Editing AV-22 Sparrowhawk

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Vehicle infobox
| name         = AV-22 Sparrowhawk
| image        = [[File:HWunit Sparrowhawk.png|300px]]
| manufacturer = 
| line         = 
| model        = AV-22<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 182''</ref>
| cost         = 
| length       = {{convert|16.5|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| width        = {{convert|9.6|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| height       = 
| mass         = 
| max speed    = {{convert|611|km/h|mph|sp=us}}<ref name="airspeed">[[:File:UNSC Hawk.jpg|Sparrowhawk production image]]</ref>
| engine       = Dual-ducted air fans<ref name="deep links">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Local Units'']</ref>
| hull         = 
| armament     = *Twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23/AW autocannons]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| crew         = One [[pilot]], one gunner{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| complement   = 
| consumables  = 
| othersystems = 
| firstuse     = 
| service      = *[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| role         = *Close air support<ref name="enc259">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 259'' (2011)</ref>
*Air escort of ground forces{{Ref/Reuse|enc259}}
| affiliation  = [[United Nations Space Command]]
}}

The '''AV-22 Sparrowhawk''', often simply called the '''Hawk''', is a [[VTOL]] attack aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]]. 

==Overview==
===Design details===
The AV-22 Sparrowhawk is a formidable air-to-ground anti-tank [[Wikipedia:Aircraft#Heavier-than-air – aerodynes|aerodyne]] that is used to hunt tanks and support ground advances.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/45018.aspx '''Halo Wars Official Site''': ''Halo Wars Update 03.12.07'']</ref> Rather than using thrust-vectoring jets like some aircraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the AV-22 features an integrated [[VTOL]] propulsion system that combines a turbojet with dual-ducted lift fans.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} The Sparrowhawk has a maximum airspeed of 611 kilometers per hour (380 miles per hour){{Ref/Reuse|airspeed}} and boasts impressive maneuverability. The Sparrowhawk also features cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}

The Sparrowhawk is classified as an "Attack VTOL", as evidenced by the "AV-22" designation. However, some branches of the [[UNSC Armed Forces]] classify the aircraft as a gunship due to its heavy armament.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The Sparrowhawk shares a number of similarities with its fellow aerodyne brethren, the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-30 Kestrel]], and [[AV-49 Wasp]].{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}

===Armaments===
The VTOL's primary armament is a pair of brutally effective, twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s installed on weapon armatures on either side of the fuselage. These autocannons can fire the full range of 20mm aircraft ammunition, though the standard loadout on the Sparrowhawk is either [[M718 SAPHEI]], or [[PGU-42/B API]] with a [[depleted uranium]] core, and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}<ref>[http://mktplassets.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF Halo Wars manual]</ref> The secondary weapon of the Sparrowhawk is a nose-mounted [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]], an upgraded version of the [[M6 Spartan Laser]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''', ''[[:File:HWLE Anders Profile Back.jpg|Anders leader card]]''</ref> The cannon allows gunners to conduct devastatingly effective long-range strikes with pinpoint accuracy. Components of the Sparrowhawk's cannon were later miniaturized and incorporated into the infantry-portable [[M6/E Spartan Laser|M6/E Spartan Laser variant]].{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}

This armament, combined with the VTOL's impressive speed and maneuverability, allows the Sparrowhawk to engage Covenant [[Type-26 Banshee]]s on more than equal terms and to pursue fleeing dropships or engage them as they approach; even a pair of Sparrowhawks can destroy a {{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}}—the bane of the AV-14—with minimal attrition.{{Ref/Reuse|Repairs}}

==Variants==
*'''[[AV-22B Sparrowhawk]]''': A variant of AV-22 armed with two short-range [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 Sylver]] missile racks.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} It is also equipped with a different set of twin-linked heavy machine guns, and has a pair of machine guns built into the nose of the aircraft, as opposed to the M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon.
*'''ODST Hawk''': The ODST Hawk is designed exclusively for the [[105th Shock Troops Division|105th Special Forces]] to assist in covert offensives against Covenant armor and infantry units. It is designed with stealth gray armor creating a low RADAR detection signature, that make it nearly impossible to detect.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/odst-hawk '''Megabloks''' ''- ODST Hawk'']</ref> Compared to the standard AV-22 Sparrowhawk, the ODST Hawk features 6 white and red missiles rather than 4 gray missiles, and slightly updated access panels. It is normally piloted by ODST Pilots, designated by their brown colored breastplate and helmet stripe.
<gallery>
File:ODST_Hawk.png|ODST Hawk.
</gallery>

==Operational history==
The Sparrowhawk was employed as early as [[2526]]{{Ref/Novel|Oblv|Chapter=1}}, and later saw action on [[Harvest]] during the final months of the [[Harvest campaign]] in early [[2531]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Weeks later, several Sparrowhawks attached to {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} defended their parent vessel from a [[Covenant]] {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} during the [[Battle of Trove]], proving the VTOL's effectiveness as both a ground-support platform and as an impromptu atmospheric fighter.<ref name="Repairs">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> The Sparrowhawk met with great success in the war against the Covenant, serving as a gunship escort for troop transports, providing aerial security, and operating in hunter-killer squadrons that harassed Covenant landing zones and troop columns. Combat losses were always high, though pilots accumulated enviable kill ratios.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}

Although the Sparrowhawk was widely produced during the first decade of the war, problems with its ducted fan propulsion system<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 249''</ref> and the high costs of repair and replacement resulted in limited production after [[2550]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Nonetheless, the Sparrowhawk continued active service and saw combat during the [[Battle for Earth]] in [[2552]], the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]], the [[Invasion of Earth]] in [[2555]], and the [[Battle of Installation 03]] in [[2557]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Spartan Strike'''</ref> On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]] several AV-22 Sparrowhawks belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AC-220 Vulture]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref> Several Sparrowhawks were used by the Surakan Militia against Hekabe's forces in the [[Carrow Conflict]] later that year.{{Ref/Novel|Env}}

Prior to the Sparrowhawk's introduction, the [[AV-14 Hornet]] filled a similar anti-tank and ground support role, and as such is considered the Hawk's predecessor.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

==Gameplay==
In ''Halo Wars''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[skirmish]] and multiplayer modes, the Hawk is the unique unit of [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]]. It is available as the final upgrade for the AV-14 Hornet at a cost of 900 supplies and a tech level of 3. It can be built at the [[UNSC Airpad|airpad]] for a cost of 250 resources and 2 population with a tech level of 2. The game's first title update increased the Hawk's upgrade price to 1350 supplies in order to prevent spamming of the unit.

==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*A [[Wikipedia:Sparrowhawk|sparrowhawk]] is a species of small hawk, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming most atmospheric aircraft after birds. 
*The Sparrowhawk looks similar to the [[AV-30 Kestrel#Halo 2 predecessor|Kestrel]], a UNSC aircraft that was cut from ''[[Halo 2]]''. The Hawk also bears a noticeable resemblance to the [[cnc:Orca aircraft|Orca gunship series]] from the [[cnc:Main Page|''Command and Conquer'' franchise]], primarily the [[cnc:A-15 Orca|A-15 model]].

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HW UNSCArmourColumn Concept.jpg|Concept art depicting a flight of Sparrowhawks providing close-air-support for UNSC ground forces.
File:SparrowHawk.jpg|Concept art depicting a squadron of AV-22 Sparrowhawks hovering above a desert for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:AV-22_Sparrowhawk.png|More concept art of the Sparrowhawk.
File:UNSC_Hawk.jpg|Early concept art of the AV-22 Sparrowhawk VTOL.
File:UNSC_Hawk_Chaingun.jpg|Concept art of the [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23 autocannon]].
File:HaloWarsBattle.jpg|Sparrowhawks and [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] lend their firepower in support of UNSC ground forces in an early build of ''Halo Wars''.
File:SCV02_VultureFight.jpg|Sparrowhawks during the Harvest Campaign.
File:Sparrow_Laser.jpg|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk firing its nose-mounted [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon|M6 Spartan Laser]].
File:HW-AV22.png|A large squadron of Hawks on [[Arcadia]].
File:HW-HawksvsFloodLauncher.png|A trio of Hawks attack the Flood on Shield World 0459.
File:HW-Dogfight.png|A Hawk being chased by a T-26A Banshee.
File:HawkRenders.png|thumb|External Renders of the Hawk from ''Halo Wars Definitive Edition'' with Marines in the operator seats for scale.
File:Hawk_Escalation_4.png|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:SS Sparrowhawk.png|An AV-22 in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:HM-AV22.png|A trio of AV-22 Sparrowhawks in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Human aircraft}}