Pek-pattern plasma cannon: Difference between revisions

{{Era|HCW}}

{{Disambig header|the Halo 3, ODST, and Reach version of the Plasma Cannon|other uses|Plasma cannon (disambiguation)}}

{{Weapon

| image=[[File:Type-52 Plasma Cannon-transparent.png|250px]]

| name=Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon

| manufacturer=[[Assembly forges]]

| model=Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon

| type=Portable Plasma Turret

| cost=

| size=

| damage per hit=Medium

| magazine=200 shot charge (when dismounted, but unlimited when mounted)

| maxammo=*Unlimited (mounted)

*200 shots (200% battery life) (dismounted)

| ammotype=[[Superheated Plasma]]

| operation=

| rate of fire=600 RPM

| accuracy=Medium

| range=Medium to medium-long Range

| era=[[Human-Covenant War]]

*Halo 2: [[M247 GP Machine Gun]]

*Halo 3: [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]

| affiliation=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], [[Covenant separatists]]

==Design Details==

The Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon sports what appears to be shields or targeting displays on its top surface. These could also be heat dissipation vanes; this is supported by the fact that the weapon cannot overheat even if the entire power supply is emptied, non-stop. Additionally, heat/excess plasma appears to be vented by four apertures on the weapon's sides during rapid fire; this probably assists the cooling process.

===Operation===

Used as a heavy support [[weapon]] in ground based combat, it provides a rapid-fire stream of powerful plasma rounds to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. The cannon is basically a mobile support weapon and as such offers no protection for the operator, which is usually a [[Heavy Grunt]] or an [[Sangheili General|Elite General]], although it is also a favorite weapon for [[Jiralhanae]] [[War Chieftain]]s. The gunner is completely exposed to enemy fire, so a well-covered emplacement position is desirable for prolonged use, especially if under fire. This separates it from the [[Shade]] and [[Shielded Plasma Cannon]], as both of these offer some measure of protection for their operator but are, however, not man-portable.

It is carried and operated in a similar fashion to the [[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun|M247 GPMG]] made by the [[UNSC]], with the obvious difference that while the M247's rounds hit almost instantly, the plasma cannon, as with all plasma weapons, has a slower moving plasma bolt. It has an approximate sixty-five degree turn radius and fifty degree pitch. It fires plasma bolts similar to those of the Covenant [[Plasma Rifle]], and fires around three hundred rounds per minute. A battery or plasma core is built into the tripod which allows the gun to fire indefinitely. When removed from the tripods power supply, the gun can only use the two hundred units of power (equal to two hundred shots) that the gun itself contains.

===Tactics===

Since the operator is completely exposed, it is logical to kill the gunner and not attempt to destroy the gun itself. The gunners are usually positioned low to the ground and as such can be difficult targets to hit. It is advised to attempt this from cover, since the sheer volume of fire the cannon can lay down is not to be underestimated. Once the operator is down, a well placed grenade or some other explosive should be used to put the cannon out of action permanently (other Grunts will sometimes man the turret if the original gunner is killed). Plasma Cannons are often mounted on [[Gravity Platform|Deployable Lookout Towers]] for a superior vantage point. Facing them in such situations, distance and/or firepower is key, and rushing such emplacements is not recommended on higher difficulties.

*Jiralhanae War Chieftains and the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] are able to melee with this weapon while in their hand.

*In ''Halo: Reach'', Elite Generals are seen carrying this weapon, but when thrown in the air by a rocket or other explosives, they will put their arms at their sides and "glide" through the air. This is because they do not have the animation for jumping with the turret, an oversight by Bungie.

<gallery widths="150">

File:Turretoff.jpg|A Type-52 DESW being detached.

File:Type-52 Plasma Cannon.jpg|The Type-52 DESW Plasma Cannon of Halo 3.

File:Grunt Heavy on Turret.jpg|Plasma Cannons are operated by [[Unggoy Heavy|Unggoy Heavies]] in and feature a gravity lift-type support rather than a mounted tripod for easier turning.

File:300px-Plasma_Cannon.jpg|A [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]] with a plasma cannon.

File:Reach 2473336 Full.jpg|The missing animation for Elites using the Plasma Cannon when airborne.

<references/>

{{Covenant Weapons}}

[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]