FSS-1000 Sabre: Difference between revisions

{{Status|Canon}}

{{Ship class infobox

|name=FSS-1000 Anti-Ship Spaceplane

|manufacturer=*[[Ushuaia Armory]]{{Ref/Reuse|CFDigsite}}

|class=[[Space fighter]]

|role=Planetary/orbital defense

|length={{Convert|80.7|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=161}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|width={{Convert|62.7|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|height={{Convert|21.7|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|mass=58.3 tons (52.9 tonnes){{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|power=

|engine=*Two main engines and wing-mounted thrusters

|navigation=

|armament=*2 [[Machine-linked autocannon|M1024 ASW/AC 30mm MLA cannon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

*2 [[ST/Medusa missile|M4370 ST/Medusa]] delivery systems{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|crew=*One pilot{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

*One radar intercept officer{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|era=

*[[Human-Covenant War]]

*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Site|Id=cflegendend|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-legendary-endings|SiteName=Halo Waypoint|PageName=Canon Fodder - Legendary Endings|D=17|M=12|Y=2021}}

|introduced=[[2547]]<ref name="fb125">''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'', Core Rulebook - p. 125</ref>

|affiliation=[[UNSC Air Force]]

Originally designated as the YSS-1000 Sabre during the prototyping phase,{{Ref/NoteReuse|YSS}} this fighter was designed in partnership by [[Ushuaia Armory]] and [[Misriah Armory]] to compete in the [[Emergency Defense Fighter|Emergency Defense Fighter initiative]] against the [[S-930 Pegasus|Pegasus project]].{{Ref/Site|Id=CFDigsite|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-digsite-dissection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Digsite Dissection|D=28|M=07|Y=2023}} It was intended to offer the UNSC a swift, versatile, and lethal defense interceptor that could engage Covenant forces in deep space and low orbit, preventing them from establishing a dominant position before ground engagements.<ref name="WFCarriers">''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', ''Carriers'', p. 40-41</ref> It can be launched vertically from a ground-based launch platforms using a system of [[seven]]-stage detachable rockets to propel itself out of a planet's atmosphere into low orbit{{Ref/Reuse|e3}}<ref>''[[Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide]]'', p. 437</ref> without the use of [[Mass driver|asynchronous linear-induction]], [[Fusion drive|nuclear technology]],{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} or other traditional means of surface-to-orbit transit. The Sabre also possesses powerful [[Energy shielding#Human energy shielding|energy shielding technology]], which covers all areas of the craft and quickly recharges when depleted.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|e3}}

The Sabre is designed for the dual purposes of peak acceleration and maneuverability in orbital combat, due in large part to a powerful afterburner system. This emphasis on speed and responsiveness enables the Sabre to perform feats that other human single ships cannot accomplish, and even allows the craft to compete favorably with the [[Covenant]]'s more technologically advanced [[Type-31 Seraph|Type-31 Seraph fighter]]. The Sabre is capable of performing complex [[wikipedia:Aileron roll|aileron rolls]], [[Wikipedia:Split S|Split S]] maneuvers, and [[Wikipedia:Immelmann turn|Immelmann turns]].{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}} The starfighter's engines are maintained and repaired by [[engine service module]]s in Sabre engineering facilities inside orbital [[refit station]]s. The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Aviator]] helmet is recommended for use by Sabre crew members,{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=147}} and the [[Mariner]] helmet is optimised for Sabre flight systems alongside those of the [[F-29 Nandao|Nandao]] and [[S-14 Baselard|Baselard]] fighters.{{Ref/Game|MCC|Mariner helmet description}}

The Sabre's armament includes twin [[M1024 ASW/AC 30mm MLA cannon|M1024 30mm autocannons]] as well as twin-linked [[ST/Medusa missile]] pods; these missiles are capable of maintaining a lock on even fast-moving and highly evasive craft which could likely "shake" most projectiles. The Sabre's targeting computer can identify enemy contacts from a long distance, as well as show the distance to a target. The craft is intended for lethal encounters, not for simply disrupting or disabling targeted craft.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}

==Operational history==

===Human-Covenant War===

The Sabre (then-known as the '''YSS-1000 Prototype Anti-Ship Spaceplane'''){{Ref/Note|Id=YSS|The "Y" in the designation designates the Sabre as a prototype vehicle in accordance with the [[Wikipedia:1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system|1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system]], while page 17 of ''Halo: Warfleet'' clarifies the "SS" hull code to designate an Anti-Ship Spaceplane.}} was developed by the Sabre Program in [[2547]]{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}} as part of the [[Emergency Defense Fighter|Emergency Defense Fighter initiative]] against the [[S-930 Pegasus|Pegasus project]].{{Ref/Reuse|CFDigsite}} The Sabre Program was a top-secret project in which [[SPARTAN-B312]] was a [[pilot]] at some point.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} However, the fighter proved too expensive to enter full production given the loss of critical [[Inner Colony]] manufacturing hubs to the [[Covenant]] and the shortage of skilled pilots, though most of these issues had been resolved by 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}} The craft's existence has been denied by three separate administrations{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}} and the program has remained secret throughout its existence.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}

 

The earliest known use of the Sabre was during a [[Mamore insurrections#2552|counter-insurgency operation]] on [[Mamore]] on [[2552#May|May 10, 2552]]. SPARTAN-B312 demonstrated great skill in piloting the Sabre, thus gaining the approval of [[Colonel]] [[Urban Holland]] and resulting in the Spartan's assignment to [[NOBLE Team]].<ref>''Halo: Reach'' game manual</ref>

 

[[File:HR Condemned Sabre.jpg|thumb|250px|A Sabre fighter in the repair bay of Gamma Station.{{Ref/Reuse|condemned}}]]

Multiple Sabres were stored in launch facilities across the surface of the planet [[Reach]], including [[Sabre Program Launch/Research Range|the newest facility]] near [[Farkas Lake]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} In addition, the orbital platform ''[[Anchor 9]]'' had several Sabres stored in its launch bays,{{Ref/Level|Id=LNoS|HR|[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]}}{{Ref/Map|HR|[[Anchor 9 (map)|Anchor 9]]}} and [[Gamma Station]] was equipped with repair facilities to service Sabre fighters.{{Ref/Map|Id=condemned|HR|[[Condemned]]}} When the Covenant arrived in the [[Epsilon Eridani system]] in the [[2552|summer of 2552]], the UNSC replaced select [[F-41 Broadsword]] squadrons with Sabres to combat the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}} During the [[Fall of Reach]], SPARTAN-B312 and [[Jorge-052]] of NOBLE Team used a Sabre during [[Operation: UPPER CUT]], in which multiple Sabres were used to board the [[Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette|Covenant corvette]] ''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' in order to use it to deliver a [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine#Atypical uses|makeshift slipspace bomb]] to the [[Sh'wada-pattern supercarrier|Covenant supercarrier]] ''[[Long Night of Solace]]''. Before assaulting the corvette, the Sabres were used to defend ''Anchor 9'' against several [[Elsedda-pattern Banshee|Banshee interceptors]], Seraph starfighters, and {{Pattern|R'shwupa|Phantom}}s.{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}} SPARTAN-B312 and the other pilots were able to land on the corvette after disabling its engines and destroying its fighter escorts in order to use it and the slipspace drive to destroy the supercarrier.{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}} The mission succeeded but the Sabres were destroyed, as the strike team was unable to return to them due to damage to the corvette and was thus forced to abandon them.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}}<ref>''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide'', p. 7</ref>

 

Sabre production continued after the Fall of Reach,{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}} with only a few hundred craft total being built during the Human-Covenant War. In spite of this, the operational squadrons were able to rack up an impressive kill count.{{Ref/Reuse|WFCarriers}} Had Reach not fallen to the Covenant, the UNSC planned to attach all Sabres to the [[UNSC Navy]]'s remaining [[carrier]]s and then deploy the fighters to lead ships in the most experienced squadrons and [[battle group]]s—organized in the specialist [[UNSC Navy tactical formations#Orthrus Battle Group|Orthrus Battle Group]] formation.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}} Although the fighter never saw mass production due to its experimental nature, it remained in service at [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] facilities in the [[Sol system]] and other confidential locations following the Covenant War. However, upgrade packages inspired by the Sabre have been fitted to [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s and Broadswords,<ref name="Bulletin">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-9-24-14 ''Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14'']</ref> notably including the energy shielding system applied to the latter.

 

 

 

{{Main|Sabre}}

The origins of the Sabre lie in the [[Development of Halo 2|development]] of ''[[Halo 2]]'', with several early pieces of concept art depicting a [[strike fighter]] with very similar visual aesthetics to the Sabre. This design similarity later carried over into the [https://www.destinypedia.com/Jumpship Jumpships] in Bungie's later ''Destiny'' franchise. [[Isaac Hannaford]] conceived the Sabre design and came up with a number of visual explorations, the first of which was mocked-up in 3D and ultimately redesigned as it didn't provide much parallax from a player camera angle.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/P6n3L|Site=ArtStation|Page=Sabre first round|Quote=we mocked this up in 3d and it didn't get the parallax I wanted it to from the players perspective so I decided to redo it and build it myself to ensure my goals for the fighter were met.}} The final vehicle was the first vehicle designed by Hannaford using 3D software.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/5WZLA|Site=ArtStation|Page=Final Sabre concept for Halo REACH|Quote=The first time I used a 3d program to mock up a vehicle.}} One idea for the Sabre later on was to involve the ship having a flaps that could open to reveal hardpoints, which would allow the slipspace drive to be mounted on - though this was ultimately instead relegated to a Pelican in the final game. Hannaford initially conceived the missile launch bay as below and to the sides of the cockpit, though they were later moved to the top of the ship for player visibility reasons.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.isaachannaford.com/2011/05/sabre.html|Site=Space Ship Guru|Page=Sabre|D=29|M=03|Y=2022}}

*Like most UNSC fightercraft, the Sabre is named after a [[Wikipedia:Sabre|bladed weapon]].

*Despite being highly classified and officially non-existent, some sources erroneously describe the Sabre as being the primary defense fighter of the [[Inner Colonies]].<ref>''[[Bungie.net]]'', Halo: Reach game stats</ref><ref>''[[Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide|Halo: Reach Legendary Edition Guide]]'', P. 344</ref>

*The Sabre launch sequence in ''Halo: Reach'' appears to have been inspired by [[wikipedia:NASA|NASA's]] [[wikipedia:Space Shuttle program|Space Shuttle program]], in both components and angles used for the cinematic. Several angles of the Sabre's launch sequence use similar camera angles seen during Space Shuttle launch, and the on-board cameras are used to examine foam loss on the external tank. The design of the Sabre's own external tank is somewhat based on that on the Shuttle, especially its orange color.

<gallery>

File:H2 StrikeFighter Concept 2.png|A sketch of the scrapped ''[[Halo 2]]'' "Strike Fighter," the Sabre's conceptual precursor.

===Screenshots===

<gallery>

File:Halo- Reach - Saber Launch.jpg|Inside a Sabre launch facility.

File:Halo- Reach - Noble Six Sabre.jpg|A front view of the Sabre's cockpit, with [[SPARTAN-B312]] piloting and [[Jorge-052]] co-piloting.

File:Sabre Rocket Disengage.png|A Sabre after separating its first-stage components and fuel tanks.

File:Reach E310 Campaign09.jpg|The Sabre's heads-up display.

File:HaloReach - Space Battle.jpg|A Sabre and the {{UNSCShip|Savannah}} assaulting the [[Covenant]] [[Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette|corvette]] ''[[Ardent Prayer]]''.

File:HR Anchor9 EngineCart 1.png|An engine in an engine service module.

File:HR_Anchor9_Sabre_Components.png|A Sabre's internal workings.

File:HR-SabreMedusa.png|A Sabre Firing its [[ST/Medusa missile|Medusa Missiles]] on approach to [[Anchor 9]].

File:HR-B029.png|Sabre [[Bravo 029]] attacking [[Ardent Prayer]]'s engines en route to the {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} [[Long Night of Solace]].

File:HINF Sabre.png|An FSS-1000 Sabre on the ''Halo Infinite'' multiplayer map Launch Site.

File:HINF - Emblem icon - Sabre Streak.png|The Sabre Streak emblem in ''Halo Infinite''.

 

File:HR Anchor9 SabreScreen 2.gif|Animated screen on the level Anchor 9 showing a schematic of the Sabre engine cart.

File:HR Anchor9 SabreScreen 3.gif|Animated screen showing the flow of air through the engines of the Sabre.

*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}

 

{{Ref/Sources}}

[[Category:YSS-1000 Sabres| ]]

[[Category:Space fighter classes]]

[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]

[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]