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Point-defense gun: Difference between revisions

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===Operational history===
===Operational history===
[[File:HFR Alpha Base 2.png|right|thumb|One of the ''Pillar of Autumn'''s point-defense guns defending Alpha Base.]]
Point-defense guns have been standard armament on UNSC vessels since the [[Insurrection]], a common model being the [[M810 Helix point defense gun|M810 Helix]]. Later, {{Class|Halcyon|cruiser}}s used a dual-barreled point-defense weapon system designated as the [[M910 Rampart point defense network]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/ONI/577839090903298928/DDR-A340024-1115-08-27-52.pdf Data Drop 5]</ref>
Point-defense guns have been standard armament on UNSC vessels since the [[Insurrection]], a common model being the [[M810 Helix point defense gun|M810 Helix]]. Later, {{Class|Halcyon|cruiser}}s used a dual-barreled point-defense weapon system designated as the [[M910 Rampart point defense network]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/ONI/577839090903298928/DDR-A340024-1115-08-27-52.pdf Data Drop 5]</ref>



Revision as of 13:03, December 20, 2018

Template:Weapon

A point-defense gun is a type of United Nations Space Command starship-mounted magnetic accelerator weapon.[1] Though several models exist, the most common type of point-defense gun fires 50mm high-explosive projectiles.[2]

Design details

Functionality

The point-defense gun fills a role similar to the CIWS designs created during the 20th century. Based around magnetic linear accelerator technology,[1] it fires solid projectiles. Unlike Archer missiles and the MAC weapon systems mounted on capital ships, the point-defense guns are not used to engage Covenant capital ships. They are instead meant to intercept smaller threats like Type-31 Seraph fighters[3] or boarding craft, and disrupt incoming plasma weaponry,[4] to reduce the damage inflicted to a warship's superstructure.

Because human operators lack the reflexive responses necessary to operate the point-defense guns to maximum effect, the autocannons are computer controlled and, if an AI is available, control is diverted to it. "Smart" AIs seem better able to operate the point-defense guns than standard computers and also lesser "dumb" AIs.[5]

Operational history

A screenshot of Alpha Base on the eponymous level.
One of the Pillar of Autumn's point-defense guns defending Alpha Base.

Point-defense guns have been standard armament on UNSC vessels since the Insurrection, a common model being the M810 Helix. Later, Halcyon-class cruisers used a dual-barreled point-defense weapon system designated as the M910 Rampart point defense network.[6]

During the human occupation of Installation 04, the ODSTs that recaptured and secured the wreckage of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn from the Covenant managed to scavenge several of the ship's 50mm turrets.[7] The ODSTs utilized the scavenged defense weapons and used them as anti-air defensive emplacements at Alpha Base.

Known types

Arena

Bulwark

Fortress

Goalkeeper

Helix

Rampart

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia, page 315 (2011)
  2. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 215
  3. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 272
  4. ^ Halo: Warfleet, page 19
  5. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 19
  6. ^ Data Drop 5
  7. ^ Halo: The Flood, Chapter 5, page 137 (2003 paperback); page 153 (2010 paperback)