M49 Vulcan

The M343A2 Minigun, known simply as the misleading Chaingun moniker, is a heavy machine gun in use by the United Nations Space Command after the Human-Covenant War.

Specifications
Post-Covenant War successor to the M41 and M46 weapon systems, the M343A2 is an electrically driven, five-barreled Gatling-style machine gun that is compatible with all UNSC-standard heavy weapon mounts. The M343A2 is often installed on a pneumatic full-rotation turret as the primary armament of the M12B Warthog, and is also available in a semi-portable tripod configuration for site defense. The barrel length in the latter configuration is drastically shorter.

Lethality is roughly similar to the older gun units, and it will still overheat after periods of sustained fire, though barrel wear is substantially reduced. The M343A2 is also designed to use the latest polymer-cased and energetic propellant rounds; however, UNSC units have been ordered to deplete existing stocks of older ammunition before making the transition.

Variants

 * ONI Chaingun Turret: A variant used by the Office of Naval Intelligence. Fires explosive rounds with increased damage and does not overheat.

Gameplay
Carrying the turret decreases the player's speed and maneuverability.

Trivia
As opposed to its predecessors, the M343A2 ejects its spent casings from the left side.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians