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| {{Status|Canon}} | | {{Era|HW}} |
| {{Vehicle infobox | | {{ratings}} |
| |image=[[File:HW-M145DRhinoMAAP.png|300px]] | | |
| |name=M145D Mobile Artillery Assault Platform | | {{Ship |
| |manufacturer=[[Chalybs Defense Solutions]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=141}} | | |image=[[Image:Rhinox.jpg]] |
| | |name=Rhino |
| | |manufacturer=[[UNSC]] |
| |line= | | |line= |
| |model= | | |model=Tank |
| |class= Self-propelled artillery | | |class= *Prototype Self-Propelled Artillery |
| |length={{Convert|51.3|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} | | |length= |
| |width={{Convert|29.4|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} | | |width= |
| |height={{Convert|12.4|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} | | |height= |
| |mass={{Convert|76.6|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} | | |mass= |
| |max accel= | | |max accel= |
| |max speed space= | | |max speed space= |
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| |poweroutput= | | |poweroutput= |
| |power= | | |power= |
| |shield gen= | | |shield gen=None |
| |hull= [[Titanium]] armor plating{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}} | | |hull=Heavy Duty Ceramic-Titanium Armor or greater |
| |sensor= | | |sensor= |
| |target= | | |target= |
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| |avionics= | | |avionics= |
| |countermeasures= | | |countermeasures= |
| |armament=320mm [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer|XM4600 ''Zeus'' plasma munition howitzer]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Guide|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Page=28}} | | |armament=Prototype [[Plasma]] Cannon mounted on Zeus 320mm Cannon<ref>[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]] page 28</ref> |
| |complement= | | |complement= |
| |crew=One operator{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} | | |crew= |
| |skeleton= | | |skeleton= |
| |passengers= | | |passengers= |
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| |consumables= | | |consumables= |
| |othersystems= | | |othersystems= |
| |firstuse= | | |firstuse=[[2531]] |
| |role=Plasma artillery platform | | |role=Anti-Shielding Artillery Platform |
| |era= [[Human-Covenant War]] | | |era=early on in the UNSC-Covenant War |
| |affiliation=[[UNSC Marine Corps]] | | |affiliation=[[UNSC]] |
| }} | | }} |
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| The '''M145D Mobile Artillery Assault Platform''' ('''MAAP'''), commonly known as the '''Rhino''', is an artillery tank used by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It is unique among UNSC vehicles in its armament, a [[Plasma weaponry|plasma]] cannon that was reverse-engineered from [[Covenant]] technology.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}} | | The '''M-145D Rhino''' is a prototype [[UNSC]] [[plasma]]<ref>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/307185.html</ref> artillery unit that was entering service in [[2531]]. It saw its first deployment on [[Arcadia]], where five were used to break through a [[Covenant]] energy shield. Though unusable in multiplayer, the Rhino is usable in the campaign, and plays similarly to the [[Cobra]], including the sound effects of its artillery cannon. |
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| ==Overview==
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| ===Design details===
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| The architecture of the M145D is similar to that of the M808B and M850—even sharing technology with the Scorpion{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}—though it is longer and wider than the former vehicles. This larger chassis is designed to support the vehicle's six-bogey tread configuration, which in turn facilitates a lockdown mode—akin to that of the [[SP42 Cobra]] and [[M400 Kodiak]]—when the cannon is fired.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The tank's middle tread bogeys extend farther outward than the forward bogeys. The rear bogeys lie between the middle ones and jut from the back of the tank's chassis; stabilizer mechanisms are mounted to the rear tracks.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The Zeus cannon is mounted to a large turret, akin to that of the Grizzly; the weapon is capable of traversing upward at a roughly forty-five-degree angle. As with all plasma-based weapons, the ''Zeus'' is potent against [[energy shielding]].{{Ref/Level|Id=Dome|HW|Dome of Light}}{{Ref/Level|Id=Scarab|HW|Scarab (level)|Scarab}}
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| The Rhino has [[Titanium]] armor capable of shrugging off all but the heaviest attacks.{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}
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| ===Armament===
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| The M145D Rhino's most unique trait is its armament—a custom-built howitzer nicknamed the "''Zeus''"—or the [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer|XM4600 plasma munition howitzer]]. The Zeus is a massive 320mm cannon capable of taking specially-modified shells, designed using alien materiel recovered during the Harvest campaign. While termed a plasma weapon and emitting a firing effect similar to those of a [[plasma mortar]],{{Ref/Note|The Rhino's plasma mortar effect in-game within ''Halo Wars'' is likely a gameplay-only aesthetic consideration.}} the Zeus cannon fires specially-modified 320mm artillery shells using recovered heavy [[fuel rod]]s as filler. As a result, the weapon is extremely effective when used—especially against energy shielding.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
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| Additionally, the ''Zeus'' cannon has a range of up to 100 km.{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}
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| ===Development history===
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| During the [[Harvest campaign]], the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] procured large amounts of Covenant matériel in the hope of reverse-engineering it. These efforts yielded varied results, one of the most substantial being the [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]]—a unique weapon in the UNSC arsenal, and one of the first [[directed-energy weapon]]s to enter UNSC service.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} [[Chalybs Defense Solutions]], the creators of the [[M808 Scorpion]] and [[M850 Grizzly]] main battle tanks, were contracted to manufacture the M145D Rhino as a platform for the weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Note|The "D" in the Rhino's designation suggests that it is the fifth version of the M145. In the opening cutscene of the level ''Dome of Light'', [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]] refers to the vehicles as "plasma-based Rhinos". The most straightforward explanation is that is she noting the experimental tanks' armament, suggesting their use in eliminating the shield dome. However, it is also possible that she is differentiating the M145D from previous Rhino models, from which one may infer that the M145D is based on an existing design rather than built specifically for the ''Zeus'' cannon. This is supported in the 2022 ''Halo Encyclopedia'', which notes the Zeus cannon specifically as a custom-built weapon.}}
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| By February of [[2531]], the UNSC was field-testing the Rhinos. Several prototypes were kept on the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, apparently for this purpose.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}}
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| ==Operational history== | | ==Appearance== |
| ===Human-Covenant war===
| | [[Image:Ilmhalowarstheme1MediaBlade.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Rhino concept]] |
| The Rhino had entered service by February 2531 at the latest. On February 9, 2531, they participated in the [[Battle for Arcadia|invasion of]] [[Arcadia]]. Prior to their arrival, the Covenant established a large base at a [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|complex]] of [[Forerunner]] ruins near an [[Arcadia ONI facility|ONI base]], over which they deployed an enormous [[Deployment spire|energy shield dome]]. The crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, the only remaining combat-ready UNSC forces in the system, requested several Rhinos from the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, which had been damaged in the initial stages of the attack. During a costly battle, ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] complement, aided by a firebase built nearby, worked to escort the Rhinos into position. Professor [[Ellen Anders]] was able to determine that they needed five of them after an attempt to use three in conjunction with one another caused part of the dome to flicker but not fail. Finally, when five Rhinos were used simultaneously on the dome, they overloaded the shield's power supply and caused a section of it to disappear, allowing the ''Spirit of Fire'' to safely use its [[MAC]] guns to take out the shield generators and Covenant air defenses, destroying the dome.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}}
| | The Rhino seems to be a similar looking tank to the [[Scorpion Tank]], with several differences. While it has a similar bogey set up for its tracks, it has six track sets. It's also greater in size, has a more robust gun turret, and an even more unconventional track layout. The tracks are in similar places to the Scorpion, but then there are two sets behind the vehicle, possibly providing better support for the large gun in front. There are also two stabilizers that deploy from the rear of the vehicle during long range bombardment. |
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| Some of these Rhinos were then deployed to the ruins, where the Marines encountered a [[R'awuw-pattern Scarab|Scarab excavation platform]] that was still under construction. The remaining Rhinos then assisted in the destruction of the Scarab.{{Ref/Reuse|Scarab}}
| | == Stats == |
| | *Air Damage: 0 |
| | *Vehicle Damage: 19 |
| | *Infantry Damage: 15 |
| | *Structure Damage: 42 |
| | *Defense: 36 |
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| ===Post-war=== | | ==Function== |
| Some Rhinos still exist as of [[2558]], though they have been used sporadically due to insufficient resources and a lack of refinements to the prototype. However, the data gleaned from the Rhino's development and use was later used on other projects. The M145D Rhino initiative has seen renewed interest in development due to the interest of [[Isaac Richardson]], one of the UNSC's top procurement officers.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFClarity|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-clarity-grace|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace|D=29|M=12|Y=2019}}
| | [[image:Rhino_Time.jpg|thumb|250px|The tank like vehicle in this concept art picture is thought to be the Rhino, sharing traits such as grey armor, frontal configuration, and a similar large caliber artillery armament similar to its more powerful Scorpion cousin.]] |
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| ==Gameplay==
| | The Rhino is meant to be a building destroyer, similar to the Destroyer class from Ensemble's previous game and the second to last of the Ensemble games altogether, Age of Mythology: The Titans. Its power is weaker than that of the [[Scorpion]] or the super powered [[Grizzly]], but its base defense is stronger than the Scorpion's. A group of these tanks is powerful enough to take out other enemy Heavy armour, but should be more of a fire support role alongside a large UNSC force, than a small group of these taking on a large Covenant army, but once fought into a Covenant base, a small group of these tanks could critically damage the Covenant's chances of winning, or could take the base out altogether (with the right amount of Infantry and Air Support supporting them). Its Y-button ability deploys it in a similar "lockdown" mode to that of the [[Cobra]] and [[Elephant]], for a more powerful and longer range attack. Despite being armed with a 320mm gun, the only weapon useable on the Rhino is the prototype plasma mortar. |
| Although the Rhino's firepower is weaker than that of the Scorpion, it has superior armor. A group of these tanks is powerful enough to destroy heavy armor, but the vehicle is intended to play a fire support role alongside a large UNSC force. Its secondary ability deploys it into a 'lockdown' mode like that of the Cobra and the [[M312 Elephant|Elephant]], giving the Rhino a more powerful attack with increased range.
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| The Rhino is exclusive to two campaign missions in ''Halo Wars'': ''[[Dome of Light]]'' and ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''. Besides its importance to the plot, the Rhino functions almost identically to the Cobra in terms of speed and firepower. The sound effect of its deployed artillery cannon is shared with the Cobra. Preventing all the Rhinos from being destroyed in the level grants the player the [[Rhino Hugger]] achievement. | | The Rhino is a unit exclusive to the campaign of ''[[Halo Wars]]'', where it is used in a couple of missions: on the level ''[[Dome of Light (Level)|Dome of Light]]'' for a specific purpose - to eliminate a Covenant energy shield, and on the level ''[[Scarab (Level)|Scarab]]'' as a bonus unit. After that, the Rhino is not seen again. It is unusable in multiplayer, but besides its importance to the plot, otherwise plays similarly to the Cobra artillery in terms of speed, firepower, and even the sound effects of its deployed artillery cannon. |
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| Unlike the other vehicles in the game, a Rhino cannot be constructed through the vehicle depot and instead can only be gotten by the player through using the [[Arcadia ONI facility]]'s landing pad to request one from the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} which then sends a Pelican to drop one off. This means that more cannot be summoned during ''Scarab'' as the pad is no longer available. In that level, the player only has access to the Rhinos that they started off with.
| | == Trivia == |
| | | *While it is not known either way, in-game dialog suggests that the Rhino was a slug-firing SPMA Tank which was then refitted with a [[Plasma Mortar]] rather than a prototype designed to use a plasma weapon from the ground up. |
| ==Trivia==
| | *Though appearing in several screenshots of the pre-Alpha test version of ''Halo Wars'', later screenshots failed to show any sign of the unit, leading some to believe it had been cut from the game like the [[Cougar]]. It later returned in screenshots<ref>http://kotaku.com/photogallery/halowarsnov17/1004655624?viewSize=thumb1280x1280</ref>, and the presence of the [[Rhino Hugger]] Achievement for the game confirmed its presence<ref>http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/halo-wars/achievements/</ref>. |
| {{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
| | *Curiously it isn't shown and listed in the ''Halo Wars'' game manual. This may be due to its very limited presence in the game itself.<ref>http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF</ref> |
| *As with most UNSC vehicles, the Rhino is named after [[Wikipedia:Rhinoceros|an animal]].
| | *There is a tank of the same name in ''Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2''. |
| *A lightning bolt is painted on the side of the Rhino's turret. This is likely a [[List of references to Greek mythology in the Halo series|reference]] to [[Wikipedia:Zeus|Zeus]], the chief deity of the Greek pantheon, who is the namesake of the Rhino's cannon. Zeus used lightning bolts as weapons and as symbols of his power. | | *The ship that supplied the Plasma Rhinos used by the crew of the ''[[Spirit of Fire]]'' was the ''[[Pillar of Autumn]]''. |
| | *The Rhino's turret and gun barrel resemble the turret from the Tiger II Heavy Tank used by the German Army during World War II. Both share a design based on long range bombardment, a large caliber cannon to perform that role, and heavy armor to make sure it survives it's mission. The slow rotation of it's turret is also a trait that the Tiger II was most renown for. |
| | *The outer appearance of the Rhino seems to have some resemblance to some of the "Pre-Halo" concepts of the Scorpion from the 1999 preview of ''[[Halo]]''. |
| | *The Rhino is depicted as a '''secret''' weapon by the in-game description. |
| | *There a tank of the same name in the Grand Theft Auto seires. |
| | *The rhino is similar to the to the wraith,because it fires plasma and it is a force to be reckoned with. |
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| ==Gallery== | | ==Gallery== |
| <gallery> | | <gallery> |
| File:HW_M145DRhino_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the M145D Rhino.
| | Image:Rhino.JPG|Rhino in campaign. The style seems to be the same as above. |
| File:HW Concept Marines.jpg|Concept art depicting a Rhino firing a conventional round.
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| File:HW_Early_Rhino.jpg|A Rhino in an early build of ''Halo Wars''.
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| File:HW RhinoBridge.jpg|An early screenshot depicting a Rhino on Harvest.
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| File:HW_Rhino_Closeup.png|A Rhino preparing to fire its main gun.
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| File:HW_Rhino_Firing.png|A Rhino firing its main gun.
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| File:HW_RhinoBattery.png|Rhinos deployed near the ONI base on Arcadia.
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| File:HW_Rhinos&Scorpion.png|Rhinos and an [[M808B Scorpion]] on Arcadia.
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| </gallery> | | </gallery> |
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| ==List of appearances== | | ==Sources== |
| *''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{1st}}
| | <references/> |
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| | == Related Links == |
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| ==Notes==
| | *[[M808B Main Battle Tank|M808B Scorpion MBT]] - The [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and [[UNSC Army|Army]] Main Battle Tank. |
| {{Ref/Notes}}
| | *[[SP42 Cobra]] - a similar-function unit |
| | *[[Wraith]] - Covenant equivalent of the Scorpion/Rhino. |
| | *[http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/91352.aspx Rhino stats in gameplay video] |
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| ==Sources==
| | {{UNSC vehicles}} |
| {{Ref/Sources}} | |
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| {{Human vehicles}} | | {{Halo Wars UNSC Units}} |
| | [[Category:Drivable Vehicles]] |
