Type-52 Automatic Plasma Cannon

The Plasma Cannon is a portable, mounted weapon used by the Covenant that fires superheated plasma at a very high rate of fire. It is carried, deployed and crewed by green-armored Gunner Grunts. It is carried similar to the M247 GPMG made by the UNSC, and is used to defend key locations and provide suppressive fire for troops. It has about a 65 degree turn radius and about 50 degree pitch. It fires a projectile similar to that of the Covenant Plasma Rifle, and fires around 300 rounds per minute. This weapon will be put in Halo 3. Brutes, as well as Elites, will be able to carry it around. It is unknown if the playable character can too, but it seems likely, given that other Elites can.

Plasma Auto-Cannon
The other variant of the plasma cannon is in a fixed position, it does more damage than the portable cannon but has a slower rate of fire. The Shade is an anti-infantry weapon and can be used as an anti-vehicle. The gunner is extremely exposed to fire and relies on infantry support for protection.

Character Compatibility

 * Elites
 * Spartans
 * Brutes
 * Grunts

Related Links

 * Shade
 * Shielded Plasma Cannon

Speculation

 * Although no mention of it has been made, it is possible that the Plasma Cannon can be detached and utilized as a third person weapon in the same way as the Missile Pod & the Machinegun Turret in Halo 3.