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[[Image:M19-ssm-rocket-launcher.jpg|thumb|Rocket Launcher]]
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:HINF - M41 SPNKR Product Logo.png|100px]]
[[File:H5G-SPNKr.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=156}}{{Ref/Game|HR|Detail=M41 SSR in-game model}}{{Ref/Book|Id=osfm|OSFM|Page=194}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=176}}
|series=M41
|type=Surface-to-surface rocket launcher
|cost=
|variant=
|weight={{Convert|10.8|kg|lb|sigfig=3}}{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}{{Ref/Site|Id=2015hw|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/rocket-launcher|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Rocket Launcher|D=29|M=10|Y=2015}}
|length={{Convert|55.4|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}}{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=68}}
|width={{Convert|10.2|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}}{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|height={{Convert|17.4|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}}{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|ammotype=
*[[M19 surface-to-surface missile|M19 102mm surface-to-surface missile]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*[[M21 antipersonnel rocket]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS3|SS|3}}
*[[Wikipedia:Missile guidance|Guided missiles]]{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
*[[Wikipedia:Loitering munitions|Hunter-killer loitering munitions]]{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
|capacity=
|feed=2-rocket disposable tube assembly{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
|operation=Revolver{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
|rate= Semi-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range={{Convert|1300|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=314}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=328}}
|service=
*Pre-[[Insurrection]]{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
*[[Insurrection]]{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}}
*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Game|HI|Gameplay}}
}}


The '''M19 SSM SPNkr Rocket Launcher''', alternatively called the "'''Spanker'''" or the "'''Jackhammer'''", is a heavy ordinance weapon of the [[UNSC]] aersenal. It fires Anaconda Surfact to Air missiles or surface to surface missiles of unknown specification. It is features prominently in the Halo games.
The '''M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon''' ('''M41 SSR MAV/AW'''), formally known as the '''Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon, Bore 102mm, M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Launcher''',{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetreach|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25440|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach - Ordnance|D=12|M=4|Y=2016}} and commonly known as the '''Jackhammer''' or the '''SPNKr''' (pronounced "spanker"), is a heavy ordnance weapon used by the [[UNSC]] and [[Insurrectionist]]s.{{Ref/Site|Id=2016hw|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/rocket-launcher|Halo Waypoint|Universe: Rocket Launcher|D=13|M=4|Y=2016}} It is manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}} Nicknames for the M41 SPNKr include '''Pain''', '''Launcher''', '''Breath of God''', and '''Can Opener'''.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}


===M19 SSM (SPNKr) Rocket Launcher===
==Overview==
[[File:HINF SPNKR Reload.png|250px|left|thumb|A [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] inserting the disposable twin-tube unit into an M41D SPNKr.]]
===Design details===
The M41 SPNKr is characterized by its two main components: firstly, a reusable launcher that opens and closes with a hinge mechanism, which encircles most of the magazine; secondly, a disposable magazine containing two rockets.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetreach}}{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}} The launcher is [[Wikipedia:Shoulder-fired missile|shoulder-fired]], and the wielder stabilizes the weapon by holding a foregrip extending from the trigger guard. The weapon uses a unique system for loading and firing: rather than using a traditional magazine or single-shot system, it is fed by a disposable unit with two tubes, each of which holds a single rocket. When one of the rockets is fired, the other is cycled into place; when both have been fired, the operator opens the launcher, removes the twin-tube unit to insert another, and then closes the mechanism around the unit. As such, the M41 is considerably portable,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} allowing the operator to quickly reload while in combat and greatly reduces the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away. A self-test button on the weapon rotates the twin-tubes to ensure the mechanism will rotate as intended.{{Ref/Game|HCE|Rocket Launcher idle animation}}


  Rate of Fire  : Low (1 round per 2 seconds)
The M41 accepts a variety of ammunition types, with the most common being the unguided [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|M19 102mm surface-to-surface missile]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Other ammunitions include the [[M21 antipersonnel rocket]],{{Ref/Reuse|HSS3}} [[Wikipedia:Missile guidance|guided missiles]], and [[Wikipedia:Loitering munitions|hunter-killer loitering munitions]].{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
  Ammunition    : 102mm HEAT (High Explosive, Anti-Tank (Shaped Charge))
  Damage per Hit: Very high
  Range        : All (most effective at short-medium range)
  Accuracy      : Pinpoint
  Magazine Size : 2 Rockets
  Maximum Ammo  : 10 Rockets (including fully loaded magazine)


==Advantages==
Many M41s are equipped with a [[Smart-linking|smart-linked]] fire control module and target tracking systems; these systems allow the operator to track a target, which often guarantees that the target will be struck, even if it attempts evasive maneuvers.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} While the M41 rocket launcher is optimized for ground targets, engineers at Misriah Armory have developed tweaks,{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}} integrating an enhanced tracking system on certain models of the M41.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} Subsequently, some launchers are capable of tracking both ground-based and airborne targets,{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Wars|HW|Gameplay}} while others are capable of tracking only aircrafts.{{Ref/Game|Id=HR|HR|Gameplay}} Some M41s lack any form of tracking technology, requiring the operator to "dumb fire" the weapon without targeting assistance.{{Ref/Game|Id=CE|CE|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=ODST|H3ODST|Gameplay}}
[[Image:RocketArmory.jpg|right|250px|thumb|An armory full of Rocket Launchers]]
The rocket launcher spreads huge amount of damage over a large area. It is capable of taking out entire groups of targets at any range, and kills all the riders of nearly any vehicle (with the exception of the [[Scorpion]] tank) with one direct hit. The rocket launcher automatically pierces through overshields with direct hits. It is very useful for killing [[Hunters]], which are often the most difficult enemies to kill.  


==Disadvantages==
Multiple variants of the M41 have been observed, with functional and aesthetic differences. Although the [[M41D SPNKr]] has no magnification optics attached, it possesses a smart-linked fire control module. The M41D features a trigger guard, and an ergonomic thumbhole stock, adding the impression of greater bulk. However, the [[M41B SPNKr|M41B model]] lack these design features, possessing only a pistol grip and no trigger guard, resulting in a more skeletal overall appearance.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}


Several things counterbalance the rocket launcher's sheer power:
The model used in October [[2558]], and the M41D variants used during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], has a [[Weapon Serial Numbers|serial number]] of "00051405".{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}{{Ref/Game|Id=hi|HI|Gameplay}}


#It fires and reloads slowly
[[File:H2A - Make More Noise.jpg|300px|thumb|[[John-117]] with an M41 during [[Battle of Installation 05|Battle]] of [[Installation 05]].]]
#Ammunition is often unavailable, and the player can carry only 8 extra rockets at once (6 in Halo 2)
===History===
#It can damage or kill its operator if fired carelessly near or into surrounding terrain
Though there have been various shoulder-launched rocket launchers in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces since its creation, only the M41 rocket launcher has the tactical importance to be heavily manufactured.{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}} The M41 SSR has been in service with the UNSC for decades since [[2481]],{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}} predating even the [[Insurrection]], during which it was used by the UNSC and the Insurrectionists.{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}} Over time, the M41's role shifted from an anti-vehicular weapon to an all-purpose heavy weapon, even used in demolition purposes.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} While it was obsolete before the [[Human-Covenant War]] began, it was not replaced by the [[M57 Pilum]] until the [[Created conflict]] to counter [[Promethean Knight]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}} However, even after it was replaced, it still saw use in [[War Games]] matches aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G|Gameplay}}
#The rocket travels slowly enough to be dodged and trying to hit moving vehicles from long range will require very precise timing and predictable driving by the opponent (precisely timed shots are not required in ''Halo 2'' because of the addition of the ability for the rockets to lock onto vehicles).


==Influences==
== Variants ==
* '''[[SPNKr EM|M41 SPNKr EM]]''': Improved variant with four rockets per magazine and the ability to lock onto ground and air vehicles.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
* '''[[SPNKr EX|M41 SPNKr EX]]''': Advanced variant that fires laser-guided cluster warhead rockets that detonate in proximity to enemies, releasing an effect similar to the fields of [[Z-400 splinter grenade|splinter grenades]], albeit without the disintegration effect. It also produces a large red glare if used with Smart-Link.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
* '''[[SPNKr Prime|M41 SPNKr Prime]]''': [[Mythic weapon|Mythic]] variant that fires fast, powerful rockets. Spartans that use the SPNKr Prime in War Games also get boosts to movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
* '''[[M41B SPNKr]]''': A variant with a pistol grip and no trigger guard, but features 2× magnification.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
* '''[[M41D SPNKr]]''': A variant with no magnification optics. Used during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|hi}}
** '''[[M41D SPNKr Tracker]]''': An improved version of the M41 that can track targets. Notably used by [[Zeretus]] during the Battle for Zeta Halo.{{Ref/Reuse|hi}}


The M19 SSM was inspired by the SPNKr rocket launcher from the ''Marathon'' series. The launcher itself is also nicknamed the SPNKr (pronounced "spanker") due to the labeling on the rear of the barrels and rectangular ammunition cases.
<gallery class=center>
File:Halo 5 SPNKR EM.png|M41 SPNKr EM.
File:H5G M41EX.png|M41 SPNKr EX.
File:H5G M41 Prime.png|M41 SPNKr Prime.
File:H3-M41SSRocketLauncherLeft.png|M41B SPNKr.
File:HINF SPNKr Crop.png|M41D SPNKr
File:HINF SPNKr Tracker Crop.png|M41D Tracker.
</gallery>


==Multiplayer Role==
==Gameplay==
{{Main|Rocket Launcher}}
The M41 SPNKr and its variants are featured as a usable weapon in most of the ''Halo'' games, starting with ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and continuing through to ''[[Halo Infinite|Infinite]]''. In most of these, it is known as the "Rocket Launcher", though ''Halo 5: Guardians'' calls it the "SPNKr Rocket Launcher" as the name "Rocket Launcher" was given to the [[M57 Pilum]] instead. It is a [[power weapon]], which fires slow-moving rockets that deal an incredible amount of damage upon detonation, with a wide area of effect. The Rocket Launcher is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, and to compensate, it has a small magazine size, slow reload speed and ammo is generally very rare.


Acquiring the rocket launcher in a multiplayer game may prove difficult, since it rarely appears in the spawn area. However, once acquired, this weapon can become very effective for all the reasons mentioned above - it can take out a large group of enemies in one shot, and can easily eliminate vehicles. Additionally, the pinpoint accuracy of the sniper rifle makes it very effective when combined with the rocket launcher (the former being more accurate than the latter). Since head-on collisions with the rocket are hard to obtain, it is prudent to aim at the ground in front of the enemy or the wall to their side. Though the shot may miss, the Splash damage will kill the opponent.  
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M41 rocket launcher}}
*The weapon was identified as the M19 SSM rocket launcher in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved manual|game manuals of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'']] and [[Halo 2 manual|''Halo 2'']] as well as in the ''[[Art of Halo 3]]''. It was also referred to in ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' as the M19 missile launcher. It was established in ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' that M19 SSM refers to the rocket ammunition while the launcher itself is designated as the M41.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The 2022 edition of the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia]]'' further expanded on the designation, giving the M41B designation to the variant first introduced in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', while the M41D designation was given to the ''Halo Infinite'' variant.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
*The M41 SPNKr, especially in its appearances starting from ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', is aesthetically similar to the [[marathongame:SPNKr SSM Launcher|SPNKr-XP surface-to-surface missile launcher]] from [[Marathon|''Marathon 2'' and ''Marathon Infinity'']]. This weapon is also the source of the M41's "SPNKr" moniker.
** In ''[[Wikipedia:Destiny 2|Destiny 2]]''{{'}}s Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack, the rocket launcher [[Destinypedia:Gjallarhorn|Gjallarhorn]], which debuted in the original ''Destiny'', makes an appearance. Its new alternate appearance is "GJNKR", referencing both the original ''Marathon'' weapon and the ''Halo'' weapon. However, the appearance of GJNKR looks more like the [[Cut Halo: Combat Evolved weapons#Rocket launcher|pre-release SPNKr 108 SAM]] than anything from ''Marathon''.<ref>[https://imgur.com/a/830YsmV ''Imgur'', Comparison]</ref>
*If the player uses [[Emile-A239]]'s voice in [[Firefight]], he will occasionally say ''"Someone's gonna pay!"'' when he readies a rocket launcher. This is a reference to the level ''If I Had a Rocket Launcher, I'd Make Someone Pay'' from ''[[Marathon|Marathon 2: Durandal]]'', which, in turn, was named after the [[Wikipedia:Bruce Cockburn|Bruce Cockburn]] song [[Wikipedia:If I Had a Rocket Launcher|''If I Had a Rocket Launcher'']].
*In ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', while the in-game model reuses the one from ''Halo: Reach'', the design of the M41 SPNKr depicted in [[Blur Studio]]'s pre-rendered cutscenes is based on [[:File:HR RocketLauncher Concept.jpg|a piece of ''Halo: Reach'' concept art]], featuring minor differences including a different foregrip design and blue (instead of yellow) decals on the twin-tube unit.


==Effective Against==
== Gallery ==
=== ''Halo: Reach'' ===
<gallery>
File:HR_RocketLauncher_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the M41 SSR MAV/AW.
File:Reach Rocket Launcher Cropped.png|The Rocket launcher as it appears in the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[Halo: Reach Beta|Beta]].
File:HReach-M41SSRocketLauncher.png|A profile view of the M41.
File:ReachSchematic - Rocket.png|The HUD icon of the M41.
File:Corvette4.jpg|A first-person view of the M41.
File:Rocket Launcher Reticle Scoped.jpg|View through the 2× scope of the M41.
</gallery>


All Enemies and Vehicles
=== ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''===
[[Category:UNSC]][[Category: Weapons]]
<gallery>
File:HCEA - M41 rocket launcher.png|A profile view of the M41.
File:HCEA-M41HUD.png|A first-person view of the M41.
File:HCEA-M41zoom.png|View through the 2× scope of the M41.
</gallery>
 
=== ''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:H4-M41-SPNKR.png|A profile view of the M41.
File:M41 SSR-MAV.png|The HUD icon of the M41.
File:H4-M41HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the M41 by John-117 in the campaign.
File:H4-M41HUD.png|A first-person view of the M41 on [[Ragnarok]].
File:H4-M41zoom.png|View through the 2× scope of the M41.
File:Rockethud.jpeg|A render of the M41's scope.
</gallery>
 
=== ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:H2A RocketLauncher.png|A profile view of the M41.
File:H2ACP-M41HUD.png|A first-person view of the M41.
File:H2ACP-M41zoom.png|View through the 2× scope of the M41.
File:H2AM41.jpg|A [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]]-clad Spartan using an M41 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-M41HUD.png|First-person view of the M41 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-M41zoom.png|View through the 2× scope of the M41 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
</gallery>
 
=== ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
<gallery>
File:H5G-M41.jpg|A [[RECRUIT-class Mjolnir|Recruit]]-clad Spartan-IV sprinting with the M41.
File:H5G-M41HUD.png|A first-person view of the M41.
File:H5G-M41zoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the M41.
File:H5G-M41SPNKREMHUD.png|First-person view of the M41 ''SPNKr EM''.
File:H5G-M41SPNKREM.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad Spartan-IV with the ''SPNKr EM''.
File:H5G-M41SPNKREXHUD.png|First-person view of the M41 ''SPNKr EX''.
File:H5G-M41SPNKREX.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the ''SPNKr EX''.
File:H5G-M41SPNKREXeffect.png|The explosive effect of the ''EX'' variant.
File:H5G-M41SPNKRPrimeHUD.png|First-person view of the M41 ''SPNKr Prime''.
File:H5G-M41SPNKRPrime.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the ''SPNKr Prime'' on [[Guillotine]].
File:H5G-M57vsM41.png|An M57 Pilum in comparison to an M41 SPNKr.
</gallery>
 
=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' REQ cards ===
<gallery>
File:Spnkrcertification.png|SPNKr Rocket Launcher Certification.
File:Spnkr basic.png|SPNKr Rocket Launcher.
File:Spnkremcertification.png|''SPNKr EM'' Certification.
File:Spnkr em.png|''SPNKr EM''.
File:Spnkrexcertification.png|''SPNKr EX'' Certification.
File:Spnkr ex.png|''SPNKr EX''.
File:Spnkrprimecertification.png|''SPNKr Prime'' Certification.
File:Spnkr prime.png|''SPNKr Prime''.
</gallery>
 
=== Miscellaneous ===
<gallery>File:HO-M41.jpg|The M41 in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HW2 - Douglas-042 with Mark IV-GEN2 hybrid armor.jpg|Douglas-042 with an M41 SPNKr in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HFR_M41RocketLauncher_Render_1.jpg|A render of the M41 from ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HFR_M41RocketLauncher_Render_2.jpg|A render of the M41 from ''Halo: Fireteam Raven''.
File:HFR_M41RocketLauncher_Render_3.jpg|A render of the M41 from ''Halo: Fireteam Raven''.
File:HFR_Ramos_Render_Flood.png|[[Victor Ramos]] facing off against a [[Flood Tank Form]] with an M41.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
{{Col-end}}
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{UNSC support weapons}}
[[Category:Rocket launchers]]

Latest revision as of 18:44, September 11, 2023

M41 SPNKr
An M41 SPNKR product logo.

H5G-SPNKr.png

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2][3][4]

Model series:

M41

Type:

Surface-to-surface rocket launcher

Specifications

Length:

140.7 centimeters (55.4 in)[3][5][6]

Width:

25.9 centimeters (10.2 in)[5][6]

Height:

44.2 centimeters (17.4 in)[5][6]

Weight:

10.8 kilograms (23.8 lb)[3][5]

Ammunition type:

Feed system:

2-rocket disposable tube assembly[3]

Operation:

Revolver[3]

Rate of fire:

Semi-automatic[4][3]

Effective range:

400 meters (1,300 ft)[8][9]

Service history

In service:

 

The M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon (M41 SSR MAV/AW), formally known as the Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon, Bore 102mm, M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Launcher,[12] and commonly known as the Jackhammer or the SPNKr (pronounced "spanker"), is a heavy ordnance weapon used by the UNSC and Insurrectionists.[10] It is manufactured by Misriah Armory.[1][4][8] Nicknames for the M41 SPNKr include Pain, Launcher, Breath of God, and Can Opener.[9]

Overview[edit]

Third-person view of a SPARTAN-IV reloading an M41 SPNKR in Halo Infinite multiplayer.
A Spartan-IV inserting the disposable twin-tube unit into an M41D SPNKr.

Design details[edit]

The M41 SPNKr is characterized by its two main components: firstly, a reusable launcher that opens and closes with a hinge mechanism, which encircles most of the magazine; secondly, a disposable magazine containing two rockets.[12][10] The launcher is shoulder-fired, and the wielder stabilizes the weapon by holding a foregrip extending from the trigger guard. The weapon uses a unique system for loading and firing: rather than using a traditional magazine or single-shot system, it is fed by a disposable unit with two tubes, each of which holds a single rocket. When one of the rockets is fired, the other is cycled into place; when both have been fired, the operator opens the launcher, removes the twin-tube unit to insert another, and then closes the mechanism around the unit. As such, the M41 is considerably portable,[4] allowing the operator to quickly reload while in combat and greatly reduces the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away. A self-test button on the weapon rotates the twin-tubes to ensure the mechanism will rotate as intended.[13]

The M41 accepts a variety of ammunition types, with the most common being the unguided M19 102mm surface-to-surface missile.[1] Other ammunitions include the M21 antipersonnel rocket,[7] guided missiles, and hunter-killer loitering munitions.[3]

Many M41s are equipped with a smart-linked fire control module and target tracking systems; these systems allow the operator to track a target, which often guarantees that the target will be struck, even if it attempts evasive maneuvers.[1] While the M41 rocket launcher is optimized for ground targets, engineers at Misriah Armory have developed tweaks,[5] integrating an enhanced tracking system on certain models of the M41.[4] Subsequently, some launchers are capable of tracking both ground-based and airborne targets,[14][15] while others are capable of tracking only aircrafts.[16] Some M41s lack any form of tracking technology, requiring the operator to "dumb fire" the weapon without targeting assistance.[17][18][19]

Multiple variants of the M41 have been observed, with functional and aesthetic differences. Although the M41D SPNKr has no magnification optics attached, it possesses a smart-linked fire control module. The M41D features a trigger guard, and an ergonomic thumbhole stock, adding the impression of greater bulk. However, the M41B model lack these design features, possessing only a pistol grip and no trigger guard, resulting in a more skeletal overall appearance.[4]

The model used in October 2558, and the M41D variants used during the Battle for Zeta Halo, has a serial number of "00051405".[20][21]

John-117 with an M41 during Battle of Installation 05.

History[edit]

Though there have been various shoulder-launched rocket launchers in service with the United Nations Space Command armed forces since its creation, only the M41 rocket launcher has the tactical importance to be heavily manufactured.[5] The M41 SSR has been in service with the UNSC for decades since 2481,[3] predating even the Insurrection, during which it was used by the UNSC and the Insurrectionists.[10] Over time, the M41's role shifted from an anti-vehicular weapon to an all-purpose heavy weapon, even used in demolition purposes.[9] While it was obsolete before the Human-Covenant War began, it was not replaced by the M57 Pilum until the Created conflict to counter Promethean Knights.[10] However, even after it was replaced, it still saw use in War Games matches aboard the UNSC Infinity.[20]

Variants[edit]

  • M41 SPNKr EM: Improved variant with four rockets per magazine and the ability to lock onto ground and air vehicles.[20]
  • M41 SPNKr EX: Advanced variant that fires laser-guided cluster warhead rockets that detonate in proximity to enemies, releasing an effect similar to the fields of splinter grenades, albeit without the disintegration effect. It also produces a large red glare if used with Smart-Link.[20]
  • M41 SPNKr Prime: Mythic variant that fires fast, powerful rockets. Spartans that use the SPNKr Prime in War Games also get boosts to movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.[20]
  • M41B SPNKr: A variant with a pistol grip and no trigger guard, but features 2× magnification.[4]
  • M41D SPNKr: A variant with no magnification optics. Used during the Battle for Zeta Halo.[4][21]

Gameplay[edit]

Main article: Rocket Launcher

The M41 SPNKr and its variants are featured as a usable weapon in most of the Halo games, starting with Halo: Combat Evolved and continuing through to Infinite. In most of these, it is known as the "Rocket Launcher", though Halo 5: Guardians calls it the "SPNKr Rocket Launcher" as the name "Rocket Launcher" was given to the M57 Pilum instead. It is a power weapon, which fires slow-moving rockets that deal an incredible amount of damage upon detonation, with a wide area of effect. The Rocket Launcher is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, and to compensate, it has a small magazine size, slow reload speed and ammo is generally very rare.

Trivia[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians REQ cards[edit]

Miscellaneous[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 156
  2. ^ Halo: Reach: M41 SSR in-game model
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 194
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 176
  5. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint, Universe - Rocket Launcher (Retrieved on Oct 29, 2015) [archive]
  6. ^ a b c Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 68
  7. ^ a b Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 3
  8. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 314
  9. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 328
  10. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint, Universe: Rocket Launcher (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [archive]
  11. ^ Halo Infinite, Gameplay
  12. ^ a b Bungie.net, Halo: Reach - Ordnance (Retrieved on Apr 12, 2016) [archive]
  13. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Rocket Launcher idle animation
  14. ^ Halo 2, Gameplay
  15. ^ Halo Wars, Gameplay
  16. ^ Halo: Reach, Gameplay
  17. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Gameplay
  18. ^ Halo 3, Gameplay
  19. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Gameplay
  20. ^ a b c d e Halo 5: Guardians, Gameplay
  21. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, Gameplay
  22. ^ Imgur, Comparison