Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon

This article is about the plasma turret introduced in Halo 2. For other models of plasma cannon, see plasma cannon.

Shepsu-pattern Sweeping Turret
Production overview
Manufacturer:	Assembly Forges
Type:	Light plasma cannon
Specifications
Length:	132 centimeters (51.8 in)
Ammunition type:	Superheated plasma
Capacity:	Unlimited (mounted) 300 units (dismounted)

The Shepsu-pattern Sweeping Turret (UNSC Type classification: Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon, T-42 DESW) is a model of a light plasma cannon utilised by the Covenant.

Overview

Design details

The Shepsu is one of the most compact models of plasma cannons, with an elongated body resembling that of the Nakata'vho-pattern plasma repeater. The weapon is carried and operated in a similar fashion to the M247 GPMG of the United Nations Space Command. In the portable form, it includes a two-part foldable mount that contacts the ground in the shape of a "V" - with the weapon's lightweight nature allowing it to be easily carried even by diminutive Unggoy.

A plasma generator, developed by the San'Shyuum, is built into the tripod which allows the gun to fire indefinitely. These generators were considered so efficient they were deemed borderline heretical centuries before the Covenant War, as they encroached too closely on the "divine perfection" of Forerunner technology. When detached from the tripod mount, the weapon has a capacity of 300 battery units.

Usage

Used as a support weapon in ground combat, the Shepsu is used to provide a rapid stream of powerful plasma rounds to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. They are generally operated by an Unggoy Heavy, although it can occasionally be used by a Sangheili Major or a Sangheili Ranger. Its lightweight nature makes it a favourite of Covenant strike teams deployed within excavation fleets - during the Alpha Halo campaign in 2552, one such group led by Third Commander Sesa 'Refumee were equipped with a number of Shepsus when they defected from the Covenant.

Within the Covenant military, the Shepsu served as the most common model of plasma cannon used throughout the majority of the Human-Covenant War. Towards the war's end, the weapon began to be replaced by the more advanced Pek-pattern plasma cannon, due to the Pek's better performance. The weapon was type-classified by the Office of Naval Intelligence in 2542, leading to its designation of Type-42. However, analysis of the weapon continued into the post-war era, by which time ONI were beginning to become aware that the internal mechanisms of the weapon were much more advanced than initially assumed.

In-game information

Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary

The Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon appears in Halo 2 and its Anniversary remaster. On several missions, Gunner Grunts can sometimes be seen carrying a plasma turret over their shoulders as Marines do with the cut-down version of the M247 GPMG. The first time this is seen is on the mission Cairo Station when you get to Hangar A-02. This behavior can also be witnessed in Commons B-01, and again by a Sangheili Ranger outside the station. On Outskirts and Metropolis, Heavy Grunts are found manning plasma cannons in and around the tunnel, and on Gravemind, two Gunners are deployed near the start of the level to take out the Master Chief. While on The Arbiter, a Special Operations Unggoy is seen carrying a plasma turret over his shoulder, then deploying it and firing on the Heretics.

The Halo 2-era Plasma Turret can't be detached but can be meleed or shot off using UNSC or Covenant firearms. Also, the turret can be manned after it has been mounted by an Unggoy Heavy.

Production notes

An early take on the Kez'katu-pattern Phantom dropship in Halo 2 originally featured door-mounted Shepsu plasma cannons, in a fashion similar to the Ru'swum-pattern Phantom configuration featured from Halo 3 onward. This early Phantom was used in the Halo 2 E3 demo and later restored by the Digsite team for use in modded content.

In early builds of Halo 3, the Halo 2-era Plasma Turret was used as a placeholder before the Halo 3-era Plasma Turret was finalized into the game. During the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, the T52 DESW featured in the game was erroneously labeled as "Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon" in Bungie.net game stats reports. This was not fixed for the final game.

Gallery

Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Halo 2

• 

  An early storyboard featuring a Sangheili door gunner manning an early take on the Shepsu design.

• 

  A screenshot of the early cut Phantom, with Shepsu cannons in its door bays.

• 

  Forward view of the Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon.

• 

  Rear view of the Shepsu.

• 

  Another profile view of the Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon.

• 

  An Unggoy Heavy carrying a Shepsu in Halo 2.

• 

  The Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon alongside other weapons in the Joyride Studios Halo 2 Heavy Weapons Pack.

• 

  Enhanced profile view of an action figure depiction of the Shepsu.

• 

  A War Chieftain in an early Halo 3 build carrying a Shepsu during the ViDoc Et Tu, Brute?

Halo 2: Anniversary

• 

  Concept art of the Shepsu in Halo 2: Anniversary.

• 

  A model of the Shepsu for Halo 2: Anniversary.

• 

  A model of the Shepsu for Halo 2: Anniversary.

• 

  A model of the Shepsu for Halo 2: Anniversary.

• 

  A model of the Shepsu for Halo 2: Anniversary.

• 

  A Shepsu during the Battle of Earth.

• 

  HUD of the Shepsu in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

• 

  HUD of the Shepsu in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

• 

  A Sangheili using a Shepsu on Skyward.

• 

  A screenshot of Robert-025 utilising a Shepsu.

List of appearances

• Halo 2 (First appearance)
• Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
• Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
  • Palace Hotel (Formal designation revealed)
• Halo 2: Anniversary