Canon

Magnetic Accelerator Cannon: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
(→‎Gallery: The anlace does not have a mac, instead it has a laser, so i removed it from the page, as it is not relevant to this topic.)
Tag: Mobile edit
 
(79 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:HW MAC Strike.png|250px|thumb|A MAC strike.]]
[[File:HW MAC Strike.png|thumb|150px|A MAC round fired from space as part of [[orbital bombardment]].]]
The '''Magnetic Accelerator Cannon''' ('''MAC'''), also known as the '''Mass Accelerator Cannon''',<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', Chapter 7, ''page 119''</ref><ref name="visual"/> is a weapon system employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]] on its warships and [[orbital defense platform]]s. Essentially large [[Wikipedia:coilgun|coilguns]], MACs serve as the primary armament of [[UNSC Navy]] warships and weapon platforms.
{{Quote|no=two
|1=[[Nils Thune]]
|2=[[Ponder]]
|q1=Space? Those things even make noise in zero-gee?
|q2=If you’re ''inside'' a MAC ship when the cannon fires? I don’t know if you’re a religious man, Governor. But it’s a little like a church bell—
|3=Governor Thune and Captain Ponder discussing MACs.{{Ref/Reuse|CH7}}
}}
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 multi-ton projectiles at extraordinarily high velocities from the bow of a capital ship, [[orbital defense platform]] or mounted driver emplacement. They are hard-hitting, but relatively short-ranged.{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG114|EVG|Page=114}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P384&385|Enc22|Page=115}}{{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==
===Operational design===
MACs are fitted as a standard armament on most [[UNSC Navy]] vessels, ranging from small {{Class|Gladius|corvette}}s to {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}s and even [[UNSC carrier|carriers]] or refit civilian ships such as the {{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}. With a handful of exceptions, MACs are typically spinally-mounted, meaning that the entire ship is built around the gun, with the cannon running a significant portion of the ship's length. However, the technology is not exclusively used in spinally-mounted MACs, with [[naval autocannon]]s (themselves sometimes referred to as "Mini-MACs"){{Ref/Book|Id=WFG|HWF|Section=Glossary|Page=90-92}} and even ground-based weapons such as the [[M68 Gauss cannon]] and [[M99 Stanchion]] operating on the same principle.{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH7|CH|Chapter=7}}
The theory behind the operation of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is the same as that of a coilgun. The system is a linear motor consisting of a series of magnetic coils which accelerate a metal projectile through a barrel up to high velocity. This technology is not to be confused with that of a [[railgun]], in which a projectile is electromagnetically accelerated between two conducting rails.


===Firing operation===
===Operation===
[[File:Coilgun animation.gif|thumb|250px|The basic design of a coilgun.]]
[[File:Coilgun animation.gif|thumb|250px|An animation of a coilgun's operating principle.]]
The firing process uses [[wikipedia:electromagnetism|electromagnetism]] to fire a metal slug at high velocity. An extremely large amount of current is put through the first solenoid, (coil of conducting wire), which creates a strong magnetic field that attracts the slug. As the slug passes into the solenoid, the solenoid is quickly turned off and the second solenoid, which is closer to the muzzle, turns on, which attracts the now higher-velocity metal slug just like the first solenoid, and the process is carried on.
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.


A shipboard MAC draws power from the ship's [[deuterium]] fusion reactor and requires a charge of the weapon's magnetic coils in order to be fired. The time it takes to bring the MAC's systems to full charge on a UNSC vessel is the deciding factor during in-combat use. Thus, while a vessel may not run out of ammunition for a long time, (depending on the size/weight of the slugs and the capacity of the ship), a [[commanding officer]] has to carefully analyze the situation of a battle and use his shots strategically. The weapon could be fired even when not at full charge, but the velocity of the projectile will be greatly diminished.
This process differs from that of a [[Railgun (fiction)|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}}


[[Orbital defense platform]]s have the same firing process, though they launch much more massive projectiles with greater frequency. At the moment a slug leaves an ODP-mounted MAC's muzzle, a pair of thrusters on the bottom side of the station fire for a few of seconds to counteract the acceleration imparted to the station.<ref name="Cairo">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref>
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.


===Ammunition===
===Ammunition===
[[File:H2A Screenshot Cairo MAC Slug.png|thumb|A slug fired by ''Cairo Station'''s 1D4A1 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.]]
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}}
Magnetic Accelerator Cannons are capable of firing a variety of ammunition types varying on model and bore, ranging from hyper-dense kinetic kill slugs to sub-caliber rounds to semi-autonomous drone missiles <ref name= "Warfleet 32">'''Halo: Warfleet''''', page 32''</ref> to cargo packages and various other special payloads.<ref name="Mythos133"/> The largest MACs can even be used to launch small spacecraft.<ref name= "Warfleet 42-43"/> A typical MAC round weighs multiple tons,<ref name ="Warfleet31"/> and is constructed of super-dense ferric-tungsten.<ref name="visual"/>  The "Super MAC" mounted on one of the Reach orbital defense platforms<ref name="CanonFodder70"/> was capable of firing a 3,000-ton slug at nearly "point four-tenths" the speed of light.<ref name="TFoRChapter31"/>


===Aiming===
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}} super-heavy rounds{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR33|FOR|Page=364}} 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 example, three-thousand-ton slugs) 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}} A type of 1,200 feet (366 meters) long MACs have a range of 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers).{{Ref/Book|Id=EncP316|Enc09|Page=316}}
The size of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is such that it is normally an integral component of a warship's (or station's) structure and cannot be aimed independently; the space vehicle must maneuver to directly face a target. When firing unguided rounds, due to the huge distances involved in inter-ship combat, significant targeting calculations are required to generate a firing solution. These are normally handled by an onboard ship [[AI]] if installed.{{citation needed}} The Mark 2488 Onager, a smaller, turreted MAC, can be aimed and fired by a single operator via a control station attached to the weapon itself.<ref name="reach">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> The range of 100km is considered point-blank by the UNSC. <ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', Chapter 32</ref>


==Types==
<gallery>
There are numerous variations of the MAC technology, grouped under several "Mark"-based designations. MAC systems are also sometimes roughly divided between "heavy coil" and "light coil" guns.<ref name="bul10"/><ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 191''</ref> All known frigate classes carry one light MAC system, whereas the standard [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]]<ref name="twomacs">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 139''</ref> carry two light MACs and the {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} carry two heavy MACs.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 251''</ref> The Navy's post-war flagship, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, is armed with four "Super MAC" Magnetic Accelerator Cannons, though different from those on Orbital Defense Platforms and of unknown power.<ref name="bul10">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/10/10/The-Halo-Bulletin-101012-.aspx '''Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 10.10.12'']</ref>
File:H2A Screenshot Cairo MAC Slug.png|A slug fired by Cairo Station's massive "Super-MAC" gun.
File:HW 14D4A1 MAC internals.png|A cross-section of the MAC found on Cairo Station.
</gallery>
 
===Usage===
[[File:HWG SecondBattleOfHarvest.png|thumb|250px|[[Battle Group X-Ray]] firing their MACs at a {{Pattern|Rasus|interdictor}}.]]
{{Quote|MAC rounds? In atmosphere?|[[Jorge-052]] exclaiming his alarm at the intent to fire the MAC of {{UNSCShip|Grafton}} during the [[Fall of Reach]].}}
{{Expand-section}}
As some of the largest and most destructive weapons available to humanity, their use is primarily constricted to [[space warfare]]. Most UNSC spacecraft are equipped with some form of spinal MAC, requiring the vessel to manually turn and face the target it wishes to fire on. MAC rounds are often fired in concentrated volleys by fleets of coordinated warships, and used as a long-ranged weapon for "sniping" enemy ships out of the sky. During the [[Human-Covenant War|war]] against the Covenant, human MAC volleys were often fired in concentration, aiming to overload a target ship's [[energy shielding]].


===Mark II===
====Atmospheric use and orbital bombardment====
The Mark II is a MAC version that uses light coils.
In select circumstances, MACs can be employed in atmospheres or for the purposes of [[orbital bombardment]]. Such orbital bombardment can be deployed against large targets such as enemy warships or [[Covenant citadel|bases]], or against targets as (relatively) small as a [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]].{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/new-mombasa|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=New Mombasa}} During the [[Battle for Arcadia]], the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} made liberal use of up to forty MAC strikes in rapid succession to destroy a Covenant staging area near the [[Arcadia ONI facility]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}{{Ref/Note|In-game, this section of the level involves using up to forty MAC blasts to orbital strike the Covenant base; it is possible that this strike is merely an example of gameplay not aligning with canon or an example of the ''Spirit'' employing its ancilliary naval coilgun batteries.}}
*'''Mark II, Light Coil - 56A2D4 MAC''': The 56A2D4 MAC is a variant that was on the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}}, in where it is fitted on the lower boom, with the upper boom having fire control systems and pulsed power storage for the MAC.<ref name="universe iac">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-in-amber-clad '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC In Amber Clad'']</ref><ref name="Warfleet">''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 36-37</ref> It was also fitted onto the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} after it was refitted.<ref>''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 25</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HW - MII Light coil 56A2D4 MAC.png|The 56A2D4 in the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:Spire MAC'd.jpg|{{UNSCShip|Grafton}} fires its MAC at [[Spire One]].
File:HW - MII Light coil 56A2D4 MAC2.png|The 56A2D4 in the ''In Amber Clad''.
File:Mac.jpg|The frigates of [[Battle Group Victory]] fire their MACs at ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' - to negligible effect.
</gallery>
</gallery>


*'''Mark II, Light Coil - 83B6R3 MAC''': The 83B6R3 MAC is a variant that was on the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}.<ref name="Halo 4 page 192">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 192''</ref>
==MAC classifications==
MACs operate under a complex designation scheme composed of three primary naming components;
*'''MAC model number''' - the serial number designation for the specific MAC in question, composed of six alphanumeric characters consisting of two digits followed by a letter, a digit, another letter, and a final digit. The model number refers to the entire MAC assembly; in smaller vessels this applies to just the singular gun, in larger vessels it may be used to refer to the entire MAC battery. When used to refer to a MAC battery as a whole, the individual guns appear not to have any individual designations. The precise method for naming MAC models is unclear and does not have any outwardly-obvious sequential numbering or correspondence to the target ship(s) in question.
**Example: ''45J3D3''
*'''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''
*'''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 [[Railgun (fiction)#Heavy railguns|heavy railguns]].


===Mark IV===
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}}.
The Mark IV is a MAC version that uses heavy coils.
*'''Mark IV, Heavy Coil - 94B1E6 MAC''': The 94B1E6 MAC is a variant that was on the {{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}.<ref name="Halo 4 page 192"/><ref name="universe frigate">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-frigate '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Frigate'']</ref>


===Mark V===
Some of the largest MAC types, such as those found on select orbital defense platforms and large warships, are referred to as "Super MACs".{{Ref/Reuse|FOR31}}{{Ref/Site|Id=SuperMac|URL=http://community.spartangames.co.uk/index.php?/topic/16805-halo-waypoint-update-with-spartan-new-ships/page-7|Site=Spartan Games Forums|Page=Halo Waypoint Update with Spartan - NEW SHIPS!|Detail=(defunct)|Quote='Super MAC' is more a category than a specific weapon. Many defense platforms do not have 'super MACs' as used by Reach installations, for example.}}
The Mark V MAC is a MAC version that could be fitted onto orbital stations. The projectiles fired by the Mark V were massive.<ref>''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Chapter 24</ref>
*'''Mark V, 14D4A1 MAC''': The 14D4A1 MAC is a variant that is on the [[Orbital defense platform|Moncton-class orbital weapon platform]].<ref>''Halo: Warfleet'', pages 30</ref><ref>''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 27 (Cairo Station)</ref>
<gallery>
File:HW 14D4A1 MAC internals.png|Internal workings of the 14D4A1 MAC on ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''.
</gallery>


===Mark IX===
{| class="wikitable"|-
The Mark IX is a MAC version that uses heavy coils.
! Model !! Mark !! Size !! Usage !! Notes
*'''Mark IX, Heavy Coil - 45J3D3 MAC''': The 45J3D3 MAC is a variant that was on the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}<ref>''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 191</ref>
|-
| 14B11R2 battery{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos82|HM|Section=Under Siege|Page=82-83}} ||  || Light Coil{{Ref/Tabletop|HFB|Detail=Halberd-class destroyer in-game unit}} || {{Class|Halberd|light destroyer}}  || 1x 1411BR2 battery;{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Destroyers|Enc22|Page=124-225}} twin-linked 1170mm/647mm (46"/25.5") high-velocity coilguns.{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos82}} The larger gun is used for firing all standard munition packages, while the smaller is only used for firing kinetic rounds.{{Ref/Reuse|WF32}}
|-
|14D4A1 || Mark V || Superheavy coil || {{Class|Moncton|orbital weapon platform}}{{Ref/Book|Id=WF30|HWF|Section=Cairo Station|Page=30-31}} || Can accelerate multi-ton rounds to "several kilometres per second".{{Ref/Reuse|WF30}}
|-
| || Mark V || Superheavy coil{{Ref/Tabletop|HFB|Detail=UNSC MAC Platform in-game unit}} || {{Class|Erőd|orbital weapon platform}} || Capable of accelerating a 3,000 ton projectile to "point four-tenths"{{Ref/NoteReuse|Point}} of lightspeed.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR31}}
|-
| 22B6R3 battery{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos70|HM|Section=Shield World|Page=70-71}} || || || {{Class|Phoenix|support ship}} {{C|refit}} || 3x individual  530cm 22B6R3 MACs{{Ref/Book|Id=WF48|HWF|Section=Spirit of Fire|Page=48-49}}{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos70}}
|-
| 20DA1C2 ||  || || {{Class|Gladius|heavy corvette}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Corvettes|Enc22|Page=128-129}} ||
|-
| 20F9B9 || || || {{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}} ||
|-
| 49F9A1 || || Heavy coil{{Ref/Tabletop|HFB|Detail=Marathon-class cruiser in-game unit}} || {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cruisers}} ||
|-
| 50GE1A || || Heavy coil{{Ref/Tabletop|HFB|Detail=Valiant-class cruiser in-game unit}} || {{Class|Valiant|super-heavy cruiser}}{{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 56A2D4 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}}
|-
| 5D8F6 || || || {{Class|Able|heavy destroyer}} || The 5D8F6 was not standard on the original 2490 version and only became standard with the 2525 refit. Despite this, at least one Able, the {{UNSCShip|Gorgon}} was refit with a MAC sometime in the 2490's{{Ref/Site|Id=CFDigsite|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-digsite-dissection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Digsite Dissection|D=28|M=07|Y=2023}}
|-
| 65P8V1 || || Light coil{{Ref/Tabletop|HFB|Detail=Paris-class frigate in-game unit}} || {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}} || 1x 65P8V1 MAC{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Frigates|Enc22|Page=120-123}}
|-
| 76G3V5 battery || Mark X || Superheavy coil || {{Class|Vindication|light battleship}} || 1x 76G3V5 MAC battery; twin Mark X superheavy MACs{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Destroyers}}
|-
| 83B6R1 || || || {{Class|Hillsborough|heavy destroyer}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Destroyers}} ||
|-
| 83B6R3 || Mark II || Light coil || {{Class|Charon|light frigate}} || 1x 83B6R3 MAC{{Ref/Site|Id=Bulletin101012|URL=http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/10/10/The-Halo-Bulletin-101012-.aspx|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The Halo Bulletin: 10.10.12|D=02|M=03|Y=2013}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG191|H4EVG|Page=191-192}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Frigates}}
|-
| 90C1E1 || || Heavy coil || {{Class|Orion|assault carrier}} || 2x 90C1E1 MACs{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Carriers}}
|-
| 94B1E6 || Mark IV || Heavy coil || {{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointFrigate|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-frigate|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=UNSC Frigate}} || Limited munitions supply, twelve capacitor banks for power.{{Ref/Book|Id=WF38|HWF|Section=Frigates|Page=38-39}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Frigates}}
|-
| CR-01D || Series 6 || Superheavy coil{{Ref/Tabletop|HFB|Detail=Punic-class supercarrier in-game unit}} || {{Class|Punic|supercarrier}} || 2x CR-01D Series 6 MAC{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Carriers}}
|-
| 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 || Superheavy || {{Class|Infinity|supercarrier}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Carriers}} || Refit package model integrated late in [[2558]], though originally intended for the ''Eternity''.{{Ref/Reuse|WF42}}
|}


===Series 8===
The Series 8 is a MAC version on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. Four of these are fitted on the ''Infinity''.
*'''CR-03 Series 8 MAC''': The CR-03 Series 8 MAC, also known as the '''CR-03S8 MAC''',<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 133''</ref> was the first version of MACs installed on the ''Infinity''.
*'''CR-03B Series 8 MAC''': The CR-03B Series 8 MAC was the version put onto the ''Infinity'' after it was retrofitted in [[2558]].<ref name= "Warfleet 42-43">'''Halo: Warfleet''', ''pages 42-43''</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HW CR-03B MAC.png|Four CR-03B MAC's on the Infinity.
File:HW - MII Light coil 56A2D4 MAC.png|The 56A2D4 in the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:HW - MII Light coil 56A2D4 MAC2.png|The 56A2D4 in the ''In Amber Clad''.
File:HW 14D4A1 MAC internals.png|Internal workings of the 14D4A1 MAC on ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''.
File:HW CR-03B MAC.png|The forward CR-03B MAC's on the Infinity.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Unknown===
===MAC batteries===
The following MAC version currently have an unknown Mark or series.
"MAC batteries" refer to weapon systems in which multiple MACs are linked together as part of one weapon system. Such batteries may use differing bores and barrel lengths for different usage scenarios, or may consist of multiple identical guns.
*'''Light Coil - 56A2F9 MAC''': The 56A2F9 MAC is a rapid fire variant of the Mark II, Light Coil - 56A2D4 MAC. It is fitted on the {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}}.<ref>'''Halo: Warfleet''', ''pages 40''</ref>
 
*'''14B11R2 MAC Battery''': The 14B11R2 MAC Battery is a variant that is a spinal-mounted, twin-linked, 1170mm/647mm high-velocity coilgun. It is fitted on the {{Class|Halberd|destroyer}}.<ref name="Mythos83">'''Halo Mythos''', ''pages 82-83''</ref>
 
*'''20DA1C2 MAC''': The 20DA1C2 MAC is a variant on the {{Class|Gladius|heavy corvette}}.<ref>'''Halo: Warfleet''', ''pages 19''</ref>


*'''22B6R3 MAC Battery''': The 22B6R3 MAC Battery is a variant that is a 530&nbsp;cm multi-payload coilgun. Three of these are filled on the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.<ref name="Mythos71">'''Halo Mythos''', ''page 71''</ref>
==Usage==
<!--This section should only describe the general usage of MAC weapons as shown in the fiction. In-depth calculations DO NOT belong on this page, and will be removed. -->
===Corvette MACs===
Even on the smallest end of UNSC spacecraft designs, the MAC is a staple feature - forming the bulk of the spinal mount on the {{Convert|243|m|ft}}-long {{Class|Gladius|corvette}}. The ''Gladius'' mounts a single 20DA1C2 MAC, and is currently the smallest known vessel to mount a full-scale ship MAC.{{Ref/Book|HWF|Section=Defenses|Page=19}} The {{Class|Lancer|fast-attack corvette}} employs a single 5D7C2 MAC.{{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}}


==Ship board fitting==
===Frigate MACs===
===Frigates and destroyers===
[[UNSC frigate]]s typically run the length of the entire ship, averaging a length of {{Convert|183|m|ft}}.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG114}} Frigates in the [[Human-Covenant War]] typically employed light MACs. The ''Stalwart'' and ''Charon''-classes equipped a 56A2D4 Light Coil MAC and an 83B6R3 Light Coil MAC, respectively, with the post-war ''Strident'' heavy frigate equipped with a Mark IV 94B1E6 heavy coil MAC.{{Ref/Reuse|WF38}} Despite being a heavy frigate, the ''Paris''-class employed a light MAC.{{Ref/Reuse|HFB93}}
[[File:Mac.jpg|250px|thumb|A squadron of UNSC frigates firing their MACs at the ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]''.]]
A standard [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]-mounted MAC averages at {{convert|183|m|ft}}.<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 114''</ref> They can fire a wide variety of rounds depending on the mission type. In 2525, a ''Paris''-class [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]-based MAC was observed firing a heavy ferric tungsten slug at around 30 kilometers per second. in 2552 a Paris-class was know to fire a 600-ton depleted uranium slug. The high muzzle velocity provides the slug the kinetic energy and momentum necessary to damage a target and partially mitigates its unguided nature and its lack of maneuverability.<ref name="fs267">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 267'' (2003 edition); ''page ???'' (2010 edition)</ref><ref name="for108">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 108'' (2001 edition); ''page 130'' (2010 edition)</ref> A ''Halberd''-class destroyer's main gun can launch 1170mm slugs at high-velocity speeds.<Ref>'''Halo Mythos''', ''pages 82-83''</ref>
<ref name="High-velocity" group="note">"High-velocity", at least in modern parlance, is a military technical term referring to velocities between 3,000 and 3,500 feet per second (914 - 1,067 m/s) for artillery. See Morris, C. G. (1992), ''[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Academic_Press_Dictionary_of_Science_and/nauWlPTBcjIC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=3500+feet+per+second%3B+in+small+arms,+between+3500+and+5000+fps%3B+in+a+tank+cannon,+between+1550+and+3350&pg=PA1027&printsec=frontcover Academic Press dictionary of science and technology]''. Academic Press, p. 1027.</ref> A destroyer or later frigate's MAC has about the same firepower as that of a light cruiser's.<Ref>''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 36-37</ref>


While powerful, these guns require long charge times, impacting their sustained firepower. A destroyer circa 2552 operating at half its usual power output required 50 minutes to charge up its two MACs to 100%, indicating it would normally take 25 minutes to charge both, or 12.5 minutes to charge one.<ref>''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', chapter 21, concerning the [[UNSC Iroquois]]: ''“MAC guns charging,” Lieutenant Hikowa reported. “Sixty-five percent and climbing at two percent per minute.”'' Later in the same chapter: ''"He was not about to charge into battle, however, with the ''Iroquois'' at half power, her structural integrity already compromised, and with no AI to mount a point defense against Covenant single ships."''</ref>Captain [[Wallace]] and [[Catherine Halsey]] were able to hold a short conversation complete with emphasizing pauses in the time it took for the {{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}}'s MAC to charge up an additional 20% (from 30% to 50%).<ref>''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', chapter 12.</ref> However, the {{UNSCShip|Majestic}} was able to fire four MAC rounds after its initial two, at what was implied to be full charge against a few Covenant cruisers, in around ten seconds. {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}s were able to fire with only a few seconds of delay between shots during the [[Battle of Voi]], though these shots were fired at an unconfirmed charge level. At the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], frigates and destroyers were ordered to remain static, which allowed them to funnel all available energy into charging their capacitors. Despite this, it still takes at least thirty seconds for them to charge their MACs to 100%.<ref>''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', chapter 21; the retaliatory plasma torpedo salvo occurs an undisclosed time after the first MAC salvo, and it is said it will take 22 seconds to reach the UNSC's line. After it does (destroying the ''Cradle''), another undisclosed amount of time passes as Keyes gives orders and surveys the damage done. Soon after that, Hikowa informs Keyes that the fleet's MACs will be ready to fire in another 3 seconds. Three seconds later, Keyes (and presumably the other captains) give the firing order, and all ships fire together for 63 collective slugs.</ref>
On the ''Paris'' and ''Charon''-classes of ship, the barrel of the gun itself is located in the upper boom at the fore of the ship, with the lower boom containing fire-control systems and pulsed power storage. This is inverted on the ''Stalwart'' class, where the barrel is in the lower boom.{{Ref/Reuse|WF36}} The heavy MAC employed by the ''Strident'' frigate employs twelve capacitor cells, allowing it to achieve firepower levels similar to those of destroyers or light cruisers - limited only by the stock of ammunition carried aboard ship.{{Ref/Reuse|WF38}}


It typically only takes one or two fully charged frigate/destroyer MAC rounds to knock out a Covenant vessel's shielding, even those on large ships like [[Covenant cruiser|cruisers]] and [[Covenant destroyer|destroyers]].<ref>''The Fall of Reach'', Chapter 21: ''One undamaged Covenant destroyer turned, however, and left the battlefield. It came about and headed straight for the Iroquois... On the aft screen, the remaining eight UNSC ships broke their attacks and turned toward the incoming destroyer. Three MAC guns fired and impacted on the Covenant vessel. Its shields only lapsed for a split second; it took a round through her nose . . . but it continued toward the Iroquois at flank speed.''</ref><ref>''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', Chapter 21. Keyes states that the fleet of 45 destroyers/cruisers and 3 other ships will fire their shots in a staggered pattern in order to get three salvos out of one charge for each ship. He also says that the first salvo will deplete the enemy's shields (''The fleet’s firing countdowns were roughly timed so that the shots would be staggered into two, maybe three, massive salvos. The first salvo would—hopefully—knock out the Covenant ships’ shields. The final salvo was to be the knockout punch.''). The same scene specifies that all the UNSC ships together fire 63 MAC rounds (''The Iroquois shuddered as the MAC gun fired. On the status display, Keyes watched as the rest of the UNSC fleet fired simultaneously. A twenty-one-gun salute three times over for those on board the station who had given their lives.''). Sixty-three divided by two or three salvos equates to 21 to 31 shots per salvo, against a force of 20 Covenant ships, and thus one or two shots per ship. Keyes is proven correct in his assumptions, as the first salvo is said to have knocked out the shielding of "most" of the ships by the time the second salvo connects (''A handful of the shots were clean misses. Keyes winced; each one of the off-trajectory MAC rounds meant one more enemy ship would survive to return fire. The vast majority, however, slammed into the unshielded alien vessels.'').</ref><Ref>''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', concerning the [[Onyx Conflict]]: ''Seven MAC rounds struck the two lead destroyers in the Covenant line, shattered their shields, dented the armor, and pounded through hulls, crippling the vessels so they aborted their attack run as they were caught in the planet's gravity pull. One ship's engines flared, overloading as its captain attempted a survivable landing.'' Seven rounds divided by two destroyers indicates that one destroyer took a maximum of three or fewer rounds, meaning a maximum of two to destroy its shielding alone.</ref><ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ''[[Halo: Reach radio conversations#Reflection|Reflection radio conversation]]'': UNSC ''Majestic'' destroys three cruisers with six shots.</ref> Against a smaller, "frigate-size"<ref>''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''</ref> ship like the ''[[Unrelenting]]'', a single MAC round not only destroys shields, but retains enough energy to devastate the affected area of the hull, crumpling the whole nose.<ref>''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', Chapter 12 - "The lights on the bridge dimmed and the Commonwealth shuddered. The MAC bolt launched through space— a red-hot metal slug moving at thirty thousand meters per second. The Covenant ship’s engines flared to life and the ship veered away— —Too late. The heavy round closed and slammed into the target’s prow. The Covenant ship reeled backward through space. Its energy shields shimmered and glowed lightning bright . . . then flickered, dimmed, and went out. The bridge crew let out a victory cheer. Except Dr. Halsey. John watched the view screen as she adjusted the camera controls and zoomed in on the Covenant ship. The vessel’s erratic spinning slowed and it came to a stop. The ship’s nose was crumpled and atmosphere vented into vacuum. Tiny fires flickered inside. The ship slowly came about and started back toward them—gaining speed.''</ref> Nearly every Covenant ship can be destroyed with one to three blasts from the standard frigate MAC, allowing UNSC warships to punch well above their weight against the larger and more advanced Covenant vessels.<ref>[[Halo Encyclopedia]], p. 330: "Able to pulverize most Covenant ships in one to three blasts, these weapons are mounted on all UNSC spaceships large enough to hold them. Unfortunately, MACs are slow to fire and, due to their size, require the entire ship on which they are built to maneuver in order to align fire."</ref> The MAC's power, however, comes at a cost: the large amount of energy needed to fire the weapon is particularly onerous on a warship, and the extended recharge time is a significant factor in combat against [[Covenant]] warships. As a result, MAC rounds are often fired at significantly below their maximum potential velocity by an order of magnitude or more. This results in the impacts being much weaker, but the MACs can be fired far faster and such firepower is still sufficient to destroy the shields of most Covenant warships after a few hits.<ref name="small MAC velocity" group="note">In every single space battle scene in the novels, including ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', MAC slugs are described as cleanly penetrating from one end of Covenant ships and out the other, as well as punching holes in whatever they hit. This would be impossible if the slugs were actually going at 30 kilometers per second on every occasion, as past around [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0734743X06001242 1.7 km/s], the tungsten slugs would create [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypervelocity hypervelocity][http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/What_are_hypervelocity_impacts impacts]. Therefore, the coilguns must be "dialed down", trading pure power and velocity for refire rate (as a point of comparison, a 600 ton object traveling at 1 km/s would impact with the force of 65 tons of TNT). This matches the depiction of MACs in the games, where they have a refire rate of only a few seconds and muzzle velocities of only a few kilometers per second at most (as in the last cutscene of [[Cairo Station]] in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''). It also fits the velocity of the MAC slugs in [[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]], and the description of a MAC propelling slugs to [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supersonic supersonic] (over 340 m/s) velocities on pg. 264 of [[Halo: First Strike]].</ref> The standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is sufficient to destroy any human vessel or severely damage an unshielded Covenant vessel.<ref name="small MAC yield" group="note">The ''Halo Encyclopedia'' states that a typical shipboard MAC slug is fired at .4''c'' (40% the speed of light), which would probably cause the projectile to be atomized by its own acceleration. The weapon's explosive yield is listed as equivalent to 1.17 teratons of TNT. This would release an average of 21,667 times more energy than [[Wikipedia:Tsar Bomba|Tsar Bomba]], the largest nuclear device in history, which is generally agreed to have released between 50 and 58<!--The figure used is 54 megatons for simplicity's sake.--> megatons (210 to 240 petajoules) of TNT-equivalent energy.</ref>
===Destroyer MACs===
The [[Unidentified UNSC heavy destroyer class|heavy destroyer]] {{UNSCShip|Gorgon}} was the first ship of its class to mount a MAC, sporting one gun and carrying only three slugs.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=Cole|HEvo|Story=The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole}} The later ''Halberd''-class was fitted with a 14B11R2 MAC battery consisting of dual twin-linked 1170mm/647mm MACs, with the smaller gun only used for launching kinetic kill rounds and the larger gun compatible with all standard mission packages.{{Ref/Reuse|WF32}}{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos82}} The ''Halberd'' is able to fire its MACs on lower-than 100% charge levels for more rapid-firing,{{Ref/Reuse|FOR17}} and can be equipped with MAC capacitor cells to easily recharge; these cells are easily replacable when damaged.{{Ref/Reuse|WF32}}


===Specialized and modified versions===
Destroyers like the ''Halberd'' are typically organised into wolf-packs, aiming to coordinate MAC volleys on enemy ships and overwhelm their defenses.{{Ref/Reuse|WF32}}
The standard MAC can be enhanced with booster capacitors which allow the weapon to be fired three times per charge rather than once per charge. This improved technology was only known to be implemented with the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} prior to the [[Fall of Reach]].<ref name="for275">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 275''</ref> The modified weapon, known as the ''Mark II, Light Coil - 56A2D4/MAC'',<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/pillar-of-autumn '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Pillar of Autumn'']</ref> charged faster than the standard version, though this is likely due to the ''Pillar of Autumn''<nowiki/>'s advanced reactors.<ref name="for275"/> While much faster than usual, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' still suffered from long charge times for its MAC; this could be partially mitigated by putting the totality of the ship's output into charging the weapon, though this was considered a risky tactic, as the engines would have to be powered down and the ship rendered static and vulnerable.<ref>''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', chapter 36: ''“Sir,” Lieutenant Hikowa cried. “We have an insufficient charge rate to fire the MAC guns.”''


''“Understood,” Captain Keyes said. “Divert all power from the engines to regenerate gun capacitors.”''
===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 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 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}}


''“May I point out—” Cortana said and crossed her arms “—that if you power down the engines, we will be inside the blast radius of the Shiva warhead when it reaches the Covenant ship?”''
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}}


''“Noted,” Captain Keyes said. “Do it.”''</ref> Also exclusive to the ''Pillar of Autumn'' along with the modified MAC were newer and lighter MAC rounds that had less dense ferrous core, but a harder outer layer of tungsten carbide.<ref name="for275"/>
===Carrier MACs===
[[UNSC carrier]]s employ a range of MAC types. On the smaller end, the ''Epoch''-class employs the Mark II 52A6F9 light coil MAC, a rapid-fire upgrade of that seen on the ''Stalwart''-class Frigate and intended for defensive purposes. In larger fleets, the ''Epoch'' may lend this MAC's fire to coordinated volleys. The {{Class|Orion|assault carrier}} employs a larger heavy MAC,{{Ref/Game|Halo: Fleet Battles|Orion-class cruiser expansion}} while the extremely large {{Class|Punic|supercarrier}} employs two "Super-MACs", running the length of its enormous spaceframe. In addition to this, the ''Punic'' sports a number of smaller "Mini-MAC" turrets allowing it to fire on all angles.{{Ref/Site|Id=SpartanPunic|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/meet-the-big-hitters|Site=Spartan Games|Page=Meet The Big Hitters|D=01|M=6|Y=2016}}


==="Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon===
===Orbital defense platform MACs===
[[File:H2A - ODP.jpg|250px|thumb|An orbital defense platform ([[Cairo Station (station)|ODA-142: Cairo Station]]) armed with a "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.]]
Given their stationary nature, [[orbital defense platform]]s are able to employ much larger MACs than those employed on most warships, often dubbed "Super" MACs. The {{Class|Moncton|orbital weapon platform}} employed over [[Earth]] employed a single Mark V 14D4A1 MAC, purportedly capable of "putting a round clean through a Covenant capital ship".{{Ref/Level|H2|Cairo Station}} The 14D4A1 MAC employed on stations like [[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]] employs hundreds of ALIM motors to line the barrel, capable of accelerating a projectile at multiple kilometres per-second. These stations employ stacked liquid-metal capacitor cells, allowing the gun to rapidly-cycle as long as their charge lasts.{{Ref/Reuse|WF30}}
UNSC [[orbital defense platform]]s, {{Class|Punic|supercarrier}}s and the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} mount larger and more powerful versions of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, nicknamed the ''"Super"'' MAC or the ''"big stick"''. The orbital defense platforms present in orbit of Reach were among the most powerful ever built,<ref name=CanonFodder70>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-looking-glassed '''Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Lookin Glassed'']</ref> approximately {{convert|802.2|m|ft}} long <ref name="visual"/> and capable of accelerating 3,000-ton projectiles to "point four-tenths the speed of light", placing it with pinpoint accuracy and impacting with a massive amount of kinetic energy.<ref name="TFoRChapter31">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''Chapter 31''</ref> Most UNSC and Covenant vessels are destroyed by this weapon, with shielded Covenant destroyers being shattered into "a million fragments" upon impact.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 297'' (2001 edition)</ref><ref name="big MAC yield" group="note">''The Halo Encyclopedia'' claims that a Super MAC slug is fired at .5''c'' (50% the speed of light), and that its explosive yield is around 9.98 teratons. This would result in an explosion with around 184,815 more energy than the aforementioned Tsar Bomba, or roughly one tenth of the energy released by the Chicxulub impactor which wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.</ref> The [[Moncton-class orbital weapon platform|''Moncton''-class orbital weapons platforms]] of the [[Earth]]'s orbital defense grid, on the other hand, were capable of accelerating multi-ton projectiles to muzzle velocities of several kilometers per second via hundreds of asynchronous linear induction motors lining the barrel.<ref name ="Warfleet31">'''Halo: Warfleet''', ''p.31''</ref>  However, these guns, even with assistance from the UNSC Home Fleet, were not powerful enough to pierce the shields of the [[Ur-Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]''. Only the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s MAC guns managed to pierce ''Mantle's Approach's'' hull at a closer range causing considerable damage and even then only after [[John-117]] managed to disable the ship's point-defense guns and shield emitters using an [[F-41 Broadsword]].<ref name="midnight"/>


By receiving power from [[Orbital defense generator|ground-based power plants]], the orbital defense platforms over [[Reach]] could achieve recharge and reload times as short as five seconds.<ref name="TFoRChapter33">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''Chapter 33''</ref>  Earth's ''Moncton''-class platforms received power from stacked liquid-metal capacitance cells on the stations themselves.<ref name="Warfleet31"/>
The fortress-world [[Reach]] sported its own orbital defense guns, equipped with some of the most powerful MACs ever built. These rapid-firing MACs were connected to [[Orbital defense generator|ground-based generators]] which allowed them to rapidly recharge and fire.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-looking-glassed|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Looking Glassed|D=11|M=3|Y=2021}}


The first in her own class, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} is equipped with four Super MACs, the ''CR-03, Series-8 Magnetic Accelerator Cannons''.<ref name="Mythos133">'''Halo Mythos''', ''page 133''</ref><ref name="bul10"/> In addition to standard MAC rounds, the CR-03S8 is capable of firing various subcaliber rounds, cargo packages, and autonomous kill vehicles with specialized payloads.<ref name="Mythos133"/> Two of these nearly 27m-bore coilguns were powerful enough to breach the ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'s'' powerful defenses, allowing the Master Chief to enter the ship. However, the ''Infinity'' had to get within relatively close range and needed [[John-117]] to disable some of the ''Mantle's Approach's'' point-defense guns to take the shot. Even then, ''Infinity's'' shot caused relatively minor damage that was quickly sealed by the powerful Forerunner ship. Notably however, these MAC guns were the only weapons to breach the Didact's ship at all, with even the MAC guns of Earth's orbital defense platforms failing to do any damage.<ref name="midnight">'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Midnight]]''</ref>
==="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&nbsp;cm HRG, a large [[Railgun (fiction)|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}}


==Small Magnetic Accelerator Cannons==
A number of Mini MAC turrets serve as secondary armaments on the ''Punic''-class supercarrier.{{Ref/Reuse|SpartanPunic}}
===Mini-MAC===
{{Main|M510 Mammoth}}
A UNSC "Mammoth" terrestrial siegework platform mounts a ''Mark 2457/35cm HRG'';<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 115''</ref> a miniature, mobile version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, colloquially referred to as a "Mini-MAC".<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]''</ref> It is designed to destroy terrestrial and suborbital fortifications and warships.<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo 4 Interactive Guide''']</ref> G81 Condor Gunships are also equipped with a Mini-MAC, for use against hard targets.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: The Art of War(s)'']</ref>


==="Onager"===
==="Onagers"===
[[File:Onager.jpg|thumb|200px|right|An Onager MAC on [[Reach]] in the [[Asźod ship breaking yards]].]]
[[File:Onager.jpg|thumb|200px|An Onager MAC on [[Reach]] in the [[Asźod ship breaking yards]].]]
{{Main|Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark 2551 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon}}
{{Main|Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark 2551 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon}}
The Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, informally known as the Onager, is a relatively small Magnetic Accelerator Cannon used for static defense. A manned version was used to defend the ''Pillar of Autumn'' on Reach.<ref name="reach"/> The Mark 2488 fires a 15&nbsp;cm round with up to 1.1 gigajoules (0.25 tons) of kinetic energy. It is 32.6 meters long,<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 75''</ref> making a standard frigate-mounted MAC 5.6 times larger by length and roughly 177 times larger by volume, assuming similar dimensions. After the war, a new automated variant, the Mark 2551, was mounted on the UNSC ''Infinity''<ref name ="H4LVL4">'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Infinity (level)|Infinity]]''</ref> and [[Ivanoff Station]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Composer (level)|Composer]]''</ref> The network responsible for the operation of the new model was vulnerable to disruption through the use of jamming devices placed on the ''Infinity's'' hull.<ref name ="H4LVL4"/>
The Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, informally known as the Onager, is a relatively small Magnetic Accelerator Cannon used for static defense. A manned version was used to defend the ''Pillar of Autumn'' on Reach.{{Ref/Level|HR|The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn}} The Mark 2488 fires a 15&nbsp;cm round with up to 1.1 gigajoules (0.25 tons) of kinetic energy. It is 32.6 meters long,{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=75}}
{{Clear}}


==Related technologies==
==Related technologies==
Line 127: Line 173:


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:HW MACBlast HUD.jpg|thumb|right|The MAC Blast in use.]]
[[File:HW MACBlast HUD.jpg|thumb|The MAC Blast in use.]]
===''Halo Wars''===
===''Halo Wars''===
{{Quote|Use the Spirit of Fire's awesome Mass Accelerator Cannon to incinerate enemy troops.|In-game description.}}
{{Quote|Use the Spirit of Fire's awesome Mass Accelerator Cannon to incinerate enemy troops.|In-game description.}}
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the '''MAC Blast''' ability allows the player to use the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}'s [[11A2R1 naval coilgun battery|point-defense MACs]] for pinpoint [[orbital bombardment]]. It is mainly used as a support weapon to help the UNSC penetrate heavy Covenant defenses and Covenant bases, and is a potent weapon against [[Type-47B Scarab|Scarabs]].
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the '''MAC Blast''' ability allows the player to use the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}'s [[11A2R1 naval coilgun battery|point-defense MACs]] for pinpoint [[orbital bombardment]]. It is mainly used as a support weapon to help the UNSC penetrate heavy Covenant defenses and Covenant bases, and is a potent weapon against [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarabs]].


In [[Skirmish]] and multiplayer, the MAC Blast can only be used if [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[James Cutter]] is selected as the player's leader character. In the campaign, the MAC Blast is available in several missions, most notably ''[[Dome of Light]]'', during which the player is granted access to forty rapid-fire MAC rounds to destroy a Covenant base that was located under a Covenant energy shield dome until part of the dome was overloaded using [[M145D Rhino|Rhinos]].
In [[Skirmish]] and multiplayer, the MAC Blast can only be used if [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[James Cutter]] is selected as the player's leader character. In the campaign, the MAC Blast is available in several missions, most notably ''[[Dome of Light]]'', during which the player is granted access to forty rapid-fire MAC rounds to destroy a Covenant base that was located under a Covenant energy shield dome until part of the dome was overloaded using [[M145D Rhino|Rhinos]].
Line 154: Line 200:
File:Spire MAC'd.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Grafton}} firing its MAC at ''[[Spire One]]''.
File:Spire MAC'd.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Grafton}} firing its MAC at ''[[Spire One]]''.
File:PoAMAC.jpg|The muzzle of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'s MAC.
File:PoAMAC.jpg|The muzzle of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'s MAC.
File:H4-Infinity-Firing.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} fires her forward MAC cannons at the ''[[Mantle's Approach]]''.
File:H4-Infinity-Firing.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} fires her forward MACs at the ''[[Mantle's Approach]]''.
File:Corvette destroyed.png|The effect of a MAC round fired from an orbital defense platform on an {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}}.
File:Corvette destroyed.png|The effect of a MAC round fired from an orbital defense platform on an {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}.
File:MAC - Bombardment.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 cannon 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.  
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 194: Line 239:
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' {{Mo}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
<references group="note"/>
{{Ref/Notes}}


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


{{UNSC heavy weapons}}
{{UNSC heavy weapons}}

Latest revision as of 12:26, November 14, 2024

A MAC blast on Fort Deen.
A MAC round fired from space as part of orbital bombardment.

Nils Thune: "Space? Those things even make noise in zero-gee?"
Ponder: "If you’re inside a MAC ship when the cannon fires? I don’t know if you’re a religious man, Governor. But it’s a little like a church bell—"
— Governor Thune and Captain Ponder discussing MACs.[1]

The magnetic accelerator cannon,[2] also referred to as a mass accelerator cannon[1] or MAC, is a type of heavy weapon system employed by humanity, primarily the spacecraft of the United Nations Space Command. Within the UNSC, MACs are defined as a heavy weapon that fires multi-ton projectiles at extraordinarily high velocities from the bow of a capital ship, orbital defense platform or mounted driver emplacement. They are hard-hitting, but relatively short-ranged.[3][4][5] MACs are coilguns employing Asynchronous Linear Induction Motor (ALIM) technology[3] and are typically used in military applications, though similar technology can be used in civilian mass drivers for industrial use.

Overview[edit]

MACs are fitted as a standard armament on most UNSC Navy vessels, ranging from small Gladius-class corvettes to Marathon-class heavy cruisers and even carriers or refit civilian ships such as the Phoenix-class colony ship. With a handful of exceptions, MACs are typically spinally-mounted, meaning that the entire ship is built around the gun, with the cannon running a significant portion of the ship's length. However, the technology is not exclusively used in spinally-mounted MACs, with naval autocannons (themselves sometimes referred to as "Mini-MACs")[2] and even ground-based weapons such as the M68 Gauss cannon and M99 Stanchion operating on the same principle.[1]

Operation[edit]

This work is dual licensed by ZeroOne:
An animation of a coilgun's operating principle.

MACs operate on the basis of a coilgun. When firing, a series of stacked coil motors are sequentially activated, propelling a projectile with vast amounts of kinetic energy.[2] 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 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.[6][7]

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%[8] 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.

Ammunition[edit]

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,[3] noted by Captain Wallace of the frigate UNSC Commonwealth as a "heavy round".[9] In the case of the MACs fitted onto the refit-colony ship UNSC Spirit of Fire, the rounds fired from its MACs are "low-mass"[10] or consist of three-hundred-ton depleted uranium slugs.[11] 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 EMP upon impact.[12] Other munitions that can be fired from MACs include semi-autonomous drone missiles[13] and for the larger 27 metre guns of UNSC Infinity, even include cargo pods and small spacecraft.[14] A special kind of MAC round fired by the refit-UNSC 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 rounds fired by an assault rifle.[15]

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,[1] to 600 ton[3] depleted uranium models fired by Paris-class heavy frigates[16] up to 3,000 ton[3] super-heavy rounds[17] accelerated to "point four-tenths"[Note 1] of the speed of light by the orbital defense platforms above Reach.[18] The MACs of UNSC Infinity are additionally capable of firing various "sub-caliber" munitions (For example, three-thousand-ton slugs) for its massive twenty-seven metre bore, alongside some of the special types mentioned prior.[19] A type of 1,200 feet (366 meters) long MACs have a range of 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers).[20]

  • A slug fired by Cairo Station's massive "Super-MAC" gun.

    A slug fired by Cairo Station's massive "Super-MAC" gun.

  • A cross-section of the MAC found on Cairo Station.

    A cross-section of the MAC found on Cairo Station.

Usage[edit]

Preston Cole reviews the events of the Battle of Harvest.
Battle Group X-Ray firing their MACs at a Rasus-pattern interdictor.

"MAC rounds? In atmosphere?"
— Jorge-052 exclaiming his alarm at the intent to fire the MAC of UNSC Grafton during the Fall of Reach.
Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

As some of the largest and most destructive weapons available to humanity, their use is primarily constricted to space warfare. Most UNSC spacecraft are equipped with some form of spinal MAC, requiring the vessel to manually turn and face the target it wishes to fire on. MAC rounds are often fired in concentrated volleys by fleets of coordinated warships, and used as a long-ranged weapon for "sniping" enemy ships out of the sky. During the war against the Covenant, human MAC volleys were often fired in concentration, aiming to overload a target ship's energy shielding.

Atmospheric use and orbital bombardment[edit]

In select circumstances, MACs can be employed in atmospheres or for the purposes of orbital bombardment. Such orbital bombardment can be deployed against large targets such as enemy warships or bases, or against targets as (relatively) small as a Scarab.[21] During the Battle for Arcadia, the UNSC Spirit of Fire made liberal use of up to forty MAC strikes in rapid succession to destroy a Covenant staging area near the Arcadia ONI facility.[22][Note 2]

MAC classifications[edit]

MACs operate under a complex designation scheme composed of three primary naming components;

  • MAC model number - the serial number designation for the specific MAC in question, composed of six alphanumeric characters consisting of two digits followed by a letter, a digit, another letter, and a final digit. The model number refers to the entire MAC assembly; in smaller vessels this applies to just the singular gun, in larger vessels it may be used to refer to the entire MAC battery. When used to refer to a MAC battery as a whole, the individual guns appear not to have any individual designations. The precise method for naming MAC models is unclear and does not have any outwardly-obvious sequential numbering or correspondence to the target ship(s) in question.
    • Example: 45J3D3
  • 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
  • Size - this category denotes the overall size of the MAC, with the classifications of Light, Heavy, and Superheavy in use.[23] The term "mini-MAC" is also sometimes informally used to designate naval autocannons or heavy railguns.

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 Autumn-class cruiser and Strident-class 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 Halcyon-class cruiser.

Some of the largest MAC types, such as those found on select orbital defense platforms and large warships, are referred to as "Super MACs".[18][23]

Model Mark Size Usage Notes
14B11R2 battery[24] Light Coil[25] Halberd-class light destroyer 1x 1411BR2 battery;[26] twin-linked 1170mm/647mm (46"/25.5") high-velocity coilguns.[24] The larger gun is used for firing all standard munition packages, while the smaller is only used for firing kinetic rounds.[13]
14D4A1 Mark V Superheavy coil Moncton-class orbital weapon platform[27] Can accelerate multi-ton rounds to "several kilometres per second".[27]
Mark V Superheavy coil[28] Erőd-class orbital weapon platform Capable of accelerating a 3,000 ton projectile to "point four-tenths"[Note 1] of lightspeed.[18]
22B6R3 battery[29] Phoenix-class support ship (refit) 3x individual 530cm 22B6R3 MACs[30][29]
20DA1C2 Gladius-class heavy corvette[31]
20F9B9 Point Blank-class prowler[31]
45J3D3 Mark IX Heavy coil Autumn-class heavy cruiser[32][33]
49F9A1 Heavy coil[34] Marathon-class heavy cruiser[33]
50GE1A Heavy coil[35] Valiant-class super-heavy cruiser[33]
56A2D4 Mark II Light coil Halcyon-class light cruiser[33]
Stalwart-class light frigate[36][37][Note 3]		 In the case of the refit Halcyon-class cruiser UNSC Pillar of Autumn, the 56A2D4 runs two-thirds the length of the ship[38] 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.[15][33]
56A2F9 Mark II Light coil Epoch-class heavy carrier Rapid-fire variant of the 56A2D4 model. On an Epoch, this weapon is intended as a defensive weapon though it was sometimes employed to add to coordinated volleys of fire.[39][40]
5D7C2 Lancer-class fast-attack corvette 1x 5D7C2[41]
5D8F6 Able-class heavy destroyer The 5D8F6 was not standard on the original 2490 version and only became standard with the 2525 refit. Despite this, at least one Able, the UNSC Gorgon was refit with a MAC sometime in the 2490's[42]
65P8V1 Light coil[43] Paris-class heavy frigate 1x 65P8V1 MAC[44]
76G3V5 battery Mark X Superheavy coil Vindication-class light battleship 1x 76G3V5 MAC battery; twin Mark X superheavy MACs[26]
83B6R1 Hillsborough-class heavy destroyer[26]
83B6R3 Mark II Light coil Charon-class light frigate 1x 83B6R3 MAC[45][46][44]
90C1E1 Heavy coil Orion-class assault carrier 2x 90C1E1 MACs[40]
94B1E6 Mark IV Heavy coil Strident-class heavy frigate[47] Limited munitions supply, twelve capacitor banks for power.[48][44]
CR-01D Series 6 Superheavy coil[49] Punic-class supercarrier 2x CR-01D Series 6 MAC[40]
CR-03 Series 8 Infinity-class supercarrier Initial model also known as the CR03S8 MAC. Fielded on UNSC Infinity, these guns have a twenty-seven metre bore.[19]
CR-03B Series 8 Superheavy Infinity-class supercarrier[40] Refit package model integrated late in 2558, though originally intended for the Eternity.[14]
  • The 56A2D4 in the Pillar of Autumn.

    The 56A2D4 in the Pillar of Autumn.

  • The 56A2D4 in the In Amber Clad.

    The 56A2D4 in the In Amber Clad.

  • Internal workings of the 14D4A1 MAC on Cairo Station.

    Internal workings of the 14D4A1 MAC on Cairo Station.

  • The forward CR-03B MAC's on the Infinity.

    The forward CR-03B MAC's on the Infinity.

MAC batteries[edit]

"MAC batteries" refer to weapon systems in which multiple MACs are linked together as part of one weapon system. Such batteries may use differing bores and barrel lengths for different usage scenarios, or may consist of multiple identical guns.

Usage[edit]

Corvette MACs[edit]

Even on the smallest end of UNSC spacecraft designs, the MAC is a staple feature - forming the bulk of the spinal mount on the 243 metres (800 ft)-long Gladius-class corvette. The Gladius mounts a single 20DA1C2 MAC, and is currently the smallest known vessel to mount a full-scale ship MAC.[50] The Lancer-class fast-attack corvette employs a single 5D7C2 MAC.[41]

Frigate MACs[edit]

UNSC frigates typically run the length of the entire ship, averaging a length of 183 metres (600 ft).[3] Frigates in the Human-Covenant War typically employed light MACs. The Stalwart and Charon-classes equipped a 56A2D4 Light Coil MAC and an 83B6R3 Light Coil MAC, respectively, with the post-war Strident heavy frigate equipped with a Mark IV 94B1E6 heavy coil MAC.[48] Despite being a heavy frigate, the Paris-class employed a light MAC.[51]

On the Paris and Charon-classes of ship, the barrel of the gun itself is located in the upper boom at the fore of the ship, with the lower boom containing fire-control systems and pulsed power storage. This is inverted on the Stalwart class, where the barrel is in the lower boom.[37] The heavy MAC employed by the Strident frigate employs twelve capacitor cells, allowing it to achieve firepower levels similar to those of destroyers or light cruisers - limited only by the stock of ammunition carried aboard ship.[48]

Destroyer MACs[edit]

The heavy destroyer UNSC Gorgon was the first ship of its class to mount a MAC, sporting one gun and carrying only three slugs.[52] The later Halberd-class was fitted with a 14B11R2 MAC battery consisting of dual twin-linked 1170mm/647mm MACs, with the smaller gun only used for launching kinetic kill rounds and the larger gun compatible with all standard mission packages.[13][24] The Halberd is able to fire its MACs on lower-than 100% charge levels for more rapid-firing,[8] and can be equipped with MAC capacitor cells to easily recharge; these cells are easily replacable when damaged.[13]

Destroyers like the Halberd are typically organised into wolf-packs, aiming to coordinate MAC volleys on enemy ships and overwhelm their defenses.[13]

Cruiser MACs[edit]

Unlike their smaller counterparts, cruisers typically employ Heavy MACs as a standard armament - befitting of their status as the primary line warship of the UNSC Navy. The Marathon-class heavy cruiser sports two heavy MACs[53][51] 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 "Gorgon" formation. These cruisers would pinpoint larger Covenant warships with sustained fire, giving smaller craft a chance to deal damage of their own.[54]The Autumn-class heavy cruiser was fitted with a Mark IX heavy coil 45J3D3 MAC, and the Valiant-class super-heavy cruiser a heavy MAC of its own.[55]

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.[38] This gun ran two-thirds the length of the Autumn's length,[38] and employed special magnetic field recyclers that - when combined with booster capacitors - allowed the gun to fire three times in rapid succession.[15]

Carrier MACs[edit]

UNSC carriers employ a range of MAC types. On the smaller end, the Epoch-class employs the Mark II 52A6F9 light coil MAC, a rapid-fire upgrade of that seen on the Stalwart-class Frigate and intended for defensive purposes. In larger fleets, the Epoch may lend this MAC's fire to coordinated volleys. The Orion-class assault carrier employs a larger heavy MAC,[56] while the extremely large Punic-class supercarrier employs two "Super-MACs", running the length of its enormous spaceframe. In addition to this, the Punic sports a number of smaller "Mini-MAC" turrets allowing it to fire on all angles.[57]

Orbital defense platform MACs[edit]

Given their stationary nature, orbital defense platforms are able to employ much larger MACs than those employed on most warships, often dubbed "Super" MACs. The Moncton-class orbital weapon platform employed over Earth employed a single Mark V 14D4A1 MAC, purportedly capable of "putting a round clean through a Covenant capital ship".[58] The 14D4A1 MAC employed on stations like Cairo Station employs hundreds of ALIM motors to line the barrel, capable of accelerating a projectile at multiple kilometres per-second. These stations employ stacked liquid-metal capacitor cells, allowing the gun to rapidly-cycle as long as their charge lasts.[27]

The fortress-world Reach sported its own orbital defense guns, equipped with some of the most powerful MACs ever built. These rapid-firing MACs were connected to ground-based generators which allowed them to rapidly recharge and fire.[59]

"Mini"-MACs[edit]

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.[7][6] These weapons can be linked to a target locator, and are powerful enough to take out even Forerunner Z-8060 particle cannons.[60]

A number of Mini MAC turrets serve as secondary armaments on the Punic-class supercarrier.[57]

"Onagers"[edit]

An Onager MAC on Reach in the Asźod ship breaking yards.
Main articles: Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, Mark 2551 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon

The Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, informally known as the Onager, is a relatively small Magnetic Accelerator Cannon used for static defense. A manned version was used to defend the Pillar of Autumn on Reach.[61] The Mark 2488 fires a 15 cm round with up to 1.1 gigajoules (0.25 tons) of kinetic energy. It is 32.6 meters long,[62]

Related technologies[edit]

M68 Gauss Cannon[edit]

Main article: M68 Gauss Cannon

The M68 Gauss Cannon is a weapon mounted on the M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle as well as on stationary turrets. It utilizes the same coilgun technology used in MAC, but on a smaller scale.

M92 Principle Gauss Cannon[edit]

Main article: M92 Principle Gauss Cannon

The M92 Principle Gauss Cannon is a weapon system of similar MAC mechanics that runs along the length of the Open Frame 92/Extra-Vehicular Activity.

M99 Stanchion Gauss Rifle[edit]

Main article: Model 99 Special Application Scoped Rifle

The M99 is a man portable anti-matériel and anti-personnel special application weapon using 5.4mm/.21 caliber rounds. Like the M68 Gauss Cannon, it utilizes the same coilgun technology as a MAC, only on an even smaller scale. Though smaller than conventional ammunition, these rounds are accelerated to speeds fast enough to travel long distances with almost no change in trajectory, punch through any obstructing materials, hit their target, and still retain significant kinetic energy.

Mass drivers[edit]

Main article: Mass driver

The mass driver is an orbital launch assembly designed to propel low-weight payloads into orbit, otherwise known as orbital lifting, or to deliver them across a planetary system. The operating principle of the mass driver is essentially the same as that of the Magnetic Accelerator Cannon: it is a large coilgun that magnetically accelerates a package consisting of a magnetizable holder containing a payload.

While not a purpose-built weapon like the Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, these platforms are still potent weapons of opportunity. While never formally incorporated as a weapon, mass drivers have been used at as defensive magnetic accelerator weapons at Harvest, the Rubble, and Reach.

Gameplay[edit]

The Spirit of Fire bombarding from orbit.
The MAC Blast in use.

Halo Wars[edit]

"Use the Spirit of Fire's awesome Mass Accelerator Cannon to incinerate enemy troops."
— In-game description.

In Halo Wars, the MAC Blast ability allows the player to use the UNSC Spirit of Fire's point-defense MACs for pinpoint orbital bombardment. It is mainly used as a support weapon to help the UNSC penetrate heavy Covenant defenses and Covenant bases, and is a potent weapon against Scarabs.

In Skirmish and multiplayer, the MAC Blast can only be used if Captain James Cutter is selected as the player's leader character. In the campaign, the MAC Blast is available in several missions, most notably Dome of Light, during which the player is granted access to forty rapid-fire MAC rounds to destroy a Covenant base that was located under a Covenant energy shield dome until part of the dome was overloaded using Rhinos.

Halo Wars 2[edit]

In Halo Wars 2, the MAC Blast has been upgraded by Ellen Anders and Isabel into MAC Blast EMP, which is very effective against all mechanical units. The EMP MAC is only available during the campaign mission "The Cartographer", where it is used to fire on a swarm of Aggressor Sentinels defending a Forerunner conduit. In Multiplayer and Blitz Mode, the MAC Blast is exclusive to Isabel and Sergeant Johnson. Isabel uses standard MAC rounds, while Johnson uses EMP rounds.

Changes from Halo Wars to Halo Wars 2[edit]

  • MAC rounds can no longer can be upgraded via the Armory.
  • Leader Points now can be used to upgrade MAC damage.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b Due to massively conflicting interpretations of this number, this page only lists the wording used in the original text of The Fall of Reach.
  2. ^ In-game, this section of the level involves using up to forty MAC blasts to orbital strike the Covenant base; it is possible that this strike is merely an example of gameplay not aligning with canon or an example of the Spirit employing its ancilliary naval coilgun batteries.
  3. ^ 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.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 7
  2. ^ a b c Halo: Warfleet - Glossary, page 90-92
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 114
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 115
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint, The New Halo Encyclopedia is Out Today (Retrieved on Mar 11, 2023) [archive]
  6. ^ a b Halo 4 Interactive Guide, Mammoth
  7. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 115
  8. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 17
  9. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 12
  10. ^ Halo Wars Manual, page 24
  11. ^ Halo: Divine Wind, chapter 16
  12. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level The Cartographer
  13. ^ a b c d e Halo: Warfleet - Destroyers, page 32-33
  14. ^ a b Halo: Warfleet - Infinity, page 42-43
  15. ^ a b c Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 29
  16. ^ Halo: First Strike, chapter 29
  17. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 364
  18. ^ a b c Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 31
  19. ^ a b Halo Mythos - Earth's Fleet, page 132-133
  20. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 316
  21. ^ Halo Waypoint, New Mombasa (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  22. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Dome of Light
  23. ^ a b Spartan Games Forums, Halo Waypoint Update with Spartan - NEW SHIPS!: (defunct) "'Super MAC' is more a category than a specific weapon. Many defense platforms do not have 'super MACs' as used by Reach installations, for example."
  24. ^ a b c Halo Mythos - Under Siege, page 82-83
  25. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: Halberd-class destroyer in-game unit
  26. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 124-225
  27. ^ a b c Halo: Warfleet - Cairo Station, page 30-31
  28. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: UNSC MAC Platform in-game unit
  29. ^ a b Halo Mythos - Shield World, page 70-71
  30. ^ Halo: Warfleet - Spirit of Fire, page 48-49
  31. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 128-129
  32. ^ Halo: Warfleet - Cruisers, page 26-27
  33. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 119-120
  34. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: Marathon-class cruiser in-game unit
  35. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: Valiant-class cruiser in-game unit
  36. ^ Halo Waypoint, In Amber Clad (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  37. ^ a b Halo: Warfleet - In Amber Clad, page 37-37
  38. ^ a b c Halo: Warfleet - Pillar of Autumn, page 24-25
  39. ^ Halo: Warfleet - Carriers, page 40-41
  40. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 126-127
  41. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Foundations (Retrieved on Jan 12, 2022) [archive]
  42. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Digsite Dissection (Retrieved on Jul 28, 2023) [archive]
  43. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: Paris-class frigate in-game unit
  44. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 120-123
  45. ^ Halo Waypoint, The Halo Bulletin: 10.10.12 (Retrieved on Mar 2, 2013) [archive]
  46. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 191-192
  47. ^ Halo Waypoint, UNSC Frigate (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  48. ^ a b c Halo: Warfleet - Frigates, page 38-39
  49. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: Punic-class supercarrier in-game unit
  50. ^ Halo: Warfleet - Defenses, page 19
  51. ^ a b Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook, page 93
  52. ^ Halo: Evolutions - The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole
  53. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 42
  54. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook, page 125
  55. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles, Valiant-class cruiser expansion
  56. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles, Orion-class cruiser expansion
  57. ^ a b Spartan Games, Meet The Big Hitters (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2016) [archive]
  58. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Cairo Station
  59. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Looking Glassed (Retrieved on Mar 11, 2021) [archive]
  60. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Reclaimer
  61. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  62. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 75

v • d • e
 
Heavy armaments of humanity
Artillery
Autocannons and mounted machine guns
Automated turrets
Ground installations M5 Talos base turret • Scythe (M71 • M85) • M3045 • M3063 • M8 Wolf Spider
Point-defense guns Arena (Mark 57) • Bulwark (M710) • Fortress (M965) • Goalkeeper (M606) • Helix (M810) • Rampart
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Magnetic_Accelerator_Cannon&oldid=1648995"