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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Disambig header|the shoulder-mounted infantry weapon|the vehicle-mounted weapon|Fuel rod cannon}}
{{Quote|Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin' you're transfixed, these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!|Anonymous UNSC [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetfuelrodgun|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon}}}}
[[File:H5G-SangheiliWarrior&T58FRC.png|thumb|250px|The ''Gespu''-pattern.]]
The '''fuel rod gun''' is a shoulder-fired explosives launcher,{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG77|EVG|Page=77}} formerly used by the [[Covenant]] [[Covenant military|military]] and now in service with [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} It is also sometimes called the '''flak cannon'''<ref>'''Halo: Reach''' Cortana [[Firefight]] dialogue</ref> or '''fuel rod cannon'''<ref>'''Halo 4''' in-game HUD text</ref> though the latter term is usually reserved for [[Fuel rod cannon|vehicle-mounted weapons]] based on the same technology. Other nicknames for the fuel rod gun includes '''Farg''', the '''Thud Gun''', and the '''Shine Box'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=339}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
{{Quote|They’re pretty tricky to handle—first off you gotta get over the fact that there is this glowing, green explosive whatever right next to your head; and it’s not like you can requisition any more ammo for the damn thing—but you can lay down a whole lotta hurt in a very short amount of time I’ll tell you that.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}}} 
The design of the Fuel Rod Gun is unique, more akin to large ornament than deadly weapon; it is covered by thick gold plates that make up the body of the weapon. The ammunition is loaded on the top aft section of the fuel rod gun, and can hold up to 5 ballistic projectiles before needing to be reloaded. Because of the weapon’s visibility it is just as effective as a psychological weapon, it is often the case that soldiers will ignore closer, more obvious targets in order to eliminate a Type-33 and its operator. 

It is recoil-operated and fires 38mm explosive fuel rods.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG77}} The fuel rod gun is unique in the way it operates, its ammunition is placed one on top of the other to form a clip and then is loaded into the weapon; it is unknown what exactly holds the rods together. When the large "trigger" is pulled the weapon ejects the projectile at high speeds. It can be assumed that the instant the projectile leaves the barrel of the weapon, the large flash associated with firing the fuel rod gun destroys the caps that are on each end of the fuel rod projectile. The rods are equipped with an activation delay that protects the wielder from explosions caused by carelessly firing fuel rods into nearby objects, however a fuel rod will detonate if fired into enemies at point-blank range.

The fuel rod gun is extremely powerful, and as such the Covenant went to great lengths to ensure it does not fall into enemy hands - for much of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the prevalent model of the fuel rod gun was equipped with a fail-safe that activates under certain conditions, either by the user dropping the weapon without first engaging a safety, or if the weapon runs out of ammunition and is not reloaded after a certain amount of time.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', "Chapter 20", ''page 187''</ref> Any remaining ammunitions within the chamber are detonated.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG77}} In late [[2552]], models without the failsafe became more commonplace, preventing the weapon from being self-destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}

The weapon's energetic component has been the subject of nearly three decades of intense [[human]] study. The [[Merchants of Qikost]], the fuel rod gun's current manufacturer, are only able to replicate its manufacture using prehistoric [[Forerunner]] machinery that occasionally requires [[Huragok]] maintenance and has proved nearly impossible to study. Both [[Misriah Armory]] and [[Materials Group]] have acquired the aforementioned Forerunner machinery, but are reluctant to produce potentially dangerous feedstock isotopes.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

===Ammunition===
{{main|Fuel rod}}
{{Quote|It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kinda funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a GA cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}}}
The Covenant fuel rod gun fires radioactive projectiles colloquially termed as "fuel rods". These projectiles have devastating effects on their targets. When the fuel rod impacts an area, or target, it is instantly subjected to temperatures as hot as standard plasma weapons. The fuel rod gun's projectiles use a form of [[incendiary gel]] similar to a [[Mgalekgolo]]'s [[assault cannon]]. Unlike the globs or beams fired by the assault cannon, however, the fuel rods are compressed canisters of the gel approximately 38mm in diameter which explode upon impact.

===History===
{{Quote|I catch a glimpse of green out of the corner of my eye and then there’s this huge “whoomf” and the ‘Hog goes end over end burning with [[Gaz]] still at the wheel. I was riding shotty with the [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|M41]] so I just unlatched and pushed off when we started going up into the air and there went the ‘Hog and Gaz and all our gear cart-wheeling into the ravine.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}}}

With a design lineage that originated in ancient Sangheili flak cannons used during the War of Beginnings. the fuel rod gun has been a fixture of Covenant infantry since its earliest years. A shoulder-fired explosives launcher that lobs volatile fuel rod projectiles, their impact triggers a violent detonation capable of punching holes into enemy armor and fortifications. while turning enemy infantry into a smoldering crater. 

Originally mass-produced in many and diverse patterns by the assembly forges{{Ref/Reuse|EVG77}} on High Charity and Enduring Service, the traditional fuel rod gun has most recently been adopted by the Merchants of Oikost. granting their weapon architects access to a litany of older forms that surfaced during the Covenant's war with the humans and the ages which preceded it. Despite bearing remarkable differences in form, very little changed functionally between pattern types. proof of the weapon's steadfast performance in the field. 

The fuel rod gun was first encountered by UNSC personnel in [[2531]].{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetfuelrodgun|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon}} Due to its success, it was integrated to various vehicles.<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 90''</ref>

Dominant in current arms circulation, the Gepsu-pattern is the most eccentric of all fuel rod gun designs, engineered by cross-species workshops on the human outlaw colony of Venezia. The pattern's main utility is its remarkably compact size and shape, allowing it to be used by a diversity of species. 

===Usage===
{{Quote|No sooner had I put the Grunt down than [[Fisk]] has got a hold of that bad boy and dumps the whole clip into the column—stickies and everything just cooking off—secondaries like mad! Fisk was a crazy bastard he was—wish he was still with us.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}}}

The fuel rod gun was designed for anti-armor purposes,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG77}} though it is commonly employed in both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle roles. The fuel rod gun is used by most Covenant infantry; Grunts are commonly seen wielding fuel rod guns, and more rarely, higher ranking Elites and Brutes are seen wielding them. 

==Variants==
{{Quote|The Type-33s have more in common with the ballistic weapon on the Banshee than it does with the weapon that the Hunters carry around—well, not carry around, but you know what I mean.|Anonymous UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}}}
*'''{{Pattern|Zasqi|fuel rod gun}}''' - The fuel rod gun featured in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
*'''{{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}''' - The type of fuel rod gun first introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''.
*'''{{Pattern|Korva|fuel rod gun}}''' - The pattern of fuel rod gun introduced in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo 4]]''.
*'''{{Pattern|Gespu|fuel rod gun}}''' - The model of fuel rod gun featured in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
==Production notes==
*The design of the ''Zasqi''-pattern and the ''Pez'tk''-pattern fuel rod guns were derived from two distinct weapons in [[Pre-Xbox Halo]]: the [[Cut Halo: Combat Evolved weapons#Fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]] and the [[Cut Halo: Combat Evolved weapons#Flak cannon|flak cannon]]. In their early iterations, the fuel rod gun was a battery-fed weapon that fires explosive bolts on a direct path, whereas the flak cannon a magazine-fed weapon that fires explosive projectiles on a projectile arc.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer, and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', fuel rod guns are erroneously called [[fuel rod cannon]]s. Similarly, the [[Phoenix Logs|Phoenix Log]] [[Phoenix Logs/Banished Units/Heavy Grunts|entry]] for [[Heavy|Heavy Grunt]] in ''Halo Wars 2'' also mistakes the {{Pattern|Korva|fuel rod gun}} for a fuel rod cannon. Furthermore, the [[Halo Waypoint]] article for the fuel rod gun incorrectly named the weapon as the fuel rod cannon,{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fuel-rod-cannon|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapon - Fuel Rod Cannon|D=29|M=10|Y=2015}}, though the article on [[Wraith]]s correctly stated that the anti-air Wraith employs fuel rod cannons.{{Ref/Site|Id=hwwraith|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Vehicles - Wraith|D=29|M=10|Y=2020}} The distinction between the two fuel rod weapons was deliberately established in ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' and the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
*In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', in a similar case to the fuel rod cannon, fuel rods fired from an NPC’s fuel rod gun have an enhanced lock-on ability, which players are unable to access.

----

<ref>[http://blogs.halo.xbox.com/Headlines/post/2012/09/19/The-Halo-Bulletin-91912-.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin 9.19.12'']</ref>




==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:ReachSchematic - FuelRodCannon.png|150px|thumb|left|A blueprint of the fuel rod gun in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.]]


===Ammunition===

===Advantages===
The fuel rod gun is an extremely devastating weapon in the hands of a skilled infantry unit. The destructive power of the fuel rod gun is so effective that human forces often focus all of their attention on infantry wielding the fuel rod gun. Unsurprisingly, one strike from a fuel rod will instantly kill any light organic target, even one that is heavily armored. Infantry outside of the initial blast zone will be affected by the concussive force of the impact, which is strong enough to send them flying, and the radiation the rods release. Against light-armored vehicles the fuel rod gun is extremely effective as well, with the ability to flip small vehicles in only a few hits if it doesn't destroy them outright. The gun also takes less time to reload than the rocket launcher, can hold more ammo in both the magazine and reserve, has a very slight tracking ability, and a faster rate of fire. In the context of the Halo games, the fuel rods' strength and lethality are compensated for both the sake of gameplay and ratings.

===Disadvantages===
Rods from the fuel rod gun have a smaller explosive radius than the [[M41 rocket launcher]]. In addition, the fuel rods will arc once in flight and lose their accuracy over long distances. The large size of the weapon obscures the wielder's peripheral vision, and it  reduces the speed of weaker infantry holding it, because of its significant weight, unless it is a Spartan carrying the weapon, due to their superior strength. The bright color of the weapon makes the wielder easy to spot, even when the weapon is backpacked; the green flash that occurs when the weapon is fired, can also give away the users position. The fuel rods are also extremely slow in flight. As a result, Fuel Rods are particularly weak against most reconnaissance vehicles (Ghosts, Warthogs, Banshees, Brute Choppers, Mongooses) at long range. This is because the intended target will easily dodge the fuel rod. It also lacks the lock-on and destructive capabilities of the ''Halo 2'' rocket launcher or ''Halo 3'' [[missile pod]]. Also, in ''Halo 3'', the fuel rods usually bounce off the ground, missing their intended targets, unless it is a direct hit or you are directly facing the surface, such as walls and even the Scarab's exterior, although very rarely would it ricochet off vehicles and infantry.

==Changes==
===Changes from the unidentified fuel rod in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''===
*The Fuel Rod Gun has been redesigned and now has a golden exterior, instead of a purple.
*The Fuel Rod Gun now fires five rounds from a magazine, rather than a battery.
*The projectiles arc much less, making the weapon function less like a mortar.
*There is a new sound effect for the Fuel Rod Gun - more of a 'thumping' effect.
*The player is now able to wield the Fuel Rod Gun in campaign, but it is not available in multiplayer.
*The melee attack animation was changed.

[[File:Fuelrodcannon.jpg|thumb|A Fuel Rod Gun in ''Halo 3''.]]

===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''===
*The textures of the Fuel Rod Gun have been updated, while keeping the ''Halo 2'' design.
*The blasts have been weakened to 65% of their previous strength, to compensate for the cannon's large number of rounds per magazine.
*The color of the shots has changed to darker green.
*Projectiles are affected by gravity to a higher degree. 
*The sound effects have once again been updated to give the Fuel Rod Gun a deeper sound.

===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
* The weapon's shape has been redesigned, sporting a smoother, more rounded appearance. Its coloration remains the same. It bears a slight resemblance to the Covenant [[Kopasa'mada-pattern plasma launcher|plasma launcher]].
* The explosion from its rounds is more detailed, and with higher contrast to surroundings.
* It now has a small thermal sight attached to the body, similar to some other weapons like the Spartan Laser and the Focus Rifle.

===Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4''===
*The IR screen has become a lot wider and detailed.
*The firing sound is deeper.
*The aiming reticule has been changed to a circular shape. 
*The projectiles are more solid and move faster.

===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
*Unlike the original ''Halo 2'' version the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' fuel rod gun is available for use in multiplayer.

===Changes for ''Halo Wars 2''===
*Fuel Rod Gun does extremely less damage.
*The Fuel Rod Gun can [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] vehicles and aircraft.

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:H2-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the fuel rod gun from ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-T33FRGHUD.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-EliteUltra.png|A [[Sangheili Ultra]] takes cover while holding a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
File:Fuel Rod Gun Render.gif|A render of a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3'' from Bungie.net.
File:H3-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the Fuel Rod Gun from ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Orange Elite with fuel rod gun.png|A Sangheili with a fuel rod gun.
File:Halo-3-20070923110008904.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 FRGClownCar.png|Marines carrying fuel rod guns on an [[M831 Troop Transport Warthog]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:EliteFRG-large.jpg|A Sangheili firing a fuel rod guns at Yanme'e during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].
File:1217473684 Fuel Rod--Pre-activity.jpg|A fuel rod that has not yet been activated.
File:Fuel Rod Gun Ammo.jpg|Another close up of a non-activated fuel rod.
File:1211317365 Fuel Rod.jpg|A fuel rod in mid-flight.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST FuelRodWatchtower.png|Three Unggoy armed with fuel rod guns in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Homecoming FuelRod Concept.png|Concept art for the fuel rod gun in ''Halo Legends: Homecoming''.
File:Prototype FuelRodCannon Concept.png|Concept art for the fuel rod gun in ''Halo Legends: Prototype''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
{{Col-end}}

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

{{Covenant ordnance}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Rocket launchers]]