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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:1211317365 Fuel Rod.jpg|thumb|300px|A Class-2 fuel rod projectile in mid-flight.]]
[[File:1211317365 Fuel Rod.jpg|thumb|300px|A Class-2 fuel rod projectile in mid-flight.]]
{{Quote|It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kind’a funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.|Anonymous [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman.{{Ref/Reuse|t33laaw}}}}
{{Quote|It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kind’a funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.|Anonymous [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}}}
'''Fuel rods''' ([[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]: '''''Ket-lambdatha''''') are a colloquial nickname given by [[human]] personnel for a form of explosive munition used in several [[Covenant]] weapon systems.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=298-299}}{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=77}}
'''Fuel rods''' ([[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]: '''''Ket-lambdatha''''') are a colloquial nickname given by [[human]] personnel for a form of explosive munition used in several [[Covenant]] weapon systems.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=298-299}}{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=77}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
The ''ket-lambathda'' gained their human-given nicknames from their appearance, visually resembling popular culture depictions of nuclear fuel rods.{{Ref/Site|Id=t33laaw|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Fuel rod gun}} Despite this, the technology has very little in common with nuclear technology. Fuel rods consist of caseless, transparent projectiles{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} containing [[incendiary gel]] - a radioactive substance composed of energetic meta-materials and strained-bond lattices—an imperfect form of [[Forerunner]] [[infusion gel]].{{Ref/Site|Id=II|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/infusion-invasion|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Infusion Invasion|D=30|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
The ''ket-lambathda'' gained their human-given nicknames from their appearance, visually resembling popular culture depictions of nuclear fuel rods.{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetfuelrodgun|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon}} Despite this, the technology has very little in common with nuclear technology. Fuel rods consist of caseless, transparent projectiles{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} containing [[incendiary gel]] - a radioactive substance composed of energetic meta-materials and strained-bond lattices—an imperfect form of [[Forerunner]] [[infusion gel]].{{Ref/Site|Id=II|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/infusion-invasion|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Infusion Invasion|D=30|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


When the fuel rod weapon is fired, the radioactive chemical inside the fuel rod is ignited and launched from its containment shell, exploding on impact with a surface or once enough gas has been expelled from the projectile to reach environmental equilibrium.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
When the fuel rod weapon is fired, the radioactive chemical inside the fuel rod is ignited and launched from its containment shell, exploding on impact with a surface or once enough gas has been expelled from the projectile to reach environmental equilibrium.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Usage===
===Usage===
Fuel rods are primarily employed by the [[Covenant]] in anti-armor and anti-air roles, fired by their [[fuel rod gun]]s and [[fuel rod cannon]]s. The visibility of the fuel rod projectiles in flight give them a distinct psychological effect on enemy soldiers, which helps in their intimidation value.{{Ref/Reuse|t33laaw}} Fuel rods fired by vehicle-mounted cannons can be guided by remote lock-on, while those fired from infantry-mounted weapons typically fire with a pronounced arc allowing them to be used as an indirect-fire mortar.
Fuel rods are primarily employed by the [[Covenant]] in anti-armor and anti-air roles, fired by their [[fuel rod gun]]s and [[fuel rod cannon]]s. The visibility of the fuel rod projectiles in flight give them a distinct psychological effect on enemy soldiers, which helps in their intimidation value.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}} Fuel rods fired by vehicle-mounted cannons can be guided by remote lock-on, while those fired from infantry-mounted weapons typically fire with a pronounced arc allowing them to be used as an indirect-fire mortar.


The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer|XM4600 ''Zeus'' plasma munition howitzer]] developed by the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]] utilises fuel rods encased in a custom 320mm shell.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=141}}
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer|XM4600 ''Zeus'' plasma munition howitzer]] developed by the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]] utilises fuel rods encased in a custom 320mm shell.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=141}}
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===Class-2===
===Class-2===
'''Class-2''' fuel rod projectiles are unguided and {{Convert|38|mm|in|sp=us}} in diameter.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|t33laaw}}{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM|OSFM|Page=195}} They are the primary projectile fired by infantry-portable fuel rod guns including the {{Pattern|Gespu|fuel rod gun|}}, {{Pattern|Korva|fuel rod gun|}}, {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun|}} and {{Pattern|Zasqi|fuel rod gun}}s, alongside some variants of [[assault cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
'''Class-2''' fuel rod projectiles are unguided and {{Convert|38|mm|in|sp=us}} in diameter.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM|OSFM|Page=195}} They are the primary projectile fired by infantry-portable fuel rod guns including the {{Pattern|Gespu|fuel rod gun|}}, {{Pattern|Korva|fuel rod gun}}, {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}} and {{Pattern|Zasqi|fuel rod gun}}s, alongside some variants of [[assault cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Class-3===
===Class-3===
The [[fuel rod cannon]]s mounted on the {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith| }} and {{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}}s, alongside those of the [[Banshee]] use the heavier Class-3 fuel rods, which have a greater range and a capability to track heat signatures.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=9}} The [[Morsam-pattern Seraph]] is additionally equipped with four fuel rod cannons, which are capable of locking onto air targets.{{Ref/Game|HR|Seraph in-game vehicle}}
The [[fuel rod cannon]]s mounted on the {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} and {{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}}s, alongside those of the [[Banshee]] use the heavier Class-3 fuel rods, which have a greater range and a capability to track heat signatures.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=9}} The [[Morsam-pattern Seraph]] is additionally equipped with four fuel rod cannons, which are capable of locking onto air targets.{{Ref/Game|HR|Seraph in-game vehicle}}


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
Though widely used among UNSC personnel, "fuel rod" is actually an informal term supposedly originating from common popular culture depictions of nuclear fuel rods.{{Ref/Reuse|t33laaw}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Rumors surround fuel rods, with many UNSC Marines under the apparent belief that even carrying a weapon that uses them for ammunition can cause [[Boren's Syndrome]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3carbine|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-51 Carbine|D=16|M=01|Y=2021}} In practice, [[Spartan Operations]] personnel are advised to avoid handling fuel rod components without protective [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], due to the projectiles' radioactivity and toxicity.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
Though widely used among UNSC personnel, "fuel rod" is actually an informal term supposedly originating from common popular culture depictions of nuclear fuel rods.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Rumors surround fuel rods, with many UNSC Marines under the apparent belief that even carrying a weapon that uses them for ammunition can cause [[Boren's Syndrome]].{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetcarbine|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3carbine|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-51 Carbine|D=16|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-51 Carbine}} In practice, [[Spartan Operations]] personnel are advised to avoid handling fuel rod components without protective [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], due to the projectiles' radioactivity and toxicity.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==

Latest revision as of 04:23, July 19, 2024

A Class-2 fuel rod projectile in mid-flight.

"It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kind’a funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks."
— Anonymous E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman.[1]

Fuel rods (Sangheili: Ket-lambdatha) are a colloquial nickname given by human personnel for a form of explosive munition used in several Covenant weapon systems.[2][3]

Overview[edit]

The ket-lambathda gained their human-given nicknames from their appearance, visually resembling popular culture depictions of nuclear fuel rods.[1] Despite this, the technology has very little in common with nuclear technology. Fuel rods consist of caseless, transparent projectiles[3] containing incendiary gel - a radioactive substance composed of energetic meta-materials and strained-bond lattices—an imperfect form of Forerunner infusion gel.[4][2]

When the fuel rod weapon is fired, the radioactive chemical inside the fuel rod is ignited and launched from its containment shell, exploding on impact with a surface or once enough gas has been expelled from the projectile to reach environmental equilibrium.[2]

Usage[edit]

Fuel rods are primarily employed by the Covenant in anti-armor and anti-air roles, fired by their fuel rod guns and fuel rod cannons. The visibility of the fuel rod projectiles in flight give them a distinct psychological effect on enemy soldiers, which helps in their intimidation value.[1] Fuel rods fired by vehicle-mounted cannons can be guided by remote lock-on, while those fired from infantry-mounted weapons typically fire with a pronounced arc allowing them to be used as an indirect-fire mortar.

The XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer developed by the United Nations Space Command during the Human-Covenant War utilises fuel rods encased in a custom 320mm shell.[5]

Variants[edit]

At least two variants of fuel rod munition have been catalogued by the UNSC;

Class-2[edit]

Class-2 fuel rod projectiles are unguided and 38 millimeters (1.5 in) in diameter.[3][1][6] They are the primary projectile fired by infantry-portable fuel rod guns including the Gespu-pattern, Korva-pattern fuel rod gun, Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun and Zasqi-pattern fuel rod guns, alongside some variants of assault cannon.[2]

Class-3[edit]

The fuel rod cannons mounted on the Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith and Muv'te-pattern anti-aircraft Wraiths, alongside those of the Banshee use the heavier Class-3 fuel rods, which have a greater range and a capability to track heat signatures.[7] The Morsam-pattern Seraph is additionally equipped with four fuel rod cannons, which are capable of locking onto air targets.[8]

Etymology[edit]

Though widely used among UNSC personnel, "fuel rod" is actually an informal term supposedly originating from common popular culture depictions of nuclear fuel rods.[1][2] Rumors surround fuel rods, with many UNSC Marines under the apparent belief that even carrying a weapon that uses them for ammunition can cause Boren's Syndrome.[9] In practice, Spartan Operations personnel are advised to avoid handling fuel rod components without protective MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor, due to the projectiles' radioactivity and toxicity.[6]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]


Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e Bungie.net, Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (Retrieved on Jan 31, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  2. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 298-299
  3. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 77
  4. ^ Halo Waypoint, Community Update - Infusion Invasion (Retrieved on Oct 30, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 141
  6. ^ a b Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 195
  7. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 9
  8. ^ Halo: Reach, Seraph in-game vehicle
  9. ^ Bungie.net, Type-51 Carbine (Retrieved on Jan 16, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]