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[[File:HW2-BlitzMegaturret.jpg|thumb|250px|An [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]] firing its siege plasma mortar.]]
[[File:H3 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A plasma mortar is mounted on the top of the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith.]]]]
The '''plasma mortar''', also known as energy mortar,{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs12|FS|Chapter=12}} is a classification of [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] artillery weapon.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p347|Enc11|Page=347}}
The '''plasma mortar''' is a [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] [[Covenant]] artillery weapon.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Outskirts]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''[[E3]] Demo''</ref>


==Introduction==
The plasma mortar fires shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.
[[File:Shield grenade.jpg|thumb|180px|A bolt of a Plasma Mortar.]]
The plasma mortar fires huge bolts of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact. The weapon has a relatively slow rate of fire. It is extremely powerful, usually killing infantry in a single hit and can destroy just about anything on the battlefield in a minimal amount of shots. While composed of superheated plasma, the projectile fired by the mortar appears to have very high mass, allowing it to simply arc over obstructions such as barricades and hills which can be effective in ambush attacks. The plasma bolt can be out-maneuvered easily by a fast vehicle such as the {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} or [[Mongoose]]. The mortar is very effective against dug in enemies, which can deplete the amount of resistance the Covenant ground troops are going to have to face in battle.


The Wraith's plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the Wraith to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around and over terrain.  
==Known models==
===Class-2 medium plasma mortar===
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
The Class-2 medium plasma mortar is mounted on the rear of the {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=154}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p275|Enc22|Page=275}} While charging, the plasma possesses a bluish tinge, though it is red when it is fired. The weapon has a less pronounced parabolic arc than its larger counterparts.{{Ref/Game|Id=revenant|HR|Revenant in-game vehicle}}
 
===Incendiary plasma mortar===
Each {{Pattern|N'weo|Gigas}} craft is armed with two incendiary plasma mortars, which fire incendiary carpet bombs from the fighter-bomber.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p289|Enc22|Page=289}}


In the ''Halo'' novels, the physical effect of plasma weapons result in extreme heat and the melting/boiling of enemy armour. This effect is never shown in the ''Halo'' games, with the plasma having an explosive reaction instead.
===Infantry-deployed energy mortar===
There is an infantry-deployed model of the energy mortar.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo38|GoO|Chapter=38}} These models require at least a trio of [[Unggoy]] to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate [[energy shielding]] for protection.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo39|GoO|Chapter=39}}


==Types and Application==
===Heavy plasma mortar===
===Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar===
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|180 px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its plasma mortar.]]
{{Main|Type-26 Wraith}}
The heavy plasma mortar, also known as plasma mortar cannon,{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p257|Enc11|Page=257}} is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It is attached to the rear of the Wraith, allowing the vehicle's [[Boosted gravity propulsion drive|propulsion drive]] to absorb almost all of its recoil.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p257}} The weapon is extremely powerful and is one of the most powerful ground-based application of Covenant energy weapon technology.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} The plasma blast is typically a blue-white orb that is {{Convert|0.91|m|ft}} in diameter,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} which burns the air it passes.{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs35|FS|Chapter=35}} The plasma blast travel rather slowly in the air, so it can be out-maneuvered easily by a fast vehicle, including [[Warthog]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything—[[titanium]] battle plates, concrete, or flesh—within {{Convert|20|m|ft}} at the point of impact,{{Ref/Reuse|fs12}} all the while leaving large crater on ground in its wake.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}}  The blast has a kill radius of {{Convert|6.09|m|ft}}, and damages any targets caught in a radius of {{Convert|15.24|m|ft}}.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} as it can destroy heavily reinforced defenses from a long distance. However, it is also fairly effective in closer engagements in the hands of a skilled operator.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}} It is nicknamed PM, Comet, and Brimstone.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} The [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered heavy plasma mortars based on the type classifications of Wraiths:
The '''Type-26 35&nbsp;cm Directed-Energy Mortar''' ('''T-26 35&nbsp;cm DEM''') is the primary armament of the {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''pages 117, 228''</ref> The Wraith is essentially a mobile plasma mortar. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', that was the sole purpose of the Wraith, lacking any other weapon systems. In ''Halo 2'', the Wraith was armed with two plasma cannons for protection. In ''Halo 3'', the Wraith was turned into an all-out tank with its own gunner seat.  It retains this weapons configuration for ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'', and ''Halo 5: Guardians''.


===Type-58 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar===
{| class="wikitable"
The '''Type-58 35&nbsp;cm Directed-Energy Mortar''' ('''T-58 35&nbsp;cm DEM''') is the primary armament of the {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}}. The plasma mortar can destroy heavily reinforced defenses from a long distance while also proving effective in closer engagements, at least in the hands of a skilled operator. The heavy mortar cannon is attached to the rear of the Wraith.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Wraith'']</ref>
! Type classification !! Vehicles
|-
| Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar (T-26 35m DEM) ||
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} {{Type|26|Assault Gun Carriage|AGC}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}
*{{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} {{Type|26|Assault Gun Carriage|AGC}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}
|-
| Type-58 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar (T-26 58m DEM) ||
*{{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} {{Type|58|Light Assault Gun Carriage|LAGC}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
|}


===Revenant===
===Infusion-modified plasma mortar===
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
The [[Banished]]'s [[Voridus]] modified the [[Terror Wraith]] with a mortar that launches a roiling torrent of [[infusion gel|infusion matter]] that leaves an uncontrollable firestorm of exotic energy in its wake.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p469|Enc22|Page=469}}
The {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}, more commonly known as the Revenant, is equipped with a smaller, less powerful variant of the Wraith's plasma mortar.


===Antlion===
===Plasma mortar===
{{Main|Antlion}}
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]], it is commonly mounted on Banished vehicles, including the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]], the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]], and the [[Bolroci Workshop Wraith]],
The Antlion is a long ranged, stationary heavy plasma mortar used by the Covenant Empire, as well as certain Covenant remnant factions after the Human-Covenant War.


===UNSC===
===Scorch plasma mortar===
{{Main|M-145D Rhino}}
Mounted primarily on the [[Ironclad Wraith]], the scorch plasma mortar is a model of the plasma mortar that fires mortar rounds with residual energy that leaves boiling plasma on the ground after its detonation. The plasma creates a volatile and deadly crater fore within the enemy's line. The scorch plasma mortar can also be mounted on the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith Invader]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p469}}
The [[United Nations Space Command]] also used a type of plasma mortar, but it was in prototype form upon [[Rhinos]] which were used in at least 2531. Five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield and reveal a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Super Scarab]], a Covenant superweapon, during the [[Battle of Arcadia]].


==Halo Wars==
===Siege plasma mortar===
{{Main|Halo Wars}}
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma at astonishing range, turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}}
In ''Halo Wars'', if you play as a Covenant leader ([[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Avitus|Brute Chieftain]] or [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]]), you can upgrade your
turret to a plasma mortar. This version of the turret specializes in taking out infantry ([[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay|Marines]], [[Hellbringers]], [[Kig-yar|Jackals]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]] and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]]). The [[Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have also used the Plasma Mortar.


==Halo Wars 2==
===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2}}
The ultra-heavy plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Zo'op|Weevil}}, which provides fire support over large segments of enemy-contest area.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}}
In ''Halo Wars 2'', unlike it's standard blue plasma, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]] fire red plasma, the mortar can be upgraded to leave a ball of Plasma on the ground and damaging anyone standing near it. When [[Voridus]] was experimenting with the [[Infusion gel]], he armament Infusion to the Wraiths and once fire, it'll leave a huge pool of infusion to the ground and also burning units standing on it.


==Tactics==
===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer===
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|180 px|A Wraith firing its Plasma Mortar.]]
{{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}}
*A Plasma Mortar fires in an arc, so it is somewhat difficult to hit a target. The further away you are, the higher you will have to aim to actually hit your target.
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires an artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on prototype [[M145D Rhino]]s, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}
*Timing is critical; if perfected, your shot may flip a smaller vehicle over, allowing you to launch a second mortar and obliterate the vehicle and the crew.
*Due to its slow speed and high visibility, the plasma bolt is much easier to avoid than a human projectile.
*Remember that even if you are behind cover, you may still not be protected from the plasma's curved trajectory.
*Plasma mortars are usually used for close range in Multiplayer, due to the difficulty of hitting people with the arc involved.
*In the ''Halo 3'' campaign, the Wraith's AI is so skilled with the plasma mortar that it can hit you from very far away. Keep moving.
*When a Plasma Mortar is discharged, it makes a distinctive whining noise as it flies through the air. Use this to your advantage, and keep moving. Chances are, you will be able to completely avoid the shot with some deft maneuvering.
*On larger maps like Valhalla, if you continuously launch volleys toward the enemy base, you will eventually get a kill. You can also kill teammates, so be careful where the shots are placed.


== Trivia ==
== Production notes ==
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*In the ''Halo 3'' [[Starry night]] trailer, plasma mortar bolts move faster than normal.
*The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have also used three plasma mortars.
*During the level [[Quarantine Zone]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'', several large plasma mortars can be seen firing opposite a couple of [[Sentinel Constructor Factory|Sentinel Factory platforms]], one plunging down, but it's never confirmed if these are from stationary plasma mortar cannons, or otherwise. However, due to the area containing the two Wraiths fighting Enforcers, and its close proximity with the destroyed remains of the factory, it is likely that they are the Wraiths' Plasma Mortars. It is even possible to see those same Wraiths fire at the remains of the factory, when the player destroys the Enforcers before the Wraiths are immobilized.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Shield grenade.jpg|A blast from a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}'s heavy plasma mortar moments before impact in ''[[Starry Night]]''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|A purple blast from an {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}'s siege plasma mortar arcing through the air in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HR GaussHog&Revenants.jpg|Two {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}s firing their medium plasma mortars at a [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:H2A WraithsGuardingBridge.png|A {{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} fire its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:HW2 Ironclad Wraith Blasted.png|A blast of an [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]]'s plasma mortar hitting a Terror Wraith in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HFR Mission 6.png|The arc of a plasma blast from a ''Muz''-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar from a Wraith in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==

Revision as of 15:20, August 14, 2023

An Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion firing its siege plasma mortar.

The plasma mortar, also known as energy mortar,[1] is a classification of plasma-based artillery weapon.[2]

The plasma mortar fires shaped blast of superheated plasma, which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.[3] As with any mortar weapon, the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.

Known models

Class-2 medium plasma mortar

Main article: Class-2 medium plasma mortar

The Class-2 medium plasma mortar is mounted on the rear of the Rizvum-pattern Revenant.[4][5] While charging, the plasma possesses a bluish tinge, though it is red when it is fired. The weapon has a less pronounced parabolic arc than its larger counterparts.[6]

Incendiary plasma mortar

Each N'weo-pattern Gigas craft is armed with two incendiary plasma mortars, which fire incendiary carpet bombs from the fighter-bomber.[7]

Infantry-deployed energy mortar

There is an infantry-deployed model of the energy mortar.[8] These models require at least a trio of Unggoy to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate energy shielding for protection.[9]

Heavy plasma mortar

A Zurdo-pattern Wraith firing its plasma mortar.

The heavy plasma mortar, also known as plasma mortar cannon,[10] is the primary armament of the Wraith.[11][12] It is attached to the rear of the Wraith, allowing the vehicle's propulsion drive to absorb almost all of its recoil.[10] The weapon is extremely powerful and is one of the most powerful ground-based application of Covenant energy weapon technology.[2] The plasma blast is typically a blue-white orb that is 0.91 metres (3.0 ft) in diameter,[2] which burns the air it passes.[13] The plasma blast travel rather slowly in the air, so it can be out-maneuvered easily by a fast vehicle, including Warthogs.[3] However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything—titanium battle plates, concrete, or flesh—within 20 metres (66 ft) at the point of impact,[1] all the while leaving large crater on ground in its wake.[3] The blast has a kill radius of 6.09 metres (20.0 ft), and damages any targets caught in a radius of 15.24 metres (50.0 ft).[2] The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,[2] as it can destroy heavily reinforced defenses from a long distance. However, it is also fairly effective in closer engagements in the hands of a skilled operator.[14] It is nicknamed PM, Comet, and Brimstone.[2] The United Nations Space Command's Office of Naval Intelligence has typically type-classified encountered heavy plasma mortars based on the type classifications of Wraiths:

Type classification Vehicles
Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar (T-26 35m DEM)
Type-58 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar (T-26 58m DEM)

Infusion-modified plasma mortar

The Banished's Voridus modified the Terror Wraith with a mortar that launches a roiling torrent of infusion matter that leaves an uncontrollable firestorm of exotic energy in its wake.[15]

Plasma mortar

The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the Kewu Umppi'pa'-pattern citadel turret during the Human-Covenant War, it is commonly mounted on Banished vehicles, including the Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder, the Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith, and the Bolroci Workshop Wraith,

Scorch plasma mortar

Mounted primarily on the Ironclad Wraith, the scorch plasma mortar is a model of the plasma mortar that fires mortar rounds with residual energy that leaves boiling plasma on the ground after its detonation. The plasma creates a volatile and deadly crater fore within the enemy's line. The scorch plasma mortar can also be mounted on the Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith Invader.[15]

Siege plasma mortar

The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary Emp'seam-pattern Antlion and its Banished successor, the Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma at astonishing range, turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.[16] The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.[17]

Ultra-heavy plasma mortar

The ultra-heavy plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary Zo'op-pattern Weevil, which provides fire support over large segments of enemy-contest area.[16]

XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer

Main article: XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer

The XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the United Nations Space Command. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires an artillery shell with fuel rod filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.[18] It is mounted on prototype M145D Rhinos, which were used in at least 2531, when five of these were used by Professor Ellen Anders to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the Battle of Arcadia.[19]

Production notes

  • Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of Starship Troopers.
  • The Covenant Air Artillery, a unit cut from Halo Wars, would have also used three plasma mortars.

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, chapter 12
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 347
  3. ^ a b c Halo: The Flood, chapter 6
  4. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 154
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 275
  6. ^ Halo: Reach, Revenant in-game vehicle
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 289
  8. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 38
  9. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 39
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 257
  11. ^ a b c Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 117, 228
  12. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 274
  13. ^ Halo: First Strike, chapter 35
  14. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Wraith (Retrieved on May 11, 2021) [archive]
  15. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 469
  16. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 305
  17. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 481
  18. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 141
  19. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Dome of Light

v • d • e
 
Heavy weaponry in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Support weapons
Stationary weapon emplacements
Vehicle-mounted weapons
Starship weapons
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