The Autocannon is an automatic, self-loading heavy ballistic weapon that fires a high velocity hail of solid shells that is used by 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.

Tactical ImplicationsEdit

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.

ConstructionEdit

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 ArmiesEdit

Imperial GuardEdit

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 NavyEdit

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 snub fighters
• Marauder fighter-bombers
• Valkyries
• Vulture gunships

Adeptus AstartesEdit

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 favor 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 armory. Many Terminators carry them, as these ultra-heavy troops can move, fire the Autocannon one-handed and still carry out direct assault.

It is frequently used with:

• Predator tanks
• Terminators (as Terminator Armour-mounted weapons)

Notable VariantsEdit

• Syrtis Pattern Autocannon - Utilised on the Predator Destructor

• Reaper Pattern Autocannon - The Reaper Pattern Autocannon is a particular type of double-barrelled Autocannon no longer employed by the forces of the Emperor. It is often seen amongst the ranks of Chaos Terminators, who use the heavy volume of fire it lays down to great effect, giving Chaos Space Marine warbands an ability to take out heavy troops and light armour at range.
• Hades Pattern Autocannon - The Hades Pattern Autocannon is most frequently used by the monstrous Daemon Engines of the Forces of Chaos, specifically the Heldrake and Forgefiend.  Hades Autocannons possess six barrels and each can sustain a high rate of fire capable of tearing through massed infantry and well-armoured targets with ease. Hades Pattern Autocannons also have increased power per shot compared to the standard Imperial Autocannon. It is a weapon that the Imperium of Man has come to fear just as much as the hideous creatures that wield it.

SourcesEdit

• Black Crusade: Core Rulebook (RPG), p. 156
• Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition), p. 82
• Codex: Chaos Space Marines (6th Edition), p. 65
• Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition), p. 68
• Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)
• Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition p.29
• Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One, p.97
• Imperial Munitorum Manual, p. 70
• Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, p. 82
• Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (2nd Edition), p. 34
• Nightbringer (Novel) by Graham McNeill, p. 169

GalleryEdit

A crew-served, wheel-mounted Autocannon utilised by regiments of the Imperial Guard

A crew-served, static emplaced autocannon with tripod mount utilised by the Imperial Guard

Alpha Legion Chaos Havoc with Reaper Pattern Autocannon

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