The Orbital Defense Platform's MK-V MAC is capable of throwing a 3,000 ton ferrous metal slug at 4% light speed. Any context that I take from the Halo universe is taken from the books, not the games.ĮDIT2: If anyone is curious, I did some math. The information I'm putting forth stems from actual, established science and math. More in depth reading as to why we don't use lasers even today.ĮDIT: For reference, I'm not actually drawing this definition from the Halo universe. The energy required to perform such actions is significantly greater than what is produced by the powder in a bullet's cartridge for only a marginal increase in effectiveness at best. The Covenant use plasma weapons that use magnets to shape and control the direction/shape/velocity of the plasma bolt. All you need to do to cause destruction is to throw an object fast enough, which is exactly what MACs do. If you fire a 1000kg slug at 1/50th light speed, you have the effective force of about 600 kilotons. If you can throw a 10kg slug at 1/20th light speed, you have the effective force of about 15 kilotons at your disposal. I'm reminded of this scene from Mass Effect 2. That's why MACs are so prevalent in UNSC fleet-born operations. Largely because kinetic weaponry can produce significantly more destructive force for a lower cost in energy expenditure.
