic Launcher (M555 EL) before finally being given a formal designation M70, in accordance with prior models in the Gauss cannon series.

Usage
The M70 is employed both as a portable turret and as a vehicle-mounted munition employed on the back of select M12G1 Gauss Warthog vehicles. It is in use with the United Nations Space Command, specialized ONI units, and private corporations such as Liang-Dortmund after the Human-Covenant War.

Variants

 * ONI Gauss Turret: Produces lingering area-of-effect damage.

Gameplay
When detached, the M555 is loaded with 9 slugs. Carrying the turret decreases the player's speed and maneuverability to the point where they are invisible on the motion tracker unless the weapon is fired. Look speed is also drastically increased in comparison to other weapons.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians