Plasma mortar: Difference between revisions

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The '''plasma mortar''', also known as '''energy mortar''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs12|FS|Chapter=12}} is a classification of [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] artillery weapon.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p347|Enc11|Page=347}}
The '''plasma mortar''', also known as '''energy mortar''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs12|FS|Chapter=12}} is a classification of [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] artillery weapon.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p347|Enc11|Page=347}}


The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.
The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[:Category:Mortar|mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.


Since they can be mounted in a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,{{Ref/Game|HW|Covenant citadel base turret}} anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}}
Since they can be mounted on a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,{{Ref/Game|Id=citadelturret|HW|Covenant citadel base turret}} anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}}


==Known types==
==Known types==
===Burst cannon===
{{Main|Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon}}
While originally designed as a naval weapon aboard [[Vestige|aging warship]]s of the [[Sangheili]], the {{Pattern|Ra'aam|burst cannon}} was taken by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and repurposed as an emplaced plasma mortar.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=305}}
===Class-2 medium plasma mortar===
===Class-2 medium plasma mortar===
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
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===Infantry-deployed energy mortar===
===Infantry-deployed energy mortar===
There is an infantry-deployed model of the energy mortar.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo38|GoO|Chapter=38}} These models require at least a trio of [[Unggoy]] to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate [[energy shielding]] for protection.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo39|GoO|Chapter=39}}
There is a Covenant infantry-deployed energy mortar.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo38|GoO|Chapter=38}} These mortars require at least a trio of [[Unggoy]] to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate [[energy shielding]] for protection.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo39|GoO|Chapter=39}}


===Heavy plasma mortar===
===Heavy plasma mortar===
{{Main|Heavy plasma mortar}}
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its heavy plasma mortar.]]
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its heavy plasma mortar.]]
The heavy plasma mortar, also known as plasma mortar cannon,{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p257|Enc11|Page=257}} is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It is attached to the rear of the Wraith, allowing the vehicle's [[Boosted gravity propulsion drive|propulsion drive]] to absorb almost all of its recoil.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p257}} The weapon is extremely powerful and is one of the most powerful ground-based application of Covenant energy weapon technology.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} The plasma blast is typically a blue-white orb that is {{Convert|0.91|m|ft}} in diameter,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} which burns the air it passes.{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs35|FS|Chapter=35}} The plasma blast travel rather slowly in the air, so it can be out-maneuvered easily by a fast vehicle, including [[Warthog]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything—[[titanium]] battle plates, concrete, or flesh—within {{Convert|20|m|ft}} at the point of impact,{{Ref/Reuse|fs12}} all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} The blast has a kill radius of {{Convert|6.09|m|ft}}, and damages any targets caught in a radius of {{Convert|15.24|m|ft}}.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} as it can destroy heavily reinforced defenses from a long distance. However, it is also fairly effective in closer engagements, especially if in the hands of a skilled operator.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}} It is nicknamed PM, Comet, and Brimstone.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} The [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered heavy plasma mortars based on the type classifications of Wraiths:
The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It launches a plasma blast that is typically a blue-white orb which travels slowly in the air.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything at the point of impact,{{Ref/Reuse|fs12}} all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p257|Enc11|Page=257}} but it is also fairly effective in closer engagements.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}} The heavy plasma mortar has seen numerous variations, including, but not limited to, the scorch plasma mortar on [[Ironclad Wraith]]s and an infusion-modified variant on [[Terror Wraith]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p469|Enc22|Page=469}}
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Type classification !! Vehicles
|-
| Type-26 35cm Directed Energy Mortar (T-26 35m DEM) ||
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} {{Type|26|Assault Gun Carriage|AGC}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}
*{{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} {{Type|26|Assault Gun Carriage|AGC}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}
|-
| Type-58 35cm Directed Energy Mortar (T-26 58m DEM) ||
*{{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} {{Type|58|Light Assault Gun Carriage|LAGC}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
|}
 
===Infusion-modified plasma mortar===
The [[Banished]]'s [[Voridus]] modified the [[Terror Wraith]] with a mortar that launches a roiling torrent of [[infusion gel|infusion matter]] that leaves an uncontrollable firestorm of exotic energy upon impact.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p469|Enc22|Page=469}}


===Plasma mortar===
===Plasma mortar===
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}} it is commonly mounted on Banished vehicles, including the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]],{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p464|Enc22|Page=464}} the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]], and the [[Bolroci Workshop Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p468|Enc22|Page=468}}
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|citadelturret}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}} it is primarily mounted on the [[Banished]]’s [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p464|Enc22|Page=464}}
 
===Scorch plasma mortar===
Mounted primarily on the [[Ironclad Wraith]], the scorch plasma mortar launches mortar rounds with residual energy that leaves boiling plasma on the ground after its detonation. The plasma creates a volatile and deadly crater behind the enemy's line. The scorch plasma mortar can also be mounted on the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith Invader]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p469}}


===Siege plasma mortar===
===Siege plasma mortar===
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma at an astonishing range, turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}}
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of [[plasma torpedo]]es{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Mega Turret}} at an astonishing range, easily turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}}


===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar===
===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar===
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===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer===
===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer===
{{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}}
{{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}}
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on [[M145D Rhino]] prototypes, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on [[M145D Rhino]] prototypes, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia|Battle]] of [[Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}


== Production notes ==
== Production notes ==
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have used three plasma mortars.
*The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have used three plasma mortars.
*Early ''Halo: Reach'' concept art by Glenn Israel featured [[Cut Halo: Reach weapons#Covenant mortar|a Covenant mortar]] held in a manner akin to the [[Brute Shot]] or {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}, or able to be deployed as a static emplacement. Some of the sketches of the weapon drew influences from the plasma mortars on Revenants and  Wraiths.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiLEZHgJ5/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant mortar exploratory sketches (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Shield grenade.jpg|A blast from a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}'s heavy plasma mortar moments before impact in ''[[Starry Night]]''.
File:Shield grenade.jpg|A blast from a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}'s heavy plasma mortar moments before impact in ''[[Starry Night]]''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|A blast from an {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}'s siege plasma mortar arcing through the air in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HWDE-CitadelTurret AI.jpg|The anti-infantry variants of the ''Kewu Umppi'pa{{'}}''-pattern turrets with mounted plasma mortars in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|A blast from an {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}'s siege plasma mortar arcing through the air in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HR GaussHog&Revenants.jpg|Two {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}s fire their medium plasma mortars at a [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR GaussHog&Revenants.jpg|Two {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}s fire their medium plasma mortars at a [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:H2A WraithsGuardingBridge.png|A {{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} fires its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A WraithsGuardingBridge.png|A {{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} fires its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:HW2 Ironclad Wraith Blasted.png|A blast from an [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]]'s plasma mortar impacts a [[Terror Wraith]] in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 MarauderMortars.png|A group of [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]]s firing their plasma mortars in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 WraithMortar.png|An [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]] firing its heavy plasma mortar in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 MegaTurretMortars.png|Two [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]s firing their siege plasma mortars in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HFR Mission 6.png|The arc of a plasma blast from a ''Muz''-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HFR Mission 6.png|The arc of a plasma blast from a ''Muz''-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HINF-ScarrWraith.png|A [[Bolroci Workshop Wraith]] firing its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Artillery]]
[[Category:Mortar]]