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|3=Governor Thune and Captain Ponder discussing MACs.{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}} | |3=Governor Thune and Captain Ponder discussing MACs.{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}} | ||
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The '''magnetic accelerator cannon''',{{Ref/Reuse|WFG}} also referred to as a '''mass accelerator cannon'''{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}} or '''MAC''', is a type of heavy weapon system employed by [[human]]ity, primarily the spacecraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Within the UNSC, MACs are defined as a heavy weapon that fires | The '''magnetic accelerator cannon''',{{Ref/Reuse|WFG}} also referred to as a '''mass accelerator cannon'''{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}} or '''MAC''', is a type of heavy weapon system employed by [[human]]ity, primarily the spacecraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Within the UNSC, MACs are defined as a heavy weapon that fires a sizeable ferric-tungsten round at supersonic velocities from the bow of a capital ship, [[orbital defense platform]] or mounted driver emplacement.{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG114|EVG|Page=114}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P384&385|Enc22|Page=384-385}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/the-new-halo-encyclopedia-is-out-today|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The New Halo Encyclopedia is Out Today|D=11|M=03|Y=2023}} MACs are coilguns employing Asynchronous Linear Induction Motor (ALIM) technology{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} and are typically used in military applications, though similar technology can be used in civilian [[mass driver]]s for industrial use. | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
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MACs operate on the basis of a [[:Wikipedia:Coilgun|coilgun]]. When firing, a series of stacked coil motors are sequentially activated, propelling a projectile with vast amounts of kinetic energy.{{Ref/Reuse|WFG}} The construction of the weapon takes the form of a series of coiled conducting wires (or solenoids). When a solenoid is activated, the projectile is attracted to the coil. As the projectile reaches the coil, a second coil is activated, attracting the projectile further down the barrel of the gun. This process is repeated as the projectile travels the length of the gun, with each successive solenoid accelerating the projectile to higher and higher velocities. As such, the longer a MAC's length is, the faster the muzzle velocity of the fired projectile. | MACs operate on the basis of a [[:Wikipedia:Coilgun|coilgun]]. When firing, a series of stacked coil motors are sequentially activated, propelling a projectile with vast amounts of kinetic energy.{{Ref/Reuse|WFG}} The construction of the weapon takes the form of a series of coiled conducting wires (or solenoids). When a solenoid is activated, the projectile is attracted to the coil. As the projectile reaches the coil, a second coil is activated, attracting the projectile further down the barrel of the gun. This process is repeated as the projectile travels the length of the gun, with each successive solenoid accelerating the projectile to higher and higher velocities. As such, the longer a MAC's length is, the faster the muzzle velocity of the fired projectile. | ||
This process differs from that of a [[ | This process differs from that of a [[railgun]] - a similar weapon system that feeds electrical current through a projectile to accelerate it along two conducting rails. Nonetheless, railgun weapon systems are occasionally referred to as MACs - as in the case of the Mini-MAC armament of the [[M510 Mammoth]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4IGMammoth}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG115}} | ||
To fire a MAC, UNSC ships must draw power from the [[fusion reactor]] into a series of capacitors, storing the generated energy for firing. As such, charging the MAC draws power away from other sub-systems such as engines. As such, a MAC can be pre-charged and fired when ready, though at the cost of power to the aforementioned systems. Without the charge being maintained, the charge level does deteriorate. However, MACs can be fired at lower charge levels than 100%{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR17|FOR|Chapter=17}} though likely to lesser maximum velocity. Likewise, firing the weapon at lower charge rates would also allow the weapon to fire more often if needed. | To fire a MAC, UNSC ships must draw power from the [[fusion reactor]] into a series of capacitors, storing the generated energy for firing. As such, charging the MAC draws power away from other sub-systems such as engines. As such, a MAC can be pre-charged and fired when ready, though at the cost of power to the aforementioned systems. Without the charge being maintained, the charge level does deteriorate. However, MACs can be fired at lower charge levels than 100%{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR17|FOR|Chapter=17}} though likely to lesser maximum velocity. Likewise, firing the weapon at lower charge rates would also allow the weapon to fire more often if needed. | ||
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MACs are capable of firing a wide array of munitions, depending on bore and model. Some MAC rounds are extremely dense and constructed of ferric tungsten,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} noted by Captain [[Wallace]] of the frigate {{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}} as a "heavy round".{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR12|FOR|Chapter=12}} In the case of the MACs fitted onto the refit-colony ship {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, the rounds fired from its MACs are "low-mass"{{Ref/Book|Id=HWManual|Halo Wars Manual|Page=24}} or consist of three-hundred-ton depleted uranium slugs.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW15|HDW|Chapter=16}} The MAC of the ''Spirit of Fire'' was later modified in a special project conducted by [[Ellen Anders]], resulting in a specialised MAC capable of firing rounds that emit an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] upon impact.{{Ref/Level|HW2|The Cartographer}} Other munitions that can be fired from MACs include semi-autonomous drone missiles{{Ref/Book|Id=WF32|HWF|Section=Destroyers|Page=32-33}} and for the larger 27 metre guns of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, even include cargo pods and small spacecraft.{{Ref/Book|Id=WF42|HWF|Section=[[UNSC Infinity|Infinity]]|Page=42-43}} A special kind of MAC round fired by the refit-{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} was composed of a ferrous core and an outer layer of tungsten carbide, which allows the round to splinter on impact with an enemy vessel, similar to the [[shredder round]]s fired by an [[assault rifle]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR29|FOR|Chapter=29}} | MACs are capable of firing a wide array of munitions, depending on bore and model. Some MAC rounds are extremely dense and constructed of ferric tungsten,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} noted by Captain [[Wallace]] of the frigate {{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}} as a "heavy round".{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR12|FOR|Chapter=12}} In the case of the MACs fitted onto the refit-colony ship {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, the rounds fired from its MACs are "low-mass"{{Ref/Book|Id=HWManual|Halo Wars Manual|Page=24}} or consist of three-hundred-ton depleted uranium slugs.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW15|HDW|Chapter=16}} The MAC of the ''Spirit of Fire'' was later modified in a special project conducted by [[Ellen Anders]], resulting in a specialised MAC capable of firing rounds that emit an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] upon impact.{{Ref/Level|HW2|The Cartographer}} Other munitions that can be fired from MACs include semi-autonomous drone missiles{{Ref/Book|Id=WF32|HWF|Section=Destroyers|Page=32-33}} and for the larger 27 metre guns of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, even include cargo pods and small spacecraft.{{Ref/Book|Id=WF42|HWF|Section=[[UNSC Infinity|Infinity]]|Page=42-43}} A special kind of MAC round fired by the refit-{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} was composed of a ferrous core and an outer layer of tungsten carbide, which allows the round to splinter on impact with an enemy vessel, similar to the [[shredder round]]s fired by an [[assault rifle]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR29|FOR|Chapter=29}} | ||
Due to this variation, the masses, velocities and sizes of MAC projectiles can vary, ranging from 10 metre-long, 160 ton models fired by frigates and cruisers,{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}} to 600 ton{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} depleted uranium models fired by {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS29|FS|Chapter=29}} up to 3,000 ton{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} | Due to this variation, the masses, velocities and sizes of MAC projectiles can vary, ranging from 10 metre-long, 160 ton models fired by frigates and cruisers,{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}} to 600 ton{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} depleted uranium models fired by {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS29|FS|Chapter=29}} up to 3,000 ton{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} projectiles accelerated to "point four-tenths"{{Ref/Note|Id=Point|Due to massively conflicting interpretations of this number, this page only lists the wording used in the original text of ''The Fall of Reach''.}} of the speed of light by the [[orbital defense platform]]s above [[Reach]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR31|FOR|Chapter=31}} The MACs of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} are additionally capable of firing various "sub-caliber" munitions for its massive twenty-seven metre bore, alongside some of the special types mentioned prior.{{Ref/Book|Id=HM132|HM|Section=Earth's Fleet|Page=132-133}} MACs generally have a range of 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers).<ref name="ENC"/> | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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*'''Mark designation''' - Marks seem to be overall MAC generations, though the relationship of these weapons does not fully-line up with the years of introduction for the individual ships. | *'''Mark designation''' - Marks seem to be overall MAC generations, though the relationship of these weapons does not fully-line up with the years of introduction for the individual ships. | ||
**Example: ''Mark IX'' | **Example: ''Mark IX'' | ||
*'''Size''' - this category denotes the overall size of the MAC, with the classifications of Light, Heavy, and Superheavy in use.{{Ref/Reuse|SuperMac}} The term "mini-MAC" is also sometimes informally used to designate [[naval autocannon]]s or [[ | *'''Size''' - this category denotes the overall size of the MAC, with the classifications of Light, Heavy, and Superheavy in use.{{Ref/Reuse|SuperMac}} The term "mini-MAC" is also sometimes informally used to designate [[naval autocannon]]s or [[heavy railgun]]s. | ||
MACs are primarily divided into two distinct classifications; light MACs and heavy MACs (also referred to as Light Coil and Heavy Coil). Overall MAC generations are denoted as Marks, with specific models given a unique identifying code. Heavy MACs appear to be typically fitted on mainline fighting vessels such as those of the {{Class|Autumn|cruiser}} and {{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}, while light MACs are predominantly fitted on lighter warships such as the ''Charon'' and ''Stalwart'' frigate classes, ships not intended as line warships such as the ''Epoch'' class carrier or ships historically considered under-gunned as capital ships, such as the {{Class|Halcyon|cruiser}}. | MACs are primarily divided into two distinct classifications; light MACs and heavy MACs (also referred to as Light Coil and Heavy Coil). Overall MAC generations are denoted as Marks, with specific models given a unique identifying code. Heavy MACs appear to be typically fitted on mainline fighting vessels such as those of the {{Class|Autumn|cruiser}} and {{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}, while light MACs are predominantly fitted on lighter warships such as the ''Charon'' and ''Stalwart'' frigate classes, ships not intended as line warships such as the ''Epoch'' class carrier or ships historically considered under-gunned as capital ships, such as the {{Class|Halcyon|cruiser}}. | ||
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| 20DA1C2 || || || {{Class|Gladius|heavy corvette}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Corvettes|Enc22|Page=128-129}} || | | 20DA1C2 || || || {{Class|Gladius|heavy corvette}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Corvettes|Enc22|Page=128-129}} || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 20F989 || || || {{Class|Point Blank|prowler}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Corvettes}} || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 45J3D3 || Mark IX || Heavy coil || {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}{{Ref/Book|Id=WF26|HWF|Section=Cruisers|Page=26-27}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Cruisers|Enc22|Page=119-120}} || | | 45J3D3 || Mark IX || Heavy coil || {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}{{Ref/Book|Id=WF26|HWF|Section=Cruisers|Page=26-27}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Cruisers|Enc22|Page=119-120}} || | ||
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| 56A2D4 || Mark II || Light coil || {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cruisers}}<br>{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointIAC|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-in-amber-clad|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=In Amber Clad}}{{Ref/Book|Id=WF36|HWF|Section=In Amber Clad|Page=37-37}}{{Ref/Note|In the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', this weapon is erroneously referred to as a 21X5V9 MAC. It is unclear whether this is an intentional retcon or indicative that UNSC ''In Amber Clad'' had a specialised weapon refit. As such, this page treats the ''Warfleet'' stat as definitive.}} || In the case of the refit ''Halcyon''-class cruiser ''{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'', the 56A2D4 runs two-thirds the length of the ship{{Ref/Book|Id=WF24|HWF|Section=Pillar of Autumn|Page=24-25}} and employed special magnetic field recyclers along its length that, when combined with booster capacitors, allowed the gun to fire three times in rapid succession.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR29}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cruisers}} | | 56A2D4 || Mark II || Light coil || {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cruisers}}<br>{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointIAC|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-in-amber-clad|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=In Amber Clad}}{{Ref/Book|Id=WF36|HWF|Section=In Amber Clad|Page=37-37}}{{Ref/Note|In the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', this weapon is erroneously referred to as a 21X5V9 MAC. It is unclear whether this is an intentional retcon or indicative that UNSC ''In Amber Clad'' had a specialised weapon refit. As such, this page treats the ''Warfleet'' stat as definitive.}} || In the case of the refit ''Halcyon''-class cruiser ''{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'', the 56A2D4 runs two-thirds the length of the ship{{Ref/Book|Id=WF24|HWF|Section=Pillar of Autumn|Page=24-25}} and employed special magnetic field recyclers along its length that, when combined with booster capacitors, allowed the gun to fire three times in rapid succession.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR29}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cruisers}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 56A2F9 || Mark II || Light coil || {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}} || Rapid-fire variant of the | | 56A2F9 || Mark II || Light coil || {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}} || Rapid-fire variant of the 52A6D4 model. On an ''Epoch'', this weapon is intended as a defensive weapon though it was sometimes employed to add to coordinated volleys of fire.{{Ref/Book|Id=WF40|HWF|Section=Carriers|Page=40-41}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Carriers|Enc22|Page=126-127}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 5D7C2 || || || {{Class|Lancer|fast-attack corvette}} || 1x 5D7C2{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|D=12|M=01|Y=2022}} | | 5D7C2 || || || {{Class|Lancer|fast-attack corvette}} || 1x 5D7C2{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|D=12|M=01|Y=2022}} | ||
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| CR-03 || Series 8 || || {{Class|Infinity|supercarrier}} || Initial model also known as the '''CR03S8 MAC'''. Fielded on {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, these guns have a twenty-seven metre bore.{{Ref/Reuse|HM132}} | | CR-03 || Series 8 || || {{Class|Infinity|supercarrier}} || Initial model also known as the '''CR03S8 MAC'''. Fielded on {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, these guns have a twenty-seven metre bore.{{Ref/Reuse|HM132}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| CR-03B || Series 8 || | | CR-03B || Series 8 || || {{Class|Infinity|supercarrier}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Carriers}} || Refit package model integrated late in [[2558]], though originally intended for the ''Eternity''.{{Ref/Reuse|WF42}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
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===Cruiser MACs=== | ===Cruiser MACs=== | ||
Unlike their smaller counterparts, [[cruiser]]s typically employ Heavy MACs as a standard armament - befitting of their status as the primary line warship of the UNSC Navy. The {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} sports two heavy MACs{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=42}}{{Ref/Book|Id=HFB93|Halo: Fleet Battles | Unlike their smaller counterparts, [[cruiser]]s typically employ Heavy MACs as a standard armament - befitting of their status as the primary line warship of the UNSC Navy. The {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} sports two heavy MACs{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=42}}{{Ref/Book|Id=HFB93|Halo: Fleet Battles|Detail=Core Rulebook|Page=93}} Late-war ''Marathons'' were in such high demand that even half-completed hulls were pressed into service for the use of their heavy MAC systems, often paired together with another ''Marathon'' as part of the [[UNSC Navy tactical formations|"Gorgon"]] formation. These cruisers would pinpoint larger Covenant warships with sustained fire, giving smaller craft a chance to deal damage of their own.{{Ref/Book|Id=HFB125|Halo: Fleet Battles|Detail=Core Rulebook|Page=125}}The ''Autumn''-class heavy cruiser was fitted with a Mark IX heavy coil 45J3D3 MAC, and the {{Class|Valiant|super-heavy cruiser}} a heavy MAC of its own.{{Ref/Game|Halo: Fleet Battles|Valiant-class cruiser expansion}} | ||
Contrary to the aforementioned examples, the ''Halcyon''-class light cruiser does not employ a heavy MAC, but rather a light one - likely the cause of the ship being infamous for being undergunned within the UNSC fleet. When refit for [[Operation: RED FLAG]], the ''Pillar of Autumn'' was fitted with a specialised modification to a Mark II light coil 56A2D4 MAC - the same as that found on the ''Stalwart''-class light frigate.{{Ref/Reuse|WF24}} This gun ran two-thirds the length of the ''Autumn''{{'}}s length,{{Ref/Reuse|WF24}} and employed special magnetic field recyclers that - when combined with booster capacitors - allowed the gun to fire three times in rapid succession.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR29}} | Contrary to the aforementioned examples, the ''Halcyon''-class light cruiser does not employ a heavy MAC, but rather a light one - likely the cause of the ship being infamous for being undergunned within the UNSC fleet. When refit for [[Operation: RED FLAG]], the ''Pillar of Autumn'' was fitted with a specialised modification to a Mark II light coil 56A2D4 MAC - the same as that found on the ''Stalwart''-class light frigate.{{Ref/Reuse|WF24}} This gun ran two-thirds the length of the ''Autumn''{{'}}s length,{{Ref/Reuse|WF24}} and employed special magnetic field recyclers that - when combined with booster capacitors - allowed the gun to fire three times in rapid succession.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR29}} | ||
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==="Mini"-MACs=== | ==="Mini"-MACs=== | ||
The so-called "Mini"-MAC is a nickname given to the primary weapon system employed by the ground-based [[M510 Mammoth]] siegework platform. The Mammoth sports a Mark 2457/35 cm HRG, a large [[ | The so-called "Mini"-MAC is a nickname given to the primary weapon system employed by the ground-based [[M510 Mammoth]] siegework platform. The Mammoth sports a Mark 2457/35 cm HRG, a large [[railgun]] intended to target and eliminate hostile vessels, vehicles, and fortifications in terrestrial or suborbital positions.{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG115|H4EVG|Page=115}}{{Ref/Generic|Id=H4IGMammoth|[[Halo 4 Interactive Guide]]|Mammoth}} These weapons can be linked to a target locator, and are powerful enough to take out even [[Forerunner]] [[Z-8060 particle cannon]]s.{{Ref/Level|Id=H4Reclaimer|H4|Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer}} | ||
A number of Mini MAC turrets serve as secondary armaments on the ''Punic''-class supercarrier.{{Ref/Reuse|SpartanPunic}} | A number of Mini MAC turrets serve as secondary armaments on the ''Punic''-class supercarrier.{{Ref/Reuse|SpartanPunic}} | ||
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File:HW Screenshots E3 11.jpg|A MAC round impacting the surface of [[Harvest]]. | File:HW Screenshots E3 11.jpg|A MAC round impacting the surface of [[Harvest]]. | ||
File:TFoR AS - Commonwealth MAC.jpg|{{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}} firing her MAC. | File:TFoR AS - Commonwealth MAC.jpg|{{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}} firing her MAC. | ||
File:H5G Anlace-class Frigate.jpg|An ''Anlace''-class frigate, lacking the traditional spiral mount, instead sports a downsized variant of the MAC atop its hull. | |||
File:H2A Screenshot Cairo MAC Slug Rear.png|thumb|The rear of a slug for ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''{{'}}s Magnetic Accelerator cannon, seen in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. | File:H2A Screenshot Cairo MAC Slug Rear.png|thumb|The rear of a slug for ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''{{'}}s Magnetic Accelerator cannon, seen in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. | ||
File:H2A Screenshot Cairo MAC Slug Tip.png|thumb|The tip of a slug for ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''{{'}}s Magnetic Accelerator cannon. | File:H2A Screenshot Cairo MAC Slug Tip.png|thumb|The tip of a slug for ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''{{'}}s Magnetic Accelerator cannon. | ||
