Canon

Z classification system: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

No edit summary
(→‎1001-10,000: Typo fix)
Tag: Mobile edit
 
(2 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
The '''Z-''' or '''Zeta-classifications''' are a system of classification employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]] for cataloguing [[Forerunner]] technology and materiel.{{Ref/YouTube|eJRXQDUeywQ|Halopedia Archive|343 Social Stream - Halo Array Lore Stream (4 April 2018)|Time=4175|Quote=The Z, the Z-designations for Forerunners, Forerunner constructs [...], that's the human - the Zeta designations for these robots|Quotee=Kenneth Peters}} The system serves as a counterpart to the UNSC's [[type classification system]] used for cataloguing [[Covenant]] technology.
The '''Z-''' or '''Zeta-classifications''' are a system of classification employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]] for cataloguing [[Forerunner]] technology and materiel.{{Ref/YouTube|eJRXQDUeywQ|Halopedia Archive|343 Social Stream - Halo Array Lore Stream (4 April 2018)|Time=4175|Quote=The Z, the Z-designations for Forerunners, Forerunner constructs [...], that's the human - the Zeta designations for these robots|Quotee=Kenneth Peters}} The system serves as a counterpart to the UNSC's [[type classification system]] used for cataloguing [[Covenant]] technology. The Forerunners have no known system for cataloguing their own technology.


==Overview==
==Overview==
The cataloguing system used by UNSC analysts for Forerunner technology sees a given item designated with a '''Z-''', followed by a numerical string. Known strings range from low double digits to quadruple digits, with no apparent indication the numbers employed have any particular inherent meaning (unlike, for example, the Type-designation system's correspondence with the year of cataloguing). Z-classifications are given to a wide array of technology ranging from infantry weapons to [[Sentinel]]s to even [[Forerunner starship|spacecraft]].
The cataloguing system used by UNSC analysts for Forerunner technology sees a given item designated with a '''Z-''', followed by a numerical string. Known strings range from low double digits to quadruple digits, with no apparent indication the numbers employed have any particular inherent meaning (unlike, for example, the Type-designation system's correspondence with the year of cataloguing). Z-classifications are given to a wide array of technology ranging from infantry weapons to [[Sentinel]]s to even [[Forerunner starship|spacecraft]].
Some challenges are inherent in the Z-classification system, due to the esoteric nature of Forerunner technology. Forerunner equipment utilises [[smartmatter]], [[grappler]]s, [[hard light]], and other associated [[nanotechnology]] to operate - as such, their equipment can change form and operating function with relative ease - making classification difficult as what is ostensibly the same weapon could appear with completely distinct operating functions in different circumstances. In most cases, the UNSC seems to class all of these distinct operating functions as one Z-classification (as in the case of the [[Z-250 lightrifle|LightRifle]], [[Z-110 Boltshot|Boltshot]], [[Z-130 Suppressor|Suppressor]] and other infantry firearms that underwent a rapid evolution following the awakening of the [[Promethean]]s between [[2557]] and [[2558]].
A notable exception exists in the form of the [[Z-040 pulse grenade]] and [[Z-400 splinter grenade]]s; in function, both grenades are one device with multiple programmable settings. However, both have recieved separate UNSC designations.{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/splinter-grenade|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Splinter Grenade|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}


==Z classifications==
==Z classifications==
Line 24: Line 28:
===1001-10,000===
===1001-10,000===
*[[Aggressor Sentinel|Z-1500 Automated Systems Drone]]
*[[Aggressor Sentinel|Z-1500 Automated Systems Drone]]
*[[Z-1800 Phaeton|Z-1500 Exoatmospheric Multirole Fighter]]
*[[Z-1800 Phaeton|Z-1800 Exoatmospheric Multirole Fighter]]
*[[Z-2500 autosentry|Z-2500 Automated Protection Drone]]
*[[Z-2500 autosentry|Z-2500 Automated Protection Drone]]
*[[Z-4190 bubble shield|Z-4190 Temporal Protective Enfolder/Stationary Shield]]
*[[Z-4190 bubble shield|Z-4190 Temporal Protective Enfolder/Stationary Shield]]
Line 38: Line 42:


[[Category:UNSC identification]]
[[Category:UNSC identification]]
[[Category:Forerunner technology]]

Latest revision as of 11:35, August 10, 2024

The Z- or Zeta-classifications are a system of classification employed by the United Nations Space Command for cataloguing Forerunner technology and materiel.[1] The system serves as a counterpart to the UNSC's type classification system used for cataloguing Covenant technology. The Forerunners have no known system for cataloguing their own technology.

Overview[edit]

The cataloguing system used by UNSC analysts for Forerunner technology sees a given item designated with a Z-, followed by a numerical string. Known strings range from low double digits to quadruple digits, with no apparent indication the numbers employed have any particular inherent meaning (unlike, for example, the Type-designation system's correspondence with the year of cataloguing). Z-classifications are given to a wide array of technology ranging from infantry weapons to Sentinels to even spacecraft.

Some challenges are inherent in the Z-classification system, due to the esoteric nature of Forerunner technology. Forerunner equipment utilises smartmatter, grapplers, hard light, and other associated nanotechnology to operate - as such, their equipment can change form and operating function with relative ease - making classification difficult as what is ostensibly the same weapon could appear with completely distinct operating functions in different circumstances. In most cases, the UNSC seems to class all of these distinct operating functions as one Z-classification (as in the case of the LightRifle, Boltshot, Suppressor and other infantry firearms that underwent a rapid evolution following the awakening of the Prometheans between 2557 and 2558.

A notable exception exists in the form of the Z-040 pulse grenade and Z-400 splinter grenades; in function, both grenades are one device with multiple programmable settings. However, both have recieved separate UNSC designations.[2]

Z classifications[edit]

0-100[edit]

101-1000[edit]

1001-10,000[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ YouTube - Halopedia Archive, 343 Social Stream - Halo Array Lore Stream (4 April 2018): "The Z, the Z-designations for Forerunners, Forerunner constructs [...], that's the human - the Zeta designations for these robots" - Kenneth Peters
  2. ^ Halo Waypoint, Splinter Grenade (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [archive]