Editing AV-49 Wasp

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=AV-49 Wasp
|image=[[File:HINF AV49 Render.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=156}}
|line=[[Wasp]]
|model=AV-49{{Ref/Site|Id=tales|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-tales-stingers|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Tales & Stingers|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}}
|cost=
|length={{Convert|25|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|width={{Convert|21|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|height={{Convert|7.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|mass={{Convert|1360.7|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|max speed={{Convert|500|km/h|mph|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|engine=Air cooled, vector-driven [[Nuclear fusion|fusion]] thrusters{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|hull=Light armor
*Equipped with [[energy shielding]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H5|H5G|[[Wasp]] in-game vehicle}} {{C|select models-only}}{{Ref/Game|Id=HI|HINF|[[Wasp]] in-game vehicle}}
|armament=*2 [[7.62x51mm|7.62]] [[M199 heavy machine gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
*2 50mm [[M400 missile launcher]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|crew=1 pilot{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=[[2553]]{{Ref/Book|Id=HOSFM204|OSFM|Page=204}}
|service=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|role=
*Gunship escort for troop transports{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
*Close air support{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
{{Quote|The AV-49 Wasp supplements existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in Marine service. Close air support VTOL armed with heavy machine guns and twin rocket launchers.|REQ card description{{Ref/Reuse|REQ}}}}
The '''AV-49 Wasp''' is a [[VTOL]] aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]],{{Ref/Reuse|tales}} with specialized variants employed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]].

==Overview==
===Design details===
Considered fast to produce and easy to maintain and optimise,{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShowcase|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/showcase-sensitive|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive|D=16|M=6|Y=2021}} the AV-49 shares several similarities with its fellow aerodynes, the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], and [[AV-30 Kestrel]].{{Ref/Site|Id=local units|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Local Units|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}} The aircraft features an integrated VTOL propulsion system that combines dual lift ducted fan engines used by the AV-30 (though these engines were largely patterned off of the earlier [[JOV-99 Kestrel]]),{{Ref/Reuse|CRL}} with air-cooled vectored-thrust fusion thrusters for forward movement.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The AV-49 also features twin [[7.62x51mm|7.62]] [[M199 heavy machine gun]]s and twin 50mm [[M400 missile launcher]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}, and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.{{Ref/Reuse|local units}} During its prototype testing phase, [[energy shielding]] was also implemented into the aircraft.{{Ref/Reuse|H5}}

Designed for expeditionary usage, the Wasp can be easily prepped and deployed with minimal tools, and their hardened storage containers have identical dimensions to [[NAVLOGCOM]]-standard flat containers, simplifying interstellar transport logistics.{{Ref/Site|Id=buzz|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-buzz-generating|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}

===Development history===
The Wasp was developed by [[Misriah Armory]] alongside the [[STINGER-class Mjolnir]], which has two neural interface controllers to allow the operator to switch from flight to ground combat modes at the speed of thought.{{Ref/Reuse|tales}} Sometime following the dissolution of the [[Colonial Military Authority]], the UNSC was considering the widespread adoption of [[Vestol Corporation]]'s [[JOV-99 Kestrel]]. However, strong lobbying by Misriah Armory saw the Wasp selected to replace the Kestrels that would find service in the [[UNSC Army]] and [[Colonial Militia]]s.{{Ref/Site|Id=CRL|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-cutting-room-lore|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder, Cutting Room Lore|D=26|M=07|Y=22}} 

Although in use by [[2553]], the Wasp was still undergoing field trials with the UNSC as of [[2558]]. By this time, the [[Spartan Operations]] branch was asked to assess its tactical utility for their specific needs, with [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTANs]] able to test the vehicle in [[War Games]] simulations or review prototypes manufactured aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} in [[Hangar A-6]]. Due to their ease of assembly, [[Sarah Palmer|Spartan Commander Palmer]] recommended that all SPARTANs aboard ''Infinity'' become familiar with this process.{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}

==Operational History==
The Wasp augments existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] service.{{Ref/Reuse|buzz}}{{Ref/Game|Id=REQ|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[Wasp]] Description|Quote=The AV-49 Wasp supplements existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in Marine service. Close air support VTOL armed with heavy machine guns and twin rocket launchers.}} UNSC doctrine sees the Wasp employed as a gunship escort for troop transports or on-call close air support for [[UNSC Special Forces|special forces]] teams.{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}} The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] employs their own variant of Wasp, using it for night sorties and stealth surveillance missions.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFBH|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Bounty Hunters|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}} While the Wasp is a capable aircraft, many UNSC Army garrisons, local defense forces, and militia groups have little reason to transition to an airframe that requires constant off-world maintenance inputs, still favoring the JOV-99 Kestrel.{{Ref/Reuse|CRL}}

By the time of the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]] in [[2560]], the Wasp was still in use by the UNSC. However, the models [[Battle for Zeta Halo|deployed]] on [[Installation 07]] lacked the energy shielding present in earlier test iterations.{{Ref/Reuse|HI}}

== Variations ==
*'''[[ONI Wasp]]''': a specialised Wasp variant employed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], used for stealth surveillance and night sorties.{{Ref/Reuse|CFBH}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[ONI Wasp]] Description|Quote=The size and mobility of the Wasp makes it a favorite of ONI Security teams in high-threat environments. ONI Wasps are loaded with all-environment homing missiles and HEDP machine gun rounds. Advanced Wasp with heavy armor and upgraded weapons.}}
*'''[[AV-49H Wasp]]''': Also known as the '''Hannibal Wasp''', the AV-49H was a collaboration between [[Misriah Armory]] and [[Hannibal Weapon Systems]] on initiatives to evolve their existing offerings of weapon systems and vehicles.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[Hannibal Wasp]] Description|Quote=Misriah Armory and Hannibal Weapon Systems collaborate on initiatives to evolve their existing offerings of weapon systems and vehicles. Advanced Wasp with heavy armor, gauss repeaters, and experimental ion field bomb launchers.}}{{Ref/Twitter|GrimBrotherOne|1174706574784221189|Jeff Easterling|Quote=Q: This is the AV-49H Wasp and the Colossus Mark II [J] ADS respectively right.<br>Yes to both.|D=24|M=11|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|CFBH}}

<gallery>
File:H5G - ONI Wasp.png|ONI Wasp
File:H5G - Hannibal Wasp.png|Hannibal Wasp
</gallery>

== Production notes ==
A vehicle called the Wasp was [[Cut Halo 4 vehicles|one of several]] cut from ''[[Halo 4]]'' early in development.{{Ref/YouTube|KXzYKQZDrpM|Time=155|Gamecheat13|Halo 4 - The Revenant and Disintegrator|D=24|M=11|Y=2021}} Whether it had any relation to the AV-49 Wasp is unclear. The Wasp vehicle was first teased in a [[Canon Fodder]] article on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'', listed as the <code>AV-49 [DATA CORRUPTION! REBUILD IN PROGRESS . . .]</code> alongside several other UNSC aerodynes.{{Ref/Reuse|local units}} It was later formally revealed to be included in the [[Warzone Firefight]] update.{{Ref/Reuse|buzz}} The AV-49 Wasp was designed by [[:Category:Images by Darren Bacon|Darren Bacon]], [[:Category:Images by David Heidhoff|David Heidhoff]], and [[Nicolas Bouvier]] circa [[2015]].{{Ref/Twitter|Id=twitter|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|_darrenbacon|1363948194032353283|Darren Bacon|Quote=@Halo 5 Wasp details... This vehicle all-up was a design collab w/ David Heidhoff and @nbsparth -piloting-~piloting~, c. 2015... #Halo #conceptart}}

== Trivia ==
* Like the Hornet, the Wasp's numerical designation is a [[Seven|derivative of 7]] (7x7, or 7 squared, is 49).
* The cockpit features a handle that rests between the legs of the operator, nearly identical to the ejection seat trigger handles of many modern aircraft.
* The Wasp's model in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' features a decal bearing the label of the [[MK71 emergency food preparation station]].
* The Wasp bears a striking resemblance in design to the [[Kestrel (deleted aircraft)|cut Kestrel]] from [[Halo 2]]. Whether this was intentional or not is unknown.

== Gallery ==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:H5G Wasp Cockpit Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Wasp's cockpit.
File:H5G - Wasp concept art.jpg|Concept art of the Wasp for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G Wasp Concept Sketch 1.jpg|A concept sketch for the Wasp.
File:H5G Wasp Concept Sketch 2.jpg|A concept sketch for the Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49Wasp-VTOL-Alt.png|A render of the Wasp, as it appears in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G - Wasp firing on Sanctum.jpg|A close-up of the Wasp on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G - Two Wasps on Urban.jpg|Two Wasps on [[Urban]].
File:H5G - Wasp on Sanctum.jpg|A Wasp firing upon a [[Kig-Yar Sniper]] on Attack on Sanctum.
File:H5G-AV49HUD.png|HUD of the Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49missiles.png|The Wasp's missiles.
File:H5G-AV49s&T54Banshee.png|Two Wasps and a {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}} in Warzone Firefight.
File:H5G-AV49shielding.png|The energy shielding on a Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49trio.png|A trio of Wasps in Warzone.
File:H5G-Wasps.png|An ONI Wasp, Hannibal Wasp, and Wasp (from left to right) on [[Battle of Noctus]].
File:HINF CanyonMap2.png|The Wasp on [[Fragmentation]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF BeeOnAString.png|A Spartan-IV using the [[Grappleshot]] to board a Wasp on [[Behemoth]].
</gallery>

===''Halo 5: Guardians'' REQ cards===
<gallery>
File:REQ Card - Wasp.jpg|Wasp.
File:REQ Card - ONI Wasp.jpg|ONI Wasp.
File:REQ Card - Hannibal Wasp.jpg|Hannibal Wasp.
</gallery>

== List of appearances ==
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Warzone Firefight]]'' {{1st}}
* ''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
* ''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
* ''[[Halo Infinite]]''

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

{{Human aircraft}}