Editing Valiant-class super-heavy cruiser

{{Title|''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Infobox/Ships
|name            = ''Valiant''-class
|image           = [[File:Enc22 SoTP Valiant.png|300px]]
|caption         = 
|modules         = 
{{Infobox/Ships/Class
|hide-class           = 
|class identification = 
|class operator       = [[UNSC Navy]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|class manufacturer   = [[SinoViet Heavy Machinery]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|class architect      = 
|class built          = 
|class in service     = [[2493]]-present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
}}
|hide-characteristics=
|nocollapse      = yes
|type            = [[Battlecruiser|Super-heavy cruiser]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=118}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-cruiser|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=UNSC Cruiser|D=28|M=11|Y=2015}}{{Ref/Site|Id=canon fodder|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-bulkhead-banter|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Bulkhead Banter|D=21|M=08|Y=2019}}
|length          = {{Convert|1518|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=42}}
|width           = {{Convert|373|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height          = 
|mass            = 17 million tonnes{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power           = 
|maneuver drive  = [[Fusion drive]] (2 primary, 6 secondary)
|slipspace drive = [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]
|crew            = <!--Describes crew counts only-->
|complement      = 
|troops          = <!--Describes on-boarded Marine, Army etc ground troop forces-->
|hull            = [[Titanium-A armor]]{{Ref/Reuse|Cole6}}
|shielding       = <!--Describes shielding-->
|sensors         = <!--Describes sensors and whatnot-->
|ew              = <!--Describes electronic warfare capabilities-->
|armaments       = 
*2 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|50GE1A MAC]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*50 [[Archer missile#M58 Archer|M58 Archer missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*8 [[M66 Sentry autocannon]] turrets{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*50 [[M910 Rampart point defense network]] guns{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*[[M810 Helix point defense gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Cole6}}
*{{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}}s{{Ref/Reuse|Cole6}}
|aircraft        = <!--Describes embarked aircraft and dropships-->
|air facilities  = <!--Describes hangars and whatnot-->
}}
The '''''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser''' (sometimes referred to as the '''''Valiant''-class battlecruiser'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}) is a [[capital ship|capital warship]] classification in the [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Anthology|Id=Cole6|Evo|The Impossible Life and Possible Death of Preston J. Cole|Section=6}} Among the most powerful vessels in the [[UNSC fleet]], one of their primary uses is fleet command and coordination.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

==Overview==
[[File:Fleet Battles - Valiant and frigates.jpg|left|thumb|250px|{{UNSCShip|Terminus}} alongside several {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s.]]
===Design details===
Despite its designation as a cruiser, the ''Valiant'' also bears similarities to a [[battleship]]{{Ref/Site|Id=spartan games|URL=http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HFUN08|Site=Spartan Games|Page=UNSC Valiant-Class Super Heavy Cruiser|D=03|M=01|Y=2017}} - sacrificing the firepower and armour protection of a full battleship to retain more multi-mission capabilities. In this manner, the ''Valiant'' may sometimes be referred to as a [[battlecruiser]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} 

The ''Valiant'' class features [[fusion drive]]s that were considered next generation at the time of the class' inception, though there were delays in incorporating them.{{Ref/Reuse|canon fodder}} As one of the most powerful [[warship]]s in the [[UNSC Navy]], these cruisers are capable of holding their own against most opponents.{{Ref/Reuse|spartan games}} The ''Valiant'' class has the tonnage and firepower to augment [[battle group]]s composed of smaller warships on patrols, as well as the space to install flag [[bridge]] facilities to be commanded by [[admiral]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|canon fodder}} These flag bridges can be enormous, with two dozen bridge stations used not only to control the ship and its systems, but also to coordinate the activities of the entire battle group. They also have large view screens that stretch from the floor to the ceiling.{{Ref/Reuse|Cole6}} However, due to resource and crew shortages during the [[Operation: TREBUCHET]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and [[Human-Covenant War]], plans to give all ''Valiant''-class cruisers a complete suite of command upgrades were abandoned.{{Ref/Reuse|canon fodder}}

The command versions featured the same armament, but had increased armor and replace most of the troop and smaller craft areas with specialized and command equipment like [[Slipspace COM launcher|slipspace communication probe launchers]] and umbilicals to unload [[courier]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

==Ships of the line==
===Command ship refit===
*{{UNSCShip|Everest}} – The [[flagship]] of [[Vice Admiral]] [[Preston Cole]]; officially destroyed at the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]] on [[2543|April 18, 2543]].
*{{UNSCShip|Valiant}} – The lead ship of the class; commissioned in [[2493]].{{Ref/Reuse|canon fodder}}
===Unknown===
*{{UNSCShip|Terminus}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

==Operational history==
The ''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser was originally drafted by the [[UNSC Navy]] as a compromise between a [[battleship]] and [[Cruiser|heavy cruiser]].{{Ref/Reuse|canon fodder}}{{Ref/Reuse|spartan games}} However, the class went through years of feasibility studies and redesigns before {{UNSCShip|Valiant}} was commissioned and released from her [[Mars|Martian]] shipyard in [[2493]]. Though the ''Valiant'' showed promise during initial testing and evaluation, the high costs and delays in incorporating next-generation [[fusion drive]]s seemingly doomed further manufacturing of the class. Less than two years later, all commissioned ships of the ''Valiant'' class were stricken from the UNSC Navy rolls and partially scrapped. However, the escalating [[Insurrection]] ultimately prevented the ''Valiant'' class from being a mere footnote in Navy history when it was discovered that the [[Colonial Military Authority]] had been infiltrated by [[Insurrectionist]] sympathizers in [[2497]]. Converted into fleet command ships, the ''Valiant'' class was deployed in expeditionary engagements in the Insurrection, using its tonnage and firepower to augment Navy battle groups.{{Ref/Reuse|canon fodder}} 

[[Vice Admiral]] [[Preston Cole]] commanded the ''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser {{UNSCShip|Everest}} as his [[flagship]], beginning with the [[Battle of Harvest|Battle]] of [[Harvest]] in [[2526]]. Over the course of the [[Human-Covenant War]], most notably prior to his last stand at the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]] in [[2543]], Cole made several modifications to the ship's armament and armor.{{Ref/Reuse|Cole6}} UNSC ''Valiant'' was later attached to the [[Epsilon Eridani Fleet]] by the beginning of the [[Fall of Reach]] in [[2552#July|summer 2552]].

==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===UNSC ''Valiant'' Super-Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a single ''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Valiant Super-Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=115
|Image=[[File:HFB ValiantCruiser.png|x150px]]
|Movement=7
|DamageTrack1=7
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 4
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 4
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 
|BuildRating=3 (2*)
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=4
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=10
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=8
}}

===UNSC Supported ''Valiant'' Super-Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser and one {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Supported Valiant Super-Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=135
|Image=[[File:HFB ValiantCruiser Supported.png|x150px]]
|Movement=7
|DamageTrack1=8
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 5
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 4
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 
|BuildRating=4 (3*)
|Hangars=3
|BoardingCraft=3
|SecurityDetail=5
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=12
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=10
}}
{{Col-2}}

===UNSC Escorted ''Valiant'' Super-Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser and one {{Class|Halberd|light destroyer}}.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Escorted Valiant Super-Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=135
|Image=[[File:HFB ValiantCruiser Escorted.png|x150px]]
|Movement=7
|DamageTrack1=8
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 4
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 5
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 
|BuildRating=4
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=3
|SecurityDetail=5
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=13
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=9
}}

===UNSC Defended ''Valiant'' Super-Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Valiant''-class super-heavy cruiser and two ''Halberd''-class destroyers.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Defended Valiant Super-Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=160
|Image=[[File:HFB ValiantCruiser Defended.png|x150px]]
|Movement=7
|DamageTrack1=8
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=4
|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage*
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 4
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 6
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 
|BuildRating=4
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=3
|SecurityDetail=6
|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=15
|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponCount=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward* or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=10
}}
{{Col-end}}
All of the ''Valiant''-class cruisers have the following special rule:
;High Value Target
:This vessel is considered to have a Build Rating of one less than listed during the process of Fleet Building, reverting to its stated Build Rating for the purposes of calculating Victory Points only.

==Production notes==
While officially introduced in the short story ''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]'' and named in ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', the ''Valiant''-class was not visually depicted until [[2015]]'s ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'' board game. The cruiser went through multiple revisions before settling on the design seen in canon.

In [[2022]], the ''Valiant'' was featured in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'' using renders of the model created by [[:Category:Images by Jared Harris|Jared Harris]] for the ''[[Sins of the Prophets]]'' fan-mod. This was one of the many ''Sins of the Prophets'' ships featured in the book as part of an official collaboration between [[343 Industries]] and the ''Sins of the Prophets'' team.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HFB ValiantClass.png|The prototype model of the UNSC ''Valiant'' from ''Halo: Fleet Battles''.
File:HFBValiantrendercropped.jpg|Profile view of the ''Valiant''-class cruiser
File:Fleet Battles - Valiants.jpg|Several ''Valiant''-class cruisers from ''Halo: Fleet Battles''
File:SoTP ValiantCruiser Views.jpg|Alternate views of the ''Valiant''-class cruiser from ''Sins of the Prophets''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''

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

{{Human Ships}}

[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]