Assault cannon

An Assault Cannon is a large hand-held anti-materiel rifle designed to fire explosive shells. Such weapons usually designed fire a high explosive or armor piercing round with a diameter of 20mm or more over a very long distance. Assault Cannons are primarily used for anti-armor and anti-materiel roles, but some uses for planned assault cannons include riot control and door breaching.

History

The first assault cannons appeared in World War II in the form of Anti-Tank Rifles. One of the first assault cannons was the Lahti L-39, made in Finland. The role of Anti-Tank rifles grew minimal with advancements in armor after WWII, and their usefulness declined. However, a new class emerged in the 1980s known as Anti-Materiel rifles. One of the most familiar examples of an anti-materiel rifle is the Barret M82 "Light Fifty". Assault cannons have recently become a practical weapon for use in a light anti-armor and heavy anti-materiel role, and use new cartridges and designs, with a focus on advanced (even computer controlled) ballistics for maximum range.

Modern Examples

  • Barret XM109 - A new assault cannon currently under testing with the US Department Of Defense. The XM109 uses the 25mm round from the XM307 Crew Served Weapon and is capable of penetrating the armor of an APC from over a mile away. Based on the Barret M107, and available as an M107 upgrade kit. Newer version plan to integrate a ballistics computer and a smart scope.
  • NTW-20 - A modular rifle that can fire either 14.5mm rounds or 20mm with a barrel change.

Assault Cannons derive their name from the fictional "Cobra Assault Cannon" from Robocop as well as the class of weapons in Shadowrun. Assault Cannons frequently appear in cyberpunk fiction as well as videogames.