Artillery: Cannons, Howitzers, and Other Big Booms

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	Heavy Cannon	A large artillery piece capable of firing high-caliber projectiles over long distances. Used primarily in sieges and large-scale battles, it delivers devastating firepower against fortified positions.
	Infantry Support Gun	A light artillery piece used by infantry to provide direct fire support. It is typically used to destroy fortified positions or provide cover for advancing troops.
	Howitzer	A howitzer is a type of artillery weapon designed for launching projectiles on a high, curved trajectory, allowing it to hit targets behind cover or obstacles. Typically equipped with shorter barrels than standard cannons, howitzers are capable of both high- and low-angle fire, giving them versatility for various battlefield roles, from direct fire in open terrain to indirect fire over hills or fortifications. Howitzers are used for bombardment of enemy positions, fortifications, and vehicles at mid-to-long ranges and have been integral in providing indirect fire support in modern and historical warfare.
	Anti-Tank Weapon	Anti-Tank weapons take a variety of forms, including large-caliber, high-velocity guns that can penetrate heavy armor; usually towed or vehicle-mounted, with examples like the German 8.8 cm Pak 43. After the World Wars, the role moved more toward guided anti-tank missiles, like the U.S. Javelin, which are highly accurate and can destroy tanks from significant distances with advanced warheads.
	Rocket Artillery	Rocket artillery encompasses a range of weapon systems designed to launch multiple rockets in rapid succession, delivering explosive firepower over large areas. These include Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers, Single-Rocket Launch Systems, Truck-Mounted and Self-Propelled Launchers. Rocket artillery serves multiple roles, from area bombardment and psychological impact to precision strikes, making it essential for disrupting enemy forces, logistics, and fortifications over vast distances.
	Mortar	Mortars are short, portable artillery weapons designed to launch explosive shells in a high, arcing trajectory. They come in various types based on caliber and purpose: light mortars (under 60 mm) are man-portable and used for close support, medium mortars (60-81 mm) balance portability with firepower for infantry support, and heavy mortars (over 81 mm) provide extended-range firepower for targeting fortified positions or large groups of enemy troops. Mortars are versatile due to their ability to be deployed quickly, adjusted for steep angles, and used in various terrains, making them essential for indirect fire support, suppressing enemy positions, and providing a psychological impact with their unpredictable bombardments.
	Muzzleloading Cannon	Muzzleloading cannons were a cornerstone of artillery development from the late Middle Ages through the 19th century. These weapons, loaded from the front of the barrel, emerged in the 14th century as bronze and iron metallurgy improved. Early designs, such as bombards, were rudimentary and used stone projectiles, but by the Renaissance, cannons became more refined, firing iron or lead balls. Their increased range and destructive power revolutionized siege warfare, making fortified castles and walls vulnerable.
	Autocannon	Autocannons are rapid-firing, fully-automatic projectile weapons that typically fire shells larger than those of standard machine guns, often in the 20-40 mm range. They are designed for use against lightly armored vehicles, aircraft, and infantry, offering a balance of firepower and rate of fire. Autocannons are commonly mounted on vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels, and their versatility makes them a staple in modern militaries.
	Anti-Aircraft Defenses	Anti-aircraft guns are specialized artillery systems designed to counter aircraft by firing high-velocity shells at aerial targets.
	Man-Portable Rocket Launcher	Man-portable rocket launchers are lightweight, shoulder-fired weapons designed to deliver explosive projectiles against targets such as armored vehicles, bunkers, or aircraft. Widely used in infantry units, they offer mobility and versatility, making them effective in both conventional warfare and guerrilla tactics.
	Grenade Launcher	Grenade launchers are versatile firearms designed to deliver explosive projectiles, such as grenades, at longer ranges than can be achieved by hand. They play a critical role in modern warfare by providing infantry units with a means to engage enemy personnel, fortifications, and light vehicles with high-explosive firepower. Used in both standalone and underslung configurations, grenade launchers enhance the tactical flexibility and offensive capabilities of armed forces.
	Recoilless Rifle	Recoilless rifles are lightweight artillery systems designed to fire large-caliber projectiles without generating significant recoil. This is achieved by venting propellant gases out of the rear of the weapon, counterbalancing the force of the projectile's forward motion. Commonly used for anti-armor and support roles, recoilless rifles provide infantry with portable firepower capable of engaging vehicles, fortifications, and other targets.
	Tactical Nuclear Weapons	Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for use on the battlefield or in regional conflicts, with shorter ranges and lower yields compared to strategic nuclear weapons. They serve various functions, including targeting enemy troop concentrations, fortifications, or critical infrastructure, while offering flexible deployment options through artillery, missiles, aircraft, or even naval platforms. Their primary purpose is to provide a deterrent or a means of achieving tactical superiority in localized engagements without escalating to full-scale nuclear warfare.