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{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:HaloReach - SeraphFormation.png|350px|thumb|A trio of Seraph in formation during a [[space warfare]].]]
'''Seraphs''' are combat [[space fighter]]s used by [[Covenant military|armed forces]] of the [[Covenant]] empire and its [[Covenant fleet|fleet]], and inherited by [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]].<ref name="HTEVG">''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 169</ref>


'''Seraph''' is the name applied to a series of [[Covenant]] Exoatmospheric Multirole Fighters.<ref name="HTEVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 169''</ref>
==Summary==
[[File:HM SpaceBattle ColourAdjusted Small.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Seraphs used in an active combat between the [[UNSC]] and a [[Covenant fleet]] above a [[human]] [[Human colonies|colony]].]]
===Design details===
The Seraph features a piscine, teardrop-like shape, fitting with the overall design elegance the [[Covenant]] is known for. Seraph fighters are mostly stored in the [[hangar bay]]s of Covenant ships or stations when they are not in battle or escorting a ship. ''Morsam''-pattern Seraphs have two movable flaps on either side of their hull, and their twin "tails" are articulated to aid with directing exhaust, while those on the ''Kai''-pattern are fixed. These features give the Seraph superior turning capabilities in zero-gravity environments. Despite their efficiency and speed in space, Seraph fighters are graceless and sluggish in atmospheric conditions due to their odd teardrop-like shape. Seraphs fill a variety of roles in a [[Covenant fleet]], such as a strike fighter or for ship-to-ship combat in dogfights.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-gb/universe/detail/82613d70-17cc-4652-8ab1-a1f16e29c516/banshee-fighter '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Banshee Fighter'']</ref> Seraphs can also be used for the occasional bombing run,<ref name="enc283">''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'', p. 283 (2011)</ref> but it is considered a rare sight by [[UNSC]] forces.<ref name="ghosts">''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', p. 17-22</ref> Seraphs have the ability to power down and slip past hostile sentries and human sensors.<ref name="flood12">''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', p. 12 (2010 edition)</ref> Unlike the [[Banshee]] or the [[Phantom]] [[dropship]], Seraphs are equipped with multiphase [[energy shielding]],{{Ref/Reuse|ghosts}} although some Seraphs may have been seen not always using their energy shields.<ref name="package">''[[Halo Legends]]'', [[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]</ref> However, these energy shields are only a fraction of the strength of those on [[capital ship]]s and are easily depleted with sustained fire.<ref name="For">''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', p. 330 (2010 edition)</ref>
 
As the Covenant's main space-based attack fighter, the Seraph is highly maneuverable while in space, and can easily keep pace with the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]'s [[GA-TL1 Longsword]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc283}}
 
===Armaments===
Seraphs have demonstrated that they are a very effective counter-weapon against Longsword interceptors unless the latter attacks from the side or behind. Seraphs usually attack in formations of ten, their assaults on enemy ships range from simple harassment to full out strafing attacks. They have also been seen patrolling in pairs. It is assumed that Seraph fighters can be piloted by a single [[Sangheili]] or [[Jiralhanae]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc283}}
 
The Seraph is armed with a variety of weapons. Seraphs are seen firing multiple heavy plasma cannons, and are also armed with fuel rod cannons and plasma charges for strafing and bombing runs.{{Ref/Reuse|enc283}} A Seraph's bombing runs are very deadly, as evidenced in [[Operation: TORPEDO]], the [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]] [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]]'s attack on a Covenant refinery on [[Pegasi Delta]].{{Ref/Reuse|ghosts}} The Seraph's energy weapons deliver a hard punch to anything it attacks, such as [[D77-TC Pelican]] [[dropship]]s,<ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', p. 8-9 (2003 edition); p. 18-19 (2010 edition)</ref> and when dueling with the UNSC space-superiority [[FSS-1000 Sabre]]s.<ref name="lnos">''Halo: Reach'', campaign level, [[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]</ref> A Seraph was also capable of doing some damage against a {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}'s [[Titanium-A armor]] plating.{{Ref/Reuse|flood12}}
 
==Types==
*'''{{Pattern|Kai|Seraph}}'''
*'''{{Pattern|Morsam|Seraph}}'''
<gallery class=center>
File:Enc22 KaiSeraph.png|A {{Pattern|Kai|Seraph}}.
File:H4-T31SeraphXMF.png|A {{Pattern|Morsam|Seraph}}.
</gallery>
 
==Operational history==
Covenant forces have long made use of various Seraph patterns within their fleets.{{Ref/Note|This section details the use of unidentified Seraph patterns only. For specific appearances of named Seraph patterns, see the "Service history" sections in the articles for the [[Kai-pattern Seraph#Operational history|''Kai''-pattern]] and ''[[Morsam-pattern Seraph#Operational history|''Morsam''-pattern]]''.}}
 
===Human-Covenant War===
On [[2526#March|March 26, 2526]], [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] [[Blue Team|Blue]], [[Gold Team|Gold]], and [[Green Team]]s led [[Battle over Etalan|a mission]] to destroy the logistics fleet serving the [[Fleet of Inexorable Obedience]]. In orbit over [[Etalan]], the Gold and Green Teams piloted four [[S-14 Baselard]]s alongside sixteen other Baselards. To accomplish their goal of destroying four Covenant [[Freighter|equipment freighters]], the Baselards had to fight through swarms of Seraphs and {{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}}s.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS19|HSS|Chapter=19}}


==Summary==
Seraphs have seen operational use as early as the [[Harvest campaign]], and would later become a common adversary of Longsword fighters. These starfighters provided excellent fire support to all Covenant forces in space and on the groundside. Elite pilots considered piloting a Seraph merely a means to attain enough glory to be reassigned to a ground combat position, valuing their fighters only as tools to accomplish this. Despite their extensive training, their honor code gave them a tendency to peel off from their squadrons to engage in one-on-one dogfights, making them vulnerable in combat. Brute pilots were excluded from such training, but their pack mentality and rigid social hierarchy made them far more effective teams. Human pilots soon learned to fear Brute-piloted Seraphs, identified by clan markings and Forerunner symbols carved on their hulls, more than Elite-piloted Seraphs.<ref name="warfleet">''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 58-59</ref>
{{Expand-section}}


==Variants==
In [[Operation: TORPEDO]], the Seraphs harassed the incoming [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]]s by bombarding them during the UNSC surprise assault of the Covenant refinery facilities. Several fighters were shot down by missiles fired from the [[M19-B surface-to-air missile launcher]]s used by the SPARTAN-IIIs.<ref name="ghosts"/>
===Morsam-pattern Seraph===
*[[Morsam-pattern Seraph]]


===Kai-pattern Seraph===
==Related vehicles==
*[[Kai-pattern Seraph]]
*{{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}} - Similar in role to the Seraph, Type-27 "Space Banshees" are often used to screen fighters and bombers.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/banshee ''Halo Waypoint:'' Universe - Banshee]</ref>


==Unidentified Seraph encounters==
== In-game information==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
{{Main|Seraph}}
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-section}}
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Seraphs}}
Instead of having a name that represents a sinister supernatural being like the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] or [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]], the word "[[Wikipedia:Seraph|Seraph]]" is derived from the highest level of angels as described in certain texts of the Bible. However, Biblical seraphim have six wings while the Seraph has none.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE CovenantTank_Concept 1.png|Early concept art of the Seraph for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HCE CovenantTank_Concept 2.png|More ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' concept art.
File:HR EarlySeraphConcepts.jpg|Early design explorations for the Type-31 ''Morsam''-pattern Seraph in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
Line 25: Line 61:
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]
Line 32: Line 70:
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
Line 46: Line 84:
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==Trivia==
==Notes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-31 Seraphs}}
{{Ref/Notes}}
Instead of having a name that represents a sinister supernatural being like the [[Type-26 Wraith|Wraith]] or [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]], the word "[[Wikipedia:Seraph|Seraph]]" is derived from the highest level of angels as described in certain texts of the Bible. However, Biblical seraphim have six wings while the Seraph has none.


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


{{Covenant Atmospheric/Exoatmospheric Vehicles}}
{{Covenant Atmospheric/Exoatmospheric Vehicles}}

Revision as of 23:54, November 25, 2023

A trio of Seraph in formation during a space warfare.

Seraphs are combat space fighters used by armed forces of the Covenant empire and its fleet, and inherited by its splinter factions.[1]

Summary

This image was taken from the background of the Halo: Outpost Discovery website (link). However, the original image was very dark for use on a webpage, so it had to be manually brightened in photoshop by BaconShelf. Additionally, the original image was 5844x3836, so this had to be resized to fit Halopedia upload requirements.
Seraphs used in an active combat between the UNSC and a Covenant fleet above a human colony.

Design details

The Seraph features a piscine, teardrop-like shape, fitting with the overall design elegance the Covenant is known for. Seraph fighters are mostly stored in the hangar bays of Covenant ships or stations when they are not in battle or escorting a ship. Morsam-pattern Seraphs have two movable flaps on either side of their hull, and their twin "tails" are articulated to aid with directing exhaust, while those on the Kai-pattern are fixed. These features give the Seraph superior turning capabilities in zero-gravity environments. Despite their efficiency and speed in space, Seraph fighters are graceless and sluggish in atmospheric conditions due to their odd teardrop-like shape. Seraphs fill a variety of roles in a Covenant fleet, such as a strike fighter or for ship-to-ship combat in dogfights.[2] Seraphs can also be used for the occasional bombing run,[3] but it is considered a rare sight by UNSC forces.[4] Seraphs have the ability to power down and slip past hostile sentries and human sensors.[5] Unlike the Banshee or the Phantom dropship, Seraphs are equipped with multiphase energy shielding,[4] although some Seraphs may have been seen not always using their energy shields.[6] However, these energy shields are only a fraction of the strength of those on capital ships and are easily depleted with sustained fire.[7]

As the Covenant's main space-based attack fighter, the Seraph is highly maneuverable while in space, and can easily keep pace with the UNSC's GA-TL1 Longsword.[3]

Armaments

Seraphs have demonstrated that they are a very effective counter-weapon against Longsword interceptors unless the latter attacks from the side or behind. Seraphs usually attack in formations of ten, their assaults on enemy ships range from simple harassment to full out strafing attacks. They have also been seen patrolling in pairs. It is assumed that Seraph fighters can be piloted by a single Sangheili or Jiralhanae.[3]

The Seraph is armed with a variety of weapons. Seraphs are seen firing multiple heavy plasma cannons, and are also armed with fuel rod cannons and plasma charges for strafing and bombing runs.[3] A Seraph's bombing runs are very deadly, as evidenced in Operation: TORPEDO, the SPARTAN-III Beta Company's attack on a Covenant refinery on Pegasi Delta.[4] The Seraph's energy weapons deliver a hard punch to anything it attacks, such as D77-TC Pelican dropships,[8] and when dueling with the UNSC space-superiority FSS-1000 Sabres.[9] A Seraph was also capable of doing some damage against a Halcyon-class light cruiser's Titanium-A armor plating.[5]

Types

Operational history

Covenant forces have long made use of various Seraph patterns within their fleets.[Note 1]

Human-Covenant War

On March 26, 2526, Spartan-II Blue, Gold, and Green Teams led a mission to destroy the logistics fleet serving the Fleet of Inexorable Obedience. In orbit over Etalan, the Gold and Green Teams piloted four S-14 Baselards alongside sixteen other Baselards. To accomplish their goal of destroying four Covenant equipment freighters, the Baselards had to fight through swarms of Seraphs and Elsedda-pattern Banshees.[10]

Seraphs have seen operational use as early as the Harvest campaign, and would later become a common adversary of Longsword fighters. These starfighters provided excellent fire support to all Covenant forces in space and on the groundside. Elite pilots considered piloting a Seraph merely a means to attain enough glory to be reassigned to a ground combat position, valuing their fighters only as tools to accomplish this. Despite their extensive training, their honor code gave them a tendency to peel off from their squadrons to engage in one-on-one dogfights, making them vulnerable in combat. Brute pilots were excluded from such training, but their pack mentality and rigid social hierarchy made them far more effective teams. Human pilots soon learned to fear Brute-piloted Seraphs, identified by clan markings and Forerunner symbols carved on their hulls, more than Elite-piloted Seraphs.[11]

In Operation: TORPEDO, the Seraphs harassed the incoming SPARTAN-IIIs by bombarding them during the UNSC surprise assault of the Covenant refinery facilities. Several fighters were shot down by missiles fired from the M19-B surface-to-air missile launchers used by the SPARTAN-IIIs.[4]

Related vehicles

In-game information

Main article: Seraph
Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Trivia

Instead of having a name that represents a sinister supernatural being like the Wraith or Phantom, the word "Seraph" is derived from the highest level of angels as described in certain texts of the Bible. However, Biblical seraphim have six wings while the Seraph has none.

Gallery

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ This section details the use of unidentified Seraph patterns only. For specific appearances of named Seraph patterns, see the "Service history" sections in the articles for the Kai-pattern and Morsam-pattern.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 169
  2. ^ Halo Waypoint: Banshee Fighter
  3. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), p. 283 (2011)
  4. ^ a b c d Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, p. 17-22
  5. ^ a b Halo: The Flood, p. 12 (2010 edition)
  6. ^ Halo Legends, The Package
  7. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, p. 330 (2010 edition)
  8. ^ Halo: First Strike, p. 8-9 (2003 edition); p. 18-19 (2010 edition)
  9. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level, Long Night of Solace
  10. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 19
  11. ^ Halo: Warfleet, p. 58-59
  12. ^ Halo Waypoint: Universe - Banshee