Canon

AIE-486H machine gun: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

(→‎Trivia: Added information about how to walk faster with the turret.)
 
(126 intermediate revisions by 59 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Era|HW|H3|H3R|RE}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{New Content}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{FOF-1}}
|name=AIE-486H heavy machine gun
{{References}}
|image=[[File:AIE-486H HMG.jpg|300px]]
{{Weapon
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=175}}
| image=[[File:AIE-486H_HMG.jpg|275px]]
|series=
| name=Heavy Machine Gun Turret
|type=[[Wikipedia:Rotary cannon|Rotary]] [[machine gun]]
| manufacturer=
|cost=
| model=AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun
|variant=
| type=Portable Gatling turret
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
| cost=
|length={{Convert|75.2|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| size=Turret/support weapon
|width=
| damage per hit=Medium-High
|height=
| magazine=*Unlimited (Mounted)
|weight=
| maxammo=*200 round belt (Unmounted)
|ammotype=[[7.62x51mm|M118 7.62×51mm FMJ-AP]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=331}}
| fire= Fully-Automatic
|capacity=
| ammotype=[[7.62x51]]mm [[wikipedia:Saboted light armor penetrator|SLAP]]
|feed=200 rounds/belt{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H3Manual|Halo 3 manual|Page=14}}
| operation=
|operation=
| rate of fire=About 600 RPM
|rate=
| accuracy=*Medium (Mounted)
|velocity=
*Low-Medium (Unmounted)
|optics=
| range=Medium-Long
|range={{Convert|382|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| era=
| counterpart=[[Plasma Cannon]]
| counterwep= [[Beam Rifle]], [[Sniper Rifle]]
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
The '''AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun''' (abbreviated '''AIE-486H HMG''' or simply '''HMG'''), more commonly referred to as the '''Heavy Machine Gun Turret''', is a [[United Nations Space Command]] ground [[weapon]] effective against infantry and light [[vehicles]].
The '''AIE-486H heavy machine gun''', nicknamed '''the Yeller''',{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} is a tri-barrelled rotary machine gun manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]] in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Beta|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaWeapons|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 Beta Guide|D=17|M=01|Y=2021}}


==Design Details==
==Overview==
[[File:Halo3 - HMG Schematic.png|200px|left|thumb|A schematic of the AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun in ''Halo 3''.]]
===Design details===
The AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun is a standard Gatling-style heavy machine gun, used by the UNSC for offensive and defensive purposes. It is also more powerful than the UNSC's stationary turret, the [[M247 GP Machine Gun]]. It has saved many lives with its defensive capabilities holding enemy forces at bay for a limited time during the [[Battle of Reach]], accounting for many casualties to the Covenant's efforts to take out the Orbital MAC Generators.
The AIE-486H heavy machine gun is a rugged design,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} consisting of a body housing an electrical motor linked to three rotary barrels. The weapon is equipped with two forward-facing ballistic shields similar in design to those of the [[M41 Vulcan]] anti-air gun, and a 200 round magazine just below the rotary assembly connected to the receiver by a munitions belt.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|H3Manual}} The rear of the weapon contains two handles, allowing the weapon to be handled when deployed - typically atop a static tripod mount. The weapon has a large capacity, a high rate-of-fire and a fairly quick reloading process{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} - though it does require a short "spin up" time when firing before reaching its maximum fire rate.{{Ref/Game|H3|Chaingun in-game weapon}}


For defensive purposes, it can be mounted on a tripod, but when used for an assault it can be irreversibly and quickly detached from its tripod. In its unmounted form, the weapon has a limited ammunition capacity of 200 rounds and takes about a second to "spin up" before reaching its highest rate of fire. Pulling the trigger once will cause the gun to fire a maximum of two rounds at a moderate rate; holding it down builds up the rate of fire to a higher rate.
===Ammunition===
The AIE-486H has ammunition commonality with many other weapons in UNSC and [[Colonial Military Authority]] arsenals such as the [[MA5 series]] of assault rifles. It fires the [[7.62x51mm|M118 7.62x51mm Full Metal Jacket-Armour Piercing]] used in the MA5 alongside other weapons such as the [[M392 DMR]] or [[M739 SAW]] - among many others.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} These armour-piercing rounds make the HMG highly effective in use against [[Covenant]] forces - particularly [[Sangheili]] troops.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


The gun slowly climbs during automatic fire like the [[M7 Caseless Sub Machine Gun]], but its recoil is lessened by the gun's weight, which makes it hard to move around as well as decreasing the user's speed. Unlike most heavy machine guns in other games, the AIE-486H does not overheat with continuous fire. This is a more realistic feature as having three barrels on the gun disperses the heat equally within each barrel, allowing the gun to remain cool and continue functioning.
===Usage===
===Changes in Halo: Reach===
The AIE-486H is an older design, though fulfils the same combat role as more modern contemporaries such as the [[M247H machine gun]] or [[M49 Vulcan]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=115}} Its rugged, loud, and formidable battlefield presence has made it a favourite of [[UNSC Marine Corps]] units,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and has kept it in service in the Marines' primary arsenal.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Two such weapons are deployed as a standard defensive armament on the [[M313 Elephant]] recovery vehicle,{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=145}} with one commonly equipped in the rear bay of the [[D77H-TCI Pelican]] dropship.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=149}}
[[File:Reachturret.jpg|right|thumb|175px|The new version of the turret in ''Halo: Reach'']]
The heavy machine gun used by the [[UNSC Army]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' has a drastically different design than the one in ''Halo 3''. While the fire rate, damage, ammunition capacity, and accuracy do not appear to have changed, the weapon posesses only one, stationary barrel, as opposed to three rotating ones. It also seems that it doesn't have to spin up to reach its fastest rate of fire, as opposed to ''Halo 3'' where it takes about 1 second to spool up. The weapon's tripod is bulkier, the protective metal shield has a different shape, and the gun seems to have been designed with handles to make detached use easier. Overheat has also been added, as is the case with all turret-mounted weapons in ''Reach''. However, despite these differences, it is still referred to as the AIE-486H on Bungie.net career stats. It is unclear if Bungie did this intentionally, or if they simply haven't changed the name yet due to the beta status of the game.


===Ammunition===
==Operational history==
The AIE-486 fires 7.62x51mm [[wikipedia:Saboted light armor penetrator|Saboted Light Armor Penetrator]] rounds at a high rate of fire. The SLAP design incorporates a polymer sabot, which allows for the use of a tungsten penetrator projectile of a lesser diameter than the original bore. By using the casing of a large cartridge with a lightweight projectile, the velocity of the projectile is greatly increased. The bullets are powerful enough to punch through the armor of a Ghost or a [[Wraith]] and destroy it with ease.
[[File:H3ODST_Alpha_Site_Defense.jpg|thumb|250px|ODSTs defending [[Alpha Site]] with an AIE-486H.]]
The AIE-486H is an older design in UNSC arsenals, and was retained for use by the Marine Corps even after the [[UNSC Army]] and [[CMA Marine Corps]] adopted the [[M247H machine gun]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Advantages===
AIE-486Hs saw usage from the earliest years of the [[Human-Covenant War]] through to its conclusion. They were in service in the hands of [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] [[Alice-130]] and [[Team Omega]] in [[2531]], at which time they were used by Spartans operating in the [[Battle for Arcadia]] and [[Battle of Trove]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia Outskirts}} They later saw service in [[2547]] during the [[Battle of Skopje]],{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|Dirt}} and again in the war's [[2552|final year]]. In 2552, they were used by Spartan [[Joshua-029]] during the [[Fall of Reach]]{{Ref/Comic|FoRInv|Issue=3}} and by [[human]] defence forces on [[Earth]], including the [[New Mombasa Police Department]] and Marine Corps.{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|NMPD HQ}}{{Ref/Book|HM|Page=106}}{{Ref/Level|H3|Crow's Nest}}
The AIE-486, like all machine guns, packs a powerful punch, filling the air with many rounds at a high rate (though not as much as the SMG). The AIE-486 is mainly a [[Support Weapons|Support Weapon]], providing support for front-line units. The AIE-486 is extremely effective against [[Covenant]] forces, and is strong enough to take down a fully armored and shielded [[Brute]] or [[Elite]] within about 5-10 seconds of continuous fire. A SPARTAN-II or an Elite is strong enough to forcefully detach the turret off of its mount, in opposition to dismantling the tripod and gun with tools. Once detached, the player will appear in a third-person view, and have slower movement and maneuverability, although the regular targeting reticule is still apparent.


===Disadvantages===
==In-game information==
In its stationary form, the AIE-486 is a basic death trap if its user is flanked from multiple locations. Once detached from its tripod the AIE-486 has a limited ammunition supply, and once it runs out the turret must be discarded. In ''Halo 3'', there is no physical way to reload the turret or remount it on the tripod. While wielding the turret, a Spartan II or Elite will move or strafe significantly slower than their normal speed. This could be due to the weight of the turret or, perhaps, a gameplay mechanic implemented for balancing the gameplay.
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
The AIE-486H was introduced in ''[[Halo 3]]'' as the replacement for the [[M247 machine gun|M247 GPMG]] featured in ''[[Halo 2]]''. It serves as part of the newly-added class of [[Weapon types#Turret|turret weapons]], and can be used while mounted on a turret stand or detached and carried in mobile form. While mounted, the weapon has an infinite ammunition pool and does not need to reload, though once detached can be carried in a third-person view albeit with a limited ammo pool of 200 rounds.{{Ref/Reuse|H3Manual}}


==Tactics==
In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the weapon performs the same as its ''Halo 3'' counterpart, albeit with a slightly faster run speed while detached.
===Campaign===
*On higher difficulties it is key to detach the turret; being stationary, the enemy will be able to flank you or fire on your position with ease.
*During the most difficult encounter on {{Levelname|Tsavo Highway}} it is key to detach the turret and pull to the back of the buildings and begin taking down jet pack Brutes, then if the opportunity presents itself lay into the chieftains with it.
*Taking advantage of the AIE-486 on {{Levelname|Crow's Nest}} during both the hanger encounter and the Landing Pad Bravo encounter, the turret will work well at chipping away at the jet pack Brutes' shielding, allowing your allies to take them down more quickly.
*In both Campaign and Multiplayer, a player model carrying a detached turret moves faster when moving diagonally or sideways.


===Multiplayer===
===''Halo Wars''===
*The Machine Gun Turret is not as powerful as the Warthog's LAAG, so be careful when taking on an undamaged, unengaged Warthog, or else you'll quickly wind up dead. Only fire upon Warthogs that haven't seen you and are concentrating elsewhere.
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the AIE-486H is the signature weapon of [[Alice-130]] in the game's campaign. In [[Skirmish]], the Chaingun can be unlocked as the first upgrade available for the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] infantry unit.
*A way of moving faster with the turret can be done by constantly dropping and picking up the turret. This, while looking like you're dribbling the gun, allows almost normal movement. Be aware of other weapons lying around, as you might pick one of those up instead.
*HMGs are easily detached using explosives. A good tactic is to grenade the turret instead of detaching it to reduce the amount of time in a stationary position, although this will also move the detached HMG away from the explosion, which can lead to it being lost or worst, enemies obtaining it.
*Detaching the turret in Multiplayer has its advantages and disadvantages. You will move more slowly, making you more vulnerable to small arms fire and grenades. It is tactically wise to only use the turret in defensive situations that will provide good cover. If you have the opportunity to use the turret on offense be sure to have another player backing you up as you lay into the other team.
*The turret is one of the best defensive weapons to use on {{Levelname|Avalanche}}, {{Levelname|High Ground}}, {{Levelname|Last Resort}}, and {{Levelname|Sandtrap}} during objective based games.
*It is a bad idea to use the turret for long periods of time on sniper matches.
*Breaking a turret without using any weaponry is made easy by standing on top of it, crouch-jumping, and letting go of the crouch button before you hit the ground.
*Do not underestimate the power of leaving the weapon attached to its mounting. While mounted ammunition is effectively unlimited and thus the weapon can produce a tremendous volume of firepower. This can be effective at tactically suppressing particular fire zones from enemy advance, and forcing snipers to keep in cover. It will draw a great deal of the enemy's attention, forcing them to expend strength trying to counter it.
*You turn much slower than normal when carrying a turret, watch your flank and try to be as evasive as possible.
*If engaged in a team match, it can be wise to occupy the weapon while mounted if one has a team mate to watch the flank. This team mate can help pick off enemies that the turret cannot reach and to warn the team mate operating the turret when the enemy is moving in on the flank so that both can relocate or deal with the threat.
*On Standoff, the turret can be an excellent defensive tool, since there are no snipers on this map you can mow down enemies with ease. Your biggest threat is the Spartan Laser, but if your team controls it, the only other thing you need to watch out for is getting flanked by a fast Warthog.


==Trivia==
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
*Although it is called a Heavy Machine-Gun, the 7.62x51mm NATO round it uses would actually classify it as a medium machine gun.
===Silver Timeline===
*Like the [[M41 LAAG]], the AIE-486H bears a striking resemblance to the [[wikipedia:GAU-19|GAU-19/A]] machine gun used by the United States military. The GAU-19 and AIE-486H both share the same distinctive flash suppressor. Unlike the GAU-19, which fires .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) rounds, the AIE-486H fires the [[7.62x51]]mm [[wikipedia:Saboted light armor penetrator|Saboted Light Armor Penetrator]] rounds.
{{Notice/Silver|category=no}}
*The AIE-486H fulfills the same defensive role of the GAU-19/A, being mounted on aircraft like the [[Pelican]], reminiscent to the GAU-19/A being mounted on a modern-day helicopter.
A [[Colonial Military Authority]] AIE-486H machine gun{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HTVIGN|F-j3ma0FiEE|IGN|Halo TV Series: Bringing Master Chief's Weapons to Life|Y=2022|M=3|D=14}} was used by [[John-117/Silver|John-117]] in a battle against the Covenant on [[Madrigal]].{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HTVOT|5KZ3MKraNKY|Paramount+|Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer|Y=2022|M=1|D=30}}
*During [[Forge]] matches, the mounted AIE-486H can be picked up, moved, and rotated, even while another player is using the turret. If the other player rips the turret from the base while this is happening, the player will duplicate the turret. This can be used to arm an entire team with turrets. These traits also apply to Plasma Turrets, and anyone seated in the turret position of a vehicle won't be forced out like the driver will.
*The AIE-486H's first mention may in fact be in ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', in which the surviving Marines and Spartans of [[Red Team]] use ''chainguns'', among other defenses, to keep the Covenant from compromising one of the orbital defense platform generators on the surface of [[Reach]], though, technically speaking, a chaingun is a fixed-position, single-barrel machine gun, and a gatling/mini-gun has 3+ ''rotating'' barrels. Although, due to the modifications made to the weapon by bungie for ''Halo: Reach'', this technicality is irrelevant.
*While the AIE-486H HMG might appear more mobile than the ''Halo 2'' turret, it is shown to be heavier and harder to carry, even slowing Spartans and Elites. The M247 General Purpose Machine Gun (from ''Halo 2'') is actually lighter in its portable form; it is able to be carried by Marines as seen in the levels {{Levelname|Cairo Station}} and {{Levelname|Outskirts}}, and the stationary form doesn't appear difficult to rip off.
*The AIE-486H is usable in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' in its detached state, just as it is in ''Halo 3''. This is done for gameplay reasons only, as an un-enhanced human should not be strong enough to pick the turret up, much less carry it around, fire it accurately on the move or be faster than a Spartan wielding one.
*The NMPD Officers in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' call it a .50 cal even though it uses the 7.62x51 NATO round.
*Unlike real world gatling guns, there is no obvious power source for the motors that turn the barrels, which would typically be a battery pack located on the side of the weapon. Though, with the advent of micro-fusion power, such as that found on the back of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]], the battery could very well be incorporated within the AIE-486H's receiver. In the 21st century several Russian "gatling" style aircraft mounted gun incorporate a gas operated action to rotate the barrels, so this could be just as feasible.
*In Halo 3 there is a faster way of walking with the turret than the normal speed without constantly dropping and picking up the turret, it is done by moving the left stick aproximatelly at a 45 degree angle than the camera position; which make the player move straight and right at the same time in an angle of 45 degree but faster than walking directly straight. The player can move at the point where he wants by balancing the 45 degree of the movemente by moving the camera at a point where the 45 degree angle move him straight to the place where he wants to go. It is suggestable the player use this technique when the area is free of enemies and move the turret into a normal position before the firefight starts so the player won´t be exposed and could attack quickly.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:H3 ManualCover 3 Concept 1.jpg|Concept painting for the ''[[Halo 3 manual]]'' depicting [[John-117]] holding an AIE-486H.
File:H3 ManualCover 3 Concept 2.jpg|Concept painting for the ''Halo 3 manual'' depicting John-117 holding an AIE-486H.
File:HW2-Defending the particle cannon.jpg|UNSC Marines manning an AIE-486H in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HTV UNSCMinigun Concept 1.jpg|Concept art for the minigun design featured in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
File:HTV UNSCMinigun Concept 2.jpg|Concept art for the minigun design featured in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
File:HTV UNSCMinigun Concept 3.jpg|Concept art for the minigun design featured in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
File:HTV UNSCMinigun Concept 4.jpg|Concept art for the minigun design featured in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
File:HTV UNSCMinigun Concept 5.jpg|Concept art for the minigun design featured in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HWSpartan.jpg|A SPARTAN-II wielding a AIE-468H HMG in ''Halo Wars''.
File:H3-AIE486HHUD.png|HUD of the mounted AIE-486H in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 - Detached AIE-486.png|A detached AIE-486H HMG.
File:H3-AIE486HHUD1.png|HUD of the detached AIE-486H.
File:AIE-486H HMG.jpg|The AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3_Navigator_Closeup.jpg|A [[NAVIGATOR-class Mjolnir|Navigator]]-clad Spartan wielding an AIE-486H.
File:1178912519.jpg|A render of a SPARTAN-II holding a AIE-486.
File:H3 - Detached AIE-486.png|An angled view of a detached AIE-486H HMG.
File:Firefight.jpg|An ODST wielding a dismounted turret, alongside his squadmates in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3-AIE-486HMGSide.png|An in-game profile view of the AIE-486H HMG in ''Halo 3''.
File:63468010-Full.jpg|John-117 using the AIE-486 on his way to the crashed Flood-controlled CCS-class Battlecruiser in [[Voi]].
File:H3-MP-Spartan-HMG.jpg|A render of a [[Mark VI]]-clad Spartan-II holding an AIE-486.
File:HaloReach - Spartan HMG.png|A SPARTAN using the new HMG in ''Halo Reach''.
File:H3-AIE-486H-HMG-Turret.jpg|An AIE-486H HMG turret unmanned in Crow's Nest.
File:63468010-Full.jpg|[[John-117]] using the AIE-486 on his way to the crashed Flood-controlled ''CCS''-class Battlecruiser in [[Voi]].
File:HW SpartanChaingun Concept.jpg|''Halo Wars'' concept art of a Spartan wielding the chaingun.
File:HWSpartan.jpg|A [[Mark IV]]-clad Spartan-II wielding an AIE-468H HMG in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW-SpartanIIsAIE486Hs.png|A Trio of Spartans with AIE-468Hs.
File:Firefight.jpg|An ODST wielding a dismounted turret, alongside his squadmates in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST Turret.jpg|[[Taylor Miles|Dutch]] firing a stationary AIE-468H in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST Turret Detached.jpg|Dutch firing a detached AIE-468H in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3ODST PK NMPDHQ 1.jpg|Romeo firing a detached AIE- 468H in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:FoR-Josh029&AIE486H.png|[[Joshua-029]] destroys a T-26A Banshee with an AIE-486H in ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion]]''.
File:HTV-H3turret.png|An AIE-486H machine gun in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Related Pages==
==List of appearances==
*[[Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon]]
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon]]
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*[[M247 GP Machine Gun]]
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Allegiance]]''
*''[[Halo: Venezian Sonata]]
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{UNSC Infantry Weapons}}
{{UNSC support weapons}}
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Machine guns]]
[[Category:Human Weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 10:12, October 9, 2024

AIE-486H heavy machine gun
An image of a UNSC AIE-486H machine gun, deployed along the eastern edge of Halo 3's Multiplayer map "Valhalla".
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Type:

Rotary machine gun

Specifications

Length:

191 centimeters (75.2 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

M118 7.62×51mm FMJ-AP[2]

Feed system:

200 rounds/belt[2][3]

Effective range:

116 meters (382 ft)[2]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

The AIE-486H heavy machine gun, nicknamed the Yeller,[2] is a tri-barrelled rotary machine gun manufactured by Misriah Armory in service with the United Nations Space Command.[1][4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The AIE-486H heavy machine gun is a rugged design,[1] consisting of a body housing an electrical motor linked to three rotary barrels. The weapon is equipped with two forward-facing ballistic shields similar in design to those of the M41 Vulcan anti-air gun, and a 200 round magazine just below the rotary assembly connected to the receiver by a munitions belt.[2][3] The rear of the weapon contains two handles, allowing the weapon to be handled when deployed - typically atop a static tripod mount. The weapon has a large capacity, a high rate-of-fire and a fairly quick reloading process[2] - though it does require a short "spin up" time when firing before reaching its maximum fire rate.[5]

Ammunition[edit]

The AIE-486H has ammunition commonality with many other weapons in UNSC and Colonial Military Authority arsenals such as the MA5 series of assault rifles. It fires the M118 7.62x51mm Full Metal Jacket-Armour Piercing used in the MA5 alongside other weapons such as the M392 DMR or M739 SAW - among many others.[2][1] These armour-piercing rounds make the HMG highly effective in use against Covenant forces - particularly Sangheili troops.[2]

Usage[edit]

The AIE-486H is an older design, though fulfils the same combat role as more modern contemporaries such as the M247H machine gun or M49 Vulcan.[6] Its rugged, loud, and formidable battlefield presence has made it a favourite of UNSC Marine Corps units,[1] and has kept it in service in the Marines' primary arsenal.[6] Two such weapons are deployed as a standard defensive armament on the M313 Elephant recovery vehicle,[7] with one commonly equipped in the rear bay of the D77H-TCI Pelican dropship.[8]

Operational history[edit]

Orbital Drop Shock Troopers Taylor Miles and Michael Crespo firing their weapons (M7S SMG and AIE-486H machine gun) at ONI Alpha Site during Battle of New Mombasa, as seen in the Halo 3: ODST campaign level ONI Alpha Site.
ODSTs defending Alpha Site with an AIE-486H.

The AIE-486H is an older design in UNSC arsenals, and was retained for use by the Marine Corps even after the UNSC Army and CMA Marine Corps adopted the M247H machine gun.[1]

AIE-486Hs saw usage from the earliest years of the Human-Covenant War through to its conclusion. They were in service in the hands of Spartan-IIs Alice-130 and Team Omega in 2531, at which time they were used by Spartans operating in the Battle for Arcadia and Battle of Trove.[9] They later saw service in 2547 during the Battle of Skopje,[10] and again in the war's final year. In 2552, they were used by Spartan Joshua-029 during the Fall of Reach[11] and by human defence forces on Earth, including the New Mombasa Police Department and Marine Corps.[12][13][14]

In-game information[edit]

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

The AIE-486H was introduced in Halo 3 as the replacement for the M247 GPMG featured in Halo 2. It serves as part of the newly-added class of turret weapons, and can be used while mounted on a turret stand or detached and carried in mobile form. While mounted, the weapon has an infinite ammunition pool and does not need to reload, though once detached can be carried in a third-person view albeit with a limited ammo pool of 200 rounds.[3]

In Halo 3: ODST, the weapon performs the same as its Halo 3 counterpart, albeit with a slightly faster run speed while detached.

Halo Wars[edit]

In Halo Wars, the AIE-486H is the signature weapon of Alice-130 in the game's campaign. In Skirmish, the Chaingun can be unlocked as the first upgrade available for the Spartan infantry unit.

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]

Silver Timeline[edit]

HTV-SilverTeam logo.png
This article contains information about the Silver Timeline, and is not a part of the established Halo canon.

A Colonial Military Authority AIE-486H machine gun[15] was used by John-117 in a battle against the Covenant on Madrigal.[16]

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 175
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 331
  3. ^ a b c Halo 3 manual, page 14
  4. ^ Bungie.net, Halo 3 Beta Guide (Retrieved on Jan 17, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ Halo 3, Chaingun in-game weapon
  6. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 115
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 145
  8. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 149
  9. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia Outskirts
  10. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Dirt
  11. ^ Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion, issue 3
  12. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level NMPD HQ
  13. ^ Halo Mythos, page 106
  14. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Crow's Nest
  15. ^ YouTube - IGN, Halo TV Series: Bringing Master Chief's Weapons to Life (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2022)
  16. ^ YouTube - Paramount+, Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer (Retrieved on Jan 30, 2022)