Autocannon vs. Weapon — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
An autocannon is a fully automatic firearm that fires shells, while a weapon is any device used for offensive or defensive combat, including guns, knives, and even words.
Difference Between Autocannon and Weapon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An autocannon is a type of large, fully automatic firearm that fires shells typically larger than those used by machine guns. It is designed for sustained rapid fire, often mounted on vehicles or aircraft. In contrast, a weapon is a broad term encompassing any tool or device used for combat, including firearms, knives, and other implements.
Autocannons are specifically engineered for high rates of fire and are used primarily in military applications, providing significant firepower. On the other hand, weapons include a diverse range of items, from firearms like pistols and rifles to non-firearm weapons such as swords and clubs, as well as unconventional weapons like chemical agents.
While an autocannon is a specific category of weapon with a distinct function and design, the term "weapon" includes both modern and historical tools of combat. For instance, autocannons are advanced, often using technology for targeting and accuracy, whereas a weapon can be as simple as a stone or as complex as a missile system.
Autocannons often require specialized mounts and are integrated into larger systems for their operation. Conversely, weapons vary greatly in portability and complexity, from handheld knives to mounted artillery pieces, indicating the broad scope of the term.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Fully automatic firearm firing shells
Any device used for offensive or defensive combat
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Usage
Primarily military, mounted on vehicles
Military and civilian, handheld or mounted
Size and Power
Large, high rate of fire, fires large shells
Varies greatly, from small knives to large guns
Portability
Requires mounting, not handheld
Can be handheld or require mounting
Complexity
Highly technical and advanced
Can be simple like a club or complex like a missile
Compare with Definitions
Autocannon
Rapid-firing gun often mounted on vehicles.
The aircraft's autocannon provided superior air support.
Weapon
An object used to injure or kill.
The medieval warrior carried multiple weapons.
Autocannon
A large automatic gun firing shells.
The tank was equipped with a powerful autocannon.
Weapon
A means of attacking or defending.
Words can be powerful weapons in debates.
Autocannon
A type of automatic weapon with high firepower.
The autocannon's barrage was relentless.
Weapon
Any tool used for combat or self-defense.
The knife was his weapon of choice in close combat.
Autocannon
Heavy weapon used in military vehicles.
Soldiers relied on the autocannon during the assault.
Weapon
A weapon, arm or armament is any implement or device that can be used with the intent to inflict damage or harm. Weapons are used to increase the efficacy and efficiency of activities such as hunting, crime, law enforcement, self-defense, and warfare.
Autocannon
Automatic cannon for sustained fire.
The naval ship's autocannon deterred the enemy boats.
Weapon
An instrument of attack or defense in combat, as a gun, missile, or sword.
Autocannon
An autocannon, automatic cannon or machine cannon is a fully automatic gun that is capable of rapid-firing large-caliber (20 mm/0.79 in or more) armour-piercing, explosive or incendiary shells, as opposed to the smaller-caliber kinetic projectiles (bullets) fired by a machine gun. Autocannons have a longer effective range and greater terminal performance than machine guns, due to the use of larger/heavier munitions (most often in the range of 20–57 mm (0.79–2.24 in), but bigger calibers also exist), but are usually smaller than tank guns, howitzers, field guns or other artillery.
Weapon
(Zoology) A part or organ, such as a claw or stinger, used by an animal in attack or defense.
Autocannon
A fully automatic projectile weapon similar to a machine gun, but firing shells instead of bullets and larger in calibre.
Weapon
A means used to defend against or defeat another
Logic was her weapon.
Weapon
To supply with weapons or a weapon; arm.
Weapon
An instrument of attack or defense in combat or hunting, e.g. most guns, missiles, or swords; arm.
The club that is now mostly used for golf was once a common weapon.
Weapon
An instrument or other means of harming or exerting control over another.
Money is the main weapon of modern oligarchs.
Weapon
A tool of any kind.
Choose your weapon.
Weapon
An idiot, an oaf, a fool, a tool; a contemptible or incompetent person.
Weapon
A very skilled, competent, or capable person or thing worthy of awe.
Weapon
(transitive) To equip with a weapon; to arm.
Weapon
An instrument of offensive of defensive combat; something to fight with; anything used, or designed to be used, in destroying, defeating, or injuring an enemy, as a gun, a sword, etc.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.
They, astonished, all resistance lost,All courage; down their idle weapons dropped.
Weapon
Fig.: The means or instrument with which one contends against another; as, argument was his only weapon.
Weapon
A thorn, prickle, or sting with which many plants are furnished.
Weapon
Any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting;
He was licensed to carry a weapon
Weapon
A means of persuading or arguing;
He used all his conversational weapons
Weapon
A device designed to inflict harm.
Guns and swords are common weapons.
Weapon
An instrument used in conflict.
The police confiscated several illegal weapons.
Common Curiosities
What is an autocannon?
An autocannon is a large, fully automatic gun that fires shells, often mounted on military vehicles.
Can an autocannon be used by individuals?
No, autocannons are typically mounted on vehicles or aircraft due to their size and recoil.
Are all weapons firearms?
No, weapons include firearms, knives, clubs, and even chemical agents.
What types of vehicles use autocannons?
Military tanks, aircraft, and naval ships commonly use autocannons.
Can an autocannon be handheld?
No, due to its size and power, an autocannon cannot be handheld.
What are common uses for autocannons?
Autocannons are used in military applications for air, land, and sea combat.
How does a weapon differ from an autocannon?
A weapon is a broad term for any combat tool, while an autocannon is a specific type of automatic firearm.
Is a knife considered a weapon?
Yes, a knife is a common handheld weapon.
Do all weapons require ammunition?
No, some weapons like clubs or knives do not require ammunition.
What distinguishes an autocannon from a machine gun?
An autocannon fires larger shells and is usually mounted, whereas machine guns fire smaller bullets and can be handheld or mounted.
Are autocannons used in modern military operations?
Yes, autocannons are integral to modern military strategies and operations.
What is the primary advantage of an autocannon?
The high rate of fire and significant firepower are the main advantages.
Are all weapons lethal?
Not necessarily; some weapons are non-lethal, such as tasers.
Can weapons be used defensively?
Yes, weapons can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Is a bow and arrow considered a weapon?
Yes, a bow and arrow is an ancient weapon used for combat and hunting.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
