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{{Era|Covenant|Post}}
{{Title|''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ship class infobox
{{Ship class infobox
|name=Blockade Runner
|name=''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner
|image=[[File:H5 - Truth ship render.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:Enc22_BlockadeRunner.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=
|manufacturer=[[Vassal Workshops of Clan Makan and Clan Vol]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|class=[[Corvette]]
|class=[[Corvette]],{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos|HM|Section=Return to Sanghelios|Page=194}} [[Covenant fleet#Major categories|Vestige]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=271}}
|role=Blockade runner<ref name="SoI">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-shadow-of-intense '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Shadow of Intense'']</ref>
|role=Blockade runner{{Ref/Site|Id=SoI|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-shadow-of-intense|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Shadow of Intense|D=01|M=03|Y=2021}}
|length={{Convert|2020|m|ft}}<ref name="canonfodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-holiday-shipping '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Holiday Shipping'']</ref>
|length={{Convert|2020|m|ft|sp=us|sigfig=4}}{{Ref/Site|Id=canonfodder|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-holiday-shipping|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Holiday Shipping|D=01|M=03|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|width=
|height=
|height=
|mass=
|mass=80 million metric tons{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power=
|power=
|engine=[[Repulsor engine]]s
|engine=[[Repulsor engine]]s
|slipspace drive=Equipped
|slipspace drive=Equipped
|navigation=
|navigation=
|hull=[[Nanolaminate hull plating]]
|hull=[[Nanolaminate]] plating
*Equipped with [[energy shielding]]
|armament=*1x ''Pherex''-pattern [[excavation beam]]{{Ref/Site|Id=hot drops|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hot-drops-flag-caps|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Community Update - Hot Drops & Flag Caps|D=01|M=03|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|armament=
*3x ''Corven''-pattern [[plasma beam emitter]]s{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
*24x ''Gaff-Naran''-pattern [[Plasma cannon (starship)|plasma cannon]]s{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=fb|HFB}}{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|crew=
*16x ''Litrex''-pattern [[plasma torpedo]] silos{{Ref/Reuse|fb}}{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*10x ''Eriu''-pattern [[Pulse laser turret|pulse lasers]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=*15 [[Obedientaries]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*100 Warriors{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*500 Thralls{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|crew=*5 Superiors{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*220 Menials{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|passengers=
|passengers=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=*Stealth generators{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
|era=*[[War of Beginnings]]<ref name="canonfodder"/>
*[[Hyperscanner]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|era=*[[War of Beginnings]]{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}
|introduced=
*[[Blooding Years]]{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}
|affiliation=*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
|introduced=[[War of Beginnings]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
|affiliation=*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
}}
}}
{{Quote|Swift corvette preferred by the boldest and most audacious shipmasters.|[[Curator]]<ref name="Mythos">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 194''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Swift corvette preferred by the boldest and most audacious shipmasters.|[[Curator]]{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos}}}}
The '''Blockade Runner''' is a class of [[Sangheili]] [[corvette]] used by the Sangheili during the [[War of Beginnings]] and later utilized by the [[fleet]]s of [[Covenant remnants]], including the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].<ref name="canonfodder"/><ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level, ''[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]''</ref> While these corvettes lack in armor and protection, Blockade Runners are fast ships with powerful armaments.<ref name="canonfodder"/>
 
The '''''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner'''{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} is a vestigial class of [[corvette]] used by the [[Sangheili]] during the [[War of Beginnings]].{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}} This class of corvette was later utilized by the [[fleet]]s of [[Covenant remnants]], including the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}{{Ref/Level|H5G|Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios}} While these corvettes lack in armor and protection, blockade runners are fast ships with powerful armaments.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}
 
==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:Blockaderunnerblueprint.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Blockade runner blueprint.]]
The ''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner is a swift class of [[corvette]], abstaining from protection for speed and firepower. As with most older [[Sangheili]] designs, these [[warship]]s were designed for the sole purpose of breaking through enemy formations, as well as flanking around enemy lines to hunt down and destroy damaged vessels.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}{{Ref/Site|Id=reinforcements|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/halo-fleet-battles-reinforcements|Site=Spartan Games|Page=Halo: Fleet Battles – Reinforcements|D=29|M=07|Y=2017}} Like most Sangheili warships, the aesthetics of the blockade runners of the ''Hekar Taa''-pattern have strong biomimetic elements, bearing a resemblance to the [[arkon taa]], a type of carnivorous fish found in the northern waters of [[Sanghelios]]{{Ref/Book|Id=warfleet|HWF|Page=78-79}} and other [[Sangheili colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}} The blockade runner is comparable to the modern {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}, albeit with less armor.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}}
 
Sleek and nimble, yet a powerful medium-sized warship, blockade runners are designed to allow even the boldest [[shipmaster]]s to complete their missions.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}} Configured with only minor modifications, the ancient ''meesa'' stealth generators that these corvettes are outfitted with conceal the vessel's location through brute-force jamming and expenditure of small [[drone]]s, as opposed to the sensor distortion grids utilized by modern [[active camouflage]] systems installed on [[Covenant]] designs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} Blockade runners also host a large complement of crew, for countering [[Naval boarding|boarding]] efforts and launching attacks of their own.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}} However, they are purely Sangheili warships, and modifications made for other species are typically clumsy refits. Even then, many Sangheili still find serving aboard a ''Hekar-Taa'' an uncomfortable experience, due to the ships' scented air and droning subsonic hymnals that were once standard features two millennia ago.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
 
The [[repulsor engine]] found on the ''Hekar Taa'' is a cruder model than those found on more modern Covenant warships, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment to operate at full power in contrast to the longevity of their newer counterparts. While its [[hyperscanner]] panels are still far superior to most human sensors, modern Covenant ships are able to easily avoid being detected.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
 
===Armaments===
[[File:H5G-Blockaderunnerpew.png|thumb|250px|A blockade runner firing a plasma torpedo.]]
The blockade runner's armaments are antiquated, but not ineffective.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}} The unrefined [[energy projector]]s offended [[San'Shyuum]] bureaucrats of the Covenant, but they are more than capable of disabling the [[energy shielding]] and shattering the hulls of modern warships.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} The [[plasma torpedo]]es equipped to the blockade runner primarily shoot backwards, further aiding the corvette in its breakthrough strategies.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}} These corvettes are also outfitted with [[Plasma cannon (starship)|plasma cannon]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|fb}} Often supported by more modern designs, such as the {{Pattern|Akton|escort}}, a blockade runner is still capable of generating enough firepower to threaten even the most powerful warships of the Covenant, [[Swords of Sanghelios]], [[Banished]], or [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
 
The older style of energy projector found equipped on the blockade runner generally lacks range and delicacy, but makes up for these shortcomings in sheer power. These cannons can be further overcharged beyond what the Covenant consider prudent, though this double-edged sword may lead inexperienced crews to run the risk of crippling their weapon systems.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}} The blockade runner additionally contains a centrally-located hangar, with many older models still stocked with ancient designs of the [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee]] and other craft, now discarded or recycled during modern-day refits.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
 
==Ships of the line==
*''[[Joori's Light]]''{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}
*''[[Scorrin's Blade]]''
===Simulation-only===
*''[[Purity of Spirit]]'' {{C|Simulations only}}{{Ref/Note|''Purity of Spirit'' was previously confirmed to be a ''Ket''-pattern battlecruiser, and only appeared as a blockade runner in [[War Games]] simulations.}}{{Ref/Site|Id=cannonfodder2|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cannon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never|D=01|M=03|Y=2021}}
*''[[Undiminished Entelechy]]'' {{C|Simulations only}}{{Ref/Note|It being the [[Wikipedia:Sister ship|sister ship]] of ''Purity of Spirit'', we can deduce that they are both the same class. As such, its representation as a blockade runner is simply down to changes in the simulation.}}{{Ref/Reuse|cannonfodder2}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
The Blockade Runners were first used by the [[Sangheili]] against the [[San'Shyuum]] during the [[War of Beginnings]]. One legendary Blockade Runner, ''[[Joori's Light]]'', succeeded in evading destruction and capture at the hands of the San'Shyuum during the war. When the war came to an end and the [[Covenant]] was established through the [[Writ of Union]], the crew of ''Joori's Light'' refused to join the Covenant and instead escaped to uncharted space.<ref name="canonfodder"/>
The blockade runners were first used by the [[Sangheili]] against the [[San'Shyuum]] during the [[War of Beginnings]]. One legendary blockade runner, ''[[Joori's Light]]'', succeeded in evading destruction and capture at the hands of the San'Shyuum during the war. When the war came to an end and the [[Covenant]] was established through the [[Writ of Union]], the crew of ''Joori's Light'' refused to join the Covenant and instead escaped to uncharted space.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}} Many current-surviving blockade runners are vestiges of this time, having originally belonged to a fleet headed by [[Ophon 'Qaram]], with the blockade runners serving as his signature warship. These ships were used to strike at San 'Shyuum fortifications, before vanishing prior to retaliation by enemy forces.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}


Over the course of history the ships received upgrades. As the [[Blooding Years]] embroiled [[Sanghelios]], Blockade Runners were upgraded to modern specifications<ref>[http://www.haloarchive.com/forum/topic/9-canon-fodder-discussion/?do=findComment&comment=130303 '''Halo Archive''': ''Canon Fodder thread'']</ref> and have been used in supporting ground operations during the civil war against the better judgment of their [[shipmaster]]s.<ref name="canonfodder"/> In [[2558#October|October 2558]], some of these ships were present during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]]<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]''</ref> and the [[Battle of Sunaion]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref> [[Spartan-IV]]s aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} trained in a [[Truth|simulation]] of [[War Games]] set during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], but with the ships from the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] replaced by these ships.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', multiplayer map, ''[[Truth]]''</ref>
Over the course of history the ships received upgrades. As the [[Blooding Years]] embroiled [[Sanghelios]], blockade runners were pulled from hidden stocks in the outer edge of the [[Joori]] system by [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] to bolster their fleets.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} Upgraded to modern specifications,{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.haloarchive.com/forum/topic/9-canon-fodder-and-random-lore-chat/?page=59|Site=Halo Archive|Page=Canon Fodder thread (page 59)|Quote=I mean, it's not like there wouldn't be upgrades to those older designs as well...|Quotee=Jeff Easterling|D=25|M=05|Y=2018}} these corvettes have been used in supporting ground operations during the civil war against the better judgement of their [[shipmaster]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}} In [[2558#October|October 2558]], some blockade runners were present during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]],{{Ref/Level|H5G|Osiris (level)|Osiris}} the [[Operation: BIRD IN HAND|attack]] on ''[[Argent Moon]]'',{{Ref/Level|H5G|Blue Team (level)|Blue Team}} and the [[Battle of Sunaion]].{{Ref/Level|H5G|Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion}}


==Trivia==
[[Spartan-IV]]s aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} trained in a [[Truth (level)|simulation]] of [[War Games]] set during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], but with the ships from the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] replaced by these ships.{{Ref/Map|H5G|Truth}} Sometime around [[2560]], the Swords of Sanghelios used a fleet largely consisting of blockade runners and {{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}s in a battle against a large [[Banished]] fleet of [[karve]]s and a [[Banished dreadnought|Dreadnought]] over [[Suban]].{{Ref/Map|Id=prism|HINF|Prism}}
 
==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===Covenant blockade runner===
[[File:HFB-BlockadeRunner1.jpg|thumb|250px|A blockade runner in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.]]
This element includes a single ''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner.
*Cost: 170 points
*Movement: 9"
*Damage Track: 7 • 6 • 4
*Built Rating: 3
*Hangars: 2
*Boarding Craft: 3
*Security Detail: 4
*System loadouts:
**Cloaking System
**Defence Array (4)
**Glide (4")
**Point Defence (3)
*Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
**Range: 18/32"
**Weapon loadouts: Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
**Dice: 12
*Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
**Range: 12"/-
**Weapon loadouts: Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
**Dice: 7/7/7
*Secondary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
**Range: 10/20"
**Weapon loadouts: Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
**Dice: 14
*Additional Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
**Range: 12/24"
**Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard/Aft
**Dice: 6
{{Col-2}}
===Covenant Escorted blockade runner===
[[File:HFB-BlockadeRunner.png|thumb|250px|A blockade runner with an {{Pattern|Akton|escort}} from ''Halo: Fleet Battles''.]]
This element includes a ''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner and one ''ADP''-class escort.
*Cost: 210 points
*Movement: 9"
*Damage Track: 8 • 6 • 4
*Built Rating: 4
*Hangars: 2
*Boarding Craft: 3
*Security Detail: 5
*System loadouts:
**Cloaking System
**Defence Array (4)
**Glide (4")
**Point Defence (4)
*Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
**Range: 18/32"
**Weapon loadouts: Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
**Dice: 12
*Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
**Range: 12"/-
**Weapon loadouts: Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
**Dice: 7/7/7
*Secondary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
**Range: 10/20"
**Weapon loadouts: Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
**Dice: 14
*Additional Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
**Range: 12/24"
**Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
**Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard/Aft
**Dice: 9
{{Col-end}}
 
==Production notes==
In the real world, [[Wikipedia:Blockade runner|blockade runners]] were lightly armed and armored warships designed for speed, intended to evade engagement by blockading naval forces, usually to transport cargo or to carry messages or personnel to other ports.
In the real world, [[Wikipedia:Blockade runner|blockade runners]] were lightly armed and armored warships designed for speed, intended to evade engagement by blockading naval forces, usually to transport cargo or to carry messages or personnel to other ports.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Hekar-Taa pattern blockade runner}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HFB-Lotsofships.png|The blockade runner to scale with numerous other Covenant and UNSC warships, rivaling the CCS-class battlecruiser in size.  
File:HM-BlockadeRunner.png|A profile of a blockade runner.
File:H5G_BlockadeRunner_Render.jpg|A render of the blockade runner.
File:H5G-SangheiliBlockadeRunnerStarship.png|Alternate preview of a blockade runner.
File:HFB-Lotsofships.png|The blockade runner to scale with numerous other Covenant and [[UNSC]] warships, rivalling the ''Ket''-pattern battlecruiser in size.
File:H5G-SangheiliBlockadeRunner-Screen.jpg|Screenshot of a Sangheili blockade runner in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5 - Truth ship.png|A blockade runner in a simulation over Installation 04 in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5 - Truth ship.png|A blockade runner in a simulation over Installation 04 in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5 - Truth pair of ships.png|A pair of blockade runners.
File:H5 - Truth pair of ships.png|A pair of blockade runners.
File:H5 - Truth ship back.png|The aft of the vessel.
File:H5 - Truth ship back.png|The aft of the vessel.
File:H5 - Truth ship aft.png|Blockade runner ship over [[Threshold]].
File:H5 - Truth ship aft.png|A simulated blockade runner over [[Threshold]].
File:H5 - Truth ship prow.png|The prow of the ship.
File:H5 - Truth ship prow.png|The prow of the ship.
File:H5 - Truth ship engines.png|A view of the vessel's engines.
File:H5 - Truth ship engines.png|A view of the vessel's engines.
File:H5 - Truth ships.png|The fleet of Particular Justice as simulated in War Games.
File:H5 - Truth ships.png|The Fleet of Particular Justice as simulated in War Games.
File:H5 - Truth fleet.png|The ships accompanied by another post-war vessel.
File:H5 - Truth fleet.png|The ships accompanied by a {{Pattern|Rwaru|carrack}}-class vessel.
File:H5-Truth-Ships.png|The introductory scene of games set on the map Truth.
File:H5-Truth-Ships.png|The introductory scene of games set on the map Truth.
File:H5G-Kamchatkadescent.png|Several blockade runners participating in the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].
File:H5G-Kamchatkadescent.png|Several blockade runners participating in the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].
File:Blockade runner.png|Blockade runner and Banshees during the [[Battle of Sunaion]].
File:Blockade runner.png|Blockade runner and Banshees during the [[Battle of Sunaion]].
File:Halo 5 - Blockade Runner and Man O' War.png|A Blockade runner escorted by a Sangheili Man O' War
File:Halo 5 - Blockade Runner and Man O' War.png|A blockade runner escorted by a Sangheili Man O' War.
File:H5G-SanctumBlockadeRunner.png|A Blockade Runner on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G-SanctumBlockadeRunner.png|A blockade runner on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G-Blockaderunnerpew.png|A Blockade Runner firing a plasma torpedo
File:H5G-Blockaderunneraftplasma.png|A blockade runner firing a plasma torpedo from its aft section.
File:H5G-Blockaderunneraftplasma.png|A Blockade Runner firing a plasma torpedo from its aft section.
File:H5G-Blockaderunnerleaves.png|A blockade runner flees from Attack on Sanctum.
File:H5G-Blockaderunnerleaves.png|A Blockade Runner flees from Attack on Sanctum
File:HINF_SangheliosBlockadeRunners.png|Concept art for blockade runners on Sanghelios, produced for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''{{'}}s pre-production stage.
File:Blockaderunnerblueprint.jpg|Blockade runner blueprint
File:HINF PrismSkyboxBattle 3.png|A Swords of Sanghelios ''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner being fired upon by a [[Banished]] [[Karve]] during the [[Battle of Suban]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HM-BlockadeRunner.png|Profile of the Blockade Runner in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{Clear}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili blockade runner}}


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


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


{{CovenantShips}}
{{Covenant Ships}}


[[Category:Corvette classes]]
[[Category:Sangheili ship classes]]
[[Category:Sangheili ship classes]]

Latest revision as of 04:26, August 16, 2024

Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner
A cut in of the Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner as shown from the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)
Production information

Manufacturer:

Vassal Workshops of Clan Makan and Clan Vol[1]

Class:

Corvette,[2] Vestige[1][3]

Role:

Blockade runner[4]

Technical specifications

Length:

2,020 meters (6,627 ft)[5][1][3]

Mass:

80 million metric tons[1][3]

Engine(s):

Repulsor engines

Slipspace drive:

Equipped

Other system(s):

Hull:

Nanolaminate plating

Armament:

Complement:

Crew:

Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Introduced:

War of Beginnings[3]

Affiliation:

 

"Swift corvette preferred by the boldest and most audacious shipmasters."
— Curator[2]

The Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner[6] is a vestigial class of corvette used by the Sangheili during the War of Beginnings.[1] This class of corvette was later utilized by the fleets of Covenant remnants, including the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.[5][8] While these corvettes lack in armor and protection, blockade runners are fast ships with powerful armaments.[5]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

A blueprint of the Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner.
Blockade runner blueprint.

The Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner is a swift class of corvette, abstaining from protection for speed and firepower. As with most older Sangheili designs, these warships were designed for the sole purpose of breaking through enemy formations, as well as flanking around enemy lines to hunt down and destroy damaged vessels.[5][9] Like most Sangheili warships, the aesthetics of the blockade runners of the Hekar Taa-pattern have strong biomimetic elements, bearing a resemblance to the arkon taa, a type of carnivorous fish found in the northern waters of Sanghelios[1] and other Sangheili colonies.[5] The blockade runner is comparable to the modern Ket-pattern battlecruiser, albeit with less armor.[9]

Sleek and nimble, yet a powerful medium-sized warship, blockade runners are designed to allow even the boldest shipmasters to complete their missions.[9] Configured with only minor modifications, the ancient meesa stealth generators that these corvettes are outfitted with conceal the vessel's location through brute-force jamming and expenditure of small drones, as opposed to the sensor distortion grids utilized by modern active camouflage systems installed on Covenant designs.[3][6] Blockade runners also host a large complement of crew, for countering boarding efforts and launching attacks of their own.[9] However, they are purely Sangheili warships, and modifications made for other species are typically clumsy refits. Even then, many Sangheili still find serving aboard a Hekar-Taa an uncomfortable experience, due to the ships' scented air and droning subsonic hymnals that were once standard features two millennia ago.[1]

The repulsor engine found on the Hekar Taa is a cruder model than those found on more modern Covenant warships, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment to operate at full power in contrast to the longevity of their newer counterparts. While its hyperscanner panels are still far superior to most human sensors, modern Covenant ships are able to easily avoid being detected.[1]

Armaments[edit]

A blockade runner firing a plasma torpedo.

The blockade runner's armaments are antiquated, but not ineffective.[1] The unrefined energy projectors offended San'Shyuum bureaucrats of the Covenant, but they are more than capable of disabling the energy shielding and shattering the hulls of modern warships.[3][6] The plasma torpedoes equipped to the blockade runner primarily shoot backwards, further aiding the corvette in its breakthrough strategies.[9] These corvettes are also outfitted with plasma cannons.[7] Often supported by more modern designs, such as the Akton-pattern escort, a blockade runner is still capable of generating enough firepower to threaten even the most powerful warships of the Covenant, Swords of Sanghelios, Banished, or UNSC Navy.[6]

The older style of energy projector found equipped on the blockade runner generally lacks range and delicacy, but makes up for these shortcomings in sheer power. These cannons can be further overcharged beyond what the Covenant consider prudent, though this double-edged sword may lead inexperienced crews to run the risk of crippling their weapon systems.[1] The blockade runner additionally contains a centrally-located hangar, with many older models still stocked with ancient designs of the Banshee and other craft, now discarded or recycled during modern-day refits.[1]

Ships of the line[edit]

Simulation-only[edit]

Operational history[edit]

The blockade runners were first used by the Sangheili against the San'Shyuum during the War of Beginnings. One legendary blockade runner, Joori's Light, succeeded in evading destruction and capture at the hands of the San'Shyuum during the war. When the war came to an end and the Covenant was established through the Writ of Union, the crew of Joori's Light refused to join the Covenant and instead escaped to uncharted space.[5] Many current-surviving blockade runners are vestiges of this time, having originally belonged to a fleet headed by Ophon 'Qaram, with the blockade runners serving as his signature warship. These ships were used to strike at San 'Shyuum fortifications, before vanishing prior to retaliation by enemy forces.[1]

Over the course of history the ships received upgrades. As the Blooding Years embroiled Sanghelios, blockade runners were pulled from hidden stocks in the outer edge of the Joori system by Thel 'Vadam's Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant to bolster their fleets.[1][6] Upgraded to modern specifications,[11] these corvettes have been used in supporting ground operations during the civil war against the better judgement of their shipmasters.[5] In October 2558, some blockade runners were present during the Battle of Kamchatka,[12] the attack on Argent Moon,[13] and the Battle of Sunaion.[14]

Spartan-IVs aboard UNSC Infinity trained in a simulation of War Games set during the Battle of Installation 04, but with the ships from the Fleet of Particular Justice replaced by these ships.[15] Sometime around 2560, the Swords of Sanghelios used a fleet largely consisting of blockade runners and Zanar-pattern light cruisers in a battle against a large Banished fleet of karves and a Dreadnought over Suban.[16]

Halo: Fleet Battles[edit]

Covenant blockade runner[edit]

A blockade runner in Halo: Fleet Battles.

This element includes a single Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner.

  • Cost: 170 points
  • Movement: 9"
  • Damage Track: 7 • 6 • 4
  • Built Rating: 3
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 3
  • Security Detail: 4
  • System loadouts:
    • Cloaking System
    • Defence Array (4)
    • Glide (4")
    • Point Defence (3)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
    • Range: 18/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 12
  • Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
    • Range: 12"/-
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 7/7/7
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
    • Range: 10/20"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 14
  • Additional Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard/Aft
    • Dice: 6

Covenant Escorted blockade runner[edit]

A blockade runner with an Akton-pattern escort from Halo: Fleet Battles.

This element includes a Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner and one ADP-class escort.

  • Cost: 210 points
  • Movement: 9"
  • Damage Track: 8 • 6 • 4
  • Built Rating: 4
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 3
  • Security Detail: 5
  • System loadouts:
    • Cloaking System
    • Defence Array (4)
    • Glide (4")
    • Point Defence (4)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
    • Range: 18/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 12
  • Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
    • Range: 12"/-
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 7/7/7
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
    • Range: 10/20"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 14
  • Additional Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard/Aft
    • Dice: 9

Production notes[edit]

In the real world, blockade runners were lightly armed and armored warships designed for speed, intended to evade engagement by blockading naval forces, usually to transport cargo or to carry messages or personnel to other ports.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • A profile of a blockade runner.

    A profile of a blockade runner.

  • A render of the blockade runner.

    A render of the blockade runner.

  • Alternate preview of a blockade runner.

    Alternate preview of a blockade runner.

  • The blockade runner to scale with numerous other Covenant and UNSC warships, rivalling the Ket-pattern battlecruiser in size.

    The blockade runner to scale with numerous other Covenant and UNSC warships, rivalling the Ket-pattern battlecruiser in size.

  • Screenshot of a Sangheili blockade runner in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Screenshot of a Sangheili blockade runner in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A blockade runner in a simulation over Installation 04 in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A blockade runner in a simulation over Installation 04 in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A pair of blockade runners.

    A pair of blockade runners.

  • The aft of the vessel.

    The aft of the vessel.

  • A simulated blockade runner over Threshold.

    A simulated blockade runner over Threshold.

  • The prow of the ship.

    The prow of the ship.

  • A view of the vessel's engines.

    A view of the vessel's engines.

  • The Fleet of Particular Justice as simulated in War Games.

    The Fleet of Particular Justice as simulated in War Games.

  • The ships accompanied by a Rwaru-pattern carrack-class vessel.

    The ships accompanied by a Rwaru-pattern carrack-class vessel.

  • The introductory scene of games set on the map Truth.

    The introductory scene of games set on the map Truth.

  • Several blockade runners participating in the Battle of Kamchatka.

    Several blockade runners participating in the Battle of Kamchatka.

  • Blockade runner and Banshees during the Battle of Sunaion.

    Blockade runner and Banshees during the Battle of Sunaion.

  • A blockade runner escorted by a Sangheili Man O' War.

    A blockade runner escorted by a Sangheili Man O' War.

  • A blockade runner on Attack on Sanctum.

    A blockade runner on Attack on Sanctum.

  • A blockade runner firing a plasma torpedo from its aft section.

    A blockade runner firing a plasma torpedo from its aft section.

  • A blockade runner flees from Attack on Sanctum.

    A blockade runner flees from Attack on Sanctum.

  • Concept art for blockade runners on Sanghelios, produced for Halo Infinite's pre-production stage.

    Concept art for blockade runners on Sanghelios, produced for Halo Infinite's pre-production stage.

  • A Swords of Sanghelios Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner being fired upon by a Banished Karve during the Battle of Suban in Halo Infinite.

    A Swords of Sanghelios Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner being fired upon by a Banished Karve during the Battle of Suban in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Purity of Spirit was previously confirmed to be a Ket-pattern battlecruiser, and only appeared as a blockade runner in War Games simulations.
  2. ^ It being the sister ship of Purity of Spirit, we can deduce that they are both the same class. As such, its representation as a blockade runner is simply down to changes in the simulation.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Halo: Warfleet, page 78-79
  2. ^ a b Halo Mythos - Return to Sanghelios, page 194
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 271
  4. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Shadow of Intense (Retrieved on Mar 1, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Holiday Shipping (Retrieved on Mar 1, 2021) [archive]
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Waypoint, Halo Community Update - Hot Drops & Flag Caps (Retrieved on Mar 1, 2021) [archive]
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Fleet Battles
  8. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Swords of Sanghelios
  9. ^ a b c d e Spartan Games, Halo: Fleet Battles – Reinforcements (Retrieved on Jul 29, 2017) [archive]
  10. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Cannon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never (Retrieved on Mar 1, 2021) [archive]
  11. ^ Halo Archive, Canon Fodder thread (page 59): "I mean, it's not like there wouldn't be upgrades to those older designs as well..." - Jeff Easterling (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  12. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Osiris
  13. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Blue Team
  14. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Battle of Sunaion
  15. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, multiplayer map Truth
  16. ^ Halo Infinite, multiplayer map Prism

v • d • e
 
Ship classifications of the Covenant and its remnants
Light warships
Jiralhanae ships
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