Editing Marathon-class heavy cruiser

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.

The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.

Latest revision Your text
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Title|''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser}}
{{Title|''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Infobox/Ships
{{Ship Class Infobox
|name           = ''Marathon''-class
|name=''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser
|image           = [[File:Enc22 SoTP Marathon.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2-MarathonHeavyCruiser.png|400px]]
|caption        =  
|manufacturer=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|modules        = {{Infobox/Ships/Class
|class=[[Cruiser]]
|hide-class          =  
|role=Attack, defense
|class identification = [[Hull classification symbol]]: '''CA'''{{Ref/Level|Id=H2ACairo|H2A|Cairo Station|Detail=UNSC ''Canberra''{{'}}s hull code can be viewed on Hood's viewscreen.}}{{Ref/Generic|Id=Crate2|Halo Legendary Crate|[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]}}{{Ref/Note|Id=Contention|At least one ''Marathon'', [[C-322]], does not use CA for its hull code.}}
|length={{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 42''</ref>
|class operator      = [[UNSC Navy]]
|width={{Convert|293|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="model">3D model data</ref>
|class manufacturer  = [[SinoViet Heavy Machinery]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=119}}
|height={{Convert|375|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="model"/>
|class architect      = <!--The naval architect(s) for the class-->
|mass=100,000 tons<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 53''</ref><ref group ="note">''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'' states that the ''Marathon''-class cruiser has a mass of 100,000 tons. However, given that the ''Marathon''-class is over 3.5 times longer than a modern [[Wikipedia:Nimitz class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz'' class aircraft carrier]], which also has a mass of 100,000 tons, as well as being nearly four times wider and many times taller, this tonnage seems unrealistic. Though this mass figure is perhaps a result of future construction materials or weight-saving design, it is more likely an oversight by [[Eric Nylund]].</ref>
|class built          = <!--How many ships of this class were constructed-->
|engine=[[Fusion drive]]s
|class in service    = [[2520]]-present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Note|Id=service|Text=The [[2022]] ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia]]'' established the ''Marathon'' as having been first launched in 2520, which, however, contradicts ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]] - [[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]'' Issue 1, as it depicted several ''Marathon''-class cruisers being present during the [[Operation: TREBUCHET]] in [[2513]], rendering the comic panel depiction dubious.}}
|slipspace drive=[[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]
|hull=191 cm [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]<ref name="ENC"/>
|armament=*Two [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s<ref name="ENC"/>
*Oversized [[M58 Archer missile]] pods<ref name="ENC"/> (60 missiles each){{Citation needed}}
*[[Point defense gun]]s (unknown number)
*Five [[fusion rocket]]s<ref name="ENC"/>
|complement=*[[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] (presumably battalion-strength)<ref name="complement" group="note">This is based on the ''Halcyon''-class' ability to carry a battalion of Marines. Presumably, the ''Marathon'' could support a similarly sized complement.</ref>
*24 [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 251''</ref>
*Numerous ground and air vehicles
|era = [[Human-Covenant War]]
|affiliation = [[UNSC Navy]]
}}
}}
|hide-characteristics=<!--leave blank unless you want to hide the characteristics section header-->
|nocollapse      = yes
|type            = [[Cruiser|Heavy cruiser]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=42}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-cruiser|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=UNSC Cruiser|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}
|length          = {{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|width          = {{Convert|293|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height          = {{Convert|375|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Game|H2|Marathon-class cruiser model data}}
|mass            = 12 million tonnes{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power          = [[Fusion reactor]]
|maneuver drive  = [[Fusion drive]]s (2 primary, 4 secondary)
|slipspace drive = [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=tug|HFS|Detail=Adjunct - [[Tug o' War]]}}
|crew            = <!--Describes crew counts only-->
|complement      = *1,000 personnel{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|troops          =
*[[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]]{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR23}}
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]{{Ref/Level|Id=ODST|H3ODST|Prepare to Drop}}
|hull            = {{Convert|191|cm|in|sp=us}} of [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=251}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=261}}
|shielding      = <!--Describes shielding-->
|sensors        = <!--Describes sensors and whatnot-->
|ew              = <!--Describes electronic warfare capabilities-->
|armaments      =
*2 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|49F9A1 MAC]]s{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*70 [[Archer missile|M58 Archer missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*6 [[Sentry autocannon|M66 Sentry autocannons]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*26 [[Longbow missile|M40 Longbow missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Five [[fusion rocket]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*12 [[M810 Helix point defense guns]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|aircraft        =
*24 [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} {{C|Carrier refits-only}}{{Ref/Note|Id=Longswords|As this is a very large number of fighters, and it has been stated that UNSC cruisers specifically trade fighter-carrying capacity for armaments and armor, it is likely that this number represents the carrying capacity of the ''Marathon''-class when in its converted light carrier configuration instead of in its standard form.}}
*[[Dropships]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoR23|TFoR|Chapter=23}}
*[[Drop pod]]s{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}}
|air facilities  = <!--Describes hangars and whatnot-->
}}
The '''''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser''' ([[hull classification symbol]]: '''CA'''){{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}} is a classification of [[cruiser]] in service with the [[UNSC Navy]]. Built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}, the ''Marathon''-class is nearly 1.2 kilometers long, heavily armored, and equipped with two [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannons]] and an impressive arsenal of missiles.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


These vessels were most often deployed in attack and defense roles, serving as the backbone of UNSC fleets, though they were also popular among high-ranking [[UNSC]] officers for use as [[Flagship|command ships]],{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} and were even deployed in rare instances in a [[Carrier|light carrier]] configuration.{{Ref/Book|Id=fb125|Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook|Page=124-125}} They were primarily used during the [[Human-Covenant War]], though their numbers were heavily diminished and only very few remain in service in the conflict's aftermath alongside their successor vessel, the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}.{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=191}}
The '''''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser''' is a [[cruiser]] classification used by the [[UNSC Navy]] with a [[hull classification symbol]] of '''CA'''.<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 42''</ref> Built as a replacement for the aging {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}, the ''Marathon'' class is nearly 1.2 kilometers in length, making it one of the largest warships used by the UNSC.<ref name="ENC"/> Due to their limited numbers, ''Marathon''-class cruisers are typically commanded by officers of the [[Rear Admiral]] rate or higher and are commonly used as [[flagship]]s.<ref name="ENC"/> The class is named for the historical [[Wikipedia:Battle of Marathon|Battle of Marathon]].


==Overview==
==Overview==
===Design details===
===Design===
[[File:HFB-UNSCLeviathan.png|thumb|250px|left|The {{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}, [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]].]]
At 1192 meters long, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers are approximately three times the length of a typical [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]. ''Marathon''s have 191cm-thick layers of Titanium-A armor, allowing them to sustain far greater damage than any frigate or [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]]. ''Marathon''-class cruisers sport two [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s and an unknown number of [[point defense gun]]s.<ref name="ENC"/> In addition to their integrated armament, the cruisers have dozens of oversized [[M58 Archer missile]] pods containing dozens of missiles each, as well as five [[fusion rocket]]s.<ref name="ENC"/>
At {{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}} long,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} ''Marathon''-class heavy [[cruiser]]s are more than twice the length of a typical [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]. Despite their size, ''Marathon''-class cruisers are dwarfed by most [[Covenant cruiser]] classes.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} As the successor to the ''Halcyon''-class cruiser, these vessels have a similar profile, with a forward 'head' and large engine segment protected by armor cowlings, yet are not not identical and feature a streamlined inwards-slanted underside. The class also sports a thick 191-centimeter hull of [[Titanium-A armor]], enabling it to withstand substantial amounts of fire even from [[plasma]] weaponry.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} By [[2552]] the ''Marathon'' was considered to be one of the more powerful [[warship]]s ever built by [[human]]ity,{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR18|TFoR|Chapter=18}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR25|TFoR|Chapter=25}} outclassing its predecessor in virtually every respect.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
 
Like all warships of the UNSC Navy, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers have a degree of operational flexibility that is achieved through the use of modular mission packages and reconfigurable [[hangar bay]]s. Though a rare configuration, these cruisers could be modified and equipped to function as a [[Carrier|light carrier]], sacrificing [[missile]] pods and all of its cargo bays for additional hangar capacity.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}


===Crew and complement===
''Marathon''-class vessels have a similar profile to their predecessors, the ''Halcyon''s, though their ventral surfaces are concave rather than flat. A large deployment bay containing [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]s, known by [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s as "Hell's waiting room", is located amidships.<ref name="ODST">'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref> ''Marathon''s can carry two dozen [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s<ref name="ENC"/> in addition to numerous [[D77-TC Pelican]]s and other ground and air vehicles. Vessels of the class can also carry large [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] complements, likely of battalion strength.<ref name="complement" group="note"/>
''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers feature a standard complement of one thousand personnel, and are typically commanded by a [[captain]] or [[Admiral|rear admiral]], often being reserved for [[admiral]]s to use as [[Flagship|command ships]] due to their characteristic durability and firepower.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} They are also known to have the capacity to carry [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] contingents as well as accompanying [[dropship]] transportation.{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR23}}


Cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class are fitted with at least two hangar bays.{{Ref/Comic|Id=Genesis|HWG}}{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=fb|HFB|Detail=Marathon-class Heavy Cruiser in-game unit}} A large deployment bay containing numerous [[M8900 drop pod|M8900 SOEIVs]], referred to by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] as "Hell's waiting room", is located amidships.{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}} Space aboard a ''Marathon'' is optimized to maximize the amount of heavy weapons and armor equipped on each ship, preventing the cruisers from carrying more [[space fighter]]s; despite this, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers can carry two dozen [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|Longswords}}
===Service history===
Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers served in [[Battle Group X-Ray]] under [[Preston Jeremiah Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] during the [[Second Battle of Harvest]]. Throughout the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], Cole continued to command ''Marathon''s as part of his [[Third Fleet]]. Several ''Marathon''s from the fleet, including the {{UNSCship|Prophecy}}, participated in the [[Harvest campaign]].<ref name="Genesis">''Halo Wars: Genesis''</ref><ref name="Timeline">''Halo wars'' in-game timeline</ref>


===Armaments===
As their numbers were diminished by the onslaught of the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], many ''Marathon''s were reassigned to the defense of the [[Inner Colonies]] during the later years of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="page162">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 162''</ref><ref group="note">According to ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', as of July 2552 the Leviathan was one of twenty cruisers left in the Fleet, presumably referring to the entire Navy. Even if one assumes that this refers only to FLEETCOM Sector One, this number is clearly retconned in later media.</ref> ''Marathon''s were present at the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]], including [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s flagship [[UNSC Leviathan|''Leviathan'']], which was severely damaged during the battle. Numerous ''Marathon''-class cruisers participated in the [[Fall of Reach]].
''Marathon''-class cruisers are considered among the most powerful warships in the UNSC Navy, and have an armament to suit. Their primary armament consists of a heavy [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]];{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} with two 49F9A1 MACs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} This is reinforced with a secondary [[Missile Delivery System]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} consisting of 70 [[Archer missile|M58 Archer]] missile pods, 26 [[Longbow missile|M40 Longbow]] missile pods,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and 5 [[fusion rocket]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} The vessel is also equipped with a series of six [[Sentry autocannon|M66 Sentry]] [[naval autocannon]]s for general anti-ship duties,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and a tertiary [[Point Defense Network]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} of 12 [[M810 Helix point defense gun]]s for close-in defence against [[space fighter]]s, [[dropship]]s, [[boarding craft]], and missiles.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Usage===
At least eight ''Marathon''-class cruisers assigned to the [[UNSC Home Fleet]] were present at the onset of the [[Battle of Earth]]. Led by [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Harper]] and supported by sixty-seven frigates, these ships formed a defensive perimeter around the [[orbital defense platform]] cluster over the Mediterranean.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]]''</ref> [[Carl Patterson|Admiral Carl Patterson's]] [[Patterson's battle group|battle group]], drawn from the Home Fleet, was led by the {{UNSCship|Stalingrad}} during the [[Battle of Onyx]]. Several ''Marathon''-class cruisers of the Home Fleet were supposedly destroyed over the course of the battle for Earth, particularly after the final wave of Covenant reinforcements arrived.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Crow's Nest (level)|Crow's Nest]]''</ref>
Due to their durability and firepower, ''Marathon''-class vessels often serve as [[Flagship|command ships]] for a given naval unit.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


Due to its status as a core vessel of the UNSC Navy, the ''Marathon'' is a core component of several of the navy's [[UNSC Navy tactical formations|tactical formations]]. These include:
Most remaining ''Marathon''-class cruisers were decommissioned after the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} was introduced, with only a handful staying in service.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 191''</ref>
*'''Barrage Battle Group:''' an informal designation for a single ''Marathon'' escorted by two {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s, suited as a multi-purpose organisation capable of being assigned to a number of tasks. Barrage groups were generally used to hunt down [[Covenant]] raiders and deal with [[insurrectionist]] uprisings.{{Ref/Site|Id=Shield|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/new-formations-for-halo-fleet-battles|Site=Spartan Games|Page=New Formations for Halo: Fleet Battles|D=25|M=08|Y=2017}}
*'''Cerberus Battle Group:''' a specialist formation consisting of two ''Marathon''s paired together. These formations proved effective in the early stages of the Covenant War, though logistical challenges and a sheer lack of available vessels in the war's later stages made such battle groups hard to field. The long-range firepower available by the twin ''Marathon''s{{'}} combined MACs made these formations a priority target for Covenant hunting parties.{{Ref/Reuse|Shield}}
*'''Cyclops Battle Group:''' a rare configuration which saw ''Marathon''s refit to serve as a [[UNSC carrier|light carrier]]; sacrificing missile reloads and all of its cargo bays for additional [[hangar bay]]s. In addition to the modified ''Marathon'', a Cyclops battle group also employs three groups of ''Paris'' frigates in Trident Formation.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}
*'''Gorgon Battle Group:''' due to the short supply of heavy cruisers in the war's later years, it became a common practice to field even incompleted hulls to provide heavy MAC firepower to naval [[squadron]]s. Twin ''Marathon''s may be paired alongside a dedicated escort ''Paris'' frigate for each and two Trident Formations of ''Paris'' frigates, with the ''Marathon''s concentrating their firepower on heavily [[Energy shielding|shielded]] Covenant vessels and giving the frigates a fighting chance against the weaker targets.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}


==Ships of the line==
==Ships of the line==
*{{UNSCShip|Canberra}} (CA-70) – Fleet Admiral [[Joseph Harper]]'s [[flagship]]; led the [[Fifth Fleet]] against the [[Covenant]] during the [[Battle for Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}}
*{{UNSCShip|Canberra}} - Fleet Admiral J. Harper's flagship; led the [[Fifth Fleet]] against the Covenant during the Battle of Earth on October 20th, 2552.  
*{{UNSCShip|Dresden}} – Equipped with a [[saddle box]] drive. Destroyed during the [[Battle of Biko]] in [[2526]].{{Ref/Reuse|tug}}
*{{UNSCShip|Dresden}} - Destroyed over [[Biko]] in [[2525]] or [[2526]]. Carried a [[saddle box]] drive.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' (2010), ''Tug o' War''</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}} – Part of the Fifth Fleet; destroyed during the Battle of Earth on October 20, 2552.{{Ref/Site|Id=CF50|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-fifty-caliber|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber|D=10|M=03|Y=2019}}
*{{UNSCShip|Prophecy}} - Destroyed during the Harvest campaign in February 2531.<ref name="Genesis"/><ref name="Timeline"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Hannibal}} – Destroyed during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=18}}
*{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}} - Vice Admiral H. M. Stanforth's flagship. Severely damaged during the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV in July 2552.
*{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}} – Vice Admiral [[Michael Stanforth]]'s flagship. Severely damaged during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] and destroyed during the Fall of Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR18}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/michael-stanforth|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Michael Stanforth|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}
*{{UNSCShip|Hannibal}} - Destroyed during the Fall of Reach on August 30, 2552.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 168''</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Marathon}} – The [[Wikipedia:Lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.{{Ref/Generic|[[Stephen Loftus]] on the [[Talk:Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn'' class' talk page]]}}
*{{UNSCShip|Marathon}} - The lead ship of the class.  
*{{UNSCShip|Prophecy}} – Destroyed during the [[Harvest campaign]] in [[2531#February|February 2531]].{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Timeline}}
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} - Deployed ODSTs to board ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] on October 20, 2552.<ref name="ODST"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} (CA-942){{Ref/Reuse|Crate2}} – Deployed [[ODSTs]] to board ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' as part of [[Operation: BUMRUSH]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] on October 20, 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
*''[[C-322]]''{{Ref/NoteReuse|Contention}} - Participated in the [[Defense of Concord]] in [[2551#December|December 2551]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Contention|Halo: Winter Contention}}


==Service history==
==Trivia==
[[File:HWG SecondBattleOfHarvest.png|thumb|250px|Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers engaging the {{Pattern|Rasus|interdictor}} ''[[Heaven's Brilliant Bier]]'' during the [[First Battle of Harvest]].{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}]]
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Marathon-class heavy cruisers}}
The ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser was commissioned and built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}},{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} a smaller and more lightly armed cruiser which suffered from excessive production costs and a lack of tactical viability.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} After a brief era of service,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} most ships of the ''Halcyon''-class were decommissioned, which led to the ''Marathon''-class rising to prominence. By [[2525]], the ''Marathon''-class was the most popular line of [[cruiser]] in service with the Navy.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
Though in-universe the class is named for the Battle of Marathon, in reality its name is a reference to [[Bungie]]'s ''[[Marathon]]'' trilogy and its eponymous ship, the [[w:c:marathongame:UESC Marathon|UESC ''Marathon'']].
 
===Human-Covenant War===
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers served in [[Battle Group X-Ray]] under [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] during the [[First Battle of Harvest]]. Throughout the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ''Marathon''s continued to serve in Cole's [[Third Fleet]]. Several ''Marathon''s from the fleet, including {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}}, participated in the [[Harvest campaign]].{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Timeline|HW|Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline Events|Detail=}} At least one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser, {{UNSCShip|Dresden}}, participated in the [[Battle of Biko|Battle]] of [[Biko]], where it was destroyed by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|tug}}
 
[[File:Fifth Fleet - H2A.png|thumb|250px|left|Numerous ''Marathon''s hold position over Earth.]]
As their numbers were diminished by the onslaught of the Covenant, many ''Marathon''s were reassigned to the defense of the [[Inner Colonies]] and [[Earth]] during the later years of the Human-Covenant War.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR18}} As of [[2552#July|July 2552]], only 20 cruisers remained within the UNSC fleet, possibly at least among the [[FLEETCOM Sector One]].{{Ref/Note|See [[UNSC Leviathan#Notes|here]] by regarding the number of remaining cruisers as of July 2552}} [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]] [[UNSC Leviathan|''Leviathan'']] of the [[Battle Group Leviathan]] was present at the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] and was severely damaged during the battle.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR21|TFoR|Chapter=21}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR23|TFoR|Chapter=23}} Numerous ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Fall of Reach]], many of which were destroyed, including ''Leviathan''.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|fb}}{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=22}}
 
At least eight ''Marathon''-class cruisers (including {{UNSCShip|Canberra}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}} and [[UNSC Say My Name|''Say My Name'']],{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=UNSC Say My Name|D=24|M=04|Y=2011}} assigned to the [[Fifth Fleet]], a part of the [[UNSC Home Fleet]]) were present at the onset of the [[Battle for Earth]]. Led by [[Joseph Harper|Fleet Admiral Joseph Harper]] aboard ''Canberra'' and supported by sixty-seven {{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}s, these ships formed a defensive perimeter around the [[orbital defense platform]] cluster over the Mediterranean to prevent the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] from reaching Earth's surface.{{Ref/Level|H2|Cairo Station}} [[Carl Patterson|Admiral Carl Patterson]]'s [[Battle Group Omicron]], drawn from the Home Fleet, contained one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser that participated in the [[Onyx Conflict]], where she was destroyed with the rest of her [[battle group]].{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=32}}
 
===Post-war===
Most remaining ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers were decommissioned after the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} was introduced, with only a handful staying in service.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} The ''Autumn'' class became slated to serve as the core of the reconstituted UNSC Navy's fleet, a role the ''Marathon'' class had previously fulfilled.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser served as the flagship of Admiral [[Graselyn Tuwa]] during [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|an operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]]. The presence of the cruiser prevented [[Arlo Casille|Minister of Protection Arlo Casille]] from taking naval action against the UNSC, realizing that the cruiser could easily decimate his entire fleet of [[patrol corvette]]s.{{Ref/Novel|HLL|Chapter=5}}
 
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===''Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp''===
Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Operation: TREBUCHET]] over [[Eridanus II]] against the [[Insurrectionist]]s in [[2513]] during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=hfor|HFoRBC|Issue=1}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|service}} One of these cruisers threatened the [[United Rebel Front|URF]] [[Human starship|vessel]] ''[[Gateway (ship)|Gateway]]'', which experienced difficulties with its [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|slipspace drive]], until it was later ripped apart by [[Robert Watts]] using towing cables on his {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}, ''[[Iliad]]'',  and he sent the cruiser's debris into a collision course with another UNSC vessel, destroying both ships, alongside a ''Halcyon''-class cruiser.{{Ref/Reuse|hfor}}
 
==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===UNSC ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a single ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=95
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=6
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3
 
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat=
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 3
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 3
|SysLoadout5=
|SysLoadout5Stat=
 
|BuildRating=2
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=3
 
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=7
 
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=6
}}
 
 
===UNSC Supported ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser and one ''Paris''-class heavy frigate.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=110
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser Supported.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=7
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3
 
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat=
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 4
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 3
|SysLoadout5=
|SysLoadout5Stat=
 
|BuildRating=3
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=4
 
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=9
 
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=7
}}
 
{{Col-2}}
 
===UNSC Reinforced ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser and two ''Paris''-class heavy frigates.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=120
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser Reinforced.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=8
|DamageTrack2=7
|DamageTrack3=4
 
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat=
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 5
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 4
|SysLoadout5=
|SysLoadout5Stat=
 
|BuildRating=4
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=4
 
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=3
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=11
 
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=9
}}
 
===UNSC Paired ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruisers===
This element features two ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=220
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser Paired.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=10
|DamageTrack2=10
|DamageTrack3=5
 
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat=
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 7
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 7
|SysLoadout5=
|SysLoadout5Stat=
 
|BuildRating=6
|Hangars=4
|BoardingCraft=4
|SecurityDetail=6
 
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=4
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=16
 
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=12
}}
 
{{Col-end}}
 
==Production notes==
Though in-universe the class is likely named for the [[Wikipedia:Battle of Marathon|Battle of Marathon]], in reality its name is a reference to [[Bungie]]'s ''[[Marathon]]'' trilogy and its eponymous ship, the [[marathongame:UESC Marathon|UESC ''Marathon'']].
 
The ''Marathon'' class is featured in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''; although the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}} was originally intended to appear instead, it was decided that the latter's appearance would not be canonically possible. The design for the ''Marathon'' class in the game was noted to have been difficult to sculpt, although the models created by [[Blur Studio]] for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' aided in the process.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLoop|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-in-the-loop|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - In the Loop|D=15|M=10|Y=2018}} In the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', the visual for the ''Marathon'' used (and featured on this page's infobox) is a model of the ship created by [[:Category:Images by Jared Harris|Jared Harris]] for the ''Halo'' fan mod ''[[Sins of the Prophets]]''. The ''Sins of the Prophets'' team worked with [[343 Industries]] to provide a number of ship illustrations for the encyclopedia.
 
===Inconsistencies and disrepancies===
In the original [[2001]] print of ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} was compared to the profile of an "elongated frigate". In the novel's [[2010]] reprint, this reference [[List of changes in Halo: The Fall of Reach rereleases|was changed]] to compare ''Pillar of Autumn'' to a "''Marathon-class carrier''". This reference is erroneous, as the ''Marathon'' is a classification of cruiser.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR29|TFoR|Chapter=29}}
 
In the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline Events]] for ''[[Halo Wars]]'', UNSC ''Prophecy'' is referred to as a [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]], contradicting the depiction of a ''Marathon''-class cruiser visualised in the ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' tie-in comic. At the time of ''Halo Wars''{{'}} release, the only destroyer then-visualised in ''Halo'' media was the comic's own depiction of the {{Class|Hillsborough|heavy destroyer}} {{CMAShip|Heracles}}.{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}
 
The ''Marathon''{{'}}s [[hull classification symbol]] is established in two separate sources; the ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' cutscene for [[Cairo Station]] and the ''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'' [[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|data drops]] to be '''CA'''.{{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}}{{Ref/Reuse|Crate2}} Despite this, the vessel [[C-322]] - first mentioned in the [[Winter Update]] [[Halo Infinite Story & Intel|intel drops]] - was established in the [[Halo Waypoint|chronicle story]] ''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]'' to be a ''Marathon''-class.{{Ref/Reuse|Contention}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Marathon-class heavy cruisers}}
===Illustrations===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HM-Marathon.png|Profile of a ''Marathon'' in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:Marathon-class Cruiser.JPG|A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser orbiting Earth.
File:HW3 Faceoff Concept.png|[[Halo Wars 3 (rejected pitch)|''Halo Wars 3'' pitch]] artwork depicting a ''Marathon'' facing down a ''CAS''-class carrier.
File:Invasion; Leviathan.png|The UNSC ''Leviathan''.
</gallery>
File:UNSC Prophecy.png|The UNSC ''Prophecy''.
 
File:Humanfleet.png|''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers on a video display of the Home Fleet.
===Renders===
File:Outcome of Second Battle of Harvest.png|Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers engaging a [[Covenant super-destroyer]] at the Second Battle of Harvest.
<gallery>
File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser.png|The ''Marathon''-class model developed by Blur for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser-Engines.png|Detail of the rear engines of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser-Views.png|Comparison of the fore and aft of the ''Marathon''.
File:UNSC Capital Vessels (Spartan Games).jpg|The ''Marathon''{{'}}s scale compared to that of the {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}} and the {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}.
File:Marathon-render-SLoftus.png|The starboard profile of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:Marathon-render-SLoftus.png|The starboard profile of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:Marathon-class Cruiser.JPG|A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser orbiting Earth.
File:Say My Name dropbay open.png|The SOEIV drop bay aboard a ''Marathon''; the SOEIV deployment rings can be seen above.
File:Say My Name dropbay open.png|The SOEIV drop bay aboard a ''Marathon''; the SOEIV deployment rings can be seen above.
File:H3ODST PreparetoDropCinematic.jpg|ODSTs gathered around a [[Holotank|holo-table]] inside a ''Marathon''-class cruiser.
File:H3ODST PreparetoDropCinematic.jpg|ODSTs gathered around a [[Holotank|holo-table]] inside a ''Marathon''-class cruiser.
File:Master Chief Collection - Cruiser destroyed.png|A ''Marathon'' class is destroyed in the [[The Hunter and the Hunted|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' announcement trailer]].
File:Master Chief Collection - Cruiser destroyed.png|A ''Marathon'' class cruiser getting destroyed in the [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer]].
File:HomeFleetH2A.png|The back of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:HomeFleetH2A.png|The back of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:H2A - Cruiser over Cairo.jpg|A ''Marathon'' glides past ''Cairo Station'', flanked by squads of Longswords.
File:H2A Cutscene EnergyProjectorPiercing.png|A ''Marathon'' hull being pierced by a {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}'s energy projector.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
Line 352: Line 82:
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]'' {{C|Non-canon appearance}}
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}
<references group="note"/>


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
<references/>
 
{{Human Ships}}


[[Category:Marathon-class heavy cruisers| ]]
{{UNSC Ships}}
[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]

Please note that all contributions to Halopedia are considered to be released under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license (see Halopedia:Copyrights for details). If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly and redistributed at will, then don't submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource. Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)

To view or search uploaded images go to the list of images. Uploads and deletions are also logged in the upload log. For help including images on a page see Help:Images. For a sound file, use this code: [[Media:File.ogg]].

Do not copy text from other websites without permission. It will be deleted.

Templates used on this page:

Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/Marathon-class_heavy_cruiser"