Zanar-pattern light cruiser

The CRS-class light cruiser is a Covenant capital warship classification.

Specifications

Resembling a luminous manta ray, the CRS is essentially a smaller, weaker version of the CCS-class battlecruiser. The two classes are virtually identical in outward appearance apart from being built on different scales. As one notable difference, the CRS class bears green-glowing lights, as opposed to the white-blue lighting on the CCS-class; however, this may be due to the post-Schism Covenant's overall preference for green lights on most of their equipment. This is akin to the CAS-class assault carrier and the CSO-class supercarrier, which are likewise identical despite the latter being over five times larger than the former.

The "R", for Reverence, in the cruiser's three-letter classification code indicates that the cruiser is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and is capable of excavating Forerunner artifacts. The "S", for Salvation, denotes that the CRS-class light cruiser is a dedicated warship capable of destroying its opponents with ventral beam weaponry.

Operational history

Several CRS-class cruisers were used over Reach during the Covenant's invasion of the planet in 2552. In the wake of the Human-Covenant War, the CRS class forms the backbone of the modern Covenant's fleet, which deployed numerous CRS-class cruisers to Requiem prior to and during the First Battle of Requiem. After finding the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn, one approached the ship with its shields down, not expecting a threat, intending to open fire on the Dawn. However, Spartan John-117 destroyed the cruiser with one of the Forward Unto Dawn's Hyperion nuclear missiles. Several were destroyed moments later when the gravity well of Requiem pulled them in. More CRS-class cruisers were used to deploy troops within Requiem's core. Numerous light cruisers were later sent to attack the Template:UNSCship after it crashed into Requiem, but at least two were disabled by the Infinity's defenses.

Several CRS-class cruiser were present during the Second Battle of Requiem in February 2558. Many provided escort for an RCS-class armored cruiser that was destroyed immediately after Infinity's emergence from slipspace. They immediately engaged Infinity's Strident-class heavy frigates, though they were quickly destroyed or routed. Later, a CRS was deployed to Two Giants in a desperate attempt to keep the UNSC from activating the Forerunner portal technology there. Despite deploying numerous Phantoms and Banshees, it was destroyed by Infinity's Sub-vessel 3 and the UNSC's operation was a success. Another light cruiser attacked the UNSC base at "The Refuge", but was destroyed when Fireteam Shadow boarded and overloaded its power core. Later, several light cruisers participated in the Covenant-Promethean attack on Infinity. At least one was destroyed when Fireteam Crimson brought the Infinity's weapons back online. Several CRS light cruisers were later seen fleeing Requiem after Jul 'Mdama set the planet on a collision course with its parent star.

Gallery

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  Renders of the CRS-class light cruiser.

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  Alternate extraction of a CRS-class light cruiser.

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  In-game screenshot of a CRS-class light cruiser.

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  CRS-class cruisers swarm the remains of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn.

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  The reformed Covenant's light cruiser fleet.

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  CRS-class cruisers escorting an RCS-class armored cruiser during the Requiem Campaign.

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  CRS-class cruisers attacking the UNSC Infinity during the Battle of Aktis IV.

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  Size comparison between the CRS-class cruiser and the SDV-class heavy corvette.

List of appearances

• Halo: The Fall of Reach (First appearance)
• Halo: First Strike
• Halo: Fall of Reach
  • Invasion
• Halo 4
  • Spartan Ops
• Halo: Escalation