Point-defense gun

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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,^[3]^[1] it fires 50mm 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 Seraph fighters^[4] or boarding craft to prevent (or at least lessen) the damage inflicted to a warship.

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

Point-defense guns have been standard armament on UNSC vessels since the Insurrection, a common model being the AAA Helix gun. 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.^[3] The ODSTs utilized the scavenged defense weapons and used them as anti-air defensive emplacements at Alpha Base.

Known types

AAA Helix gun – Used on Valiant-class super-heavy cruisers.
M870 Rampart point defense gun – Used on Charon-class light frigates, Stalwart-class light frigates, and Strident-class heavy frigates.
M910 Rampart point defense network – Used on Paris-class heavy frigates and Autumn-class heavy cruisers.
M965 Fortress point defense network – Used on UNSC Infinity.

Gallery

A close-up of a point-defense gun.
A close-up of one of the Pillar of Autumn's point-defense guns in Halo: Reach.
A Halcyon-class cruiser defending itself from the Covenant boarding crafts using its point defense guns.
Shot of the UNSC Savannah's point defense gun arrays.
The UNSC Savannah's point defense guns firing on the Covenant corvette Ardent Prayer.
Close-up of a UNSC frigate's point defense guns firing.
The UNSC Savannah using its point-defense guns against the Ardent Prayer in Operation: UPPER CUT.