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Magnetic Accelerator Cannon: Difference between revisions

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(→‎Types: Seriously the gun in reach WAS a MAC, it should be included in this page)
(The PoA schematic was fan-made.)
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<center>''Were you looking for [[Mac (Marine)|Mac]], a Marine who served in the [[Harvest Campaign]]? Or maybe the [[Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|large cannon at the Aszod drydock]], referred to as a MAC gun in game?''</center>
The '''Magnetic Accelerator Cannon''' ('''MAC'''), also known as the '''Mass Accelerator Cannon''',<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''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 [[orbital defense platform]]s.
<!-- {{Quote|That MAC gun can put a round clean through a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[capital ship]].|[[Sergeant Johnson]], talking to the [[John-117|Master Chief]] on board the [[Orbital Defense Platform]] ''[[Cairo Station|Cairo]]''.}} -->
The '''Magnetic Accelerator Cannon''', also known as '''Mass Accelerator Cannon''',<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 119''</ref> is a weapon system employed by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] for its warships and orbital platforms. Essentially a large [[Wikipedia:coilgun|coilgun]], they are one of the few non-conventional non-[[nuclear weapon]]s in the the UNSC arsenal capable of causing widespread destruction.


== Overview ==
==Overview==
=== Operational design ===
===Operational design===
The theory behind the operation of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is the same as that of a [[wikipedia:coilgun|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 a [[railgun]], in which a projectile is electromagnetically accelerated between two conducting rails.
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 ===
===Firing operation===
[[File:Coilgun animation.gif|thumb|250px|The basic design of a coilgun.]]
[[File:Coilgun animation.gif|thumb|250px|The basic design of a coilgun.]]
The firing process uses [[wikipedia:electromagnetism|electromagnetism]] to fire a 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 which attracts the metal slug. As the slug passes into the solenoid, the solenoid is quickly turned off and the second solenoid, which is further up, turns on, which attracts the now high velocity metal slug just like the first solenoid, and the process is carried on.
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.


The weapon draws power from the ship's reactor and require 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 force in a conflict. Thus, while a vessel may not run out of ammunition for a long time (depending on the size/weight of the shots and the capacity of the ship), a captain or commander has to carefully analyze the situation of a battle and use his shots strategically. The weapon can be fired even when not at full charge, but the velocity of the projectile is greatly diminished.
A shipboard MAC draws power from the ship's 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.


By the time the slug is fired out the end of the barrel, it has been accelerated to a speed of approximately 30 kilometers per second for frigate-based MAC and around 12,000 kilometers per second for orbital platform-based MAC. At the same time, a pair of thrusters on the bottom side of the station fire for a couple of seconds to counteract the acceleration imparted to the station.
[[Orbital defense platform]]s have the same firing process, though they launch much more massive projectiles, (3,000 tons), 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 (level)|Cairo Station]]''</ref>


=== Ammunition ===
===Ammunition===
Payloads used in the Magnetic Accelerator Cannon weapon delivery system alternates with the platform which the weapon is hosted; warship models tend to use ferric, ferrous, or [[depleted uranium]] cores whereas orbital platform models commonly use ferric tungsten rounds.
Payloads used in the Magnetic Accelerator Cannon weapon delivery system alternates with the platform which the weapon is hosted; warship models tend to use ferric, ferrous, or [[depleted uranium]] cores whereas orbital platform models commonly use ferric tungsten rounds.<ref name="for283"/>


The standard frigate-based MAC fires a 600-ton slugs at around 30 kilometers per second; the high muzzle speed provides the slug the kinetic energy and momentum necessary to damage a target and partially mitigates the unguided nature of the slug and its lack of maneuverability.<ref name="for108">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 108''; '''(2010 edition)''', ''page 130''</ref> The standard orbital platform model, on the other, hand fires a 3,000-ton slug at nearly .04''[[wikipedia:speed of light|c]]'', or around 12,000 kilometers per second, which is capable of piercing multiple obstacles before fully stopping the projectile if needed.<ref name="for283">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 283''</ref>
The standard [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]-based MAC fires a 600-ton slug around 3,000 kilometers per second. 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="for108">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 108''; '''(2010 edition)''', ''page 130''</ref> A "Super MAC" mounted on an orbital defense platform fires a 3,000-ton slug at nearly .04''[[wikipedia:speed of light|c]]'', or around 12,000 kilometers per second, which is capable of piercing multiple obstacles before fully stopping the projectile if needed.<ref name="for283">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 283''</ref>


===Aiming===
===Aiming===
The size of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is such that it is normally an integral component of a warship's structure. Orbital platforms are often built around the massive weapon for orbital defense. A dedicated targeting computer or an AI is typically required to aim or fire the cannon, as the projectiles are unguided.
The size of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is such that it is normally an integral component of a warship's structure. Orbital defense platforms are built around the massive weapon. A dedicated targeting computer or an AI is typically required to aim or fire the cannon, as the projectiles are unguided.{{Citation needed}}


== Types ==
==Types==
There are various variations of the Magnetic Accelerator Cannon system depending on the platforms it is installed in. Each variation performs and functions significantly different. The standard frigate is capable of carrying one MAC system whereas the standard destroyer is capable of possessing up to two MAC systems.<ref name="twomacs">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 139''</ref> Likewise, {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}s carry two MAC systems,<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 251''</ref> with the prototype vessel {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} carrying four Magnetic Accelerator Cannons.<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>
There are numerous variations of the MAC technology, influenced primarily by the platforms on which they are installed. All known frigate classes carry one MAC system, whereas the standard [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]]<ref name="twomacs">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 139''</ref> and the {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} carry two MACs.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 251''</ref> The Navy's post-war flagship, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, is armed with four Magnetic Accelerator Cannons.<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>


=== Frigate ===
===Frigate===
[[File:Mac.jpg|200px|thumb|A squadron of UNSC frigates firing their MAC at the Covenant's [[Forerunner Dreadnought]].]]
[[File:Mac.jpg|200px|thumb|A squadron of UNSC frigates firing their MACs at the Covenant's [[Forerunner Dreadnought]].]]
A standard [[UNSC Frigate|frigate]]-issued MAC system averages at {{convert|183|m|ft}}.<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 114''</ref> It can fire a 600-ton ferric-tungsten projectile with a depleted uranium core at 30,000 meters per second.<ref name="for108"/> 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 multiple MAC rounds are required to penetrate Covenant shields. At approximately 64 kilotons per shot, the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is sufficient to destroy any human vessel or severely damage an unshielded Covenant vessel.<ref group="note">The Halo Encyclopedia lists the MAC's yield around 1.17 teratons, fired at .4''c'' or 40% speed of light.</ref>
A standard [[UNSC Frigate|frigate]]-mounted MAC averages at {{convert|183|m|ft}}.<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 114''</ref> It can fire a 600-ton ferric-tungsten projectile with a depleted uranium core at 3,000 kilometers per second.<ref name="for108"/> 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 multiple MAC rounds are required to penetrate Covenant shields. At approximately 64 kilotons per shot, 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 lists the MAC's yield around 1.17 teratons, fired at .4''c'' or 40% speed of light. This figure is woefully exaggerated, as the explosive yield would be 27 times greater than that of the [[Wikipedia:Trinity (nuclear test)|Trinity atomic bomb test]].</ref>


The {{Class|Charon|light frigate}} is equipped with the Mark II, Light Coil – 83B6R3/MAC.<ref name="bul10"/>
The {{Class|Charon|light frigate}} is equipped with the ''Mark II, Light Coil – 83B6R3/MAC''.<ref name="bul10"/>


=== Specialized/Modified ===
===Specialized and modified versions===
The standard MAC can be further enhanced with booster capacitors which allows the weapon to be fired three times per charge rather than once per charge. This improved technology was only implemented into 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 was also noted to charge faster than the standard version, though this is likely due to the ''Pillar of Autumn''<nowiki />'s advanced reactors.<ref name="for275"/> 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"/>
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 charged faster than the standard version, though this is likely due to the ''Pillar of Autumn''<nowiki />'s advanced reactors.<ref name="for275"/> 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"/>


The first in its own class, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} is equipped with four CR-08, Series-8 Magnetic Accelerator Cannons.<ref name="bul10"/>
The first in her own class, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} is equipped with four ''CR-08, Series-8 Magnetic Accelerator Cannons''.<ref name="bul10"/>


=== "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon ===
==="Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon===
[[File:Macstationcairolarge1ki.jpg|200px|thumb|An Orbital Defense Platform ([[Cairo Station|ODA-142: Cairo Station]]) armed with a "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.]]
[[File:Macstationcairolarge1ki.jpg|200px|thumb|An orbital defense platform ([[Cairo Station|ODA-142: Cairo Station]]) armed with a "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.]]
{{Main|Orbital Defense Platform}}
{{Main|Orbital defense platform}}
A UNSC orbital platform typically mounts larger and more powerful version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, nicknamed ''"Super"'' MACs or the ''"big stick"''. At {{convert|802.2|m|ft}} long,<ref name="visual"/> these cannons fire a 3000-ton ferric-tungsten round at .04''c'' or 4% of the speed of light, impacting with a massive amount of relativistic kinetic energy, which is of equivalent to 51.6 gigatons of TNT.<ref name="for283"/><ref group="note">The Halo Encyclopedia lists the SMAC's yield around 9.98 teratons, fired at .5''c'' or 50% speed of light.</ref> No known ship, UNSC or Covenant, has been shown to survive the impact of one of these rounds, with shielded Covenant destroyers being shattered to "a million fragments" upon impact.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 297'' (2001 edition)</ref> Against Covenant shield technology, the rounds possess enough kinetic energy to punch through shields, cut through the ship, and, upon exit, still retain enough energy to cripple or destroy a second ship.
A UNSC orbital platform typically mounts larger and more powerful version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, nicknamed the ''"Super"'' MAC or the ''"big stick"''. At {{convert|802.2|m|ft}} long,<ref name="visual"/> these cannons fire a 3,000-ton ferric-tungsten rounds at .04''c'' or 4% of the speed of light, impacting with a massive amount of relativistic kinetic energy, which is of equivalent to 51.6 gigatons of TNT.<ref name="for283"/><ref name="big MAC yield" group="note">''The Halo Encyclopedia'' lists the Super MAC's yield around 9.98 teratons, fired at .5''c'' or 50% the speed of light. The explosive yield caused by this impact, (velocity aside), would be nearly 1/100th as powerful as the [[Wikipedia:Chicxulub crater|Chicxulub impactor]], which is widely theorized to have killed the dinosaurs. This would almost 20,000 times more powerful than the [[Wikipedia:Tsar Bomba|Tsar Bomba]], the largest nuclear device ever detonated, which had a yield of 57 megatons.</ref> No known ship, UNSC or Covenant, has been shown to survive the impact of one of these rounds, with shielded Covenant destroyers being shattered to "a million fragments" upon impact.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 297'' (2001 edition)</ref> Against Covenant shield technology, the rounds possess enough kinetic energy to punch through shields, cut through the ship and, upon exit, still retain enough energy to cripple or destroy a second ship.


By receiving power from [[Orbital defense generator|ground-based power plants]], orbital defense platforms could achieve recharge and reload times as short as five seconds.
By receiving power from [[Orbital defense generator|ground-based power plants]], orbital defense platforms could achieve recharge and reload times as short as five seconds.<ref name="for283"/><ref name="Cairo"/>


=== Mini-MAC ===
===Mini-MAC===
{{Main|Mobile Anti-Aircraft Weapons Platform M510 Siegework/Ultra-Heavy}}
{{Main|Mobile Anti-Aircraft Weapons Platform M510 Siegework/Ultra-Heavy}}
A UNSC "Mammoth" terrestrial siegework platform mounts a miniature, mobile version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, referred to as a "Mini-MAC".<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]''</ref>
A UNSC "Mammoth" terrestrial siegework platform mounts a miniature, mobile version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, 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>


=== Mark 2488 ===
===Mark 2488 "Onager"===
The Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, formally designated 15cm Mark/2488 1.1GJ MAC, also known as the Onager and often referred to as a "mass driver", is a stationary Magnetic Accelerator Cannon used by the United Nations Space Command during the Human-Covenant War.
[[File:Onager.jpg|thumb|right|An Onager MAC on [[Reach]] in the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]].]]
{{Main|Mark 2488 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. Both manned<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> and unmanned<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Composer (level)|Composer]]''</ref> versions have seen use in combat.
{{Clear}}


=== Others ===
==Related technologies==
{{conjecture}}
===M68 Gauss Cannon===
Although never explicitly elaborated upon, there are many more different sizes of MAC weaponry based on the size of possible mounts. For example, one might extrapolate that a [[UNSC frigate|frigate]] would mount a smaller, less powerful cannon than a [[UNSC supercarrier|supercarrier]] or a {{Class|Marathon|Cruiser}}, if only for power management issues.
 
Conceivably, a 'large' ship could mount many 'small' MACs. However, the lack of such occurrences might suggest that the power of a MAC, once the mass and volume of all attendant components (i.e. capacitors) are accounted for, does not scale linearly. Destroyers and ''Marathon''-class cruisers are outfitted with two MAC cannons. The ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]'' had one large MAC cannon which could fire three 144 ton "shredder" rounds in succession on a single charge.
{{conjecture end}}
 
== Related technologies ==
=== M68 Gauss Cannon ===
{{Main|M68 Gauss Cannon}}
{{Main|M68 Gauss Cannon}}
The M68 Gauss Cannon is a UNSC weapon mounted on the [[M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]] as well as on stationary turrets. It utilizes the same coilgun technology used in MAC weapon deliver system, but on a smaller scale.
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 ===
===M92 Principle Gauss Cannon===
{{Main|M92 Principle Gauss Cannon}}
{{Main|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]].
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 ===
===M99 Stanchion Gauss Rifle===
{{Main|Model 99 Special Application Scoped Rifle}}
{{Main|Model 99 Special Application Scoped Rifle}}
The M99 is a man portable anti-matérial 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.
The M99 is a man portable anti-matérial 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 ===
===Mass drivers===
[[File:Onager.jpg|thumb|right|An Onager MAC on [[Reach]] in the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]]]]
{{Main|Mass driver}}
{{Main|Mass driver}}
The mass driver is a somewhat primitive United Nations Space Command 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.
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 UNSC's 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]].
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]].
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
== ''Halo Wars'' gameplay ==
==''Halo Wars'' gameplay==
[[File:MAC Blast.JPG|thumb|right|The MAC Blast in use.]]
[[File:MAC Blast.JPG|thumb|right|The MAC Blast in use.]]
=== MAC Blast ===
===MAC Blast===
{{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 MAC 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-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarabs]].
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the '''MAC Blast''' ability allows the player to use the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}'s [[Unidentified UNSC deck gun|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-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarabs]].


In [[skirmish]] and multiplayer, the MAC Blast can only be used if [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[James Gregory Cutter|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.
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.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
== Trivia ==
*The Magnetic Accelerator Cannon has been wrongly addressed twice in the ''Halo'' series. It is called the "''Mass ''Accelerator Cannon" in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', and the "''Mass Accelerated'' Cannon" in ''[[Halo Wars]]''. The first reference may be a confusion between the MAC and the mass driver, which is a non-military application of similar technologies. The second reference may be a grammatical error also referring to the mass driver.
*The {{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}}'s MAC is unable to penetrate a Covenant [[Covenant citadel|citadel]]'s [[Shield Generator (Covenant)|shield]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]'' with one round. This could be because of the use of a less-powerful-than-normal rounds or lower-than-normal charge, or because of the high resistance of the shield. It may also be because the round loses kinetic energy and mass as it enters atmosphere from orbit. Another possibility is that the ''Spirit of Fire'''s MAC was designed for ground support and not ship-to-ship engagements, thus firing weaker rounds to avoid friendly casualties. The last theory might explain why the MAC cannon could fire four shots in quick succession. However, its weak power in ''Halo Wars'' may only be for gameplay purposes.
*The total energy released from the impact of a MAC round fired from a UNSC Orbital Defense Platform releases a colossal 216 exajoules of energy (51.6 gigatons). To put this in perspective, this is about 3,428,571 times the energy released from the atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima in World War II, which released a comparatively small 63 terajoules of energy (15.5 kilotons).
*Currently, magnetic weapons are in the prototype stage.  General Atomics is currently developing and testing a railgun for the US Navy called the "Blitzer Railgun."  Railguns use current to move a projectile rather than cycling electromagnetic coils on and off in a coil gun.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Nassau.png|[[Nassau Station]] firing its MAC.
File:Nassau.png|''[[Nassau Station]]'' firing its MAC.
File:Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.png|An orbital defense platform above [[Reach]] firing its main cannon.
File:Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.png|An orbital defense platform above [[Reach]] firing its main cannon.
Accelerator Cannon in ''[[Halo Legends]]''<nowiki />'s [[Origins]] episode.
File:POA-MAC Schematic.jpg|An overlay of the ''Pillar of Autumn'' and its MAC position.
File:Cairo Mac firing.jpg|An example of an orbital defense platform firing its "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.
File:Cairo Mac firing.jpg|An example of an orbital defense platform firing its "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.
File:Navesota.jpg|The front view of a UNSC frigate's MAC.
File:Navesota.jpg|A frontal view of a {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}'s MAC.
File:Halo3 - MAC muzzle.jpg|A close view of the MAC muzzle of a UNSC frigate.
File:Halo3 - MAC muzzle.jpg|A closer view of the MAC muzzle on a ''Charon''-class frigate.
File:Mac.jpg|Three UNSC frigates unleashing their MACs on the Forerunner Dreadnought over [[The Portal|the Portal]].
File:Mac.jpg|Three UNSC frigates unleashing their MACs on the Forerunner Dreadnought over the [[Portal at Voi|Voi portal artifact]].
File:Halo3 - FrigateAssault.png|MAC charges impacting the Dreadnought, to little effect.
File:Halo3 - FrigateAssault.png|MAC slugs impacting the Dreadnought, to little effect.
File:HaloWars-MACBlast-Reticule.jpg|The aiming reticule of the MAC gun in ''Halo Wars''.
File:MAC - Bombardment.jpg|A MAC round impacting the surface of [[Harvest]].
File:MAC - Bombardment.jpg|A MAC round impacting a planetary surface in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:PoAMAC.jpg|The muzzle of the UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'''s MAC.
File:PoAMAC.jpg|The muzzle of the UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'''s MAC.
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:H4-Infinity-Firing.jpg|The ''[[UNSC Infinity]]'' fires her twin MAC cannons at the [[Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]''.
File:H4-Infinity-Firing.jpg|The ''[[UNSC Infinity]]'' fires her twin MAC cannons at the [[Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]''.
File:HaloWars-MACBlast-Reticule.jpg|The aiming reticle of the MAC gun in ''Halo Wars''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
Line 134: Line 120:
==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
==External links==
*[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/sloftus_stationsignage/ '''Halo.bungie.org''': ''Overview of an Orbital Defense Platform by Stephen Loftus'']
*[[wikipedia:Coilgun|'''Wikipedia''''s article on ''Coilgun'']]


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

Revision as of 12:45, March 10, 2013

The Magnetic Accelerator Cannon (MAC), also known as the Mass Accelerator Cannon,[1][2] is a weapon system employed by the United Nations Space Command on its warships and orbital defense platforms. Essentially large coilguns, MACs serve as the primary armament of UNSC Navy warships and orbital defense platforms.

Overview

Operational design

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

This work is dual licensed by ZeroOne:
The basic design of a coilgun.

The firing process uses 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.

A shipboard MAC draws power from the ship's 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.

Orbital defense platforms have the same firing process, though they launch much more massive projectiles, (3,000 tons), 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.[3]

Ammunition

Payloads used in the Magnetic Accelerator Cannon weapon delivery system alternates with the platform which the weapon is hosted; warship models tend to use ferric, ferrous, or depleted uranium cores whereas orbital platform models commonly use ferric tungsten rounds.[4]

The standard frigate-based MAC fires a 600-ton slug around 3,000 kilometers per second. 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.[5] A "Super MAC" mounted on an orbital defense platform fires a 3,000-ton slug at nearly .04c, or around 12,000 kilometers per second, which is capable of piercing multiple obstacles before fully stopping the projectile if needed.[4]

Aiming

The size of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is such that it is normally an integral component of a warship's structure. Orbital defense platforms are built around the massive weapon. A dedicated targeting computer or an AI is typically required to aim or fire the cannon, as the projectiles are unguided.[citation needed]

Types

There are numerous variations of the MAC technology, influenced primarily by the platforms on which they are installed. All known frigate classes carry one MAC system, whereas the standard destroyer[6] and the Marathon-class heavy cruiser carry two MACs.[7] The Navy's post-war flagship, UNSC Infinity, is armed with four Magnetic Accelerator Cannons.[8]

Frigate

A squadron of UNSC frigates firing their MACs at the Covenant's Forerunner Dreadnought.

A standard frigate-mounted MAC averages at 183 metres (600 ft).[2] It can fire a 600-ton ferric-tungsten projectile with a depleted uranium core at 3,000 kilometers per second.[5] 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 multiple MAC rounds are required to penetrate Covenant shields. At approximately 64 kilotons per shot, the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is sufficient to destroy any human vessel or severely damage an unshielded Covenant vessel.[note 1]

The Charon-class light frigate is equipped with the Mark II, Light Coil – 83B6R3/MAC.[8]

Specialized and modified versions

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 UNSC Pillar of Autumn prior to the Fall of Reach.[9] The modified weapon charged faster than the standard version, though this is likely due to the Pillar of Autumn's advanced reactors.[9] 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.[9]

The first in her own class, UNSC Infinity is equipped with four CR-08, Series-8 Magnetic Accelerator Cannons.[8]

"Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon

An orbital defense platform (ODA-142: Cairo Station) armed with a "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.
Main article: Orbital defense platform

A UNSC orbital platform typically mounts larger and more powerful version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, nicknamed the "Super" MAC or the "big stick". At 802.2 metres (2,632 ft) long,[2] these cannons fire a 3,000-ton ferric-tungsten rounds at .04c or 4% of the speed of light, impacting with a massive amount of relativistic kinetic energy, which is of equivalent to 51.6 gigatons of TNT.[4][note 2] No known ship, UNSC or Covenant, has been shown to survive the impact of one of these rounds, with shielded Covenant destroyers being shattered to "a million fragments" upon impact.[10] Against Covenant shield technology, the rounds possess enough kinetic energy to punch through shields, cut through the ship and, upon exit, still retain enough energy to cripple or destroy a second ship.

By receiving power from ground-based power plants, orbital defense platforms could achieve recharge and reload times as short as five seconds.[4][3]

Mini-MAC

Main article: Mobile Anti-Aircraft Weapons Platform M510 Siegework/Ultra-Heavy

A UNSC "Mammoth" terrestrial siegework platform mounts a miniature, mobile version of the standard Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, referred to as a "Mini-MAC".[11] It is designed to destroy terrestrial and suborbital fortifications and warships.[12]

Mark 2488 "Onager"

An Onager MAC on Reach in the Aszod ship breaking yards.
Main article: Mark 2488 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. Both manned[13] and unmanned[14] versions have seen use in combat.

Related technologies

M68 Gauss Cannon

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

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

Main article: Model 99 Special Application Scoped Rifle

The M99 is a man portable anti-matérial 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

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.

Halo Wars gameplay

File:MAC Blast.JPG
The MAC Blast in use.

MAC Blast

"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.

Gallery

  • Nassau Station firing its MAC.

    Nassau Station firing its MAC.

  • An orbital defense platform above Reach firing its main cannon.

    An orbital defense platform above Reach firing its main cannon.

  • An example of an orbital defense platform firing its "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.

    An example of an orbital defense platform firing its "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.

  • Navesota.jpg

    A frontal view of a Charon-class light frigate's MAC.

  • A closer view of the MAC muzzle on a Charon-class frigate.

    A closer view of the MAC muzzle on a Charon-class frigate.

  • Three UNSC frigates unleashing their MACs on the Forerunner Dreadnought over the Voi portal artifact.

    Three UNSC frigates unleashing their MACs on the Forerunner Dreadnought over the Voi portal artifact.

  • Halo3 - FrigateAssault.png

    MAC slugs impacting the Dreadnought, to little effect.

  • MAC - Bombardment.jpg

    A MAC round impacting the surface of Harvest.

  • The muzzle of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn's MAC.

    The muzzle of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn's MAC.

  • The UNSC Grafton firing its MAC at Spire One.

    The UNSC Grafton firing its MAC at Spire One.

  • The UNSC Infinity fires her twin MAC cannons at the Didact's flagship, Mantle's Approach.

    The UNSC Infinity fires her twin MAC cannons at the Didact's flagship, Mantle's Approach.

  • HaloWars-MACBlast-Reticule.jpg

    The aiming reticle of the MAC gun in Halo Wars.

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ The Halo Encyclopedia lists the MAC's yield around 1.17 teratons, fired at .4c or 40% speed of light. This figure is woefully exaggerated, as the explosive yield would be 27 times greater than that of the Trinity atomic bomb test.
  2. ^ The Halo Encyclopedia lists the Super MAC's yield around 9.98 teratons, fired at .5c or 50% the speed of light. The explosive yield caused by this impact, (velocity aside), would be nearly 1/100th as powerful as the Chicxulub impactor, which is widely theorized to have killed the dinosaurs. This would almost 20,000 times more powerful than the Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear device ever detonated, which had a yield of 57 megatons.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 119
  2. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 114
  3. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Cairo Station
  4. ^ a b c d Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 283
  5. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 108; (2010 edition), page 130
  6. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 139
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 251
  8. ^ a b c Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin: 10.10.12
  9. ^ a b c Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 275
  10. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 297 (2001 edition)
  11. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Reclaimer
  12. ^ Halo 4 Interactive Guide
  13. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  14. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Composer

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
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