Editing Auto-Cannon

The first autocannons were simply upsized [[machinegun]]s. Earlier cannons were less succesfful and were often used as wall guns on fortresses. As [[aircraft]] developed, the autocannon became an ideal weapon for smaller aircraft to use to shoot down larger aircraft. As the [[technology]] for internal mechanisms improves and becomes more reliable, more sophisticated, faster-firing autocannons become possible. Multi-barrel rotary cannons are also an offshoot of autocannon [[technology]]. A variety of feed mechanisms have been devised for such [[weapon]]s from [[drum]]s to [[belt]]s to chain-linked ammunition and more. The [[weapon]]s remain in active service in a number of roles until the advent of [[Gauss Weapon|gauss]] and [[energy weapon]]s, which supplant them once perfected.  {{Unpublished cite|author=Maksim-Smelchak}}

Auto-cannon begins development around [[Tech level|TL-6]] as the automatic fire version of a small [[Breachloading Cannon|breachloading cannon]]. By [[TL-8]] they are filling a role between the 10mm-15mm [[Heavy Machine Gun]]s and the larger [[artillery]] peices. These autocannon are used in a variety of roles, from [[helicopter]] and [[fighter]] armament, to [[APC]] armament and anti-aircraft guns. By [[TL-10]] they have been largely supplanted by [[Gauss Weapons]], [[laser weapons]] and later by rapid-pulse [[Plasma Weapon|plasma]] or [[Fusion Weapon|fusion guns]].