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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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The weight and complexity of the mechanism, and the heavy recoil generated, means that the Assault Cannon requires a stable firing platform. The weapon is generally not considered man portable, however the powerful servos and stabilisers built into [[Terminator|Tactical Dreadnaught Armour]] allows the elite Terminator Squads of the [[Space Marines|Astartes]] to carry the weapon into battle. In this role the Assault Cannon's massive rate of fire often compensates for the enemies vast superiority in numbers. The high rate of fire makes the Assault Cannon unsuitable for extended engagements when used by Terminators, as the ammunition carried is quickly exhausted. This drawback is negated in vehicle and [[Dreadnought]] mountings, where ammunition storage capacity is far greater.
The standard ammunition fired is a cased round, comprising a dense metallic core covered in a non-metallic composite sheath and a Diamantine tip. This provides excellent penetration capabilities against light and personnel personal armour.
It has long been reported by the Astartes that the Assault Cannon's massive rate of fire can allow it to 'chew' through armour that would normally be inpenetrable to a weapon of its calibre. After extensive testing by the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] supported this observation, and Astartes targetting doctrines have been officially amended to recognise this attribute.
