Editing ARC-920 railgun

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.

The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.

Latest revision Your text
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|Post}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon Infobox
|image = [[File:H5G-ARC920.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H5G-ARC920.png|300px]]
|manufacturer = [[Acheron Security]]{{Ref/Site|Id=Guide|URL=http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/a7b28a89-84c4-4781-9c8d-77620e328a4d/railgun|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Weapons: Railgun|D=01|M=05|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Weapons}}{{Ref/Site|Id=GI|URL=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/05/02/the-arsenal-of-halo-4.aspx|Site=Gameinformer|Page=The Arsenal of Halo 4|D=20|M=12|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Bulletin8812|URL=http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/08/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-8812.aspx|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12|D=19|M=08|Y=2013}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=63}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=178}}
|manufacturer=[[Acheron Security]]
|series =  
|series=
|type = [[Railgun (fiction)|Railgun]] [[Wikipedia:Carbine|carbine]]
|type=[[Railgun]] [[Wikipedia:Carbine|carbine]]
|cost = 63,405 [[cR]]{{Ref/Generic|Id=brief|[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]}}
|cost=63,405 [[cR]]<ref name="brief">'''Halo 4: Limited Edition''', UNSC ''Infinity'' Briefing Packet</ref>
|variant =  
|variant=
|service = [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|service=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|affiliation = [[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|weight = {{Convert|14.9|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|brief}}
|weight={{Convert|14.9|kg|lb}}<ref name="brief"/>
|length = {{Convert|43.6|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|brief}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|length={{Convert|43.6|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 63''</ref>
|width = {{Convert|2.9|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|brief}}
|width={{Convert|2.9|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
|height = {{Convert|12.5|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|brief}}
|height={{Convert|12.5|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
|ammotype = 16×65 mm [[M645 FTP-HE]]{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|brief}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|ammotype=16mm x 65mm [[M645 FTP-HE]]<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo 4 Interactive Guide''']</ref>
|capacity = 1 slug{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin8812}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|feed=1 slug<ref name="Bulletin8812">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/08/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-8812.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12'']</ref>
|feed =
|operation=[[Wikipedia:Railgun|Electromagnetic linear accelerator]]
|operation = [[Railgun|Electromagnetic linear accelerator]]
|rate=Single-shot
|rate = Single-shot
|velocity=
|velocity =
|range=Close to medium
|optics =
|range =  
}}
}}
The '''Asymmetric Recoilless Carbine-920''' ('''ARC-920'''), also known simply as the '''[[Railgun (fiction)|railgun]]''', is a compact-channel linear accelerator weapon used by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It is designed and manufactured by [[Acheron Security]].{{Ref/Reuse|GI}} The ARC-920 is one of the various limited-production electromagnetic launchers in service with the UNSC, and is widely considered the best among them.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}


==Overview==
The '''Asymmetric Recoilless Carbine-920''', abbreviated '''ARC-920''' or known simply as the '''railgun''', is a compact-channel linear accelerator weapon used by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It was designed and manufactured by [[Acheron Security]].<ref name="GI 522012">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/05/02/the-arsenal-of-halo-4.aspx '''Game Informer:''' ''The Arsenal of Halo 4'']</ref>
===Design details===
While several lines of handheld infantry-portable [[Railgun (fiction)|railgun]] weapon systems have been in full production for decades,{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} the ARC-920 railgun is a result of scientific breakthroughs following the [[Human-Covenant War]] that allowed for portable, hand-held, electromagnetic launcher systems to be used in combat. The ARC-920's disposable power cell and ferric-shelled [[M645 FTP-HE]] projectile has dramatically decreased the weapon's total mass. Despite the ARC-920's lighter weight over previous models, it is still too heavy and cumbersome for general use by non-[[Human augmentation|augmented]] personnel.{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Railgun|D=30|M=09|Y=2021}} Overall, it is widely considered to be the best entry into the handheld railgun market.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}


The ARC-920 uses a pair of parallel conducting rails to accelerate its projectiles. A large electric current flows from one rail into the projectile and then to the other rail; the electromagnetic effects of this interaction accelerate the projectile to an immense speed. The rifle requires a brief charging period before firing high-explosive rounds accelerated to an incredible speed.{{Ref/Site|Id=bulletin52512|URL=http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/05/25/The-Halo-Bulletin-52512.aspx|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The Halo Bulletin: 5.25.12|D=30|M=04|Y=2013}} The explosive yield contained in the round adds to the kinetic force of the impact, making the weapon effective against both infantry and armor.{{Ref/Reuse|GI}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} If the charge is held too long, the weapon will fire automatically{{Ref/Game|Id=REQRailgun|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Railgun|Quote=Powerful single-shot coilgun that requires a short charge cycle before firing. Will automatically fire if the charge is held for too long.}} - an issue alleviated in later production models and variants in the ARC-920 line.{{Ref/Reuse|REQArclight}}
==Design details==
The ARC-920 railgun is a result of scientific breakthroughs following the [[Human-Covenant War]] that allowed for portable, hand-held, electromagnetic launcher systems to be used in combat. The ARC-920's disposable power cell and ferric-shelled [[M645 FTP-HE]] projectile has dramatically decreased the weapon's total mass. Despite the ARC-920's lighter weight over previous models, it is still too heavy and cumbersome for general use by non-[[Human augmentation|augmented]] personnel.<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Railgun'']</ref>


The weapon lacks a scope or any form of optical magnification.{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin52512}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
The ARC-920 uses a pair of parallel conducting rails to accelerate its projectiles. A large electric current flows from one rail into the projectile and then to the other rail; the electromagnetic effects of this interaction accelerate the projectile to an immense speed. The rifle requires a brief charging period before firing high-explosive rounds accelerated to an incredible speed.<ref name="bulletin52512">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/05/25/The-Halo-Bulletin-52512.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 5.25.12'']</ref> The explosive yield contained in the round adds to the kinetic force of the impact, making the weapon effective against both infantry and armor.<ref name="GI 522012"/> The weapon lacks a scope.<ref name="bulletin52512"/> The ARC-920 is one of the various limited-production electromagnetic launchers in service with the [[UNSC Defense Force]], and the ARC-920 is widely considered the best among them.<ref name="universe"/>
 
===Variants===
* '''[[Whiplash]]''': The ''Whiplash'' is an improved variant which features a faster charge cycle, two rounds per magazine, and projectiles fitted with a proximity airburst fuse.{{Ref/Game|Id=REQWhiplash|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Whiplash|Quote=Acheron Security has recently made great strides in developing compact fast-discharge energy cells and miniaturized sensors. Improved Railgun featuring a faster charge cycle, multiple shots per magazine, and projectiles fitted with proximity airburst fuse.}}
* '''[[Arclight]]''': The ''Arclight'' is an advanced variant that fires armor-piercing high-explosive rounds capable of piercing through multiple targets at once. While it takes longer to charge the weapon, the charge can be held indefinitely.{{Ref/Game|Id=REQArclight|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Arclight|Quote=Those who can't acquire super-soldiers acquire super-weapons instead. Advanced Railgun firing armor-piercing high-explosive [APHE] projectiles. Shots take longer to charge, but can be held indefinitely.
}}
* '''Extractor''': This Railgun has a unique interior green glow.<ref name="HW2">''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', [[Blitz]] in-game unit</ref>
<gallery class=center>
File:H5G RailgunW.png|Whiplash.
File:Halo 5 Whiplash.png|Arclight.
File:HW2 Extractor Raingun.png|Extractor
</gallery>


==Variants==
===Whiplash===
The ''Whiplash'' features a faster charge cycle, two rounds per magazine, and projectiles fitted with a proximity airburst fuse.<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>
===Arclight===
The ''Arclight'' fires armor-piercing high-explosive rounds. While it takes longer to charge the weapon the charge can be held indefinitely.<ref name="H5G"/>
== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
Compared to the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]], the ARC-920's charging time is half the duration and deals less damage to vehicles. In addition, the traveling time for a fired shot is almost instantaneous,{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin52512}} though still markedly slower than most ballistic, [[hard light]], and laser weapons in the game, which are hitscan. In Campaign and Spartan Ops, the charging time is longer than in War Games.
Compared to the [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Laser]], the ARC-920's charging time is half the duration and deals less damage to vehicles. In addition, the travelling time for a fired shot is almost instantaneous<ref name="bulletin52512"/>(though still markedly slower than most ballistic, [[hard light]], and laser weapons in the game, which are hitscan). In Campaign and Spartan Ops, the charging time is longer than in War Games.


=== Advantages ===
===Advantages===
The railgun is extremely powerful and can kill Spartans and all but the highest-ranking [[Promethean Knight]]s and [[Sangheili|Elites]] with one shot. It is also very accurate at short and medium distances.
The railgun is extremely powerful and can kill Spartans and all but the highest-ranking Knights and Elites with one shot. It is also very accurate at short and medium distances.


=== Disadvantages ===
===Disadvantages===
The railgun must be charged before firing, which is a disadvantage on the battlefield. It can only fire one slug before reloading and is weak against vehicles. Its lack of scope coupled with its narrow blast radius make it difficult to aim, limiting mostly to firing at stationary or slow-moving targets.
The railgun must be charged before firing, which is a disadvantage on the battlefield. It can only fire one slug before reloading and is weak against vehicles. Its lack of scope coupled with its narrow blast radius make it difficult to aim, limiting mostly to firing at stationary targets.


=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
* Can now be zoomed in via [[Spartan abilities|Smart Scope]], which activates the weapon's [[Projection sight]].
* Like the [[M70 Gauss cannon|Gauss turret]], it now has hitscan properties.
* Maximum reserve ammunition increased from 5 to 13.
* Projectile weakness against vehicles has been removed, leaving it an all around effective anti-vehicle weapon.
* Charge time is now the same in the campaign as in multiplayer.
* If the [[Halo 5: Guardians skulls#Grunt Birthday Party|Grunt Birthday Party]] skull is on, the railgun can now trigger the effects of said skull with headshots to [[Unggoy|Grunts]].


=== Changes from ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
* [[August-099|August]] is the only one that wields an actual Railgun. Despite it being the standard Railgun, she shoots it twice in some occasions.
*Can now be zoomed in via [[Spartan abilities|Smart Scope]].
* The Railgun does less damage.
*Like the [[Gauss turret]], it now has hitscan properties.
* [[Extractor Marines]] wield Railguns in [[Blitz]], the weapon can "siphon" enemies' health and give it to the user & having a higher rate of fire.
*Maximum ammunition increased from 5 to 13.
*Projectile weakness against vehicles has been removed, leaving it an all around effective anti-vehicle weapon.


== Trivia ==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of ARC-920}}
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of ARC-920}}
* Canonically, a magnetically accelerated projectile would move at many times the speed of sound. However, for the sake of balance, the railgun's projectiles move at a much slower subsonic speed in gameplay.
*The ARC-920 was inspired by a piece of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' concept art.
* Despite being a railgun, the rings that form around the barrel when charging, as well as the [[Railgun Kill]] medal depicting a projectile going through rings, seem more indicative of a coilgun.
*Canonically, a magnetically accelerated projectile would move at many times the speed of sound. However, for the sake of balance, the railgun's projectiles move at a much slower subsonic speed in gameplay.
** In addition, the weapon's REQ card in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' identifies it as a coilgun.{{Ref/Reuse|REQRailgun}}
*Despite being a railgun, the rings that form around the barrel when charging, as well as the [[Railgun Kill]] medal depicting a projectile going through rings, seem more indicative of a coilgun.
* Even though the weapon's name implies a lack of recoil, a railgun or coilgun should still produce substantial recoil.
**In addition, the weapon's REQ card in Halo 5: Guardians incorrectly states that it is a coilgun.
*This weapon's name may be a reference to the [[w:c:masseffect:M-920_Cain|M-920 Cain]], a railgun in the ''Mass Effect'' series. In addition, the number 920 is a reference to the number [[Seven|7]] (9-2-0=7)
*The ARC-920's REQ card in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' refers to it being a coilgun despite being a railgun.<ref name="H5G"/>
{{Clear}}


== Gallery ==
==Gallery==
=== Concept art and illustrations ===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Army compilation 2.png|The ''Halo: Reach'' concept art that inspired the ARC-920.
File:H4-Concept-ARC920Railgun.jpg|Concept art of the ARC-920 railgun for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4-Concept-ARC920Railgun.jpg|Concept art of the ARC-920 railgun for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4 BR85andRailgun Concept.jpg|Concept art of the ARC-920 and a [[BR85HB battle rifle]].
File:H4-Concept-ARC920Railgun-Slug.jpg|Concept art of the ARC-920's reloading mechanism in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Concept-ARC920Railgun-Slug.jpg|Concept art of the ARC-920's reloading mechanism in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4_JohnRailgun_Concept.jpg|Concept art of [[John-117|Master Chief]] with the ARC-920.
File:chief_ARC.jpg|Concept art of [[John-117|Master Chief]] with the ARC-920.
File:Halo4-MasterChief-ARC920.png|John-117 wielding the ARC-920.
File:H4-ARC920Railgun.png|The ARC-920 in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-ARC920Railgun-RightSide.png|A right side view of the ARC-920 railgun.
File:H4-ARC920-Schematic.jpg|A schematic of the railgun.
File:H4-ARC920-Schematic.jpg|A schematic of the railgun.
File:Battle for the Moon.png|[[Sarah Palmer]] wielding an ARC-920 against [[Merg Vol]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:Jackknife.png|Spartan Newman firing an ARC-920 during the [[Battle of Ealen IV]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:August-099.png|Concept art of [[August-099]] using an ARC-920 for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>
=== ''Halo 4'' ===
<gallery>
File:ARC-920 HUD.png|HUD icon of the ARC-920 in ''Halo 4''.
File:ARC-920 HUD.png|HUD icon of the ARC-920 in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-ARC920Railgun.png|The ARC-920 in ''Halo 4''.
File:Halo4-MasterChief-ARC920.png|A render of John-117 wielding the ARC-920.
File:H4-ARC920Railgun-RightSide.png|A right side view of the ARC-920 railgun.
File:Railgun.png|A [[WARRIOR-class Mjolnir|Warrior]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IV]] wielding the ARC-920.
File:Railgun.png|A [[WARRIOR-class Mjolnir|Warrior]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IV]] wielding the ARC-920.
File:H4-ARC920HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the ARC-920 by John-117 in the ''Halo 4'' campaign.
File:H4-ARC920Railgun-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the ARC-920 railgun.
File:H4-ARC920Railgun-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the ARC-920 railgun in ''Halo 4''{{'}}s multiplayer.
File:RG reload.jpg|Closeup view of the ARC-920 being reloaded.
File:RG reload.jpg|Closeup view of the ARC-920 being reloaded.
File:M645 loading.jpg|Reloading an ARC-920.
File:M645 loading.jpg|Reloading an ARC-920.
Line 98: Line 77:
File:ARC-920_post-launch.jpg|An ARC-920 immediately after discharge.
File:ARC-920_post-launch.jpg|An ARC-920 immediately after discharge.
File:Railgun_slug.jpg|An M645 round being fired.
File:Railgun_slug.jpg|An M645 round being fired.
</gallery>
File:Battle for the Moon.png|[[Sarah Palmer]] wielding an ARC-920 against [[Merg Vol]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
File:Jackknife.png|Spartan Newman firing an ARC-920 during the [[Battle of Ealen IV]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
<gallery>
File:H5G-ARC920HUD.png|First-person view of the ARC-920 in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-Fred&ARC920.png|[[Frederic-104]] charging up an ARC-920.
File:H5G-ARC920zoom.png|Smart scope with the ARC-920
File:H5G-ARC920HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the ARC-920 by Fred-104 in the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' campaign.
File:H5G-ARC920zoom-Campaign.png|[[Spartan abilities#Smart Scope/Hover|Smart scope]] with the ARC-920 by Fred-104 in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-ARC920 FP melee1.png|First-person view of [[John-117]] performing a melee attack with the ARC-920.
File:H5G-ARC920 FP melee2.png|Ditto, second melee animation.
File:H5G-ARC920 FP charging.png|First-person view of John-117 charging up an ARC-920.
File:H5G-ARC920 FP firing.png|First-person view of John-117 firing at a {{Pattern|Bmur'resh|Shade}} with the ARC-920.
File:H5G-ARC920 FP reloading.png|Reloading the ARC-920.
File:H5G-Linda&ARC920.png|[[Linda-058]] with an ARC-920 on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-ARC920HUD.png|First-person view of the ARC-920 in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer.
File:H5G-ARC920zoom.png|Smart scope with the ARC-920.
File:H5G-ARC920SS.png|Alternate view of the ARC-920 in smart scope.
File:H5G-ARC920SS.png|Alternate view of the ARC-920 in smart scope.
File:Whiplash.png|REQ Card of the ''Whiplash''
File:H5G-WhiplashHUD.png|First-person view of the ''Whiplash'' on [[Battle of Noctus]].
File:H5G-Whiplash.png|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad Spartan-IV with ''Whiplash''.
File:Arclight.png|REQ Card of the ''Arclight''
File:H5G-ArclightHUD.png|First-person view of the ''Arclight''.
File:H5G-Arclight.png|A Spartan-IV with ''Arclight''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


=== ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
==Videos==
<gallery>
<youtube width="300" height="250">g3iJHg-CEX8</youtube>
File:HW2 Extractor Railgun CR.png|The Extractor Railgun in ''Halo Wars 2''..
File:HW2 Extractor gun.png|A in-game look of the Extractor in ''Halo Wars 2''.
</gallery>


== List of appearances ==
==List of appearances==
* ''[[Halo 4]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{1st}}
** ''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
** ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]''
**''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]''
* ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
* ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
* ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Poster only}}


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}
<references/>


{{UNSC support weapons}}
{{UNSC support weapons}}
[[Category:Railguns]]

Please note that all contributions to Halopedia are considered to be released under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license (see Halopedia:Copyrights for details). If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly and redistributed at will, then don't submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource. Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)

To view or search uploaded images go to the list of images. Uploads and deletions are also logged in the upload log. For help including images on a page see Help:Images. For a sound file, use this code: [[Media:File.ogg]].

Do not copy text from other websites without permission. It will be deleted.

Templates used on this page:

Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/ARC-920_railgun"