The Sound Cannon is a long, tubular, man-portable weapon that fires a directional ultrasound beam. Designed by Professor Kleist, it is intended solely for use against Xenomorph targets — the beam it projects completely immobilizes the creatures without damaging them, allowing them to be captured alive and intact for use in Kleist's experiments. As it does not fire conventional projectiles, the weapon produces no recoil, no sound and no muzzle flare when fired. In fact, it produces almost no indication of any sort that it is being used, with the exception of making the air the beam is passing through shimmer as though being subjected to great heat.