Class-1 directed energy cannon

For the other uses, see Plasma cannon (disambiguation). Plasma Cannon is a common name given to the Covenant's manned automatic plasma turrets. Several models have been identified, including the Type-52 DESW and the Type-42 DESW.

Design details and operation
Plasma cannons are generally found on tripod mounts, but can also be attached to certain vehicles. Some models can be detached from their mount and become man-portable, usually wielded by Jiralhanae War Chieftains, Jiralhanae Chieftains and Sangheili Generals. Plasma cannons are often strategically placed, usually in locations where the much larger Shade cannot fit. The turrets usually have a very high rate of fire and most of them are used as anti-infantry weapons.

Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon
The Type-42 was the first first plasma cannon revealed, appearing in Halo 2. The turret was tripod-mounted and was used as a heavy support weapon in ground based combat and provided a rapid stream of powerful plasma rounds to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. The turret was placed in strategic locations and could be operated by most Covenant infantry. The turret only had a 65 degree turn radius and 50 degree pitch and fired plasma bolts similar to that of the Plasma Rifle.

Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon
The Type-52 DESW was the universal replacement of the Type-42 DESW and first appeared in Halo 3. The Type-52 DESW was very similar to the older version, having roughly the same rate of fire, the same damage per hit and the same range. Unlike the Type-42 DESW, the Type-52 DESW could now be detached from its tripod mount and became man-portable, at the cost of maneuverability and of limited ammunition (only 200 rounds).

Unidentified Plasma cannon (Wraith)
The Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage, commonly identified as the Wraith, was equipped with a unique version of the Plasma cannon, fixed on a ring mount on top of the vehicle The turret is composed of a central bulb and two prongs on either side of it that produce the plasma. This version is nearly identical to the Type-52 DESW, but had a much greater turn radius and was primarily used to protect the vehicle from boarding. The turret was mainly used by Heavy Grunts, Brutes and some times even Elites.

Unidentified Plasma cannon (Prowler)
The Type-52 Infantry Support Vehicle, more commonly known as the Prowler, was also outfitted with a unique version of the Plasma cannon. This version, likely the one mounted on the Wraith, was situated in a ring mount on top of the vehicle and was mainly used to protect the vehicle from boarding. The turret was aesthetically different from the Wraith mounted version, with a long barrel inside a type of cylinder and bigger handles, but was otherwise identical, with the same firing rate, accuracy and damage. This version is almost always operated by a Brute.

Trivia

 * In Halo: Reach, the plasma cannons overheat with prolonged use.

List of appearances

 * Halo 2
 * Halo 3
 * Halo 3: ODST
 * Halo: Reach