Changes: Autocannon

Revision as of 18:43, 13 January 2014

An Imperial Autocannon

The Autocannon is an automatic, self-loading heavy ballistic weapon that fires a high velocity hail of solid shells that is used by the military forces of the Imperium of Man. It is an ancient weapon, but has nevertheless remained a widely-used piece of wargear throughout the Imperium's history. These rapid-firing weapons can lay down a burst of fire to cover advancing troops, or strafe enemy-held positions. Autocannons are considered ideally suited for attacking enemy vehicles and fortifications from long range. They lack the heavy punch of a Lascannon, but can fire more shots and are less prone to overheating, though the need to carry large amounts of ammunition is a distinct disadvantage. This weapon is also very large and ungainly. This bulk, combined with the serious recoil it creates, often restricts an Autocannon to a vehicle mounting or to use by dedicated heavy weapons teams.

Autocannon shells once contained an explosive charge similar to that of a bolt round (only larger) though the means of producing this charge has been lost to Imperial science and now the rounds fired by an Autocannon are less powerful than they once were. However, the Autocannon is still more than capable of eliminating heavily armoured infantry or light vehicles, and is employed by Imperial Guard fire support weapons teams due to their versatility and reliability. Though Autocannons are designed to be fired from a standard pattern bipod with a steel glacis, in extreme situations it is not unknown for some of the physically stronger troops to carry them into battle slung from a suspensor harness, though this "gung-ho" method of firing is unusual and not encouraged.

Surprisingly, the Autocannon is almost ignored as a weapon by the warriors of the Adeptus Astartes. While their superhuman physique and Power Armour-augmented strength allows a Space Marine to carry and fire an Autocannon with ease, the large majority of Loyalist Chapters favor either ranged weapons with a much higher rate of fire (like the Heavy Bolter or Assault Cannon), or ranged weapons packing more killing power with each individual shot (like the Lascannon or Multi-melta). As such, the Autocannon is a rarely fielded weapon for the Space Marines. However, the Chaos Space Marines who have thrown in their lot with the Ruinous Powers do make ample usage of the Autocannon, as it is a simple and sturdy weapon requiring very little of the heavy maintenance that most Chaos Space Marine warbands now lack the resources to execute.

Known Autocannon Patterns

Agrippina Pattern Mk II - A common pattern utilised by the Imperial Guard.
Gryphonne IV Pattern - Formerly manufactured on the now devastated Forge World of Gryphonne IV, this pattern of Autocannon was often utilised on the Salamander Scout armoured reconnaissance carrier. Ammunition for this smoothbore gun is fed automatically through a four-round feeding tray. Extra ammunition is dropped into the tray by hand. Other features include recoil dampner and electronic sighting and rangefinding.
Herakles Pattern Accelerator Autocannon - This ancient pattern of Heavy Autocannon was mounted upon Sicaran Battle Tank. These rapid-firing weapons fired shells at a much higher velocity than a standard Autocannons, enabling them to successfully engage moving targets and strike with pinpoint accuracy.
M34 Autocannon - The M34 Autocannon is an older version of a common Imperial Guard pattern used throughout the Calixis Sector and uses a tripod mount. It can be manned by one person, though it ideally employs a crew of two to move and set up.
Sabre Gun Platform - Sabre Gun Platforms are static heavy weapon positions with multiple weapons on a heavy platform. They are commonly used for light anti-aircraft defences as well as for engaging ground targets. Sabre platforms are issued to some heavy weapons platoons instead of the standard heavy weapons, but the reduction in mobility means the weapons are only deployed when a regiment is occupying static defensive positions. Sabre platforms are also used by Planetary Defence Forces. The Sabre platform features dual heavy weapons mounts utilising standard Imperial Guard weapons for ease of supply and maintenance, with common payloads including Heavy Bolters as anti-personal weapons, Lascannon for anti-armour defence, and either Autocannon or a specialised quad-Heavy Stubber rig for air defence.
Syrtis Pattern - A commonly used pattern Autocannon mounted on Predator Destructor Tanks.

Tactical Implications

Although the Autocannon is quite common, its popularity is rather inconsistent. Many Imperial commanders shun use of the Autocannon, maintaining that it serves no role fully. It lacks the firing rate of a Heavy Bolter or Multi-Laser, meaning that its anti-infantry power is limited. It also lacks the sheer armour-piercing hitting power of a Krak Missile or Lascannon, and thus cannot be deployed to destroy enemy armor. It is, as a result, chided by many commanders.

However, although many disapprove of the Autocannon, there are just as many who hail it as a tactically vital weapon. Its supporters argue that its versatility is its best attribute; that it can in fact be useful against both infantry and armor. Although it cannot tear through ranks of infantry like an Assault Cannon can, or bring down enemy armor to the extent of a Lascannon, it can still support an army in any eventuality. However, it is against the Tyranids that the autocannon finds its true calling. The ability to deliver larger volumes of heavy firepower is vital in combating the larger Tyranids such as Hive Tyrants and Carnifex, which lack the armor to require the penetrating power of a Lascannon, but are too tough to be very threatened by a heavy bolter.

Construction

The Autocannon is a relatively simple weapon; it is mass produced in the Manufactoria of Imperial planets. It is a large weapon, and is far too cumbersome to be carried with ammunition by one man. As a consequence the weapon is usually mounted on vehicles. In the Imperial Guard, Autocannons are often carried by teams of two soldiers. This is a manageable arrangement; one man carries the gun itself while the other carries the ammunition. Man-carried Autocannon are usually fitted with a small blast shield to provide some protection to the crew from incoming fire.

Uses within Imperial Armies

Imperial Guard

The Imperial Guard generally makes heavy use of the Autocannon. This usage does of course vary, depending on a given regiment's tactical preferences.

It is frequently used with:

Leman Russ Exterminator, a variant of the Leman Russ Main Battle Tank
Two-Man Fire Support Teams
Sentinels
Salamander Scouts

Imperial Navy

The Imperial Navy frequently equips its light fighter aircraft with Autocannons. The light-armor-piercing and semi-rapid fire characteristics of the weapon perfectly suit the snub fighters in dogfighting situations. The Lightning fighter craft in particular employs this weapon to great effect. The Navy commonly mounts the Autocannon on:

Lightning fighters
Marauder fighter-bombers
Valkyrie assault transports
Vulture gunships

Space Marines

The Autocannon is not used as widely in the Adeptus Astartes as it is in other branches of the Imperial armies. Being an elite and fast-moving army, the Autocannon has fallen out of favour with them, and weapons such as the Lascannon or Heavy Bolter are preferred. However, due to the Autocannon's versatility, most Chapters still retain a few examples in their armoury. Many Terminators carry them, as these ultra-heavy troops can move, fire the Autocannon one-handed and still carry out direct assault. The weapon, as noted above, is far more popular with Chaos Space Marines, particularly those drawn from Renegade Chapters.