M68 Gauss cannon: Difference between revisions

|width={{Convert|55.6|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG"/>

|height={{Convert|85.8|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG"/>

|ammotype=25x130mm <span class="explain" title="armor-piercing, limited penetration/frangible">AVLP/F</span><ref name="ENC"/><br/>

25x130mm M485 HV/FTHPP<ref name="vis"/><br/>

|feed=750 rounds<ref name="ENC"/>

|range={{Convert|8|km|mi}}<ref name="ENC"/>

The '''M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor''', more commonly known as the '''M68 Gauss Cannon''' (named after nineteenth century physicist [[Wikipedia: Carl Friedrich Gauss|Carl F. Gauss]]),<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 78''</ref> is a [[weapon]] that fires hyper-velocity, high-density projectiles similar to those of a [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]], except on a much smaller scale.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''Game Stats''</ref><ref name="PH">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Palace Hotel]]", ''page 362''</ref>{{Ref/Note|1=''"While the Warthog gauss rifle is modeled as a magnetic acceleration cannon, the sound and effects are actually those of a railgun, which operates on a different principle. However, the sound and effects were so cool that we couldn't not use them."''<br />— ferrex providing [http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=27004812 additional information] about the M68.}} Also known among the troops as the "68," "Rail Gun," "Tent Pole," and the "Gas Gun,"<ref name="ENC"/> it can be mounted on a stationary stand, or on the rear of the [[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]].

The M68 ALIM uses an [[Wikipedia:Linear motor|asynchronous linear-induction motor]] to produce a bipolar magnetic field capable of launching a 25x130mm projectile at an incredible speed of just under Mach 40, or approximately 13.7km per second.<ref name="PH"/>{{Ref/Note|The speed of the Gauss Cannon's projectile in-game is much slower than its canonical speed of Mach 40. This is probably because of design and engine limits as well as balancing issue. The projectile moves more quickly in ''Halo 3'' than in ''Halo 2''.}} The great velocity of the projectile is the key to the stopping power and performance of the Gauss cannon, giving it exceptional armor penetration at impressive ranges.

When modified, Gauss cannons are capable of firing the [[Anvil round]], a special kind of ammunition capable of causing an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] in the target area and doing more damage than standard munitions.<ref name="PL"/><ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref>

The M68 has few disadvantages, mainly the fact that the weapon (like all other vehicle-mounted turrets) offers little to no protection to the operator, and allows them to be easily sniped without the presence of a skilled driver. It lacks precision at extreme distances, but can still hit large targets (i.e. Wraiths and Phantoms) with a fair degree of accuracy. The Gauss Cannon can also cause permanent hearing damage when fired within 20 meters of unprotected infantry.<ref name="ENC"/> The M68's muzzle flash can also give away its user's position. <ref name="H4VG"/>