Lifeboat
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
A lifeboat, also known as a lifepod[1][2] or escape pod, is a small spacecraft shuttle complement to larger space vessels.[3]
Role[edit]
Rather than being equipped for offense or defense,[4] lifeboats are used for short-range personnel transfers, ship hull surveys, and emergency evacuations. They tend to be fully rated for atmospheric entry, providing safe transport to a world's surface when necessary.[3] Escape pods, while similar to lifeboats, remain a distinct type of vehicle specialized for evacuation, and likely offer faster and individualized atmospheric entry capability in comparison.
In emergencies, drop pods may be used as an escape craft in a similar capacity for evacuation.[4][5][6] The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers use this as a point of pride, exaggerating lifeboat evacuations as "riding to the surface in air conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers".[5] Additionally, there exists some level of animosity between pilots of both lifeboats and naval aviation dropships, with Carol Rawley reluctant to entrust her life to a "lifeboat jockey" and instead insisting on piloting her own D77 Pelican.[5]
While they fulfil a similar role to shuttle pods,[7] lifeboats typically have little in the way of maneuverability, as they are not intended for extended atmospheric use, nor are they equipped with thrusters powerful enough to escape a planet's atmosphere. As such, most lifeboats that have launched and entered atmosphere cannot be used again.[8][9] Lifeboats often carry emergency rations for its occupants;[10] some lifeboats also carry other supplies like weapons.[3][11]
Human lifeboats[edit]
- Bumblebee: A common class of lifeboat shuttles operated by the UNSC Navy, with classifications based on their endurance levels.[3]
- Class-5 Bumblebee A heavily armored lifeboat that boasts a large rear bay. Notably carried aboard the prowler UNSC Vacuna.[12]
- SKT-9 Bumblebee: A medium-endurance lifeboat that features a pilot-operated guiding system. Notably carried on the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.[3]
- SKT-29 Bumblebee: A lifeboat that improved construction techniques, a better autopilot, safer boost thrusters, and more robust air-brakes.[3] Notably carried on the UNSC Infinity.[13]
- Lacewing-II: One of the most common class of lifeboats in production by the UNSC.[3]
- Queen Bee: One of the most common class of lifeboats in production by the UNSC.[3]
- RLT-85 Emergency Shuttlepod: A class of shuttlepod designed for emergency deployment. Notably carried on the UNSC Infinity.[13]
- SKT-13 shuttlecraft: A class of shuttlecraft that is larger than the SKT-9 Bumblebee.[14]
- SKT-21 shuttlecraft: A class of shuttlecraft that is adjacent to the SKT-9 Bumblebee.[15]
- UNSC escape pods
- Three man escape pods
Covenant lifeboats[edit]
The Covenant employs escape pods, which can be found on missionary ships like the Minor Transgression[16] and frigates like the Radiant Arrow.[17] To support the diverse species within the Covenant hegemony, the escape pod's interior can generate an atmosphere for its occupants, such as methane for any Unggoy escapees.[16]
Production notes[edit]
Concept art for the Paris-class heavy frigate UNSC Andraste was depicted with "three man escape pods". These triangular pods can be seen on the Paris frigate, Halcyon-class light cruiser, and construction platforms in Halo: Reach, though have no currently-assigned canon name. They seem to be inspired by the Sovereign-type escape pods from Star Trek.
Gallery[edit]
Michael Baird walking past the ship's inoperable escape pods in Halo: Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian.
A Bumblebee lifeboat entering the atmosphere of Installation 04 in Halo: Combat Evolved.
A Bumblebee lifeboat deploying its air brakes and forward thrusters during its descent in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.
The trail left behind by a Bumblebee lifeboat's landing in Halo Infinite.
List of appearances[edit]
- Halo: Combat Evolved (First appearance)
- Halo: The Flood
- Adjunct (Mentioned only)
- Halo: First Strike
- Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
- Halo: Contact Harvest
- Halo: Evolutions
- Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
- Halo 4
- Infinity Briefing Packet (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Envoy
- Halo: Silent Storm
- Halo Mythos
- Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Battle Born (Mentioned only)
- Halo Infinite
- Halo: The Television Series
- Halo: The Rubicon Protocol
- Halo: Empty Throne
- Halo: Edge of Dawn (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Campaign Evolved
Sources[edit]
- ^ Halo: First Strike, chapter 18
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 24
- ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 153
- ^ a b Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, chapter 1
- ^ a b c Halo: The Flood, chapter 1
- ^ Halo: Vertical Umbrage
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 131
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 250
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 260
- ^ Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, chapter 3
- ^ Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, chapter 2
- ^ Halo: Envoy, chapter 5
- ^ a b Halo 4, Limited Edition: Infinity Briefing Packet
- ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 4
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Bumblebee
- ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 12
- ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 3
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