Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present

Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525–Present is a document written by Dr. Robert McLees detailing the weaponry and vehicles utilized by both the United Nations Space Command and the Covenant in the Human-Covenant War. It is the result of long-term in-the-field interviews between McLees and the personnel from the Marine unit E2-BAG/1/7.

Known contents

The following entries are known in the document:

UNSC weaponry

• MA5C Assault Rifle - An entry on the MA5C assault rifle.
• M6G Personal Defense Weapon System - An entry on the M6G2 magnum.
• M7/Caseless SMG - An entry on the M7 SMG.
• M7057/Defoliant Projector - An entry on the M7057 flamethrower.
• M9 High Explosive-Dual Purpose Antipersonnel Grenade - An entry on the M9 fragmentation grenade.
• M90A Close Assault Weapon System - An entry on the M90A shotgun.
• Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle - An entry on the M6/R Spartan Laser.

Covenant weaponry

• Brute Spiker - An entry on the Paegaas Workshop Spiker.
• Spike Grenade - An entry on the Jovokada Workshop spike grenade.
• Type-3 Antipersonnel / Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade - An entry on the Orgudam Workshop firebomb.
• Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol - An entry on the Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol.
• Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle - An entry on the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle.
• Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon - An entry on the Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun.
• Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher - An entry on the Type-33 Needler.
• Type-50 Sniper Rifle System - An entry on the Sulok-pattern beam rifle.
• Type-51 Carbine - An entry on the Vostu-pattern carbine.

Vehicles

• M12 Warthog - An entry on the M12 Warthog.
• Mongoose - An entry on the M274 Mongoose.
• Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle "Chopper" - An entry on the Barukaza Workshop Chopper.

Transcripts

The following is a verbatim transcription of an official document for archival reasons. As the original content is transcribed word-for-word, any possible discrepancies and/or errors are included.

UNSC weaponry

MA5C Assault Rifle

MA5C Assault Rifle

Excerpt from long-term, in-field interview with the soldiers of E2-BAG/1/7. MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System Official designation: MA5C Length (o/a): 88 cm (34.6 in.) Length (barrel): 60.7 cm (24 in.) Weight (empty): 3.8 kg (8.378 lbs) Weight (loaded): 4.1 kg (9.05 lbs) Cartridge: 7.62mm x 51 FMJ Max. effective range: 300 meters (984 ft) Muzzle velocity: 905 m/s (2970 f/s) Magazine capacity: 32 rounds Rate of fire: 750 – 900 rnds/min Unit Replacement cost: 1686.00

Description: The MA5C 7.62mm rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine fed weapon designed for automatic fire. The weapon has an attached electronics suite that provides information on rounds remaining in magazine, compass heading, as well as several other "housekeeping" functions. Improvements over the MA5B include: - a heavier barrel with a 1 in 7 twist; - a redesigned cowling to house the electronics suite that reduces weight and increases pointability of weapon; - a redesigned handguard which is sturdier and provides a more positive grip.

Observations: Soldiers are very satisfied with this weapon. It performed well in a variety of environments especially given the perceived delicacy of the attached electronics suite. The general consensus is that every infantryman wants a MA5C. The most significant negative comment was reference to the MA5C’s lack of a secondary weapon system.

Remarks: “The (MA5C) is the workhorse for us ground-pounders. Just holding it makes you feel like God’s own anti-son-of-a-blam!-machine.” “I have slogged through snow and mud and sand with my (MA5C); even got dumped into an open sewer with it and it has never given me a bit of complaint. I trust it like I trust my own arms.” “The MA5C is built like a brick outhouse with Venetian blinds. You can pound on a mike foxtrot with it like it was a sledgehammer.” “For every time I’ve felt outgunned by those alien bastards shooting blobs of energy at me I have felt like death himself watching their bodies come apart under a hail of lead from my (MA5C).” “The romeo echo mike foxtrot’s decision to mechanically reduce the (MA5C)’s magazine capacity by nearly half is pretty frustrating; even if their data was showing that jamming because of loss of spring strength was becoming an issue.” “The only thing I can think of that would make the (MA5C) any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike.” “Next time I’m dirtside I’ve gotta try and find a red filter for the flashlight; slipspace travel screws with mail-order something fierce.

Your Standard Point and Click Interface There is much to be said about the MA5C with regards to tactics and strategies. The weapon’s power can be described as being somewhere between the original MA5B Assault Rifle and the BR55 Battle Rifle. Obviously it shares more with the MA5B, though as we'll demonstrate, aesthetics aren’t everything. It shares more with the BR55 than one might suspect. The clip capacity has been reduced to the 32 rounds that you’re used to seeing in the BR55, but the rifle’s range has been slightly improved over its predecessor to make it more formidable as an Assault Rifle. It also deals greater damage per round than did the original MA5B At close range, the MA5C can be used to rain hurtin’ bombs upon one’s adversary. Fully shielded Spartans can take two blows from the rifle before dropping. Strategically, however, peppering your target with a healthy amount of rounds (ten, give or take), followed by a crushing blow from the butt of the rifle will score a kill nearly every time. At medium to close-range, you’ll want to simply unload and put as many rounds into your target as possible. If you’re looking for a quicker kill, or if you have multiple targets, you’ll want to hit them with a 'nade first to drop their shields and then clean them up with a few sustained bursts from the rifle. Often, when engaging multiple hostiles, it will be wise to try put nearly all of your clip into one target and after that one’s been dispatched, you’ll want to put a frag on the ground beside your next opponent and proceed to empty the remainder of your clip, the last seven or so rounds, into your target to finish off the kill. Many new recruits will succumb to the temptation to lie on the trigger for targets of all ranges. Hopefully, over time they’ll learn from the veterans in their squads to pulse the trigger. Pulsing the trigger gives you a significant advantage with targets at medium range. It can be the difference between needing to reload, versus only needing a single clip to take down your target. The more disciplined soldier will win that battle every time. Compliments of the Chief The Assault Rifle is easily one of the most versatile weapons in the UNSC’s arsenal; fittingly so, as it is the standard-issue weapon for infantry forces. Due to this versatility, the AR is complimented by many of the UNSC’s other weapons as either the primary means to a kill or in a secondary role as the fallback weapon. Battle Rifle and Assault Rifle This combination might be one of the safest available to you in the field. The Battle Rifle will enable you to manage targets at medium to long-range while the Assault Rifle allows you to handle short to medium-range targets. The combination really just enables you to kill everything in your path. There’s no greater strategy to it, if you’ve got a BR and an AR then you’re likely on the offensive trying to cut a path into the enemy base. This well-balanced combo protects you in the open field from pretty much anything except skilled snipers at great distances and heavy vehicles. Like any mid range weapon, its greatest weakness is its relative ineffectiveness at close quarters against the likes of a Shotgun or sword. Sniper Rifle and Assault Rifle If you’re setting up roost with the Sniper Rifle somewhere out of the way and/or in defense of your base, then you will typically grab the Sniper and a BR. However, if you’re going on the offensive with the Sniper Rifle in an attempt to gain control of the middle of an area like Valhalla, then the Assault Rifle may well be a better choice to compliment the sniper. While the BR gives you a chance to clean up targets that you only hit once with the sniper, the AR gives you a chance to defend yourself in a relatively tight space. Valhalla, while being a large, wide-open area, has a large hill in the middle of it. When setting up atop this hill, the AR can be more affective in supporting your sniping because there are multiple angles of approach and it’s very likely that someone will get close enough to bring the fight in to a close range, which people generally prefer to do to a sniper. The AR is easier to handle and deadlier at close ranges than is the BR, which leads us to recommend it in such a scenario. Fast pulsing is also a good way to steal kills from your buddies. Shotgun and Assault Rifle This is an excellent pair of weapons to set up a defensive stand. This combo will be very effective in tight quarters, the likes of which you might find in the bunkers of the High Ground base. When defending such an area, the enemy rarely has a chance to avoid the initial Shotgun blast. However, if they’re smart, they started backpedaling as soon as they saw the business end of the Shotgun and may possibly be out of the its range by the time you’re ready to pump another serving of buckshot into his chest. In this instance, the Assault Rifle picks up the slack. By firing controlled bursts at the already wounded target, the AR will make quick work of the job. In the event of an assault by multiple targets on an objective such as a flag, it will be wise to go with the AR as your primary, put a grenade into the approaching enemies and then tear into them with the AR from a distance.

Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle|Site=Bungie.net|Page=MA5C Assault Rifle|D=16|M=12|Y=2007|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#MA5C Assault Rifle}}

M6G Personal Defense Weapon System

M6G Personal Defense Weapon System
Official designation:	M6G
Length (o/a):	26.70 cm	(10.5 in.)
Length (barrel):	11.7 cm	(4.6 in.)
Weight (empty):	2.7 kg	(5.95 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	2.95 kg	(6.5 lbs)
Cartridge:	12.7 mm x 40 SAP-HE (semi-armor-piercing high-explosive)
Max. effective range:	50 meters	(152.5 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	427 m/s	(1302.35 f/s)
Magazine capacity:	8 rounds
Rate of fire:	semi-automatic only
Unit Replacement cost:	cR. 1615
Description: The M6 series are recoil-operated and magazine-fed. The ‘B’ and ‘D’ variants are issued with the smart-linked KFA-2 x2 scope. It fires 12.7mm x 40 semi-armor-piercing high-explosive ammunition (standard issue). M6 series handguns are issued in three different finishes: hard chrome, black polymer, and electroless nickel.
Observations: The M6 is designed primarily for ruggedness and reliability. Some believe that weight and magazine capacity should have been higher on that list. This weapon is issued mainly to officers and vehicle/weapon crews. It is not considered a primary weapon.
Remarks: “The M6 is either the world’s biggest pistol or the world’s smallest rifle—I’m not sure which.” “It’s strange. Normally a big bore means access to a greater variety of exotic munitions, but we just don’t see that variety in the field.” [1] “The M6 has been around forever; the number of variants and configurations is dizzying… have you ever seen an M6J(C)—the Army’s carbine variant?” “The M6 has been in service for about a hundred and forty years… it’s amazing to think how little it has changed in all that time.” “The longevity of the M6 has always been more about pork barrels and slipspace travel than reliability or the so-called brilliance of its design.” “The ehs and bees are way more comfortable to shoot, but you don’t see many of them outside of civilian security forces anymore.”
[1] M225 SAPHE ammunition is standard issue for the M6 PDWS, but there are more “exotic” ammunition types available only by Mission Conditional Requisition (MCR).
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3pistol|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M6G Pistol|D=24|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M6G}}

M7/Caseless SMG

M7 / Caseless Submachine Gun
Official designation:	M7/Caseless SMG
Length (extended):	62.7 cm	(24.68 in.)
Length (retracted):	47.4 cm	(18.66 in.)
Length (barrel):	15 cm	(5.9 in.)
Weight (empty):	1.3 kg	(2.86 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	2.88 kg	(6.36 lbs)
Cartridge:	5mm x 23 caseless
Max. effective range:	50 meters	(155 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	427 m/s	(1300 f/s)
Magazine capacity:	60 rounds
Rate of fire:	900 rnds/min
Unit Replacement cost:	cR. 1484
Description: The M7 submachine gun is gas-operated and magazine-fed. It fires 5mm x 23 caseless ammunition.
Observations: Recoil from all but sustained fire is very controllable. Although the M7 submachine-gun is primarily issued to vehicle crews, it is also a favorite of commando teams in its sound suppressed version – the M7S. Sustained automatic fire tends to cause the muzzle to “walk” upwards as recoil compounds. Submachine guns, while not accurate over long distances, are particularly effective at close quarters.
Remarks: “[The] recoil isn’t bad but the [M7] itself is relatively light. Not unpleasant to shoot, but a little tricky to control—it’s all about controlling the impulse.” “It’s actually comparable in weight to the M6—favorably, in fact. That and not having to worry about the odd casing dropping down your boot makes it a pretty clear choice which one I think is the better system.” “Yes; I have fired it one-handed with the stock collapsed and the foregrip folded. No; I was not driving at the time—I was shotgun. Did I hit anything? Don’t know—probably never will—no more bogeys afterwards, though.” “It’s not a deathray but nobody likes getting shot. Not even bravo kilos. And you can fill the air with a lot of lead with an [M7]. “I’ve seen a Spartan use two at once—tearing the xxxx out of the little ones; sending the big ones down in bloody heaps. But I guess that’s what ya gotta be to pull it off: an action-movie hero or a seven-foot-tall walking tank.” “The M7 is the wave of the future. Hopefully the romeo echo mike foxtrots will finally realize the benefits of caseless ammunition.”
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3smg|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M7 / Caseless SMG|D=24|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M7}}

M7057/Defoliant Projector

M7057 / Defoliant Projector
Official Designation:	M7057/DP
Length (o/a):	116.8 cm	(46 in.)
Weight (empty):	45.8 kg	(101 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	55.5 kg	(122.5 lbs)
Cartridge:	Pyrosene-V
Max. effective range:	13.4 meters	(44 ft)
Magazine capacity:	9 x three-second bursts
Unit Replacement Cost:	cR. 1,520.00
Description: The M7057/DP is a standard chemical flamethrower, which projects and ignites a stream of a volatile, semi-liquid fuel. Flamethrowers are cumbersome and relatively difficult to use (psychologically as well as mechanically).
Observations: Referring to the M7057/DP as a weapon[1] is a bit of a misnomer as the dee pea in its nomenclature indicate that it is a defoliant projector—to be used to rapidly clear away heavy foliage for in-theater construction projects and to destroy new or persistent growth from emplaced and/or hardened military assets. That having been said; despite being all but obsolete militarily its effectiveness as a psychological weapon is undeniable—unfortunately the psychological effect is a double-edged sword.
Remarks: “makes short work of weeds and thickets—but I wouldn’t carry one into combat. Not on your life.” “I can see where it would be real effective in ousting dug in troops, but you aren’t gonna be making any friends using it that way.” “I don’t see where carrying around a big can of super-flammable stuff right next to my xxxx is such a good idea.” “You know those things ship with a cart, right? You aren’t expected to carry them anywhere… they are not a weapon that you use on people… not even on alien people.” “I hate me some baby kongs, and I will kill every man Jack of ‘em that I see, but I don’t think I could burn ‘em—best to draw the line somewhere and that seems like it.” “Foxtrots die pretty quick once you put the fire to ‘em. We ought ‘a burn ‘em all. Low-life bastards. Burn all those low-life alien foxtrots.” “Gotta get too close for it to be any use offensively—if you’re gonna use it as a weapon best to use it in a defensive role—fill up passages and weak-points in your perimeter with fire.” “It takes a certain kind’a lunatic to use a flamethrower… all I’m sayin’.”
[1] That the M7057/DP has been frequently pressed into service as a primitive energy weapon of sorts is a distressing but irrefutable fact. It is one in a very small number of items available to UNSC personnel that remotely earmarks the user for a full battery of psychological tests.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3flamethrower|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Flamethrower|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M7057}}

M9 High Explosive-Dual Purpose Antipersonnel Grenade

M9 High Explosive-Dual Purpose Antipersonnel Grenade
Official Designation:	M9 HE-DP Grenade
Diameter:	9.4 cm	(3.7 in.)
Weight:	.4 kg	(.875 lbs)
Filler:	.19 kg of ComL
Killing radius:	5 meters	(16 ft)
Casualty radius:	15 meters	(49.5 ft)
Unit Replacement Cost:	cR. 30
Description: Fragmentation grenades are simple explosives, designed to send razor-sharp shrapnel hurtling with great force into enemy positions. A simple digital timer fuse detonates a primer explosive, which in turn triggers the larger explosive within the grenade’s body. The force of the explosion shatters the grenade’s steel casing along predetermined paths; these pieces of metal (roughly 5mm by 1mm) inflict multiple injuries within a radius of approximately 15 – 50 feet.
Observations: Although the M9 HE-DP grenade is primarily an anti-personnel weapon it can be used to suppress or disable vehicles, except tanks. The M9 can also be thrown, rolled, bounced or ricocheted into places direct fire weapons can’t reach.
Remarks: “Grenades are not something you throw just because you see bad guys. Make sure you know where your squad is at, make sure it’s only the bad guys you’re gonna blow up, then chuck the damage.” “This is my third tour and I’ve seen action on a half dozen planets—I’ve also seen about five different versions of the M9. Not like em nine eh through em nine ee, but totally different fragmentation grenades called em nine. I guess that’s one of the consequences of being part of a galactic empire [laughter] I said galactic empire!” “The grenade detonated directly beneath the Ghost and sent it and the driver tumbling through the air; the remainder of 1st squad dispatched the Brute and secured the enemy vehicle.” “There ain’t a magical wall at fifteen meters—had a hole punched in my cheek at about ninety meters over a year ago back on Ballast. Could’a lost an eye or even been killed. Remember when you hear that call or a thump to keep your head down.” “…bounced off of the loading ramp and exploded above head level (2.4 meters) killing the Brute SL and disrupting the remaining Grunts.” “Well it’s a grenade innit? It blows up.”
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fraggrenade|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M9 Frag Grenade|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M9}}

M90A Close Assault Weapon System

M90A Close Assault Weapon System
Official Designation:	M90A CAWS
Length (o/a):	123.9 cm	(48.8 in.)
Length (barrel):	61 cm	(24 in.)
Weight (empty):	5.4 kg	(11.9 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	5.7 kg	(12.6 lbs)
Cartridge:	8 gauge magnum (3.75”)
Max. effective range:	40 meters	(131 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	300-400 m/s	(980-1300 f/s) [depending on the ammunition]
Magazine capacity:	6 rounds
Rate of fire:	pump-action
Unit Replacement cost:	cR. 2200
Description: The M90 is a pump-action magazine-fed (dual tubular non-detachable type) weapon. It fires 8 gauge magnum (3.75”) rounds.
Observations: The Weapon System Technologies DTM series is the most common shotgun in the galaxy—used by UNSC Special Forces, civilian security personnel, and sportsmen alike.[1] Although many prefer the larger magazine capacity and rate of fire of the MA5 and BR55, the M90’s immense stopping power, ease of use, and reduced capacity for puncturing the hulls of spacecraft over many other UNSC weapon systems (with standard 0000 ammunition) are greatly appreciated.
Remarks: “The kick is milder with the ehs—not that it was that bad to begin with—sometimes progress just seems like change, if you catch my meaning.” “The adjustable stock on the M90 works just fine, but I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for the DTM/LE model—old habits die hard I guess[2] “I believe that the sound of racking the pump of a shotgun is universally recognized as ‘kiss your ass goodbye’.” “Actually, I think the jury is still out on whether it means ‘STFU and STFD’ or ‘you ain’t gonna make it.” “The action I saw against the Flood on Delta Halo was pretty limited—thankfully—and you would think that the M90 would be the ultimate anti-Flood weapon, right? Except that a shotgun is effective because it delivers a massive shock to a delicately balance system of organs and the Flood don’t have that delicately balanced system of organs—it’s like shooting a mike foxtrot tree! All you can really hope to do is disassemble them as rapidly as possible in the correct order.” “The shotgun is a specialist weapon—it has its uses, but they are limited. Maybe it is more accurate to call it a tool, as opposed to a weapon?”
[1]The DTM series of shotguns are available in 20gauge -10gauge for the civilian market—the 8gauge is only sold to law enforcement and military agencies. [2]CPL GROVE, ROBERT 081225-78081-RG was employed as a law enforcement officer in Elysium City prior to entering the Marine Corps; he is referring to the WST DTM/LE (law enforcement) model which had a solid stock and no pistol grip.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3shotgun|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M90A Shotgun|D=08|M=6|Y=2020|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M90A}}

Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle

Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle (W/AV M6 G/GNR)

Excerpt from long-term, in-field interview with the soldiers of E2-BAG/1/7. Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle (W/AV M6 G/GNR) Official designation: M6 G/GNR Length (o/a): 98.8 cm (38.9 in.) Length (barrel): REDACTED Weight (empty): 19.07 kg (42 lbs) Weight (loaded): 20.4 kg (45 lbs) Cartridge: REDACTED Max. effective range: REDACTED Muzzle velocity: 299792458 m/s (983 571 056 f/s) Magazine capacity: REDACTED Rate of fire: semi-automatic only Unit Replacement cost: cR. 218000.00

Description: The M6 G/GNR is a REDACTED type laser. It can be used in both anti-vehicle and antipersonnel roles. The weapon has an integrated Wyrd III optics suite (smart-linked).

Observations: Soldiers appreciate the range, accuracy, and target effect. They view the effect of “our own directed energy weapon” as a combat multiplier due to the psychological impact on combatants that viewed the destruction of the target.

Remarks: “The M6 is a splendid special application anti-vehicle slash anti-materiel weapon – even if it is a little on the heavy side. The imprudent use of this weapon in the antipersonnel role, which is to say, against non high-value targets – grunts or drones for example -- is strongly discouraged.” “I engaged an enemy chopper at a range of REDACTED meters. The target immediately erupted into flames. Both vehicle and rider were eliminated.” “My spotter positively identified the local bravo kilo sub-chieftain. I engaged the target at REDACTED meters. The shot burned an approximately REDACTED diameter hole through the target and severely damaged the mauler he had just dismounted.” “The M6 is one of those rare systems that simultaneously boosts morale, degrades the fighting spirit of the enemy and actually performs admirably as a weapon.” “Because of their cost and complexity the (M6 G/GNR) and like systems are not going to find widespread adoption. They will remain specialist weapons, at least for the foreseeable future. “During action on grid REDACTED, REDACTED a pair of Banshees were harassing our left flank. Our anti-air element was suppressed so I opened a request for fire support. A beam struck the trailing Banshee. The canopy separated from the fuselage and the pilot spilled out right before it burst into flames and pin-wheeled in.” “The shot entered the rear of the Phantom, killing three Brutes and injuring two others.” “The equipment required (PP-16979/AM-Sh) to recharge the non-removable battery (BA-53635/PLMD) for the M6 G/GNR does not and never has shipped with the weapon – and for some dang reason I’ve never seen them ship at the same time. Do people not realize that they are two different pieces of equipment?”

This End Toward Enemy The Spartan Laser is one of the most powerful weapons available to our UNSC personnel on the ground. Heavy to lift, slow to fire and incredibly powerful, the laser's main purpose is to serve as an anti-vehicle weapon. It is capable of bringing down virtually any vehicle that you can expect to encounter on the battlefield. Along with its effectiveness against vehicles, the Spartan Laser's precision and power also make it a potent anti-personnel weapon, capable of scoring a kill with a single hit anywhere on an enemy. The laser requires a quick three second charge before it’s able to fire, at which point it lets loose a red beam of light for a split second. Anything in the path of the laser will be destroyed, multiple enemies, vehicles and objects. Because of this you must be particularly careful of friendlies in the area, as they can be wounded or killed by exploding vehicles or the laser itself. The Spartan Laser can be effectively implemented in the battlefield in numerous roles. It is an excellent defensive weapon, able to destroy reconnaissance, assault and support vehicles from great range, as well as demolish any foot soldiers. Offensively it can be used to compliment an assault of an enemy base, destroying enemy vehicles so that they are unable to mount a serious counter-attack to a Warthog assault as well as taking down critical targets from a distance.

Seeing Red Valhalla The Spartan Laser has seen extensive use in the field at Valhalla, where it is available atop a hill in the middle of the region. As is well-known of Valhalla, by this point, control of this hill is imperative and can decide the battle. A skilled Spartan wielding the laser can effectively suppress an enemy team of four for a short period of time from that position. Whether it be sniping personnel as they shoot off of the mancannon or destroying vehicles attempting to escape, the Spartan Laser is instrumental in the control of the mid-field of Valhalla. The fear factor of this weapon has also become part of its feature set. There’s nothing quite like a small red beam of light bearing down on your vehicle to dissuade you from leaving a safe area. Because the weapon doesn’t discharge a significant amount of energy until it is actually fired, you can simply “paint” enemies instead of expending a shot on them. It serves all the purposes of suppressing fire without ever needing to fire an actual shot, since you only have a limited number and you'll want to be careful with them. High Ground Within the base at High Ground, the Spartan Laser is available atop the camouflage tower overlooking the beach. Because the assaulting Warthogs and Mongi will not likely come until the gate is open, as well as the likelihood that the enemy team’s sniper will be focused on that camo tower to start with, it’s not always worth rushing. Once the attackers have the gate open, however, the laser will be your best hope for taking down an incoming ‘hog before it reaches the base, if you’re in position. If the attacking team gains control of the Spartan Laser on High Ground, its greatest advantage to an attacking team is the fact that it is in your hands. You can attack the base without worrying about being destroyed before ever getting inside. Because the base is a tight-quarters area, attackers will find the laser most useful to cover their retreat back to the beach with the objective. The defending team may have a Mongoose and/or a Ghost available to them to pursue the attacking team, but the laser will put a quick end to that as well as those charging out from the gate who don’t notice the thin red beam light tracking them.

Citation: {{Ref/Site|Id=bnetspartanlaser|URL=http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=charginmalasers|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Spartan Laser|D=02|M=02|Y=2007|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle}}

Covenant weaponry

Brute Spiker

Brute Spiker

Excerpt from long-term, in-field interview with the soldiers of E2-BAG/1/7. Type-25 Carbine (Spiker) Length (o/a): 81.7 cm (32.17 in.) Length (barrel): 25.4 cm (10 in.) Weight (empty): 6.4 kg (14.2 lbs) Weight (loaded): 7 kg (15.5 lbs) Cartridge: Unknown Effective range: 40 meters (131 ft) Muzzle velocity: 76.2 m/s (250 f/s) Magazine capacity: 40 rounds Rate of fire: 480 rnds/min Unit Replacement Cost: NA

Description: The type-25 carbine is a magazine fed weapon designed for automatic fire. The weapon has two tungsten-alloy bayonet-type attachments.

Observations: This weapon resembles our technology more closely than it does the other weapons in the Covenant’s arsenal. It performs admirably in a variety of environments; it is a widely held belief that the weapon could sit unattended for several weeks in an active latrine and still operate as issued with no maintenance performed on it. Unfortunately this is not far from the truth. Though it was first observed over a quarter century ago this weapon has not been seen in the hands of front line troops until just recently. Over the years it has garnered the nicknames “Spike Rifle”, “Spiker”, and “hatchet gun”.

Remarks: “Even though them spike rifles are really heavy I still wish there was some way to retrofit a full stock onto ‘em.” “Recoil isn’t as bad as you might expect, but not because of any sophisticated dampening system – it’s because the damn things weigh so much.” “I saw the baby kong go dry so I moved in with my shotty, well that’s the last time I’ll be doing that, huh? Damn cleaver-bayonet-thing went right through the shotty and cut my arm off just above the elbow. Only reason I’m still here is because of, well you know, because of him.” “Every action requires exaggerated movement; cycling the bolt, seating a magazine, charging the chamber. Even squeezing the trigger takes quite a bit of effort. And it isn’t all that surprising considering the disparity in size of our two species.” “Bravo kilos sure have a thing for sticking blades on their equipment, don’t they? I bet their mess kits’ve got three knives.” “The projectiles fired from this weapon seem to be made out of the same material as the spike grenade’s casing. Wounds caused by this weapon are horrifying.” “Spike rifles always have a weird sorta burnt hair smell about them. And you know you’re heading towards a firefight where they’re bein’ used if it smells like a barbeque gone wrong.”

Using the Spiker in the Field Off-planet fighting brings with it some of the disadvantages of interstellar flight. Notably, the expense and difficulty of transporting large amounts of weaponry and ammunition. Unlike our ancestors in the preceding centuries, we cannot afford the luxury of ignoring or destroying enemy materiel or equipment. We field train even the most basic infantry in the “art” of utilizing found materials and weapons. A dead foe can be a treasure trove of equipment for a properly trained Spartan. Only recently have we encountered the so-called Spikers (Type-25 Carbine per the field manual), however, as the Brutes, in the wake of the Elite insurgence, assert their power and implement Brute strategies and weaponry on the field of combat. Brute Spikers are, and the pun is unavoidable, brutally effective. In field, they have similar penetration and lethal range to SMG pistols, but there are a few vital differences. Unlike SMGs, there’s little recoil, and therefore almost zero “rise” when using them in their default, full-automatic setting. This actually makes them a little more efficient and accurate than the SMG in dual-wielding situations, since you don’t have to adjust aim to stay centered. Like SMGs, pulsing the trigger rather than squeezing it into fully automatic mode, will result in more accurate shooting over distance. The spikes have a very large spread when sprayed in fully automatic mode. Larger even than the SMG. More vitally, the spikes don’t deform on impact if shot at close surfaces at an angle. Shoot head on, and they crumple, but angle that shot and you can deflect, with predictable accuracy, deadly, shredding rounds that basically lose none of their efficacy. As you can imagine, in very tight confines, the effect can be used deliberately to injure or weaken a player who thinks they’re in safe cover. They might also relax their guard, believing that your aim is catastrophically off, or that you’re targeting another opponent. In tests at High Ground, we’ve found that the Spikers can be used effectively at a medium distance to pick off enemies who’re often confused (and panicked) first by the sound, but then have difficulty recognizing what weapon is being used against them. The SMG comparison becomes especially relevant in close-quarters fighting however. The Spiker ammunition does terrible things to human flesh, and will penetrate shields and armor with ease. Files are being updated constantly on this and other brute strategies. More and more we are discovering that Brutes are as great, if not a greater threat in combat than our previous problem, the Elites.

Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGBruteSpiker|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Spiker|D=30|M=06|Y=2019|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Brute Spiker}}

Spike grenade

Spike Grenade

Excerpt from long-term, in-field interview with the soldiers of E2-BAG/1/7. Official designation: Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade Length (o/a): 91.4 cm (36 in.) Weight: 1.93 kg (4.25 lbs) Filler: Unknown Killing radius: 3 meters (10 ft) Casualty radius1: 11 meters (36 ft) Unit Replacement cost: N/A

Description: The Type-2 is the standard antipersonnel fragmentation grenade of the Covenant heavy infantry. It resembles the early 20th century Model 24 Stielhandgranate superficially, which has lead to it being called “potato masher”. It has also acquired the monikers “spike grenade”, “table leg”, and “nail bomb”.

Observations: The directional explosive characteristics of the Type-2 makes it particularly suited to defensive and antivehicle use.

Remarks: “It’s like a table leg with machetes bolted to it. Who the hell makes a weapon like that? Did those guys actually get up into space on their own?” “It’s not as heavy as it looks, but it’s still like trying to throw a softball bat.” “When you decide to throw one of these things make sure to tell everyone around you, ‘cause they are dangerous all the way there.” “Those things ain’t made to wound anyone – to make you use up time and resources treating casualties. They were designed to make you die screaming.” “The casing is constructed of an unusual porous metallic compound. Shrapnel from the Type-2 reaches a temperature of approximately 270 to 315ºC and retains that heat for upwards of seven seconds. By design.” “I’ve heard guys say that there’s nothing as scary as seeing one of these slam into a wall – or a man – you’re standing next to. Well, those guys have never seen a whole squad of baby kongs huckin’ ‘em in their direction at the same time – ‘cause that is some scary ****.” “It’s like a shotgun that shoots flaming chainsaws at mike foxtrots – except you throw it.”

1The explosive force and fragment distribution of the type-2 APFG is channeled into a narrow cone perpendicular to the surface it strikes. The mechanism by which the explosion of the type-2 is directed is similar to that of the M383C Linear Shaped Charge Demolition Kit.

Not a helicopter. What, Like a Spider? In the UNSC’s limited encounters with the spike grenade, we have learned much of its tactical applications both through contact with the Brutes and field tests of our own using discarded equipment. The quills of the spike grenade seem to be able to grip almost any surface upon which it’s been tested. This includes rock, glass and even some Covenant shield systems, unlike the plasma grenades which we have encountered before. The other feature unique to this grenade is its directional blast. Our researchers have discovered that the directional blast of the grenade is not designed to come out of one end or the other, but instead is relative to the surface against which it rests. If thrown against a perfectly flat wall, the grenade’s blast will disperse perpendicular to the wall. The Brutes have proven the strategic advantage of the grenade time and again in their recent activities on Earth. In the type of street to street urban combat we’ve been forced to participate in, and the close quarters therein, the Brute grenade is a ferocious problem. Its most useful application thus far has been to throw it directly across from an enemy, or rather where an enemy will be. The blast is typically enough to kill a marine or grunt but conversely, it will heavily damage a Brute. Applying the grenade directly to an enemy will invariably result in death. While the initial wound, akin to being run through by mini-baseball bat with nails sticking out of it, is survivable, the device arms upon impact and invariably detonates before it can be extracted from the body. Laces Out The application of the spike grenade will at first come naturally to UNSC forces that have experience with the plasma grenade and its capacity to stick to the enemy. This element of its feature set will not take much getting used to. The main difference between the spike grenade’s sticking ability and the plasma grenade’s is the fact that the spike grenade will still maintain its directional blast as opposed to the plasma grenade’s spherical blast. If you stick an enemy with the spike grenade you will want to get away from the blast as quickly as possible. Spartans have made a habit of sticking the enemy and then jumping straight over them to avoid the blast. Our more tactful marines will stick a brute and immediately find cover. If you have multiple targets, it may be advantageous to stick the rearmost of them and let the blast claim the targets in front of it, meanwhile shielding you from the blast. There are many scenarios in which the spike grenade can be used more like a claymore mine than the grenade designation we’ve given it. The base at High Ground presents several such opportunities for the defending force. The many flat surfaces and 90 degree agles make it an ideal environment in which to set up a trap for an approaching opponent. One can, for example, use the corridors of the base to trap opponents in the line of the spike grenade’s fire. Two such corridors leading in through the bunker are quite narrow and throwing a spike grenade onto the wall as an enemy passes, can be just as effective as placing a frag grenade right at their feet. It’s better than tossing a frag however, because you don’t need to calculate for the bounce - and better than a plasma because you don’t need to be precise enough to hit a moving target. It is certainly a weapon benefitting the smarter and more patient soldier willing to wait for the right moment to strike. Another of the spike grenade’s claymore-like features is its ability to cover an individual’s retreat. When falling back to better cover in the battlefield, soldiers can toss the spike grenade at passing walls and objects in order to slow the advance of pursuing foes. This can apply to any area but one specific scenario in which it has been particularly useful has been in the Covenant facility at Snowbound. The shield doors that are riddled throughout the base do not permit active projectiles or armed grenades to pass through them, and therefore the spike grenade sticks to this as it would any other surface. Our soldiers have found this particularly useful in enemy encounters, as they stick a spike grenade to the door, pass through and then turn around to watch the spike grenade take its toll on the following enemy.

Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGBruteGrenade|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Spike Grenade|D=07|M=02|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Spike grenade}}

Type-3 Antipersonnel / Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade

Type-3 Antipersonnel / Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade
Official Designation:	Type-3 AP/AM
Length (o/a):	30.5 cm	(12 in.)
Weight :	3.6 kg	(8 lbs)
Filler:	Unknown
Killing radius:	3.4 meters	(8 ft)
Unit Replacement Cost:	cR. N/A
Description: The type-3 incendiary grenade is used to destroy materiel. The filler of the type-3 AP/AM grenade burns for 4.5 seconds and can damage, immobilize, or destroy vehicles, weapon systems, or munitions. It can also be used to temporarily block enemy movement through restrictive areas. It has acquired the monikers “Molotov” and “firebomb”.
Observations: The type-3 incendiary grenade can be thrown 10 meters by the average soldier. The casing of the device is converted to a molten state, which burns at approximately 2200 °C. It must be noted that looking directly at the incendiary grenade as it burns; the intensity of the light is potentially hazardous to the retina.
Remarks: “The filler seems to be a liquid or a gel or something; it dissipates pretty rapidly under water—I don’t know how it would behave in hard vacuum.” “It doesn’t burn under water—unless it’s already on something and burning. A thermite grenade will burn under water and that crap has been around forever. Hey, is it just me or does Brute tech seem to be all over the map? Either there’s no info sharing on Brutonia or something bad happened.” “It sure don’t seem like it was meant for burnin’ materiel, seems more like it was meant for burnin’ personnel.” “Baby Kongs use ‘em exclusively as eh pea grenades. Actually Kongs tend to capture or abandon material more often than they deny it. ” “None of the other alien foxtrots use ‘em. Either the bravo kilos don’t trust ‘em with ‘em or the rest of ‘em ain’t as keen on burnin’ folk as kilos are.”
Citation: {{Ref/Site|Id=bnetfirebomb|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fourthgrenade|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Incendiary Grenade|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-3 Antipersonnel / Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade}}

Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol

Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol
Official designation:	Type-25 DEP
Length o/a:	34.3 cm	(13.5 in.)
Weight:	3.5 kg	(7.75 lbs)
1Cartridge:	unknown[1]
Max. effective range:	50 meters	(155 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	108 m/s	(354 f/s)
Battery capacity:	200 shots
Rate of fire:	semi-automatic only
Unit Replacement cost:	N/A
Description: The Type-25 DEP is a battery-powered directed energy weapon capable of semi- automatic fire. The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation.
Observations: The Type-25 DEP is the standard infantry weapon of the Covenant armed forces. This small directed energy weapon has a core power output of 100~150 Kv@2~3 dA in its standard firing mode. Over-charge power output is as high as 1.5 Mv @ 2~3 dA. Over-charging the weapon dramatically reduces the lifespan of the weapon’s battery.
Remarks: “[The Type-25 DEP] is the bread and butter of Covenant small arms—almost as common as the MA5 is with the UNSC. After the Covenant Carrier jumped there were some areas of Mombasa where plasma pistols covered the ground like leaves—that maneuver killed a bunch of dudes on both sides.” “The trigger is soft—no feedback—there’s no break that tells you when the overcharge is gonna kick in. First time I did it was on accident and it damn near sprained my wrist.” “It’s a damned ray gun—how come we don’t have ray guns?” “It’s great in built-up areas and clearing buildings. Anything over a couple dozen meters though? Not so much.” “How the foxtrot does it track anything? Whatever—I guess that’s why I carry an em eh five instead of a TACPAD.” “It’s just the right size and it feels good in your hands, but give me an em seven or an em eh five any day of the week.”
1Pending treaty negotiations with the Sangheili.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmapistol|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Plasma pistol}}

Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle

Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle
Official designation:	Type-25 DER
Length o/a:	66 cm	(26 in.)
Weight:	5.9 kg	(13 lbs)
Cartridge:	unknown1
Max. effective range:	50 meters	(155 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	126 m/s	(413 f/s)
Battery capacity:	400 shots
Rate of fire:	360~540 shots/min
Unit Replacement cost:	N/A
Description: The Type-25 DER is a battery-powered directed energy weapon capable of fully automatic fire. The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation.
Observations: Up until just recently the Plasma Rifle had been the primary weapon of the Covenant’s officer corps 2. The weapon has a power output of 100~150 Kv@2~3 dA. It has been widely noted that the disparity in the effective combat range between Covenant short and long arms are much greater than those of the UNSC—this is also reflected in the Covenant’s combat doctrine: destroy enemy morale with harassing fire from distant or hidden snipers and intimate exposure to the alien-ness of their infantry.
Remarks: “These things are huge—but I guess the Elites are, too—so it sort’a makes sense.” “[The Type-25 DER] has no recoil to speak of; it tears the ____ out of shields and you can shoot the thing all day long—it is on the heavy side though.” “I realize that it uses a battery instead of a magazine, but nobody has figured out how to swap it or recharge it yet? Don’t we have scientists working for us or something?” “It’s got no sightline, it’s awkward to hold, and if it overheats it’ll cook the hair right off of your wrists.” “You know, it looks delicate and so you feel like you need to hold it kind’a gingerly—but then you see an Elite crack in a Bravo Kilo’s head with one—thing’s are built tough.” “Yeah, and I’ve seen some [Elites] swinging two of them around like it was nothing—scary ____.”
1Pending treaty negotiations with the Sangheili. 2It is still the primary weapon of the of the Sangheilian armed forces
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmarifle|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Plasma rifle}}

Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon

Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon
Official designation:	Type-33 LAAW
Length o/a:	130.2 cm	(51.26 in.)
Length (barrel):	73.66 cm	(29 in.)
Weight (empty):	20.8 kg	(46 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	23.1 kg	(51 lbs)
Cartridge:	unknown1
Max. effective range:	165 meters	(541 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	72 m/s	(236 f/s)
Magazine capacity:	5 rounds
Rate of fire:	semi-automatic only
Unit Replacement cost:	N/A
Description: This weapon is a man-portable support weapon. It appears to be recoil-operated. It fires 3.8cm explosive ballistic projectiles. It is commonly employed in both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle roles.
Observations: This weapon has changed very little since it was first encountered in 2531. The most obvious change has been the elimination of the “dead man’s switch” 2 which occurred late in 2552. Because of the weapon’s visibility it is just as effective as a psychological weapon. It is often the case that soldiers will ignore closer, more obvious targets in order to eliminate a Type-33 and its operator.
Remarks: “Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin’ yer transfixed—these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!” “It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kind’a funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.” “They’re pretty tricky to handle—first off you gotta get over the fact that there is this glowing, green explosive whatever right next to your head; and it’s not like you can req any more ammo for the damn thing—but you can lay down a whole lot’a hurt in a very short amount of time I’ll tell you what.” “[The Type-33s] have more in common with the ballistic weapon on the Banshee than it does with the weapon that the Hunters carry around—well, not carry around, but you know what I mean.” “I catch a glimpse of green out of the corner of my eye and then there’s this huge “whoomf” and the ‘hog goes end over end burning with Gaz still at the wheel. I was riding shotty with the em forty-one so I just unlatched and pushed off when we started going up into the air—and there went the ‘hog and Gaz and all our gear cart-wheeling into the ravine.” “No sooner had I put the Grunt down than Fisk has got a hold of that bad boy and dumps the whole clip into the column—stickies and everything just cooking off—secondaries like mad! Fisk was a crazy bastard he was—wish he was still with us.”
1Pending treaty negotiations with the Sangheili. 2Although the existence of the “dead man’s switch”—a mechanism that sabotages the weapon if it is dropped without first engaging a safety—has only been theorized, it would be difficult to believe that every single Unggoy and Sangheili that was killed while using one fired the weapon right at their feet the moment they died.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|Id=bnetfuelrodgun|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon}}

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
Official designation:	Type-33 GML
Length o/a:	57.8 cm	(22.75 in.)
Length (barrel):	16.25 cm	(6.4 in.)
Weight (empty):	3.74 kg	(8.25 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	4.3 kg	(9.5 lbs)
Cartridge:	unknown1
Max. effective range:	64 meters	(210 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	54 m/s	(177 f/s)
Magazine capacity:	19 rounds
Rate of fire:	510 rnds/min
Unit Replacement cost:	N/A
Description: The Type-33 GML is an unusual projectile weapon. It fires guided projectiles which are long and very sharp—hence the “needler” moniker—that impale soft targets which detonate several seconds after coming to rest in their target. The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation.
Observations: Though not generally considered effective enough to be a combat multiplier, the wounds this weapon inflicts are horrific. In this aspect it is been reasoned by some to be the closest weapon in the Covenant arsenal to the flamethrower of ancient times.2 The standard tactic used by Covenant combatants armed with Type-33 GMLs is to fire several bursts into a confined area before entering; the projectiles ricochet when they hit rigid surfaces at oblique angles and retain sufficient velocity to make dodging them difficult at best. Linear energy fields3 tend to provide the best protection; as the projectiles are repelled without detonating.
Remarks: “I don’t know how it works, but it seems [the needles] can only follow you if they can see you.” “First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a needler is finding cover; second order of business is killing the mike foxtrot with the needler.” “Anything stuck with enough needles will blow sky high—and if a foxtrot is unlucky enough to be carrying grenades, those’re gonna cook off too.” “I caught three in the leg as I was diving behind a broken wall—they lodged right in there where the greave meets the boot. When they went off it damn near broke my ankle and flung like little splinters of glass or crystal or whatever all up my left side—the corpsman was pulling that ____ out’a me for the better part of two hours.” “Luckily—listen to me “luckily”—the needles only detonate when they’re imbedded in living tissue. Now that’s lucky because it’s not gonna blow a hole in the wall you’re hiding behind or tear the tires off of the vehicle you’re trying to escape in.” “It’s about as close to a fire-and-forget small arm that were likely to ever see—and it ain’t ours. This is why we’re losing.”
1Pending treaty negotiations with the Sangheili. 2Or the M7057 DP, although that is not currently listed as a weapon system. 3Such as the Point Defense Gauntlets carried by the Kig-Yar.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3Needler|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|D=16|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Needler}}

Type-50 Sniper Rifle System

Type-50 Sniper Rifle System
Official designation:	Type-50 SRS
Length o/a:	160.4 cm	(63.2 in.)
Length (barrel):	82.55 cm	(32.5 in.)
Weight:	18 kg	(39.6 lbs)
Cartridge:	unknown1
Max. effective range2:	1500 meters	(4900 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	3657 m/s	(12,000 f/s)
Battery capacity:	10 shots
Rate of fire:	semi-automatic only
Unit Replacement cost:	N/A
Description: The Type-50 SRS is a battery-powered directed-energy weapon. The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation.
Observations: This weapon has become much more common in recent months. Whether this is indicative of a widespread change in battlefield doctrine or a local reorganization of unit structure is unknown. The weapon is nearly silent, negligible muzzle signature, weighs considerably less than its UNSC analog and inflicts wounds akin to the 14.5mm SRS 99 AM—by all assessments it is a clear combat multiplier.
Remarks: “Makes less noise than a bee are; has less felt recoil than an em six; is at least as accurate as ninety-nine eh em—it’s big and heavy and the balance is weird but I can’t wait ‘til I get my hands on another one.” “It’s deadly accurate. The scope is a little hard to take though—made me nauseous when I first figured out how to engage it—it’s useful enough and easy to understand. Still hurts my eyes though.” “As soon as the first guy goes down with blood and steam whistling out through the neat new hole in their head you know you’re in for a long miserable game of ‘where the foxtrot did that come from’.” “Maybe with the Elites on our side we’ll finally find out how to reload or recharge these weapons or whatever… I have a feeling we shouldn’t start holding our breath any time soon though.” “Not as much recoil as the ninety-nine but then again the mechanism is entirely different—don’t worry about the machine; a steady hand, breath control, and patience are the key to success with either one.” “[the Type-50 SRS is] not completely silent nor is it invisible. Jackals may be superb marksmen and they’re very sneaky, but that doesn’t make them excellent snipers—they’re a little too bloodthirsty for that.”
1Pending treaty negotiations with the Sangheili. 2These numbers are estimates pending the procurement of a working example for investigative purposes.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|Id=bnetbeamrifle|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3beamrifle|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-50 Sniper Rifle System|D=16|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-50 Sniper Rifle System}}

Type-51 Carbine

Type-51 Carbine
Official designation:	Type-51 Carbine
Length o/a:	122.8cm	(48.3 in.)
Length (barrel):	58.67 cm	(23.1 in.)
Weight (empty):	7 kg	(15.5 lbs)
Weight (loaded):	8.8 kg	(19.5 lbs)
Cartridge:	8mm x 60 caseless (composition unknown)1
Max. effective range:	600 meters	(1968 ft)
Muzzle velocity:	700 m/s	(2296 f/s)
Magazine capacity:	18 rounds
Rate of fire:	semi-automatic only
Unit Replacement cost:	N/A
Description: This weapon appears to be recoil-operated, semi-automatic, and charger-fed. It fires 8mm caseless projectiles. The projectile is powered along its entire flight path, consuming up to 50% of its total mass by the time it reaches its maximum effective range.
Observations: To the casual observer the Type-51 Carbine may seem like an oddity within the Covenant arsenal, but its seeming incongruity is superficial. The Covenant has several other solid projectile weapons and many weapons that appear to be direct analogs of UNSC armaments. Whether separated by vast oceans or the enormous gulfs of interstellar space the basic tools required to compete within the ultra-refined arena of armed conflict are invariably going to resemble one another in either form or function—if not both.
Remarks: “So—it’s just their projectile weapons that we’ve figured out how to reload? I guess I’m cool with that.” “It’s almost a direct analog of the bee are fifty-five. I just wish it had a more—um—conventional scope.” “In my youth I used to board Olympus a couple o’ times a year—you see where I’m going with this? Yeah. That foxtrot gun is the size of my old board.” “Oh man! You really need to learn to recognize the symbols on top of the charger—and count your shots, too. First time I picked one up I just about brained myself when it ejected.” “Wish it was smaller; wish it had a proper stock—or at least a butt pad.” "Hey—don’t inhale immediately after the charger ejects. I heard that ____ will give you Boren’s Syndrome.”2
1Pending treaty negotiations with the Sangheili. 2There are no conclusive tests that indicate that the Type-51 Carbine puts a user at risk for contracting Boren’s Syndrome.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|Id=bnetcarbine|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3carbine|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-51 Carbine|D=16|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-51 Carbine}}

Vehicles

M12 Warthog

M12 WARTHOG
DESCRIPTION
The M12 is primarily used in a scouting capacity, or as an integral part of a mechanized infantry unit. In the case of the LRV and LAAV variants it can hold three soldiers including the gunner. The mounted weapon includes a battery for short term operation separated from the vehicle, but normally operates on the vehicle’s power supply. The vehicle is powered by a 12 liter hydrogen-injected ICE and can reach speeds up to 125 kph (78 mph). A number of variants of the Warthog are in service with UNSC forces, including the M831 TT (which eliminates the support weapon in favor of four side-facing passenger seats), the M864 A (with an enclosed passenger compartment and treads in place of wheels), and the M914 RV (equipped with a towing winch and a heavy duty motor and gear system).
Weapon Statistics
	Weight:	3 tonnes	(3.25 tons)
	Length:	6.1 meters	(20 feet.)
	Height:	3.2 meters	(10.5 feet)
	Width:	3 meters	(9.75 feet)
	Power plant:	12.0 L liquid-cooled hydrogen-injected ICE
	Range:	790 kilometers	(490 miles)
	Main armament:	M41 12.7mm LAAG	(M12 LRV version)
	Main armament:	M68 25mm Gauss Cannon	(M12G LAAV version)
	Unit Replacement Cost:	cR. 52000.00
OBSERVATIONS
Overall soldiers had only positive comments for this asset. They believe the vehicle could benefit from greater versatility in mounted weaponry and perhaps an armor upgrade.
REMARKS
“(the M12) is sort of a bear to wheel around, but that’s something you gotta expect – the thing is twice the size of my grandad’s car – but it’s something you get used to pretty damned quick.” “On the battlefield speed is life and the M12 has that in spades – having a great big damn gun don’t hurt, either.” “One word: hand. brake .” “I have yet to come up against an obstacle that the warthog couldn’t go right over.” “The Sarge hates it when we ram stuff, says the ‘hog ain’t indestructible. But it sure feels like it when you’re plowing through a crowd of startled Grunts, though.” “The seats are unreal! I was thinking of pulling a set out of a parts vehicle and shipping them home… but the wife shut it down – says everyone would be able tell where they came from.” “Look at these legs – pretty nice, huh? It’s totally from getting in and out’a the ‘hogs. Thirty-six inch damn step height.”
FIELD USE
The Hog is a huge, unwieldy, difficult to steer death trap – until you learn how to drive it properly. With proper application of the hand, or “e-brake” the Hog can actually turn on a dime. Massive disc brakes allow the thing to come to a near immediate halt from its top speed of 78mph, and more importantly, swing around rapidly to allow a gunner a better angle on a prospective target. In combat it is vital that driver and gunner are copasetic. If the wheelman knows where his turret-firing buddy needs to aim, the results are almost always destructive and impressive. The gun itself is simple to use, but presents challenges when being pushed to the limits on a busy battlefield. This movement and unpredictability can be lessened with good driving. Evasive maneuvers are if anything, more important than offensive attack. It is vital that a driver can get in and out of dangerous situations without flipping the heavy and hard-to-right Hog. A Spartan can pretty much right an upturned Warthog, but that puts the drivers and passengers in a very dangerous situation while trying to rectify a messy crash. The Warthog’s ostensible scouting and personnel transport purpose should not be ignored in favor of its offensive capabilities. As a matter of fact, for objective based missions, it should be noted that a fast moving Hog with a good driver and a gunner, is the perfect getaway vehicle. Knowing when to get out is just as important as knowing when to get in. The Hog’s automatic braking systems will bring the vehicle to a sudden, but controlled stop should the driver be ejected, or choose to leave the vehicle. Since there are no doors, you can hop over the sills and take advantage of the vehicle’s momentum to give you a running start when making the transition from vehicle to on-foot maneuvers. The hog is tough, but a couple of direct hits from grenades, or a well placed rocket, will end its reign of terror almost immediately. Now if only there was some way to make them indestructible…
Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGwarthog|Site=Bungie.net|Page=M12 Warthog|D=16|M=04|Y=2020|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Warthog}}

Mongoose

Mongoose

Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present M274 ULTRA-LIGHT ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE Excerpt from long-term, in-field interview with the soldiers of E2-BAG/1/7.

M274 ULATV “Mongoose” Top speed: 60 mph / 96 kph Mpg: Between 45 and 65 (depending on load) Power plant: 1000cc liquid-cooled, longitudinally mounted, four-stroke, hydrogen-injected ICE Weight: 896 lbs / 406 kg

Description: The M274 Ultra-light All-terrain Vehicle provides an alternate means of transporting messages, documents, and light cargo between units. It may also be used to transport forward observers, reconnaissance personnel and sniper teams. Its proven versatility has made it a vital asset to field commanders when used as an alternate means of communication. Observations: Overall soldiers are very appreciative and even fond of this asset. They believe the vehicle could benefit from greater power and the ability to tow a trailer. They would also like to be able to mount a crew-served weapon for personal protection.

Remarks: “(The M274) is pretty nimble for its size; add to that the fact that it can do ninety plus kilo papa hotel over uneven terrain and you’ve got the ultimate commando hot rod.” “Speed is the only protection this vehicle provides; it is unarmored, noisy, and prone to roll-over. It demands a level of skill from its operator that is impossible to expect from the rank and file during combat conditions. Those not qualified as expert need not apply.” “That thing will go from zero to thirty in three seconds on anything short of snow covered ice.” “The M274 doesn’t have a radio of its own, isn’t equipped with GPS, it doesn’t even have any gauges. The only piece of equipment more primitive is the crate it ships in.” “The first thing everybody does is yank the front cargo cage – if you were to carry anything on it your forward visibility would be obstructed out to about six meters – that and less weight equals more speed… anyway it’s the first thing everybody does.” “It’s a super versatile ATV in the tradition of the Sperry FCMMagLEV and Willys Jeep; without the former’s vulnerable drivetrain or the latter’s innards-rupturing suspension.” “If they’re not gonna give us armor they should at least give us a mounted weapon. And you should be able to tow a trailer with it. And, god forbid, you try to ford bodies of water more than seven feet deep.” “The M274’s range is excellent, and that’s even before you consider that you can double or triple its range that without severely impacting its max load – just a couple of jerrys of slop1 and a carbon feeler.” “Some fellas piss and moan about the M274’s lack of offensive capability, but it’s not meant to be an AFV! Still; with a brave fella riding pillion you should be able to put out enough disencouragement to break contact with all but the most bloodthirsty bravo kilo.” “The (M274) is definitely the most Buddhist land-based motive system in the UNSC’s arsenal… I’ll just let that sit with you for a while.”

1 Slop is military slang for Nanoreagent hydrocarbots - a suspension of nanomachines that renders nearly all carbon heavy matter into usable fuel for the UNSC’s ubiquitous internal combustion powerplants.

Citation: {{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGMongoose|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Mongoose|D=07|M=02|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Mongoose}}

Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle "Chopper"

TYPE-25 RAPID ASSAULT VEHICLE "CHOPPER"
DESCRIPTION
The Type-25 RAV has become more common with the reappearance of the Brutes as frontline troops. Although it has not totally replaced the “ghost” as the primary rapid assault vehicle of the Covenant ground forces, it is usually piloted by higher ranking individuals. The vehicle is capable of momentary bursts of speed up to 120 kph (75 mph). The vehicle is armed with four (4) linked forward-firing light autocannons1.
Weapon Statistics
	Weight:	1 tonnes	(1.1 tons)
	Length:	6.4 meters	(21 feet.)
	Height:	2.9 meters	(9.77 feet)
	Width:	2.8 meters	(9.33 feet)
	Power plant:	unknown
	Range:	272 kilometers	(169 miles)
	Top Speed:	74 kph	(46 mph)
	Main armament:	4 x 35 mm autocannons	(linked)
	Unit Replacement Cost:	N/A
OBSERVATIONS
Although this vehicle is significantly slower than many of those available to UNSC ground forces it is capable of nearly doubling its top speed momentarily through some unknown mechanism. The Type-25 RAV, while stoutly built, is very lightly armored and the driver is completely exposed except from the front where the vehicle’s prodigious engine provides more than adequate protection.
REMARKS
“D’ya think they’re compensating for something? I mean, look at the size of the damn thing—it’s bigger than my first apartment.” “It doesn’t have the room to accommodate a single passenger—and what do they do with their gear? Lash it on to the fenders?” “They don’t have a lot in the way of places you can stow your gear—it’s basically a huge engine with a little bucket tied to it for you to stick your ass in. And big golf delta blades bolted to it, can’t forget about the blades.” “All the markings are hand -painted. Well, at least they were on all the ones I’ve seen close up. I think [the Type-25] is more of a status symbol for the Brutes—or maybe a mount—than it is a just another piece of equipment.” “Yeah, [WO SWG-FoR/SO N’thro] ‘Sraom basically confirmed that—said the riders held specific ranks outside the Covenant military hierarchy structure—that they’re more of a traditional unit like Cossacks or something.” “They’re not very fast, but they’re like zombies—every time you turn around there they are breathing down your neck! Don’t help that they’re built like tanks, either.” “With that big damn motor you’d think they’d really fly, wouldn’t you? I wonder if the Covenant romeo echo mike foxtrots slapped a governor on ‘em like our do with the warthog?” “I never thought I’d see somethin’ that could tear up a warthog so completely short of an eight-oh-eight just by runnin’ into it—are choppers put together out of old battleships or something?”
1 The use of the term autocannon here is not entirely accurate even though the weapon is self-loading and fires a large caliber (35mm) projectile.
Citation: {{Ref/Site|Id=bnetchopper|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=chopperfiction|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Brute Chopper|D=11|M=5|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle "Chopper"}}

Production notes

• The document serves as the narrative backdrop for the Bungie.net news posts on the weapons and vehicles featured in the then-upcoming Halo 3. The posts are written by Robert McLees, who is referenced in-universe as the papers' fictional author "Dr. Robert McLees".
• After its initial publication, the entry on the M6 Spartan Laser had multiple quotes removed.