Editing Marathon-class heavy cruiser

{{Title|''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Ship class infobox
|name=''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser
|image=[[File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=
|class=[[Cruiser]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-cruiser '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Cruiser'']</ref>
|role=*Attack and defense<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 42''</ref>
* Transportation{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
* [[Flagship|Command]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
* [[Carrier|Light Carrier]]{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}
|length={{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|width={{Convert|293|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="model">3D model data from ''[[Halo 2]]''</ref>
|height={{Convert|375|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|model}}
|mass=
|power=
|engine=[[Fusion drive]]s<ref name="h2a">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo]]''', ''page 33''</ref>
|slipspace drive=[[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]<ref name="tug">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', "[[Tug o' War]]", ''page 413'' (2010)</ref>
|navigation=
|hull=191 cm of [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 251'' (2010 edition); ''page 261'' (2011 edition)</ref>
|armament=*Two [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*1,800 [[Archer missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*Five [[fusion rocket]]s{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[Point-Defense Gun|Point Defense Network]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|complement=*1,000 personnel{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[Marines]]{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR23}}
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]<ref name="ODST">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', campaign level ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref>
*24 [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[Dropships]]<ref name="TFoR23">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''Chapter 23'' (2019)</ref>
*[[SOEIV]] drop pods{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}}
|crew=
|passengers=
|othersystems=
|era=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|introduced=
|affiliation=[[UNSC Navy]]
}}

The '''''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser''' ([[hull classification symbol]]: '''CA'''){{Ref/Reuse|h2a}} 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|ENC}}

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 name="fb125">'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rulebook - page 125''</ref> 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 [[Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn''-class heavy cruiser]].<ref name="H4VG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''UNSC Cruiser, page 191''</ref>

==Specifications==
===Superstructure and hull===
[[File:HFB-UNSCLeviathan.png|thumb|250px|left|The {{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}, [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]].]]
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|ENC}} 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|ENC}} By [[2552]] the ''Marathon'' was considered to be one of the more powerful [[warship]]s ever built by [[human]]ity,<ref name="for188">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 188'' (2010)</ref> outclassing its predecessor in virtually every respect.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}

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 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|ENC}} 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 name="Genesis">'''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'''</ref><ref name="fb">'''Halo: Fleet Battles''', ''Stats''</ref> A large deployment bay containing numerous [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]s, 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''s can carry two dozen [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Note|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.}}

===Armaments===
''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers are mounted with two [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s as their primary armament,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} supplemented by a missile delivery system{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} with 1,800 [[Archer missile]]s and five [[fusion rocket]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}} In addition, the ''Marathon''-class utilises a network of [[point-defense gun]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} 

==Operational history==
[[File:Outcome of Second Battle of Harvest.png|thumb|250px|Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers engaging the [[Covenant super-destroyer]] at Harvest.]]
The ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser was commissioned and built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}},{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}} 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}} Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers served in [[Battle Group X-Ray]] under [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] during the [[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 name="Timeline">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref> 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 name="page162">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 162''</ref>{{Ref/Note|According to ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', as of July 2552, UNSC ''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.}} [[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/Reuse|for188}}<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 224'' (2010)</ref> Numerous ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Fall of Reach]], many of which were destroyed, including ''Leviathan''.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|fb}}<ref name="fs206">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 168'' (2003), ''page 206'' (2010)</ref>

At least eight ''Marathon''-class cruisers (including {{UNSCShip|Canberra}}{{Ref/Reuse|h2a}} and [[UNSC Say My Name|''Say My Name'']],<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Say My Name''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110424040357/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44 Archive.org])</ref> 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>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> [[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>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 292, 333''</ref> Several ''Marathon''-class cruisers of the Home Fleet were presumably 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]]''</ref>

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>'''[[Halo: Last Light]]''', ''page 71''</ref>

==Ships of the line==
*{{UNSCShip|Canberra}} – 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|h2a}}
*{{UNSCShip|Dresden}} – Equipped with a [[saddle box]] drive. Destroyed during the [[Battle of Biko]] in [[2526]].{{Ref/Reuse|tug}}
*{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}} – Part of the Fifth Fleet; destroyed during the Battle of Earth on October 20, 2552.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fifty-caliber '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber'']</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Hannibal}} – Destroyed during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|fs206}}
*{{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>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/michael-stanforth '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Michael Stanforth'']</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Marathon}} – The [[Wikipedia:Lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.<ref>[[Stephen Loftus]] on the [[Talk:Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn'' class' talk page]]</ref>
*{{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]]'' as part of [[Operation: BUMRUSH]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] on October 20, 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}

==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
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===UNSC ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a single ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
*Cost: 95 points
*Movement: 8"
*Damage Track: 6 • 6 • 3
*Build rating: 2
*Hangars: 2
*Boarding Craft: 2
*Security detail: 3
*System loadouts:
**Hard Burn (2")
**Missile barrage
**Point defense (4)
**Titanium armor (3)
*Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
**Range: 16/32"
**Weapon loadouts: MAC (2)
**Firing arc: Forward
**Dice: 8
*Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
**Range: 12/24"
**Weapon loadouts: Missiles
**Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
**Dice: 7

===UNSC Supported ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser and one ''Paris''-class heavy frigate.
*Cost: 110 points
*Movement: 8"
*Damage Track: 7 • 6 • 3
*Build rating: 3
*Hangars: 2
*Boarding Craft: 2
*Security detail: 4
*System loadouts:
**Hard Burn (2")
**Missile barrage
**Point defense (4)
**Titanium armor (4)
*Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
**Range: 16/32"
**Weapon loadouts: MAC (2)
**Firing arc: Forward
**Dice: 10
*Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
**Range: 12/24"
**Weapon loadouts: Missiles
**Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
**Dice: 8
{{Col-2}}
===UNSC Reinforced ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser and two ''Paris''-class heavy frigates.
*Cost: 120 points
*Movement: 8"
*Damage Track: 8 • 7 • 4
*Build rating: 4
*Hangars: 2
*Boarding Craft: 2
*Security detail: 4
*System loadouts:
**Hard Burn (2")
**Missile barrage
**Point defense (5)
**Titanium armor (5)
*Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
**Range: 16/32"
**Weapon loadouts: MAC (3)
**Firing arc: Forward
**Dice: 12
*Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
**Range: 12/24"
**Weapon loadouts: Missiles
**Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
**Dice: 10
===UNSC Paired ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruisers===
This element features two ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers.
*Cost: 220 points
*Movement: 8"
*Damage Track: 10 • 10 • 5
*Build rating: 6
*Hangars: 4
*Boarding Craft: 4
*Security detail: 6
*System loadouts:
**Hard Burn (2")
**Missile barrage
**Point defense (8)
**Titanium armor (6)
*Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
**Range: 16/32"
**Weapon loadouts: MAC (4)
**Firing arc: Forward
**Dice: 18
*Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
**Range: 12/24"
**Weapon loadouts: Missiles
**Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
**Dice: 14
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==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Marathon-class heavy cruisers}}
*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>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-in-the-loop '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder: In the Loop'']</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
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:Marathon-class Cruiser.JPG|A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser orbiting Earth.
File:Humanfleet.png|''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers on a video display of the Home Fleet.
File:Marathon-render-SLoftus.png|The starboard profile of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:UNSC Prophecy.png|UNSC ''Prophecy''.
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:Invasion; Leviathan.png|UNSC ''Leviathan''.
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: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.
File:UNSC Capital Vessels (Spartan Games).jpg|The ''Marathon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s scale compared to that of the [[Epoch-class heavy carrier|''Epoch'' class]] and the [[Paris-class heavy frigate|''Paris'' class]].
File:HFB-Marathonduo.png|''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.
File:HM-Marathon.png|Profile of a ''Marathon'' in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HW3 Faceoff Concept.png|[[Halo Wars 3 (rejected pitch)|''Halo Wars 3'' pitch]] artwork depicting a ''Marathon'' facing down a CAS-class carrier.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
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{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
**''[[Tug o' War]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Arms Race|Arms Race]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{Mo}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
{{Col-end}}

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{Human Ships}}

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