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{{Era|Post}}
{{Title|''Tufasumo''-pattern plasma caster}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|image = [[File:Halo5GuardiansPlasmaCaster.png|300px]]
|image = [[File:Halo5GuardiansPlasmaCaster.png|300px]]
|manufacturer = [[Merchants of Qikost]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-caster '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Plasma Caster'']</ref>
|manufacturer = [[Merchants of Qikost]]{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-caster|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Plasma Caster|D=04|M=01|Y=2020}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|series = Type-53<ref name="universe"/>
|series = ''Tufasumo''-pattern{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|type = [[Plasma]]-based explosives launcher
|type = [[Plasma]]-based explosives launcher
|cost =  
|cost =  
|variant =  
|variant =  
|length =  
|length = {{Convert|115.5|cm|in}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=297}}
|width =  
|width =  
|height =  
|height =  
|weight =  
|weight =  
|ammotype =  
|ammotype = 20mm [[Class-3 explosive plasma bolts|plasma scatter rounds]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
* 20mm plasma scatter rounds<ref name="universe"/> {{C|semi-automatic mode}}
|capacity =
* [[Plasma grenades]] {{C|charged mode}}
|feed = 5 round magazine{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|feed = 5 round magazine<ref name="universe"/>
|operation =  
|operation =  
|rate = 258 RPM {{C|uncharged shots, semi-automatic}}
|rate = 258 RPM {{C|uncharged shots, semi-automatic}}
|velocity =  
|velocity =  
* 38.15 m/s (125.2 ft/s; 85.34 mph) {{C|uncharged shot}}<ref name="H5G-Aozolai">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjNmbGFS4Q8 '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 5 | Plasma Casters Analysis'']</ref>
|optics =
* 59.78 m/s (196.1 ft/s; 133.7 mph) {{C|charged shot}}<ref name="H5G-Aozolai"/>
|range = Medium to long
|range = Medium to long
* 30.5 m (100.0 ft) {{C|unscoped}}<ref name="H5G-Aozolai"/>
* 57.2 m (187.5 ft) {{C|scoped}}<ref name="H5G-Aozolai"/>
|service =  
|service =  
* [[Blooding Years]]
* [[Blooding Years]]
* [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
* [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
}}
}}
The '''Type-53 Plasma Bolt Launcher''' ('''T-53 PBL'''), more commonly known as the '''plasma caster''',<ref name="cfodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-locke-load '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder - Locke & Load'']</ref> is a versatile munitions launcher designed for use in infantry and shock trooper roles. Manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], the purpose of the plasma caster is to weaken enemy lines and entrenched positions, especially those augmented by stationary weapons. Gaining popularity during the [[Blooding Years]], the plasma caster was used by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].<ref name="universe"/>
The '''''Tufasumo''-pattern Firebomb Caster'''{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} {{Type|53|Plasma Bolt Launcher|PBL}}, more commonly known as the '''plasma caster''',{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLocke|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Locke & Load|D=25|M=07|Y=2021}} is a versatile munitions launcher designed for use in infantry and shock trooper roles. Manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], the purpose of the plasma caster is to weaken enemy lines and entrenched positions, especially those augmented by stationary weapons. Gaining popularity during the [[Blooding Years]], the plasma caster was used by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


== Specifications ==
==Overview==
The Type-53 Plasma Bolt Launcher bears a resemblance in shape and overall functionality to the [[Type-50 concussion rifle]], also manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]]. However, the plasma caster is considered to be an elegant refinement and diversification of the concussion rifle. The plasma caster is designed with an extended, pronounced stock, a low-set magazine that allows easy access, and an accentuated muzzle which remains closed unless the weapon's operator charges the chambered round, upon which the barrel splays open before launching the charged bolt. After firing a charged bolt, the plasma caster enters an automatic cool-down mode for several seconds.<ref name="universe"/>
===Design details===
The ''Tufasumo''-pattern plasma caster bears a resemblance in shape and overall functionality to the {{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}}, also manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]]. However, the plasma caster is considered to be an elegant refinement and diversification of the concussion rifle.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} The plasma caster is designed with an extended, pronounced stock, a low-set magazine that allows easy access, and an accentuated muzzle which remains closed unless the weapon's operator charges the chambered round, upon which the barrel splays open before launching the charged bolt. After firing a charged bolt, the plasma caster enters an automatic cool-down mode for several seconds.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


The plasma caster can fire up to five explosive [[plasma]] rounds in quick succession, or fire a single charged round at a greater distance which adheres to a surface it lands upon for 1.1 seconds before detonating, releasing additional explosives to pepper the immediate area. Charged rounds have excellent tracking properties against vehicles, although this effect is very minimal against enemy infantry and charged rounds can be evaded easily by [[Type-54 Banshee|Banshees]] and [[Z-1800 Phaeton|Phaetons]]. The weapon's relatively clean area of effect allows it to be used surgically in the hands of a proficient user, though at range its slower projectile velocity requires more skill to wield effectively.<ref name="universe"/>
The plasma caster can fire up to five 20mm{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} [[Class-3 explosive plasma bolts]] in quick succession,{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} or fire a single charged round at a greater velocity which adheres to a surface it lands upon before detonating, releasing additional explosives to pepper the immediate area.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The uncharged shots are capable of bouncing around corners and down hallways. The charged round is capable of reaching more distant targets, tracking and adhering to the enemy's heat signature before detonating on a timed fuse.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} The weapon's relatively clean area of effect allows it to be used surgically in the hands of a proficient user, though at range its slower projectile velocity requires more skill to wield effectively.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
 
===Development history===
The ''Tufasumo''-pattern plasma caster originated from a lineage of ancient [[Sangheili]] weapons that began with the [[bladeshot]] and [[shockbow]], the latter of which inspired the plasma caster's method of splaying open while firing its charged shot.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} Designed by the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster had been produced for nearly a century before the [[Covenant]]'s [[Great Schism|fall]], seeing very few changes since its initial creation.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Following the empire's collapse, Sangheili weapon-crafters have melded the technological advances of millennia with archaic designs, forging a series of remarkable new patterns of plasma caster.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
 
===Usage===
Despite the plasma caster's relatively long history, it was never formally accepted into Covenant service by [[San'Shyuum]] censors, though some warriors were known to bend the rules and field the weapon in combat. However, after the empire's dissolution, the plasma caster has been adopted by nearly every postwar faction.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} It has seen significant popularity among the Sangheili during the [[Blooding Years]], a civil war that spread throughout most of [[Sanghelios]] and other [[Sangheili colonies]] after the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The plasma caster was heavily used by forces of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]] during their aggressive campaigns on Sanghelios{{Ref/Reuse|CFLocke}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} and by [[Banished]] [[Sangheili Enforcer|Enforcer]]s during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Reuse|logs}}
 
==Variants==
Under the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster has undergone few major changes since its inception. However, several factions have occasionally introduced ad hoc modifications to improve in-field functionality.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*'''[[Scourge of Fire]]''': The ''Scourge of Fire'' is an improved variant that fires two plasma bolts at once, has a faster charging time, and does not overheat.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ Cards|Detail=[[Scourge of Fire]] Description|Quote=Modifying design patterns to enhance their performance was once considered apostasy. Improved Plasma Caster that fires two plasma bolts per shot and does not overheat.}}
*'''[[White Scar]]''': The ''White Scar'' is an advanced variant that fires modified bolts similar to a [[Type-56D needler]]'s [[blamite]] shards that are set to proximity detonate if hipfired. These needles supercombine in [[seven]] rounds, in the same manner as the needler, but charged shots take eight times as long to detonate if not by proximity detonation.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ Cards|Detail=[[White Scar]] Description|Quote=There is little honor to be found in slaughter, but that's enough for some. Advanced Plasma Caster that fires modified bolts set to proximity detonate if hipfired and have a Needler fragmentation effect.}}
*'''Banished Plasma Caster''': This weapon held by Elite infantry can shoot red projectiles, these red projectiles lack a Plasma Grenade and also doesn't arc like its original counterpart, the weapon has a unique weapon model.{{Ref/Game|Id=logs|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Elite Enforcers}}


== Variants ==
Under the [[Merchants of Qikost]], the plasma caster has undergone few changes since its inception. However, [[Sangheili]] [[clan]]s have occasionally introduced ad hoc modifications to improve in-field functionality.<ref name="universe"/>
* '''Scourge of Fire''': The ''Scourge of Fire'' is an improved variant that fires two plasma bolts at once, has a faster charging time, and does not overheat.<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>
* '''White Scar''': The ''White Scar'' is an advanced variant that fires modified bolts similar to a [[Type-56 needler]]'s [[blamite]] shards that are set to proximity detonate if hipfired. These needles supercombine in [[seven]] rounds, in the same manner as the needler, but charged shots take eight times as long to detonate if not by proximity detonation.<ref name="H5G"/> This weapon can also be found in the fifteenth and final campaign level [[Guardians (level)|Guardians]], as the first [[special weapons|hidden weapon]] in that level.<ref name="Mission15">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Guardians (level)|Guardians]]''</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo 5 Caster Sof.png|Scourge of Fire.
File:Halo 5 Caster Sof.png|Scourge of Fire.
File:H5G white scar.png|White Scar.
File:H5G white scar.png|White Scar.
File:HW2 Banished Plasma Caster.jpg|Banished Plasma Caster.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Operational history ==
==Gallery==
Earlier iterations of the plasma caster had been produced by the [[Covenant]] for nearly a century. However, the weapon was not encountered by [[United Nations Space Command]] forces until [[2553]], a year after the Covenant's dissolution in the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="universe"/> The plasma caster has since gained popularity among the [[Sangheili]] during the [[Blooding Years]], a civil war that spread throughout most of [[Sanghelios]] and other [[Sangheili colonies]] after the Covenant War. The plasma caster is commonly used by forces of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]]<ref name="cfodder"/> and the [[Banished]].
===Concept art===
 
== Trivia ==
The weapon's forward body and un-charged firing mode are similar to the Concussion Rifle, though the latter's ammunition detonates on impact rather than a timer.
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4 ConcussionRifle Concept 1.jpg|Early concept revisions of the {{Pattern|Zebando'Taa|concussion rifle}} for ''Halo 4'', with one such design exploration (top-right) that looks incredibly similar to the plasma caster.
File:H5GC-PlasmaCaster.png|Concept art of the plasma caster for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5GC-PlasmaCaster.png|Concept art of the plasma caster for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5GC-PlasmaCasters.png|Concept art of different tiers of plasma casters for [[Warzone]].
File:H5GC-PlasmaCasters.png|Concept art of different tiers of plasma casters for [[Warzone]].
File:HW2-plasma caster 01 concept.png|Concept art of a Banished plasma caster for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:H5G-T53model.jpg|Models of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53model.jpg|Models of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53model1.jpg|Additional models of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53model1.jpg|Additional models of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-Locke&T53.jpg|[[Jameson Locke]] wielding a plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the plasma caster by [[Frederic-104]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-T53zoom-Campaign.png|Smart scope view of the plasma caster by Fred-104 in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-T53 FP melee1.png|First-person view of [[John-117]] doing a melee attack with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53 FP melee2.png|Ditto, secondary melee animation.
File:H5G-T53 FP firing1.png|First-person view of John-117 firing an uncharged shot with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53 FP charging.png|The plasma caster being charged up.
File:H5G-T53 FP firing2.png|First-person view of John-117 firing a charged shot with the plasma caster. Note the weapon splaying open.
File:H5G-T53 FP reload.png|The plasma caster being reloaded.
File:H5G-Fred&T53.png|Fred-104 with a plasma caster on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-Locke&T53.jpg|[[Jameson Locke]] wielding a plasma caster during the [[Battle of Nuusra]].
File:H5-EnemyLines-WraithCombat1.jpg|Jameson Locke using a plasma caster against a {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} on [[Nuusra]].
File:H5G-WhiteScarHUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of ''White Scar'' by [[Edward Buck]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-Buck&WhiteScar.png|Edward Buck using ''White Scar'' on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-T53HUD.png|First-person view of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53HUD.png|First-person view of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the plasma caster by [[Fred-104]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-T53zoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53zoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the plasma caster.
File:Smart Scope Plasma Caster.png|Another scoped view with the plasma caster.
File:Smart Scope Plasma Caster.png|Another scoped view with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53SS.png|Third-person view of a plasma caster engaged in smart scope.
File:H5G-T53SS.png|Third-person view of a plasma caster engaged in smart scope.
File:H5-EnemyLines-WraithCombat1.jpg|The plasma caster in use.
File:H5G-SangheiliWarrior&T53.png|A Sangheili Warrior with a plasma caster on [[Skirmish at Darkstar]].
File:H5G-SangheiliWarrior&T53.png|A Sangheili Warrior with a T-53 plasma caster on [[Skirmish at Darkstar]].
File:H5G-SOFHUD.png|First-person view of ''Scourge of Fire''.
File:H5G-SOFHUD.png|First-person view of ''Scourge of Fire''.
File:H5G-SOF.png|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] wielding ''Scourge of Fire''.
File:H5G-SOF.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] wielding ''Scourge of Fire''.
File:H5G-WhiteScarHUD.png|First-person view of ''White Scar''.
File:H5G-WhiteScarHUD.png|First-person view of ''White Scar''.
File:H5G-WhiteScarHUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of ''White Scar'' by [[Edward Buck]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-WhiteScar.png|A Spartan-IV wielding ''White Scar''.
File:H5G-WhiteScar.png|A Spartan-IV wielding ''White Scar''.
File:H5G-WhiteScareffect.png|The ammunition of ''White Scar''.
File:H5G-WhiteScareffect.png|The ammunition of ''White Scar''.
File:HW2-plasma caster 01 concept.png|Concept art of a Banished plasma caster for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 Banished Caster ingame.png|The Banished Caster wielded by a [[Sangheili Enforcer]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' REQ cards ===
===''Halo 5: Guardians'' REQ cards===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:REQ_Card_-_Plasma_Caster.png|Plasma Caster - Basic Weapon.
File:REQ_Card_-_Plasma_Caster.png|Plasma Caster.
File:Scourgeoffire.png|Plasma Caster - ''Scourge of Fire'' variant.
File:Scourgeoffire.png|''Scourge of Fire''.
File:Whitescar.png|Plasma Caster - ''White Scar'' variant.
File:Whitescar.png|''White Scar''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


{{Clear}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-53 Plasma Caster}}


== List of appearances ==
==List of appearances==
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{1st}}
* ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
* ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''


== Sources ==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant ordnance}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 23:36, July 15, 2024

Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster
Halo5GuardiansPlasmaCaster.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Merchants of Qikost[1][2]

Model series:

Tufasumo-pattern[2]

Type:

Plasma-based explosives launcher

Specifications

Length:

115.5 centimetres (45.5 in)[2]

Ammunition type:

20mm plasma scatter rounds[1][2]

Feed system:

5 round magazine[1][2]

Rate of fire:

258 RPM (uncharged shots, semi-automatic)

Effective range:

Medium to long

Service history

In service:

 

The Tufasumo-pattern Firebomb Caster[2] (UNSC Type classification: Type-53 Plasma Bolt Launcher, T-53 PBL), more commonly known as the plasma caster,[3] is a versatile munitions launcher designed for use in infantry and shock trooper roles. Manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost, the purpose of the plasma caster is to weaken enemy lines and entrenched positions, especially those augmented by stationary weapons. Gaining popularity during the Blooding Years, the plasma caster was used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.[1]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster bears a resemblance in shape and overall functionality to the Elo'Nakada-pattern concussion rifle, also manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost. However, the plasma caster is considered to be an elegant refinement and diversification of the concussion rifle.[1][2] The plasma caster is designed with an extended, pronounced stock, a low-set magazine that allows easy access, and an accentuated muzzle which remains closed unless the weapon's operator charges the chambered round, upon which the barrel splays open before launching the charged bolt. After firing a charged bolt, the plasma caster enters an automatic cool-down mode for several seconds.[1]

The plasma caster can fire up to five 20mm[1] Class-3 explosive plasma bolts in quick succession,[2] or fire a single charged round at a greater velocity which adheres to a surface it lands upon before detonating, releasing additional explosives to pepper the immediate area.[1] The uncharged shots are capable of bouncing around corners and down hallways. The charged round is capable of reaching more distant targets, tracking and adhering to the enemy's heat signature before detonating on a timed fuse.[2] The weapon's relatively clean area of effect allows it to be used surgically in the hands of a proficient user, though at range its slower projectile velocity requires more skill to wield effectively.[1]

Development history[edit]

The Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster originated from a lineage of ancient Sangheili weapons that began with the bladeshot and shockbow, the latter of which inspired the plasma caster's method of splaying open while firing its charged shot.[2] Designed by the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster had been produced for nearly a century before the Covenant's fall, seeing very few changes since its initial creation.[1] Following the empire's collapse, Sangheili weapon-crafters have melded the technological advances of millennia with archaic designs, forging a series of remarkable new patterns of plasma caster.[2]

Usage[edit]

Despite the plasma caster's relatively long history, it was never formally accepted into Covenant service by San'Shyuum censors, though some warriors were known to bend the rules and field the weapon in combat. However, after the empire's dissolution, the plasma caster has been adopted by nearly every postwar faction.[2] It has seen significant popularity among the Sangheili during the Blooding Years, a civil war that spread throughout most of Sanghelios and other Sangheili colonies after the Human-Covenant War. The plasma caster was heavily used by forces of Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant during their aggressive campaigns on Sanghelios[3][2] and by Banished Enforcers during the Second Ark Conflict.[4]

Variants[edit]

Under the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster has undergone few major changes since its inception. However, several factions have occasionally introduced ad hoc modifications to improve in-field functionality.[1]

  • Scourge of Fire: The Scourge of Fire is an improved variant that fires two plasma bolts at once, has a faster charging time, and does not overheat.[5]
  • White Scar: The White Scar is an advanced variant that fires modified bolts similar to a Type-56D needler's blamite shards that are set to proximity detonate if hipfired. These needles supercombine in seven rounds, in the same manner as the needler, but charged shots take eight times as long to detonate if not by proximity detonation.[6]
  • Banished Plasma Caster: This weapon held by Elite infantry can shoot red projectiles, these red projectiles lack a Plasma Grenade and also doesn't arc like its original counterpart, the weapon has a unique weapon model.[4]

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians REQ cards[edit]


List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Waypoint, Plasma Caster (Retrieved on Jan 4, 2020) [archive]
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 297
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Locke & Load (Retrieved on Jul 25, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Elite Enforcers
  5. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, List of REQ Cards: Scourge of Fire Description "Modifying design patterns to enhance their performance was once considered apostasy. Improved Plasma Caster that fires two plasma bolts per shot and does not overheat."
  6. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, List of REQ Cards: White Scar Description "There is little honor to be found in slaughter, but that's enough for some. Advanced Plasma Caster that fires modified bolts set to proximity detonate if hipfired and have a Needler fragmentation effect."