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|name=''Skar'wa''-pattern Sky Striker
|name=''Skar'wa''-pattern Sky Striker
|image=[[File:T27 AAC.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:T27 AAC.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=117}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=304}}
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|series=
|series=
|type=[[Anti-aircraft weapon]]
|type=[[Anti-aircraft weapon]]
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|variant=
|variant=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|length={{Convert|196.1|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|length={{Convert|59.8|m|ftin|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|width=
|width=
|height={{Convert|121.2|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|height={{Convert|36.9|m|ftin|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|weight={{Convert|154.3|MT|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|weight=170.1 tons{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=304}}
|ammotype=Ultra-heavy [[plasma]] bolts
|ammotype=Ultra-heavy [[plasma]] bolts
|capacity=
|feed=Unlimited{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|feed=Unlimited{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|operation=
|operation=
|rate=Single shot
|rate=Single shot
|velocity=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=Long
|range=
}}
}}
{{Quote|They're setting up an AA battery. That thing'll tear the [[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Dawn]] apart...|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}}}
{{Quote|They're setting up an AA battery. That thing'll tear the [[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Dawn]] apart...|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]}}
The '''''Skar'wa''-pattern Sky Striker'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|27|Anti-Aircraft Cannon|AAC}}, nicknamed the "'''Mantis'''",{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} is an automated [[Covenant]] ground-based stationary anti-aircraft emplacement and the most storied extreme-range artillery piece in the service of the empire.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
The '''''Skar'wa''-pattern Sky Striker'''{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} {{Type|27|Anti-Aircraft Cannon|AAC}}, nicknamed the "'''Mantis'''",<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 117''</ref> is an automated [[Covenant]] ground-based stationary anti-aircraft emplacement. It fires powerful bolts of [[plasma]] with incredible accuracy.


==Overview==
== Background ==
===Design details===
The plasma bolts fired by the Type-27 Anti-Aircraft Cannon are teardrop shaped, similar to normal plasma rounds, and fly in a straight trajectory. The bolts are extremely powerful, easily capable of destroying UNSC craft ranging from [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s to [[UNSC frigate]]s.<ref name="ark">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref><ref name="storm">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref> The weapon is incredibly accurate even at extreme ranges.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
The ''Skar'wa''-pattern is sleek and light in construction, composed of a large ultra-heavy [[plasma cannon]] situated atop a large tripod mount,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} which houses platforms for snipers and spotters on two of its three sides. The three legs are able to adjust to a given terrain. The gun component rests on a proportionally small joint which is complemented by an energy field,{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} and allows 360-degree movement.  The weapon itself stands at a height of 36.9 meters (121.2 feet) and has a length of 59.8 meters (196.1&nbsp;ft).{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} Overall, despite a similar operation, the Mantis masses just over a third as much as the similarly-used {{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}} cannon. This mass differential allows the Mantis to be more easily stored and deployed in field operations, compared to the Tyrant's semi-permanent nature of installation.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} A Mantis AA battery can be quickly assembled using modules transported by common [[dropship]]s such as [[Phantom]]s. This makes them ideal for deployment in narrow gorges or dense cityscapes.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}  


The weapon's energy capacity is unlimited, but it must cool off and release its excess heat after every shot, exposing its weak point; the interior is vulnerable through the heat vent, which is located on the underside the cradle component. A certain amount of damage to the interior will destroy the AA battery; this makes it vulnerable to infantry and ground vehicle attacks. While heavy weapons make quick work of the delicate cooling vent and interior, small-arms fire can be nearly as effective; as few as three overcharged shots from a [[Type-25 plasma pistol]] can fatally cripple the gun emplacement.{{Ref/Level|Id=storm|H3|The Storm}}{{Ref/Level|Id=ark|H3|The Ark (level)|The Ark}}
A T-27 AA battery can be quickly assembled using modules transported by [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantoms]]. This makes them easier to deploy in the field than many other Covenant weapons platforms, including the bulkier [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|Type-38 "Tyrant" AA cannon]], and ideal for narrow gorges or dense cityscapes.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} AA batteries are often supplemented by multiple [[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Wraith|Anti-Air Wraiths]] nearby.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}}


Mantis cannons require no crew to operate the weapon, and are instead served by a remote link paired with predictive flight-tracking algorithms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Troops are often stationed in the vicinity of the AA guns—as well as in their marksman perches—to safeguard them from opposing ground forces. It is not uncommon to find several [[lance]]s guarding these emplacements, led by a high-ranking Covenant officer. During the final battles of [[Human-Covenant War]], [[Jiralhanae]] [[Chieftain]]s were often seen commanding these emplacements and its garrisoned ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} Mantis AA batteries are often additionally supplemented by multiple [[skyhunter]] tanks nearby such as the {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}}, who provide closer-in defence against smaller and more agile aircraft. This lets the Mantis primarily focus on larger threats such as [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s or even [[warship]]s - Mantis batteries are a threat to [[UNSC frigate]]s, and are capable of denying local [[warship]] support to ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} Their cannons are capable of fire at extreme ranges,{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} allowing them to secure the air and near-orbital space of a given region with ease.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
== Design details ==
The T-27 AAC is sleek and light in construction, composed of the gun itself and a large tripod mount, which houses platforms for snipers and spotters on two of its three sides. The three legs are able to adjust to a given terrain. The gun component rests on a proportionally small joint which is complemented by an energy field,{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} and allows 360-degree movement.  The weapon itself stands at a height of 121.2 feet (36.9 meters) and has a length of 196.1&nbsp;ft (59.8 meters).{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}


Ultra-heavy plasma cannons analogous to that fitted on the Mantis are also fielded aboard the {{Pattern|Sumda'te|Scarab}} walkers, allowing them to serve as mobile heavy anti-air artillery.{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=30|M=06|Y=2021}}
The weapon's energy capacity is unlimited, but it must cool off and release its excess heat after every shot, exposing its weak point; the interior is vulnerable through the heat vent, which is located on the underside the cradle component. A certain amount of damage to the interior will destroy the AA battery; this makes it vulnerable to infantry and ground vehicle attacks. While heavy weapons make quick work of the delicate cooling vent and interior, small-arms fire can be nearly as effective; as few as three overcharged shots from a [[Type-25 plasma pistol]] can fatally cripple the gun emplacement.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}}


==Operational history==
Troops are often stationed in the vicinity of the AA guns—as well as in their marksman perches—to safeguard them from opposing ground forces. It is not uncommon to find several [[lance]]s guarding these emplacements, led by a high-ranking Covenant officer. During the final battles of [[Human-Covenant War]], [[Jiralhanae]] [[Chieftain]]s were often seen commanding these emplacements and its garrisoned ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}}
Mantis anti-air guns saw use during the [[Battle of Meridian]], when 18 heavily guarded batteries were destroyed by the first prototype of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX ADS]] in an action known as the "Cherbourg Run". The event has been suggested as one possibility as to how the Mark IX got its nickname of "Mantis" within the UNSC armed forces.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=111}}


Mantis guns were heavily deployed by [[Truth's fleet]] during the later stages of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. One such weapon was the target of a UNSC operation during the [[Battle of Voi]] on [[2552#November|November 17th, 2552]], having been deployed in the town of [[Voi]] in order to keep the UNSC forces away from the [[Portal at Voi|Portal]] excavation. The UNSC planned a low-level strike, using frigates and Longswords, to attack the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[keyship]] ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' which was resting on the Portal. Throughout the battle, the AA battery fired continuously, and managed to destroy at least one Longsword. [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]] eventually breached the Covenant resistance in Voi and destroyed the AA gun, allowing Lord [[Terrence Hood]]'s ships to assault ''Anodyne Spirit''.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}}
== Operational history ==
The Type-27 AA battery saw use during the [[Battle of Meridian]], when 18 heavily guarded batteries were destroyed by the first prototype of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX ADS]] in an action known as the "Cherbourg Run".<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 111''</ref>


Several weeks later, a number of Mantis guns were deployed by Truth's forces during the [[Battle of Installation 00]] as part of efforts to prevent joint UNSC-[[Covenant separatists|separatist]] ships above from reinforcing their troops on the ground. However, these batteries remained incomplete, as Master Chief with the assistance of several [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s stopped their construction, allowing {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} to land nearby.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}
A Type-27 AA battery saw use during the [[Battle of Voi]] on [[2552#November|November 17th, 2552]], being deployed in the town of [[Voi]] in order to keep the UNSC forces away from the [[The Portal|Portal]] excavation. The UNSC planned a low-level strike, using frigates and Longswords, to attack the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] which was resting on the Portal, which was thought to be the [[Installation 00|Ark]] by the UNSC at the time. Throughout the battle, the AA battery fired continuously, and managed to destroy at least one Longsword. [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]] eventually breached the Covenant resistance in Voi and destroyed the AA gun, allowing [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]]'s ships to assault the Forerunner Dreadnought.
 
T27 "Mantis" AA guns were also used during the [[Battle of Installation 00]], when the Covenant tried to construct them on the surface of the Ark to keep the UNSC ships above from reinforcing their troops on the ground. However, these batteries remained incomplete, as SPARTAN-117 with the assistance of several [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s stopped their construction, allowing the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} to land nearby.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Development images===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H3 T27Mantis Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Mantis.
File:H3 T27Mantis Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Type-27 Mantis.
File:HTMCC H3 Achievement Milk Carton.png|Concept art for an earlier iteration of [[The Storm]], in which the Mantis gun would have been placed inside the town.
File:H3 BFG Pre Redesign.jpg|An in-game look at the Mantis before its redesign.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/3d288J|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo 3 - Environment Work|Quote=Halo 3 - Covenant BFG before slight redesign|Quotee=Jason Keith|D=23|M=06|Y=2021}} Notice the purple color.
File:H3 BFG Pre Redesign.jpg|An in-game look at the Mantis before its redesign.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/3d288J|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo 3 - Environment Work|Quote=Halo 3 - Covenant BFG before slight redesign|Quotee=Jason Keith|D=23|M=06|Y=2021}} Notice the purple color.
File:The Storm AA Gun.jpg|An early model Mantis AA gun at the end of The Storm.
File:The Storm AA Gun.jpg|A Mantis AA gun during the [[Battle of Voi]].
File:H3-T27MantisAAC-ScanRender.png|View of the Mantis' right side.
File:1216012025_Anti-Aircraft_Battery.jpg|A Type-27 Anti-Aircraft Cannon on a hill in Voi, Kenya.
File:Mantis_2.jpg|A rear view of a T-27 AAC, showing how the emplacement's legs adjust to terrain.
File:Phantom Construction.jpg|The Covenant use a [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantom]] to construct Type-27 Anti-Aircraft Cannons.
File:H3 E3 Shootdown.jpg|A Longsword interceptor shot down by a T-27 AAC.
File:Covenant Anti-Air gun.jpg|A Mantis AA battery firing.
File:AAgun firing.jpg|A plasma bolt fired by a T27 from another angle.
File:HR MantisLightAA Concept.jpg|''[[Halo: Reach]]'' concept art for a light AA gun utilising the Mantis' design as a basis - in contrast to the Tyrant's depiction as a heavy AA gun.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiRsmnIqu/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant light artillery platform (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}}
File:HR MantisLightAA Concept.jpg|''[[Halo: Reach]]'' concept art for a light AA gun utilising the Mantis' design as a basis - in contrast to the Tyrant's depiction as a heavy AA gun.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiRsmnIqu/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant light artillery platform (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}}
File:Reach-Concept-Nightfall-LZ.jpg|Concept art for Mantis guns in the Covenant landing zone in the ''Reach'' level [[Nightfall]].
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H3-T27MantisAAC-ScanRender.png|View of the Mantis' right side.
File:1216012025_Anti-Aircraft_Battery.jpg|A ''Skar'wa''-pattern emplacement on a hill in Voi, Kenya.
File:Mantis_2.jpg|A rear view of the Mantis, showing how the emplacement's legs adjust to terrain.
File:Phantom Construction.jpg|The Covenant use a [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] to transport the components of a Mantis to their deployment site on the Ark.
File:H3 E3 Shootdown.jpg|A Longsword interceptor shot down by a Mantis.
File:Covenant Anti-Air gun.jpg|A Mantis cannon firing.
File:AAgun firing.jpg|A plasma bolt fired by a Mantis from another angle.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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