What distinguishes an auto-cannon from a traditional cannon?

An auto-cannon is primarily distinguished by its method of operation, where it is loaded mechanically rather than requiring manual loading by a human operator. This mechanical loading allows for rapid and sustained firing, making auto-cannons highly effective in combat scenarios, especially where quick follow-up shots are critical. The automation in loading and typically in firing as well means that auto-cannons can achieve a much higher rate of fire compared to traditional cannons, which are often limited by human loading times.

While auto-cannons can indeed fire projectiles at varying velocities, the defining feature that sets them apart from traditional cannons is their mechanical loading process. Auto-cannons are not limited to only explosive rounds; they can fire a range of ammunition types, including armor-piercing and incendiary rounds, among others. Additionally, while some auto-cannons are used in anti-aircraft roles, this is not a universal trait, as they can also be effectively deployed in ground support and other applications. Therefore, the mechanical loading system is the key characteristic that differentiates an auto-cannon from traditional cannon systems.