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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{disambig header|the ground-based plasma mortars|the plasma mortars mounted on Covenant starships|Plasma bombardment mortar}}
{{Cleanup}}
[[File:HW2-BlitzMegaturret.jpg|thumb|300px|An [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]] firing its siege plasma mortar.]]
[[File:H3 Wraith.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A plasma mortar is mounted on the top of the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith.]]]]
The '''plasma mortar''', also known as '''energy mortar''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs12|FS|Chapter=12}} is a classification of [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] artillery weapon.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p347|Enc11|Page=347}}
The '''plasma mortar''' is a [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] [[Covenant]] artillery weapon.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Outskirts]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''[[E3]] Demo''</ref>


The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[:Category:Mortar|mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.
==Introduction==
[[File:Shield grenade.jpg|right|180px|thumb|A bolt of a Plasma Mortar.]]
The plasma mortar fires huge bolts of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact. The weapon has a relatively slow rate of fire. It is extremely powerful, usually killing infantry in a single hit and can destroy just about anything on the battlefield in a minimal amount of shots. While composed of superheated plasma, the projectile fired by the mortar appears to have very high mass, allowing it to simply arc over obstructions such as barricades and hills which can be effective in ambush attacks. The plasma bolt can be out-maneuvered easily by a fast vehicle such as the [[Type-32 Ghost]] or [[Mongoose]]. The mortar is very effective against dug in enemies, which can deplete the amount of resistance the Covenant ground troops are going to have to face in battle.


Since they can be mounted on a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,{{Ref/Game|Id=citadelturret|HW|Covenant citadel base turret}} anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}}
The Wraith's plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the Wraith to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around and over terrain.  


==Known types==
In the ''Halo'' novels, the physical effect of plasma weapons result in extreme heat and the melting/boiling of enemy armour. This effect is never shown in the ''Halo'' games, with the plasma having an explosive reaction instead.


===Burst cannon===
==Types and Application==
{{Main|Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon}}
===Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar===
While originally designed as a naval weapon aboard [[Vestige|aging warship]]s of the [[Sangheili]], the {{Pattern|Ra'aam|burst cannon}} was taken by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and repurposed as an emplaced plasma mortar.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=305}}
{{Main|Type-26 Wraith}}
The '''Type-26 35&nbsp;cm Directed-Energy Mortar''' ('''T-26 35&nbsp;cm DEM''') is the primary armament of the {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''pages 117, 228''</ref> The Wraith is essentially a mobile plasma mortar. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', that was the sole purpose of the Wraith, lacking any other weapon systems. In ''Halo 2'', the Wraith was armed with two plasma cannons for protection. In ''Halo 3'', the Wraith was turned into an all-out tank with its own gunner seat.  It retains this weapons configuration for ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'', and ''Halo 5: Guardians''.


===Class-2 medium plasma mortar===
===Type-58 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar===
The '''Type-58 35&nbsp;cm Directed-Energy Mortar''' ('''T-58 35&nbsp;cm DEM''') is the primary armament of the [[Type-58 Wraith]]. The plasma mortar can destroy heavily reinforced defenses from a long distance while also proving effective in closer engagements, at least in the hands of a skilled operator. The heavy mortar cannon is attached to the rear of the Wraith.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Wraith'']</ref>
 
===Revenant===
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
The Class-2 medium plasma mortar is mounted on the rear of the {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=154}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p275|Enc22|Page=275}} While charging, the plasma blast possesses a bluish tinge, though it is red when it is fired. The weapon has a less pronounced parabolic arc than its larger counterparts.{{Ref/Game|Id=revenant|HR|Revenant in-game vehicle}}
The {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}, more commonly known as the Revenant, is equipped with a smaller, less powerful variant of the Wraith's plasma mortar.
 
===Incendiary plasma mortar===
Each {{Pattern|N'weo|Gigas}} craft is armed with two incendiary plasma mortars, allowing the fighter-bomber to deploy incendiary carpet bombs.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p289|Enc22|Page=289}}
 
===Infantry-deployed energy mortar===
There is a Covenant infantry-deployed energy mortar.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo38|GoO|Chapter=38}} These mortars require at least a trio of [[Unggoy]] to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate [[energy shielding]] for protection.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo39|GoO|Chapter=39}}


===Heavy plasma mortar===
===Antlion===
{{Main|Heavy plasma mortar}}
{{Main|Antlion}}
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its heavy plasma mortar.]]
The Antlion is a long ranged, stationary heavy plasma mortar used by the Covenant Empire, as well as certain Covenant remnant factions after the Human-Covenant War.
The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It launches a plasma blast that is typically a blue-white orb which travels slowly in the air.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything at the point of impact,{{Ref/Reuse|fs12}} all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p257|Enc11|Page=257}} but it is also fairly effective in closer engagements.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}} The heavy plasma mortar has seen numerous variations, including, but not limited to, the scorch plasma mortar on [[Ironclad Wraith]]s and an infusion-modified variant on [[Terror Wraith]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p469|Enc22|Page=469}}


===Plasma mortar===
===UNSC===
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|citadelturret}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}} it is primarily mounted on the [[Banished]]’s [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p464|Enc22|Page=464}}
{{Main|M-145D Rhino}}
The [[United Nations Space Command]] also used a type of plasma mortar, but it was in prototype form upon [[Rhinos]] which were used in at least 2531. Five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield and reveal a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Super Scarab]], a Covenant superweapon, during the [[Battle of Arcadia]].


===Siege plasma mortar===
==Halo Wars==
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of [[plasma torpedo]]es{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Mega Turret}} at an astonishing range, easily turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}}
{{Main|Halo Wars}}
In ''Halo Wars'', if you play as a Covenant leader ([[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Avitus|Brute Chieftain]] or [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]]), you can upgrade your
turret to a plasma mortar. This version of the turret specializes in taking out infantry ([[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay|Marines]], [[Hellbringers]], [[Kig-yar|Jackals]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]] and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]]). The [[Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have also used the Plasma Mortar.


===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar===
==Halo Wars 2==
The ultra-heavy plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Zo'op|Weevil}}, which provides fire support over large segments of enemy-contested area.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}}
{{Main|Halo Wars 2}}
In ''Halo Wars 2'', unlike it's standard blue plasma, the [[Banished Wraith]] fire red plasma, the mortar can be upgraded to leave a ball of Plasma on the ground and damaging anyone standing near it. When [[Voridus]] was experimenting with the [[Infusion gel]], he armament Infusion to the Wraiths and once fire, it'll leave a huge pool of infusion to the ground and also burning units standing on it.


===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer===
==Tactics==
{{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}}
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|right|180 px|thumb|A Wraith firing its Plasma Mortar.]]
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on [[M145D Rhino]] prototypes, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia|Battle]] of [[Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}
*A Plasma Mortar fires in an arc, so it is somewhat difficult to hit a target. The further away you are, the higher you will have to aim to actually hit your target.
*Timing is critical; if perfected, your shot may flip a smaller vehicle over, allowing you to launch a second mortar and obliterate the vehicle and the crew.
*Due to its slow speed and high visibility, the plasma bolt is much easier to avoid than a human projectile.
*Remember that even if you are behind cover, you may still not be protected from the plasma's curved trajectory.
*Plasma mortars are usually used for close range in Multiplayer, due to the difficulty of hitting people with the arc involved.
*In the ''Halo 3'' campaign, the Wraith's AI is so skilled with the plasma mortar that it can hit you from very far away. Keep moving.
*When a Plasma Mortar is discharged, it makes a distinctive whining noise as it flies through the air. Use this to your advantage, and keep moving. Chances are, you will be able to completely avoid the shot with some deft maneuvering.
*On larger maps like Valhalla, if you continuously launch volleys toward the enemy base, you will eventually get a kill. You can also kill teammates, so be careful where the shots are placed.


== Production notes ==
== Trivia ==
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have used three plasma mortars.
*In the ''Halo 3'' [[Starry night]] trailer, plasma mortar bolts move faster than normal.
*Early ''Halo: Reach'' concept art by Glenn Israel featured [[Cut Halo: Reach weapons#Covenant mortar|a Covenant mortar]] held in a manner akin to the [[Brute Shot]] or {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}, or able to be deployed as a static emplacement. Some of the sketches of the weapon drew influences from the plasma mortars on Revenants and  Wraiths.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiLEZHgJ5/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant mortar exploratory sketches (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}}
*During the level [[Quarantine Zone]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'', several large plasma mortars can be seen firing opposite a couple of [[Sentinel Constructor Factory|Sentinel Factory platforms]], one plunging down, but it's never confirmed if these are from stationary plasma mortar cannons, or otherwise. However, due to the area containing the two Wraiths fighting Enforcers, and its close proximity with the destroyed remains of the factory, it is likely that they are the Wraiths' Plasma Mortars. It is even possible to see those same Wraiths fire at the remains of the factory, when the player destroys the Enforcers before the Wraiths are immobilized.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Shield grenade.jpg|A blast from a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}'s heavy plasma mortar moments before impact in ''[[Starry Night]]''.
File:HWDE-CitadelTurret AI.jpg|The anti-infantry variants of the ''Kewu Umppi'pa{{'}}''-pattern turrets with mounted plasma mortars in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|A blast from an {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}'s siege plasma mortar arcing through the air in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HR GaussHog&Revenants.jpg|Two {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}s fire their medium plasma mortars at a [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:H2A WraithsGuardingBridge.png|A {{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} fires its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:HW2 MarauderMortars.png|A group of [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]]s firing their plasma mortars in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 WraithMortar.png|An [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]] firing its heavy plasma mortar in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 MegaTurretMortars.png|Two [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]s firing their siege plasma mortars in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HFR Mission 6.png|The arc of a plasma blast from a ''Muz''-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HINF-ScarrWraith.png|A [[Bolroci Workshop Wraith]] firing its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Armor Testing]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Starry Night]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
Line 82: Line 76:
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
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*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


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{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Mortar]]
[[Category:Artillery]]

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