M68 Gauss cannon

The M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor, more commonly known as the M68 Gauss Cannon (named after nineteenth century physicist Carl F. Gauss), is a weapon that fires hyper-velocity, high-density projectiles similar to those of a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, except on a much smaller scale. It can be mounted on a stationary stand, or on the rear of the M12G1 Warthog LAAV.

Specifications

Operation

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 13.7km per second. The great velocity of the projectile is the key to the stopping power and performance of the Gauss cannon, giving it exceptional armor penetration.

Role

The M68 ALIM is primarily used in an anti-vehicle capacity used 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 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret, though the rocket turret does not possess the all-around utility and adaptability of the M68 ALIM.

Advantages

The M68 is an extremely accurate weapon, useful against most enemy units. It has proven to be devastating against light-armored vehicles, it can take out a 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. 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. 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.

Disadvantages

The M68 has few disadvantages, mainly the fact that the weapon 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.

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 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 unheard of, especially if the hog the cannon is mounted on is parked away from the main battlefield.

Trivia

Miscellaneous

• While operating on a similar principle to the M99 SASR, 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.
• In Halo: Reach, the projectile will bounce off of surfaces if fired at a certain angle.
• In Halo: Reach, if one looks at the screen of the cannon, they could see the original Xbox logo.

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

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  Multiple-view reference image of the mounted stationary Gauss Cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

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  The M68 ALIM, c. August 2552.

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  The M68 ALIM, c. December 2552.

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

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  A Gauss Warthog on Last Resort.

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  The stationary variant of the Gauss Cannon.

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

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  A right side view of the M68 ALIM, c. 2557.

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  The front of an M68 ALIM, c. 2557.

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  A three-quarter view of the M68 ALIM, c. 2557.

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  The controls of an M68 ALIM, c. 2557.

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  A SPARTAN-IV at the controls.

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  A warning sticker on the side of an M68 ALIM, c. 2557.

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  Another warning sticker, c. 2557.

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  A third warning sticker, c. 2557.

List of appearances

• Halo 2 (First appearance)
• Halo: Uprising
• Halo 3
• Halo Wars
• Halo 3: ODST
• Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
  • Palace Hotel
• Halo: Reach
• Halo 4
  • Spartan Ops