The 35mm Semi-Auto cannon[1] is a Covenant Loyalist weapon mounted on the Brute Chopper which originally used Brute Spikers mounted on the sides after the chopper's recent creation.
Description
The 35mm Auto cannons are the primary offensive asset of Brute Choppers, and each Brute Chopper is mounted with four linked forward-firing 35mm auto cannons. This cannon is surprisingly powerful, and its ammunition is probably a larger form of the Spiker round, fired at a slower speed.
The term "autocannon" is not entirely accurate when referring to the weapon due to its alien design. However, it is self-loading and fires explosive projectiles much like its human-made counterparts.[1]
Tactics
The 35mm Auto cannon uses a very powerful shell, but has a very low rate of fire. Also, the rounds are too slow to take down fast targets, and so it is most effective to:
- Use this gun on short-medium range
- Lead targets
- Drive forward or stop momentarily, because the guns are forward mounted on a mobile section of the Chopper
- Don't attempt to use this gun against multiple targets simultaneously.
- Repeatedly tap the fire button instead of holding it down. This will increase the rate of fire.
When facing this weapon, effective countering tactics are to:
- Avoid the incoming rounds, which are slow enough
- Prepare an anti vehicle weapon, as the driver may attempt to splatter you.
- Try to attack a Chopper driver with one or more allies: he/she won't be able to lead and shoot down multiple targets surrounding his/her craft
Remember that the 35mm Auto cannon can only shoot down one enemy at a time, so don't rush among enemy formations, and don't stay there for too long, for this greatly increases the chances of you being killed.
Avoid excessive turning while firing as this will throw off the rounds' trajectory. Also don't use it for aircraft. The Auto cannons do produce some kickback, so when firing and trying to pull off some move that requires lots of mobility you are advised to stop firing.
Trivia
The first Brute Chopper, originally created by the Forerunner Engineer Lighter than Some, had no weaponry. It was a gift for humanity modeled after a plow. It was given weapons after Chieftain Maccabeus requested them installed.