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{{Weapon
{{Status|Canon}}
| image=[[Image:Warthog gauss.jpg|300px]]
{{Center|''This article is about the model introduced in Halo 2. For the model introduced in Halo 5: Guardians, see [[M70 Gauss cannon]].''}}
| name=M68 light [[MAC]] Gauss weapon
{{Weapon infobox
| manufacturer= [[UNSC]] or other Human supplier
|image= [[File:Gauss turret.png|300px]]
| model=M68
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]
| type=[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Offensive magnetic weapon]]
|series=M68
| cost=Unknown
|type=[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
| size=~1.25m x ~0.30m x ~0.30m
|cost=
| damage per hit=Death in most cases
|variant=
| magazine=N/A
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| maxammo=Does not use magazine
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
| fire=N/A
|weight={{Convert|243|lb|kg}}<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''UNSC Weapons'', ''page 321'' (2011 edition)</ref>
| ammotype=*Depleted uranium rounds
|length={{Convert|119.6|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 80''</ref>
*Ferromagnetic slugs
|width={{Convert|55.6|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| operation=Electromagntics
|height={{Convert|85.8|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| rate of fire=1 round/sec
|ammotype=25x130mm <span class="explain" title="armor-piercing, limited penetration/frangible">APLP/F</span>{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}<br/>
| accuracy=Good
25x130mm M485 HV/FTHPP{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}<br/>
| range=Far ([[Sniper Rifle]] range, or close to)
[[Anvil round]] {{C|When specially-modified}}<ref name="PL">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - Forge's Warthog''</ref>
| era=Current (2530s to 2550s)
|capacity=
| counterpart=Unknown
|feed=750 rounds{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
| counterwep=[[Spartan Laser]] or other directed energy weapon
|operation=[[Wikipedia:Coilgun|Asynchronous linear-induction motor]]
| affiliation=[[UNSC]]
|rate=Semi-automatic
|velocity=
|optics=
|range={{Convert|8|km|mi}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
}}
}}


The '''M68 Gauss Cannon''' is a [[weapon]] that fires hypervelocity, high-density projectiles similar to those of a [[MAC]] gun. It is mounted on the rear of the [[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]]. It is very powerful and very useful against vehicles. However, it is not as effective against infantry as the [[M41 LAAG]], which is also mounted on the [[Warthog]]. This is because there is little splash damage and it has as slower rate of fire, but a direct hit will kill most enemies in one shot, two if they have an Overshield. Due to its power and speed it is a good weapon against [[Wraiths]].  
The '''M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor''', more commonly known as the '''M68 Gauss Cannon''' (named after nineteenth century physicist [[Wikipedia: Carl Friedrich Gauss|Carl F. Gauss]]),<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 78''</ref> is a [[weapon]] that fires hyper-velocity, high-density projectiles similar to those of a [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]], except on a much smaller scale.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''Game Stats''</ref><ref name="PH">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Palace Hotel]]", ''page 362''</ref>{{Ref/Note|1=''"While the Warthog gauss rifle is modeled as a magnetic acceleration cannon, the sound and effects are actually those of a railgun, which operates on a different principle. However, the sound and effects were so cool that we couldn't not use them."''<br />— ferrex providing [http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=27004812 additional information] about the M68.}} Also known among the troops as the "68," "Rail Gun," "Tent Pole," and the "Gas Gun,"{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}} it can be mounted on a stationary stand, or on the rear of the [[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]].


This weapon uses a set of magnets to propel a 25mm slug of depleted uranium, a very dense, heavy metal, at high speeds. The raw mass and great speeds of the projectile is the key to the stopping power and performance of the Gauss cannon. Unlike the chain-fed system that the [[M41 LAAG]] uses, this cannon uses a tube to draw slugs from it's ammunition drum mounted below the cannon.  
==Design details==
===Operation===
The M68 ALIM uses an [[Wikipedia:Linear motor|asynchronous linear-induction motor]] to produce a bipolar magnetic field capable of launching a 25x130mm projectile at an incredible speed of just under Mach 40, or approximately 13.7&nbsp;km per second.{{Ref/Reuse|PH}}{{Ref/Note|The speed of the Gauss Cannon's projectile in-game is much slower than its canonical speed of Mach 40. This is probably because of design and engine limits as well as balancing issue. The projectile moves more quickly in ''Halo 3'' than in ''Halo 2''.}} The great velocity of the projectile is the key to the stopping power and performance of the Gauss cannon, giving it exceptional armor penetration at impressive ranges.


In Halo 2, this version of the [[Warthog]] seems to have replaced the M12A1 LAAV version of the Warthog, which featured three Rocket Launchers. That version became problematic due to the prodigious reload time necessary for the launchers.  
When modified, Gauss cannons are capable of firing the [[Anvil round]], a special kind of ammunition capable of causing an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] in the target area and doing more damage than standard munitions.{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref>


[[Image:Halo3GaussHogLastResort.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A Gauss Warthog on Last Resort.]] The Gauss Warthog made its debut in [[Halo 2]] and returns in [[Halo 3]]
===Role===
The M68 ALIM is primarily used in an anti-vehicle capacity by UNSCDF ground forces, though it can be used to devastating effect against infantry. It is often seen mounted on the Warthog in the same manner as the M41 LAAG, and while it does not possess the LAAG's extreme rate of fire, it displays near-pinpoint accuracy and overwhelming firepower, usually killing infantry targets with a single shot, and heavily damaging those in the immediate vicinity of where the round impacts. Its intended usage is similar to that of a [[M39 rocket turret]], though the rocket turret does not possess the all-around utility and adaptability of the M68 ALIM and causes much more collateral damage.
 
===Advantages===
The M68 is an extremely accurate weapon, useful against most enemy infantry and vehicle units. Unsurprisingly it has proven to be devastating against light-armored vehicles; it can take out a {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} or a [[Banshee]] in one or two shots (depending on shot placement). The weapon is rather effective against Wraiths as well, provided the driver can out-flank the Wraith and fire upon its unprotected backside before it brings its [[plasma mortar]] to bear. Firing at the vehicle's armored front is less effective, but the rate at which the weapon cycles can compensate for this. The M68 is also very deadly if used against infantry, however users should aim at the most dangerous units like [[Sangheili]], [[Jiralhanae]] and [[Mgalekgolo]] in order to make full use of the weapon before moving onto smaller, less dangerous targets. Its relatively high rate of fire, when compared to other electromagnetic accelerator weapons, makes it a devastating precision weapon on any battlefield. Its anti-armor capabilities are second only to those of the [[SP42 Main Battle Tank|SP42 Cobra]]'s mounted [[M66 light rail gun]], and static defense platforms, such as the [[Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Onager]], and its portability more than makes up for this.
 
===Disadvantages===
The M68 has few disadvantages, mainly the fact that the weapon (like all other vehicle-mounted turrets) offers little to no protection to the operator, and allows them to be easily sniped without the presence of a skilled driver. It lacks precision at extreme distances, but can still hit large targets (i.e. Wraiths and Phantoms) with a fair degree of accuracy. The Gauss Cannon can also cause permanent hearing damage when fired within 20 meters of unprotected infantry.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}  The M68's muzzle flash can also give away its user's position. {{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
 
==Tactics==
*The M68 is (unsurprisingly) an excellent anti-vehicle weapon. It will get rid of enemy light armor rather quickly.
*While not as effective against entire squads, it remains good against single infantry units.
*Outstanding against [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]]s in ''[[Halo 3]]'', since the Warthog on which the weapon is mounted is a smaller, faster target for it to hit. An effective tactic is to remain under the Scarab, avoiding the legs and the main gun, while your [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] gunner targets the Scarab's legs. Doing this with a co-op player is even more effective.
*Experienced gunners using this weapon can effectively use the cannon's extremely high damage and accuracy to 1-shot kill most enemies. This has led to many Gauss gunners being able to attain high multi-kills and [[Killing Spree Medal|killing sprees]], especially in [[multiplayer]]. Perfections are also not unheard of, especially if the hog the cannon is mounted on is parked away from the main battlefield.
 
==Changes==
===Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo 4''===
*Rate of fire reduced considerably
*Faster turn rate
*Sharper firing sound
*Increased damage and AoE damage.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
===Miscellaneous===
*While operating on a similar principle to the [[M99 Stanchion]], the shells for the M68 appear to be designed to cause [[wikipedia:Hypervelocity|hypervelocity]] collisions, where the target and slug get almost entirely vaporized on impact. This is probably intended to reduce over-penetration.
*In ''Halo 3'', the screen on the cannon's firing mechanism will actually display its surroundings in real-time thermal imaging, similar to the scope of the [[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel]]. Unfortunately, this does not have any effect on gameplay, and is only in place for aesthetic reasons.
*In ''Halo 3'', the slug in mid-flight is blue with a blue tail, making it look like Covenant weapon's fire at first glance. This 'blue light' is most likely the slug heating the air around it to super heated levels due to friction with the atmosphere. In ''Halo 2'', the trail was yellow-orange.
*Despite being called a "Gauss Cannon", the weapon is instead a coilgun, having none of the operational mechanisms characteristic of an actual Gauss Cannon.
===Production notes===
*During the ''Halo 2'' demo trailer, the M68 Gauss cannon fired at a fairly rapid speed. Later, in an early beta multiplayer phase the M68 seemed to be slowed down and also seemed to have lost all its hype. It was later revamped with its original rate of fire during the game's final stages.
*The ''Halo 3'' version of the M68 is a bit weaker and has a slower rate of fire than its ''Halo 2'' version. Part of this reason is gameplay balance since the ''Halo 2'' version was allegedly claimed to be too powerful in-game.
==Gallery==
{{linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:H2-M68ALIM-GaussCannon.png|The M68 ALIM in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-GaussHUD.png|HUD of the M68 in ''Halo 2''.
File:Ammo -Gauss.png|A Gauss slug of the M68 Gauss cannon from ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''.
File:Halo3GaussHogLastResort.jpg|A Gauss Warthog on [[Last Resort]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-GaussHUD.png|HUD of the M68 in ''Halo 3''.
File:Gauss turret.png|The M68 ALIM in ''Halo 3''.
File:Gaussshot.jpg|A closeup of a Gauss cannon's projectile in the air. Note that the contrail starts out blue but fades to yellow in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 Dubbo on a Gauss Hog.jpg|A Marine fires a Gauss cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:Old HW Gauss 2.png|John-117 firing a Gauss cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3ODST-StationaryGauss-Reference.png|Turnaround reference image of the mounted stationary Gauss cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Stationary Gauss Cannon.JPG|The stationary variant of the Gauss cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3ODST Rookie&GaussCannon.jpg|The [[Jonathan Doherty|Rookie]] inspecting a destroyed Gauss cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST Dutch M68.png|[[Taylor Miles]] manning a stationary Gauss cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HW-M12G1svsInnies.png|Gauss cannons in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]''
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


*It is possible to knock a Covenant Sniper Tower off its anti-grav pod by shooting it with the Cannon.
{{UNSC heavy weapons}}
*Using the Gauss Cannon you can make a Combat Barrier bounce around by shooting the base of them.
[[Category:Magnetic acceleration weapons]]
*During the Halo 2 demo trailer, the Gauss was shooting at a fairly decent speed. Later, in an early beta multiplayer phase the Gauss seemed to be slowed down and also seemed to have lost all of its hype. It was later ravamped to its original rate of fire during the game's final stages.
[[Category:UNSC ground weapons]]

Latest revision as of 21:12, August 15, 2024

This article is about the model introduced in Halo 2. For the model introduced in Halo 5: Guardians, see M70 Gauss cannon.
M68 Gauss cannon
Gauss turret.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory

Model series:

M68

Type:

Magnetic Accelerator Cannon

Specifications

Length:

119.6 inches (304 cm)[1]

Width:

55.6 inches (141 cm)[1]

Height:

85.8 inches (218 cm)[1]

Weight:

243 pounds (110 kg)[2]

Ammunition type:

25x130mm APLP/F[2]
25x130mm M485 HV/FTHPP[3]
Anvil round (When specially-modified)[4]

Feed system:

750 rounds[2]

Operation:

Asynchronous linear-induction motor

Rate of fire:

Semi-automatic

Effective range:

8 kilometres (5.0 mi)[2]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

The M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor, more commonly known as the M68 Gauss Cannon (named after nineteenth century physicist Carl F. Gauss),[3] is a weapon that fires hyper-velocity, high-density projectiles similar to those of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, except on a much smaller scale.[5][6][Note 1] Also known among the troops as the "68," "Rail Gun," "Tent Pole," and the "Gas Gun,"[2] it can be mounted on a stationary stand, or on the rear of the M12G1 Warthog LAAV.

Design details[edit]

Operation[edit]

The M68 ALIM uses an asynchronous linear-induction motor to produce a bipolar magnetic field capable of launching a 25x130mm projectile at an incredible speed of just under Mach 40, or approximately 13.7 km per second.[6][Note 2] The great velocity of the projectile is the key to the stopping power and performance of the Gauss cannon, giving it exceptional armor penetration at impressive ranges.

When modified, Gauss cannons are capable of firing the Anvil round, a special kind of ammunition capable of causing an EMP in the target area and doing more damage than standard munitions.[4][7]

Role[edit]

The M68 ALIM is primarily used in an anti-vehicle capacity by UNSCDF ground forces, though it can be used to devastating effect against infantry. It is often seen mounted on the Warthog in the same manner as the M41 LAAG, and while it does not possess the LAAG's extreme rate of fire, it displays near-pinpoint accuracy and overwhelming firepower, usually killing infantry targets with a single shot, and heavily damaging those in the immediate vicinity of where the round impacts. Its intended usage is similar to that of a M39 rocket turret, though the rocket turret does not possess the all-around utility and adaptability of the M68 ALIM and causes much more collateral damage.

Advantages[edit]

The M68 is an extremely accurate weapon, useful against most enemy infantry and vehicle units. Unsurprisingly it has proven to be devastating against light-armored vehicles; it can take out a Karo'etba-pattern Ghost or a Banshee in one or two shots (depending on shot placement). The weapon is rather effective against Wraiths as well, provided the driver can out-flank the Wraith and fire upon its unprotected backside before it brings its plasma mortar to bear. Firing at the vehicle's armored front is less effective, but the rate at which the weapon cycles can compensate for this. The M68 is also very deadly if used against infantry, however users should aim at the most dangerous units like Sangheili, Jiralhanae and Mgalekgolo in order to make full use of the weapon before moving onto smaller, less dangerous targets. Its relatively high rate of fire, when compared to other electromagnetic accelerator weapons, makes it a devastating precision weapon on any battlefield. Its anti-armor capabilities are second only to those of the SP42 Cobra's mounted M66 light rail gun, and static defense platforms, such as the Onager, and its portability more than makes up for this.

Disadvantages[edit]

The M68 has few disadvantages, mainly the fact that the weapon (like all other vehicle-mounted turrets) offers little to no protection to the operator, and allows them to be easily sniped without the presence of a skilled driver. It lacks precision at extreme distances, but can still hit large targets (i.e. Wraiths and Phantoms) with a fair degree of accuracy. The Gauss Cannon can also cause permanent hearing damage when fired within 20 meters of unprotected infantry.[2] The M68's muzzle flash can also give away its user's position. [1]

Tactics[edit]

  • The M68 is (unsurprisingly) an excellent anti-vehicle weapon. It will get rid of enemy light armor rather quickly.
  • While not as effective against entire squads, it remains good against single infantry units.
  • Outstanding against Scarabs in Halo 3, since the Warthog on which the weapon is mounted is a smaller, faster target for it to hit. An effective tactic is to remain under the Scarab, avoiding the legs and the main gun, while your Marine gunner targets the Scarab's legs. Doing this with a co-op player is even more effective.
  • Experienced gunners using this weapon can effectively use the cannon's extremely high damage and accuracy to 1-shot kill most enemies. This has led to many Gauss gunners being able to attain high multi-kills and killing sprees, especially in multiplayer. Perfections are also not unheard of, especially if the hog the cannon is mounted on is parked away from the main battlefield.

Changes[edit]

Changes from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST to Halo 4[edit]

  • Rate of fire reduced considerably
  • Faster turn rate
  • Sharper firing sound
  • Increased damage and AoE damage.

Trivia[edit]

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • While operating on a similar principle to the M99 Stanchion, the shells for the M68 appear to be designed to cause hypervelocity collisions, where the target and slug get almost entirely vaporized on impact. This is probably intended to reduce over-penetration.
  • In Halo 3, the screen on the cannon's firing mechanism will actually display its surroundings in real-time thermal imaging, similar to the scope of the Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel. Unfortunately, this does not have any effect on gameplay, and is only in place for aesthetic reasons.
  • In Halo 3, the slug in mid-flight is blue with a blue tail, making it look like Covenant weapon's fire at first glance. This 'blue light' is most likely the slug heating the air around it to super heated levels due to friction with the atmosphere. In Halo 2, the trail was yellow-orange.
  • Despite being called a "Gauss Cannon", the weapon is instead a coilgun, having none of the operational mechanisms characteristic of an actual Gauss Cannon.

Production notes[edit]

  • During the Halo 2 demo trailer, the M68 Gauss cannon fired at a fairly rapid speed. Later, in an early beta multiplayer phase the M68 seemed to be slowed down and also seemed to have lost all its hype. It was later revamped with its original rate of fire during the game's final stages.
  • The Halo 3 version of the M68 is a bit weaker and has a slower rate of fire than its Halo 2 version. Part of this reason is gameplay balance since the Halo 2 version was allegedly claimed to be too powerful in-game.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The M68 ALIM in Halo 2.

    The M68 ALIM in Halo 2.

  • HUD of the M68 in Halo 2.

    HUD of the M68 in Halo 2.

  • A Gauss slug of the M68 Gauss cannon from The Art of Halo 3.

    A Gauss slug of the M68 Gauss cannon from The Art of Halo 3.

  • A Gauss Warthog on Last Resort in Halo 3.

    A Gauss Warthog on Last Resort in Halo 3.

  • HUD of the M68 in Halo 3.

    HUD of the M68 in Halo 3.

  • The M68 ALIM in Halo 3.

    The M68 ALIM in Halo 3.

  • A closeup of a Gauss cannon's projectile in the air. Note that the contrail starts out blue but fades to yellow in Halo 3.

    A closeup of a Gauss cannon's projectile in the air. Note that the contrail starts out blue but fades to yellow in Halo 3.

  • A Marine fires a Gauss cannon in Halo 3.

    A Marine fires a Gauss cannon in Halo 3.

  • John-117 firing a Gauss cannon in Halo 3.

    John-117 firing a Gauss cannon in Halo 3.

  • Turnaround reference image of the mounted stationary Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

    Turnaround reference image of the mounted stationary Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

  • The stationary variant of the Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

    The stationary variant of the Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

  • The Rookie inspecting a destroyed Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

    The Rookie inspecting a destroyed Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Taylor Miles manning a stationary Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

    Taylor Miles manning a stationary Gauss cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Gauss cannons in Halo Wars.

    Gauss cannons in Halo Wars.

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "While the Warthog gauss rifle is modeled as a magnetic acceleration cannon, the sound and effects are actually those of a railgun, which operates on a different principle. However, the sound and effects were so cool that we couldn't not use them."
    — ferrex providing additional information about the M68.
  2. ^ The speed of the Gauss Cannon's projectile in-game is much slower than its canonical speed of Mach 40. This is probably because of design and engine limits as well as balancing issue. The projectile moves more quickly in Halo 3 than in Halo 2.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 80
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), UNSC Weapons, page 321 (2011 edition)
  3. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 78
  4. ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Forge's Warthog
  5. ^ Halo: Reach, Game Stats
  6. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Palace Hotel", page 362
  7. ^ Halo Wars 2

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