This article is about the gauss cannon introduced in Halo 5: Guardians. For the model introduced in Halo 2, see M68 Gauss cannon.
M70 Electromagnetic Launcher
H5G-Gauss.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2]

Type:

Gauss cannon

Specifications

Length:

245 centimeters (96.3 in)[2]

Ammunition type:

25×130mm M485 HV/FTHPP[1]

Feed system:

9 rounds (detached)
Unlimited (mounted)

Operation:

Coilgun

Rate of fire:

Semi-automatic

Service history

In service:

Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

The M70 Electromagnetic Launcher is a Gauss cannon employed by various human military and paramilitary forces. It is the newest addition into the Gauss cannon family, following the widespread M68 Gauss cannon employed by UNSC forces during the Human-Covenant War.[2][Note 1]

Overview

Design details

The M70 Gauss cannon utilises a hybrid of established coilgun technologies and Covenant-derived pulsed power systems.[2] The system implements new asynchronous linear-induction motors and rail channels[3], and even incorporates alien materials and reverse-engineered components.[2] Unlike prior models, the M70 does not require the use of a power tether, and is instead powered by an internal capacitor.[2]

Even with the new additions, the coilgun has seen little improvement in armor penetration from its predecessor, the M68 Gauss cannon. Misriah Armory promises that up-scaled versions of the new coilguns suitable for installation on armored vehicles and aerospace vehicles will conclusively prove the value of moving to a new architecture.[1]

Development history

The M70 EL (then known as the X555 Electromagnetic Launcher Advanced Technologies Testbed) was first tested in classified operations during the Requiem Campaign, utilizing a hybrid of existing technologies and Covenant-derived pulsed power systems. The implementation of the new asynchronous linear-induction motor and rail channels has proven itself in testing, and development costs has stayed within budget,[1]though its precise mechanisms remain highly classified.[3] The X555 was later redesignated the M555 Electromagnetic Launcher (M555 EL) before finally being given a formal designation M70, in accordance with prior models in the Gauss cannon series.[2]

Usage

The M70 is employed both as a portable turret and as a vehicle-mounted munition employed on the back of select M12G1 Gauss Warthog vehicles. It is in use with the United Nations Space Command, specialized Office of Naval Intelligence units, and private corporations such as Liang-Dortmund after the Human-Covenant War.[4]

Variants

  • ONI Gauss Turret: Produces lingering area-of-effect damage.

Gameplay

Halo 5: Guardians

When detached, the M70 is loaded with 9 slugs. Carrying the turret decreases the player's speed and maneuverability to the point where they are invisible on the motion tracker unless the weapon is fired. Look speed is also drastically increased in comparison to other weapons.

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ On page 137 of the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), the M70 is referred to as the M69 Gauss cannon, contradicting the weapon spotlight featured on page 181. Given that the weapon spotlight refers to the M70 multiple times, while the former is only a passing mention while discussing Gauss Warthogs as a whole, this wiki preferences the use of the M70 designation.

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d Halo Waypoint, Gauss Cannon (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2021) [archive]
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 181
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - A Time to Give Thanks (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, M70 Gauss cannon in-game weapon