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ARC-920 railgun: Difference between revisions

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|service = [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|service = [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|affiliation = [[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation = [[United Nations Space Command]]
|weight = {{Convert|14.9|kg|lb}}<ref name="brief"/>
|weight = {{Convert|14.9|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|brief}}
|length = {{Convert|43.6|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 63''</ref>
|length = {{Convert|43.6|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 63''</ref>
|width = {{Convert|2.9|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
|width = {{Convert|2.9|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|height = {{Convert|12.5|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
|height = {{Convert|12.5|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|ammotype = 16×65mm [[M645 FTP-HE]]<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo 4 Interactive Guide''']</ref>
|ammotype = 16×65mm [[M645 FTP-HE]]<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo 4 Interactive Guide''']</ref>
|feed = 1 slug<ref name="Bulletin8812">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/08/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-8812.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12'']</ref>
|feed = 1 slug<ref name="Bulletin8812">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/08/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-8812.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12'']</ref>
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The ARC-920 railgun is a result of scientific breakthroughs following the [[Human-Covenant War]] that allowed for portable, hand-held, electromagnetic launcher systems to be used in combat. The ARC-920's disposable power cell and ferric-shelled [[M645 FTP-HE]] projectile has dramatically decreased the weapon's total mass. Despite the ARC-920's lighter weight over previous models, it is still too heavy and cumbersome for general use by non-[[Human augmentation|augmented]] personnel.<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Railgun'']</ref>
The ARC-920 railgun is a result of scientific breakthroughs following the [[Human-Covenant War]] that allowed for portable, hand-held, electromagnetic launcher systems to be used in combat. The ARC-920's disposable power cell and ferric-shelled [[M645 FTP-HE]] projectile has dramatically decreased the weapon's total mass. Despite the ARC-920's lighter weight over previous models, it is still too heavy and cumbersome for general use by non-[[Human augmentation|augmented]] personnel.<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Railgun'']</ref>


The ARC-920 uses a pair of parallel conducting rails to accelerate its projectiles. A large electric current flows from one rail into the projectile and then to the other rail; the electromagnetic effects of this interaction accelerate the projectile to an immense speed. The rifle requires a brief charging period before firing high-explosive rounds accelerated to an incredible speed.<ref name="bulletin52512">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/05/25/The-Halo-Bulletin-52512.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''The Halo Bulletin: 5.25.12'']</ref> The explosive yield contained in the round adds to the kinetic force of the impact, making the weapon effective against both infantry and armor.<ref name="GI 522012"/> The weapon lacks a scope.<ref name="bulletin52512"/> The ARC-920 is one of the various limited-production electromagnetic launchers in service with the [[UNSC Armed Forces]], and is widely considered the best among them.<ref name="universe"/>
The ARC-920 uses a pair of parallel conducting rails to accelerate its projectiles. A large electric current flows from one rail into the projectile and then to the other rail; the electromagnetic effects of this interaction accelerate the projectile to an immense speed. The rifle requires a brief charging period before firing high-explosive rounds accelerated to an incredible speed.<ref name="bulletin52512">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/05/25/The-Halo-Bulletin-52512.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''The Halo Bulletin: 5.25.12'']</ref> The explosive yield contained in the round adds to the kinetic force of the impact, making the weapon effective against both infantry and armor.{{Ref/Reuse|GI 522012}} The weapon lacks a scope.{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin52512}} The ARC-920 is one of the various limited-production electromagnetic launchers in service with the [[UNSC Armed Forces]], and is widely considered the best among them.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


== Variants ==
== Variants ==
* '''[[Whiplash]]''': The ''Whiplash'' is an improved variant which features a faster charge cycle, two rounds per magazine, and projectiles fitted with a proximity airburst fuse.<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>
* '''[[Whiplash]]''': The ''Whiplash'' is an improved variant which features a faster charge cycle, two rounds per magazine, and projectiles fitted with a proximity airburst fuse.<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>
* '''[[Arclight]]''': The ''Arclight'' is an advanced variant that fires armor-piercing high-explosive rounds capable of piercing through multiple targets at once. While it takes longer to charge the weapon the charge can be held indefinitely.<ref name="H5G"/>
* '''[[Arclight]]''': The ''Arclight'' is an advanced variant that fires armor-piercing high-explosive rounds capable of piercing through multiple targets at once. While it takes longer to charge the weapon the charge can be held indefinitely.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
* '''Extractor''': This Railgun has a unique interior green glow and also it functions to steal enemies' health and reward to the user, this also Railgun has rapid fire but it's not as powerful as a standard Railgun.<ref name="HW2">''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', [[Blitz]] in-game unit</ref>
* '''Extractor''': This Railgun has a unique interior green glow and also it functions to steal enemies' health and reward to the user, this also Railgun has rapid fire but it's not as powerful as a standard Railgun.<ref name="HW2">''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', [[Blitz]] in-game unit</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
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== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
Compared to the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]], the ARC-920's charging time is half the duration and deals less damage to vehicles. In addition, the traveling time for a fired shot is almost instantaneous,<ref name="bulletin52512"/> though still markedly slower than most ballistic, [[hard light]], and laser weapons in the game, which are hitscan. In Campaign and Spartan Ops, the charging time is longer than in War Games.
Compared to the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]], the ARC-920's charging time is half the duration and deals less damage to vehicles. In addition, the traveling time for a fired shot is almost instantaneous,{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin52512}} though still markedly slower than most ballistic, [[hard light]], and laser weapons in the game, which are hitscan. In Campaign and Spartan Ops, the charging time is longer than in War Games.


=== Advantages ===
=== Advantages ===
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* Canonically, a magnetically accelerated projectile would move at many times the speed of sound. However, for the sake of balance, the railgun's projectiles move at a much slower subsonic speed in gameplay.
* Canonically, a magnetically accelerated projectile would move at many times the speed of sound. However, for the sake of balance, the railgun's projectiles move at a much slower subsonic speed in gameplay.
* Despite being a railgun, the rings that form around the barrel when charging, as well as the [[Railgun Kill]] medal depicting a projectile going through rings, seem more indicative of a coilgun.
* Despite being a railgun, the rings that form around the barrel when charging, as well as the [[Railgun Kill]] medal depicting a projectile going through rings, seem more indicative of a coilgun.
** In addition, the weapon's REQ card in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' identifies it as a coilgun.<ref name="H5G"/>
** In addition, the weapon's REQ card in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' identifies it as a coilgun.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
*Even though the weapon's name implies a lack of recoil, a railgun or coilgun should still produce substantial recoil.
*Even though the weapon's name implies a lack of recoil, a railgun or coilgun should still produce substantial recoil.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}

Revision as of 07:18, April 15, 2021

ARC-920 railgun
H5G-ARC920.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Acheron Security

Type:

Railgun carbine

Cost:

63,405 cR[1]

Specifications

Length:

43.6 inches (111 cm)[2]

Width:

2.9 inches (7.4 cm)[2]

Height:

12.5 inches (32 cm)[2]

Weight:

14.9 kilograms (33 lb)[1]

Ammunition type:

16×65mm M645 FTP-HE[3]

Feed system:

1 slug[4]

Operation:

Electromagnetic linear accelerator

Rate of fire:

Single-shot

Effective range:

Close to medium

Service history

In service:

Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

The Asymmetric Recoilless Carbine-920 (ARC-920), also known simply as the railgun, is a compact-channel linear accelerator weapon used by the United Nations Space Command. It is designed and manufactured by Acheron Security.[5]

Design details

The ARC-920 railgun is a result of scientific breakthroughs following the Human-Covenant War that allowed for portable, hand-held, electromagnetic launcher systems to be used in combat. The ARC-920's disposable power cell and ferric-shelled M645 FTP-HE projectile has dramatically decreased the weapon's total mass. Despite the ARC-920's lighter weight over previous models, it is still too heavy and cumbersome for general use by non-augmented personnel.[6]

The ARC-920 uses a pair of parallel conducting rails to accelerate its projectiles. A large electric current flows from one rail into the projectile and then to the other rail; the electromagnetic effects of this interaction accelerate the projectile to an immense speed. The rifle requires a brief charging period before firing high-explosive rounds accelerated to an incredible speed.[7] The explosive yield contained in the round adds to the kinetic force of the impact, making the weapon effective against both infantry and armor.[5] The weapon lacks a scope.[7] The ARC-920 is one of the various limited-production electromagnetic launchers in service with the UNSC Armed Forces, and is widely considered the best among them.[6]

Variants

  • Whiplash: The Whiplash is an improved variant which features a faster charge cycle, two rounds per magazine, and projectiles fitted with a proximity airburst fuse.[8]
  • Arclight: The Arclight is an advanced variant that fires armor-piercing high-explosive rounds capable of piercing through multiple targets at once. While it takes longer to charge the weapon the charge can be held indefinitely.[8]
  • Extractor: This Railgun has a unique interior green glow and also it functions to steal enemies' health and reward to the user, this also Railgun has rapid fire but it's not as powerful as a standard Railgun.[9]

Gameplay

Compared to the Spartan Laser, the ARC-920's charging time is half the duration and deals less damage to vehicles. In addition, the traveling time for a fired shot is almost instantaneous,[7] though still markedly slower than most ballistic, hard light, and laser weapons in the game, which are hitscan. In Campaign and Spartan Ops, the charging time is longer than in War Games.

Advantages

The railgun is extremely powerful and can kill Spartans and all but the highest-ranking Promethean Knights and Elites with one shot. It is also very accurate at short and medium distances.

Disadvantages

The railgun must be charged before firing, which is a disadvantage on the battlefield. It can only fire one slug before reloading and is weak against vehicles. Its lack of scope coupled with its narrow blast radius make it difficult to aim, limiting mostly to firing at stationary targets.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians

  • Can now be zoomed in via Smart Scope.
  • Like the Gauss turret, it now has hitscan properties.
  • Maximum reserve ammunition increased from 5 to 13.
  • Projectile weakness against vehicles has been removed, leaving it an all around effective anti-vehicle weapon.
  • If the Grunt Birthday Party skull is on, the railgun can now trigger the effects of said skull with headshots to Grunts.

Changes from Halo Wars 2

  • August is the only 1 that wields an actual Railgun, despite it being standard Railgun, August shoots twice in some occasion.
  • The Railgun does less damage.
  • Extractor Marines wield Railguns in Blitz, the weapon can "siphon" enemies' health and give it to the user & having a higher rate of fire.

Trivia

  • Canonically, a magnetically accelerated projectile would move at many times the speed of sound. However, for the sake of balance, the railgun's projectiles move at a much slower subsonic speed in gameplay.
  • Despite being a railgun, the rings that form around the barrel when charging, as well as the Railgun Kill medal depicting a projectile going through rings, seem more indicative of a coilgun.
    • In addition, the weapon's REQ card in Halo 5: Guardians identifies it as a coilgun.[8]
  • Even though the weapon's name implies a lack of recoil, a railgun or coilgun should still produce substantial recoil.

Gallery

Normal gallery

Halo 5: Guardians REQ cards

Videos

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo 4: Limited Edition, UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet
  2. ^ a b c Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 63
  3. ^ Halo 4 Interactive Guide
  4. ^ Halo Waypoint - The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12
  5. ^ a b Game Informer - The Arsenal of Halo 4
  6. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Railgun
  7. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint - The Halo Bulletin: 5.25.12
  8. ^ a b c Halo 5: Guardians
  9. ^ Halo Wars 2, Blitz in-game unit