Editing Strident-class heavy frigate

{{Title|''Strident''-class heavy frigate}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ship class infobox
|name=''Strident''-class heavy frigate
|image=[[File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-ScanRender.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Aerofabrique SA]]<ref name="Warfleet">''[[Halo Warfleet]]'', p. 38-39</ref>
|class=[[Frigate|Heavy frigate]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|role=*Escort{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-frigate '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Frigate'']</ref>
*Attack{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|length={{Convert|1887|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}<ref name="EVG">''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 192</ref>
|width={{Convert|407|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height={{Convert|368|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|mass=1.1 million metric tons{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|power=
|engine=[[Fusion drive|Deuterium fusion engines]]<ref name="departure">''[[Spartan Ops]]'', [[Departure|S1E1 ''Departure'']]</ref>
|slipspace drive=[[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]{{Ref/Reuse|departure}}
|navigation=
|hull=[[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|shielding=Equipped{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|armament=*1 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/MAC]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*2 [[Archer missile#M42 Archer|M42 Archer missile]] pods{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*6 [[M870 Rampart point defense gun|M870 Rampart point-defense guns]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*5 [[Mark 55 Castor naval coilgun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*6 [[Mark 57 Arena point defense gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*1 [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system|M4093 Hyperion missile silo]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|complement=
*1–4 [[Pelican]] [[dropship]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*Atleast 10 [[M8900 drop pod|M8900 SOEIVs]]{{Ref/Comic|[[Halo: Initiation Issue 1]]}}
|crew=190 [[UNSC Navy|sailors]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|othersystems=
|era=*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|introduced=[[2549]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=123}}
|affiliation=[[UNSC Navy]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
}}

The '''''Strident''-class heavy frigate''' is a type of heavy [[UNSC frigate|frigate]] in service with the [[UNSC Navy]], designated with the hull code '''FFG'''. Manufactured over [[Mars]] and [[Tribute]] by [[Aerofabrique SA]],{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} these frigates are used as both escort ships and swift-attack vessels. Outfitted with [[energy shielding]] and powerful weaponry, the ''Strident'' class represents one of the newest generations of [[warship]]s within the Navy.<ref name="clarity">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-clarity-grace '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace'']</ref>

==Role==
The ''Strident'' class fulfills a number of versatile roles in the [[UNSC Navy]], from convoy escort to troop transport. The multi-purpose ''Strident''-class heavy frigate most often fulfills escort and attack roles in the [[fleet]]. In attack roles, they rely on their speed and numbers to engage enemy [[capital ship]]s. To compensate for their relative fragility, ''Strident''-class frigates maneuver and attack as a synchronized group to minimize exposure to [[plasma]] fire.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

Blurring the lines between frigate and [[destroyer]], the lean and lethal ''Strident'' class is considered an invaluable asset to the Navy.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} Up to ten of these frigates can be stored in the internal [[Hangar bay|hangars]] and docking clamps of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.<ref>''Halo Warfleet'', p. 43</ref> After an initial assault, they are deployed ''en masse'' to deliver a final, crushing blow and mopping up any stragglers in the process.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

==Design details==
===Superstructure and hull===
The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate is an incredibly fast and agile [[warship]] capable of precise naval combat.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} 575 meters in length, the ship is fairly narrow on the port-starboard axis. Relatively fragile, the ''Strident'' class is armored with easily replaceable [[Titanium-A armor]] panels, with additional plating around the ship's delicate engines.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} Like other [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]s, the ''Strident'' possesses port and starboard "wings" and has a laterally split hull. A blister with several viewports is on the dorsal surface near the bow.<ref name="Midnight">''[[Halo 4]]'', campaign level, "[[Midnight]]"</ref> Rather than relying solely on the ship's hull for protection,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} the ''Strident'' class can be outfitted with [[energy shielding]]. Production delays mean most frigates are not equipped with energy shielding, though [[Energy barrier|small generators]] capable of sealing the [[Hangar bay|hangar]] and [[airlock]]s are standard. Channels for waveguides and bay sockets for emitters are installed, making final integration of shields a straightforward process once modules are available.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

The frigate's [[bridge]] features a state-of-the-art combat management system and a datacore capable of hosting a [[smart AI]] ship director. The AI and automated systems handle target detection, threat evaluation, tracking, and calculating of firing solutions, though the crew sets target priority and authorizes weapons release. These frigates maintain a low sensor signature.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} The ship's [[M8900 drop pod|M8900 SOEIV]] deployment bays are mounted on the mid-ventral surface.<ref name="Initiation">''[[Halo: Initiation]]'', [[Halo: Initiation Issue 1|Issue #1]]</ref> Like other warships of the [[UNSC Navy]], sublight propulsion is provided by a [[fusion drive|deuterium fusion engine]].{{Ref/Reuse|departure}}

===Crew and complement===
The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate is crewed by 190 [[UNSC Navy|sailors]]. These warships traditionally carry no expeditionary troops,{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} though may occasionally hold and deploy a handful of [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]].{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation}} Due to the frigate's relatively small size, the ''Strident'' class carries little in the way of complement. The class has a single internal hangar bay, capable of housing a single [[Pelican]] [[dropship]]. However, three more dropships can be carried on exterior hull clamps.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

Additionally, the ''Strident'' class may also carry [[OF92 Booster Frame]]s, heavily armed [[space fighter]]s specifically designed for use by [[Spartan]] operatives.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

===Armament===
The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate is described as a lean and lethal warship, capable of carrying incredible firepower.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The frigate's primary armament is its ship-mounted [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The 94B1E6 heavy MAC and its twelve massive capacitor banks allow the ''Strident''{{'}}s firepower to rival the twin MACs on [[UNSC destroyer|destroyers]] and light [[cruiser]]s. However, the ''Strident'' class is unable to carry much in the way of ammunition due to its small size; for this reason, most combat operations take place near supply depots. For attacking targets of strategic significance,{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} these frigates are fitted with a single [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system]], armed with three warheads.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} It requires several minutes to load and prepare each [[missile]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} The MAC and the Hyperion warheads combined are capable of defeating a variety of [[Covenant]] [[capital ship]]s, as long as their shields are down.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

The secondary armament{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} of the frigate is two [[Archer missile#M42 Archer|M42 Archer missile pods]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} To protect against fighters and missiles, six [[M870 Rampart point defense gun|M870 Rampart point-defense guns]] are fitted, emplacements combining quad-mount coilguns and a targeting scanner. They evaluate incoming threats and switch the ammunition to either sub-caliber armor-piercing sabots or proximity detonation fragmentation shells on a target-by-target basis. The ''Strident'' class is armed with five [[Mark 55 Castor naval coilgun]]s as its secondary ship-to-ship armaments. The Castors are designed to fire a variety of munitions, including experimental shield-piercing rounds. Three of the Castor turrets are equipped with two smaller [[Mark 57 Arena point defense gun]]s in a "quickshot" configuration, with one on each side.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

==Operational history==
[[File:Halo Initiation unidentified frigate.PNG|thumb|left|250px|A ''Strident''-class in one of its few deployments during the war.]]
===Human-Covenant War===
The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate was designed late in the [[Human-Covenant War]], implementing hard-earned lessons from previous [[frigate]] designs. The ''Strident'' class was the testbed for streamlined manufacturing techniques intended to accelerate production.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} During the war, at least two such frigates participated in the [[Defense of Concord]] in December, 2551; the battle resulted in a rare naval victory for the UNSC, forcing the Covenant to abandon their assault.{{Ref/Reuse|Contention}} Additionally, one of these frigates was used to deploy [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] during a battle for an unknown world in [[2552#October|October 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation}} 

===Post-war===
Following the war's conclusion, hundreds of ''Strident''- and {{Class|Anlace|light frigate}}s were commissioned and assembled in shipyards above [[Mars]] and [[Tribute]] to replace the combat losses and engage [[Covenant remnants]] occupying the [[Outer Colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} While prominent in the years following the Covenant War,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} the ''Strident'' class is not a direct replacement for other frigate classes.{{Ref/Reuse|clarity}}

In [[2554]], several ''Strident''-class heavy frigates participated in the [[Battle of Draetheus V]]. One of which was listing in atmosphere, destroyed.<ref>''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''</ref>

During the [[New Phoenix Incident]] in [[2557#July|July 2557]], at least three ships of this class escorted {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} as part of [[Battlegroup Dakota]]. They engaged the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', though they could not prevent him from activating the [[Composer]] and killing millions of residents in [[New Phoenix]], [[Unified Republic of North America|URNA]].{{Ref/Reuse|Midnight}}

At the onset of the [[Requiem Campaign]] in [[2558]], ''Infinity''{{'}}s embarked ''Strident'' class sub-vessels were launched to engage the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] around Requiem.{{Ref/Reuse|departure}} During the battle, ''[[Infinity Sub-Vessel 3]]'' destroyed a {{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}} that was sending waves of troops and vehicles at [[Fireteam Crimson]] over "[[Two Giants]]".<ref>''Spartan Ops'', [[Catherine/Shootout In Valhalla|S103 Shootout in Valhalla]]</ref> Later, as ''Infinity'' was stranded and [[Battle of Aktis IV|ambushed]] at the world of [[Aktis IV]] by [[Jul 'Mdama]] with the aid of [[Catherine Halsey]], the flagship deployed its entire fleet of ''Strident''-class heavy frigates to ward off the attacking Covenant fleet, which they eventually succeeded in doing.<ref>''Halo: Escalation'', [[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue #16]]</ref>

As the [[Created]] began their [[Subjugation of Earth|take over]] of [[Earth]] during [[The Reclamation]], ''Strident''s were in orbit of the [[planet]] and subsequently disabled.{{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Guardians]]}} A year later, five ''Strident'' frigates were deployed by the UNSC ''Infinity'' during [[Operation: WOLFE]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR13|HSoR|Chapter=13}}

==Ships of the line==
*{{UNSCShip|Strident}} - The [[Wikipedia:lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.
*''[[Infinity Sub-Vessel 3]]'' - One of the internally docked frigates with the ''Infinity''.
*''[[FFG-427]]'' - Participated in the [[Defense of Concord]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Contention|Halo: Winter Contention}}
*''[[FFG-502]]'' - Participated in the Defense of Concord.{{Ref/Reuse|Contention}}

==Behind the scenes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Strident-class heavy frigates}}
Low-detail models of the ''Strident''-class are seen in the background on the ''Halo 4'' level ''[[Midnight]]''.<ref name="Bulletin">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-5-14-14 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin 5.14.14'']</ref> These ships are intended to appear only in the background, but exploiting a [[Midnight vacation|glitch]] allows the player to examine these vessels up close, along with two other theretofore-[[Vindication-class light battleship|unseen]] [[Poseidon-class light carrier|classes]]. Because these ships are intended to appear only as scenery, they are rendered as brushes rather than level geometry; as such, the player can fly the [[Broadsword]] through them without harm. This model bears several structural differences to the final model seen in ''Spartan Ops''; it is lighter in coloration, similar to the other ships of [[Battlegroup Dakota]], and the bridge section is sleeker, shorter, and located farther aft.

A ''Strident''-class frigate in ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' is depicted in the likeness of the lower-quality in-game model rather than the high-detail one in ''Spartan Ops''. Curiously, a campaign-style ''Strident'' is shown alongside two canonically designed ''Strident''s at the end of ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' #7. It is possible that these are different models, though they may just have been mistaken for separate ship designs.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H4-Concept-Charon-Frigate.jpg|Concept art of the redesign of the [[Charon-class light frigate|''Charon''-class frigate]] ''Forward Unto Dawn'' that would become the design of the ''Strident''-class heavy frigate.
File:AOH4-Frigate-ConceptArt.jpg|Concept art of the frigate from ''[[Awakening: The Art of Halo 4]]''.
File:H4SO Infinity Stridents Concept.jpg|Concept art of ''Strident''s docked inside the UNSC ''Infinity''.
File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-AftRender.png|Aft view of a ''Strident''-class heavy frigate's engines.
File:H4-Daybreak-1.jpg|A ''Strident''-class heavy frigate on the map [[Daybreak]].
File:Infinity n Frigates.png|Two frigates escorting the UNSC ''Infinity'' in ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' [[Artifact|Episode 2]].
File:Spartan ops frigates.png|The ''Infinity''{{'}}s sub-vessels clearing the corridor into [[Requiem]].
File:H4 - MidnightStrident.jpg|Side view of the ''Strident''-class as depicted in ''Midnight''.
File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-LowQuality.png|Cut-out of the in-game model from ''Midnight''.
File:HSA-Cinematic-Plummet.jpg|A ''Strident''-class frigate being shot down over [[Draetheus V]].
File:HE Stridents.jpg|''Strident''-class frigates alongside the ''Infinity'' over Earth. Note the two separate production models.
File:HE16 Infinity Fleet.jpg|''Infinity''{{'}}s flotilla of ''Strident''-class escorts engage Jul 'Mdama's fleet in the [[Battle of Aktis IV]].
File:Strident nukes.png|The loading system for the Hyperion nuclear missiles, inspired by the [[wikipedia:Juliett-class submarine|''Juliett''-class submarine]].
File:H4 - MidnightShips2.jpg|A {{Class|Vindication|light battleship}}, three ''Strident''s, and a {{Class|Poseidon|light carrier}}.
File:H5G-Infinity&Guardian.jpg|''Strident''-class frigates, and the UNSC ''Infinity'' as the subjugation of Earth begins.
</gallery>

===Renders===
<gallery>
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 1.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 2.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 3.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 4.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 5.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 6.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 7.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 8.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 9.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 10.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 11.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 12.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 13.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 14.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 15.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 16.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 17.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 18.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 19.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 20.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 21.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 22.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 23.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 24.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 25.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 26.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 27.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]'' {{Mo}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Human Ships}}

[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]