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M313 Elephant: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Center|'''''Elephant''' redirects here. For the vehicle introduced in [[Halo Wars]], see [[M312 Elephant]]. For the civilian version, see [[Olifant]].''}}
{{Disambig header|the vehicle introduced in ''Halo 3''|other vehicles in the Elephant family|Elephant}}
{{Vehicle Infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=
|image=[[File:Halo3-M313HRV-Elephant1.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:Halo3-M313HRV-Elephant1.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[JOTUN Heavy Industries]]<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 55''</ref>
|manufacturer=[[JOTUN Heavy Industries]]{{Ref/Book|Id=visual|EVG|Page=55}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=145}}
|line=Elephant
|line=[[Elephant]]
|model=M313<ref name="H3Art">'''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''', ''page 41''</ref><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''': ''page 236''</ref><ref name="visual"/>
|model=
|cost=
|cost=
|length={{Convert|25.7|m|ft}}<ref name="ENC"/>
|length={{Convert|84.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=236}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=246}}
|width={{Convert|13.6|m|ft}}<ref name="visual"/>
|width={{Convert|44.5|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height=
|height={{Convert|37.9|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass={{Convert|205|ton|lb}}<ref name="ENC"/>
|mass={{Convert|186|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|max speed=
|max speed-title=Range
|max speed={{Convert|466|mi|km|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|engine=
|engine=
|hull=
|hull=Ultra high density armor plating{{Ref/Reuse|screen1}}
|armament=
|armament=
*[[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] (1)
*1 [[12.7×99mm Armor-Piercing|12.7mm]] [[M41 Vulcan]] light anti-aircraft gun with 260<sup>o</sup> FOV{{Ref/Game|Id=screen1|H3|[[:File:H3 Sandtrap ElephantScreen 1.png|Elephant readout]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] (2) (optional)<ref>'''[[Halo 3: The Official Guide]]''', ''page 192''</ref>
*2 [[7.62x51mm|7.62mm]] [[AIE-486H machine gun]]s{{Ref/Book|Halo 3: The Official Guide|Page=192}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|crew=
|crew=
*Driver (1)
*1 driver{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Gunner (2)
*2 gunners{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|complement=*Personnel (12-16)
|complement=
*[[Warthog]] (1); or
*12-16 passengers{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*[[Mongoose]] (6)
*Up to 6 [[Mongoose]]s (1 standard){{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
::or
:2 [[Warthog]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=Crane system
|othersystems=
|firstuse-title=In service
*Crane system
|firstuse=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*Mobile launch pad for high speed recon and recovery vehicles{{Ref/Reuse|screen1}}
|firstuse=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|role=
|role=
*Mobile command base
*Mobile command base
Line 33: Line 39:
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
The '''M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle''',<ref name="H3Art"/><ref name="ENC"/><ref name="visual"/> commonly known as the '''Elephant''', is a heavy [[UNSC Marine Corps]] Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery Platform.<ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]''': In-game model</ref> Sometimes referred to as the '''Behemoth-class Troop Transport''',<ref name="ENC"/> the vehicle is one of the largest ground vehicles employed by the UNSC for ground-based operations, though since the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in 2552 it has been surpassed in size by the [[M510 Mammoth]].
The '''M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle'''{{Ref/Book|Id=H3Art|AoH3|Page=41}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} is a vehicle in the '''[[Elephant]]''' line of heavy Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery (MASR) platforms built by [[JOTUN Heavy Industries]] and employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Elephant in-game vehicle}} Sometimes referred to as the '''Behemoth-class Troop Transport''',{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} the vehicle is one of the largest ground vehicles employed by the UNSC for ground-based operations, though since the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in 2552 it has been surpassed in size by the [[M510 Mammoth]].


==Overview==
==Overview==
[[File:ElephantSizeComparison.jpg|thumb|left|The size of the Elephant in comparison to other vehicles and a real Elephant.]]
===Design details===
[[File:H3 Sandtrap ElephantScreen 1.png|thumb|left|The Elephant's readout screen.]]
The Elephant is a large, multi-level vehicle driven by eight sets of treads - used to move the vehicle's massive bulk across terrain. The aft of the vehicle is an open-bed cargo bay, featuring a ramp to allow access for personnel and small reconnaissance vehicles (such as [[Mongoose]]s).  The cargo bed contains a readout screen that displays status information on the vehicle and surrounding environment, alongside several [[List of UNSC crates|equipment crates]] built into the external walls, including [[M52B body armor]], [[CH252 helmet]]s, an AIE-486H chaingun and several crates marked [[:File:H3 NerveGas.png|NT/B with a biohazard symbol]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3}} Another ramp leads from the cargo bed up to a small gantry with access to the fore-mounted cockpit and operator's stations, and a number of mounting points for the vehicle's defensive armaments. A Vulcan LAAG turret overwatch station at the top of the vehicle provides a surrounding view of the area, allowing the Elephant to perform its MASR functions with some defensive options available.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
The chassis of the vehicle is heavily-armoured, allowing it to traverse the front lines to transport troops, light vehicles, and cargo to and from the battlefield. The cargo bed is capable of housing up to 16 infantry personnel, and up to six [[Mongoose]] recon ATVs or two [[Warthog]] FAVs. The vehicle's heavy armour and advanced electronic communications systems (capable of operating in conditions that would hinder most other [[UNSC battle network|network systems]]) also allows it to be deployed into the front lines as a mobile command post for front-line officers.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
Like its [[M312 Elephant|M312 cousin]], the M313 Elephant is designed to safely transport troops, equipment and light vehicles to and from the frontlines. However unlike its previous model, the M313 Elephant features only one [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] with 260 degrees rotation{{Ref/Reuse|screen1}} as its armament, though this can be improved with two additional [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]s. It also features numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it. Its chassis is also as wide as it is high, providing stability. The vehicle's rear bay lacks the protective armour that is available on the M312 Elephant, thus increasing the vulnerability of its carriage.
The Elephant features a large crane mounted to the starboard side of the vehicle, which is capable of lifting, refuelling, and recover any standard ground vehicle in the UNSC fleet.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
===Background===
===Background===
Designed and manufactured by [[JOTUN Heavy Industries]], the Elephants were initially used in the utility and farming industries during the early colonial expansion periods.<ref name="visual"/> After several decades serving in the civilian market, JOTUN was contracted by the UNSC to develop the Elephants and build them as [[wikipedia:armoured recovery vehicle|armored repair and recovery vehicles]].<ref name="visual"/> As time has progressed, the Elephant has been modified into several variants and upgrades, though the Elephant's versatility remains unchanged.
Designed and manufactured by [[JOTUN Heavy Industries]], the Elephants were initially used in the utility and farming industries during the early colonial expansion periods.{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} After several decades serving in the civilian market, JOTUN was contracted by the UNSC to develop the Elephants and build them as [[wikipedia:armoured recovery vehicle|armored repair and recovery vehicles]].{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} As time has progressed, the Elephant has been modified into several variants and upgrades, though the Elephant's versatility remains unchanged.


===Design details===
The Elephant's versatility and commonality means that its basic design template is shared across many other vehicles including the aforementioned colonial vehicles, and even relatively mundane functions such as the [[Oliphant]] refuse collection vehicle used in the urban metroplex of [[New Mombasa]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
[[File:ElephantSizeComparison.jpg|thumb|left|The size of the Elephant in comparison to other vehicles and a real Elephant.]]
The Elephant is a three-level vehicle--almost a mobile base--with the bottom level acting as a respawn area in multiplayer that opens out into the rear cargo tray.
The second level is a walkway/gantry accessed by a ramp that goes around the inside edges of the cargo bay and leads to the driver's cabin. This level is also where one can find the optional [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]s.
The third level is small and elevated, situated beside the cockpit. This is where the main armament is found (in the form of an [[M41 Vulcan]]).


Like the [[M312 HRV|M312 Elephant]], the M313 Elephant is designed to safely transport troops, equipment and light vehicles to and from the frontlines. However unlike its previous model, the M313 Elephant features only one [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] as its armament, though this can be improved with two additional [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]s. It also features a crane, numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it. Its chassis is also as wide as it is high, providing stability. The Elephant houses a [[Mongoose]] in its lower bay, and can be made to hold up to an additional of three Mongooses in the front, as well as two in the back with two [[Warthogs]]. The vehicle's rear bay lacks the protective armor that is available on the M312 Elephant, thus increasing the vulnerability of its carriage.
==Known Elephants==
 
*'''E-2073 46833-S''' - UNSC Elephant stationed on Sandtrap (it is interesting to note that both Elephants on the level Sandtrap are almost completely identical, including having the same identification numbers). They both have nicknames: one is called the "Behemoth", while the other is called the "Leviathan", and they both have different insignias painted on their sides. Another means of identification is that below the M41 turret at the front is the number 3 for the Behemoth and a number 5 for the Leviathan, also on the Leviathan is another number 5 on one of the panels at the top of the outer left hand side of the cargo tray.{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
==Variants==
===Olifant===
{{Main|Olifant}}
The Olifant is a civilian version of the vehicle designed for the purposes of waste management. [[New Mombasa Waste Management]] owned and operated these vehicles, using them as garbage trucks.<ref name="odst">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'''</ref><ref name="coastal">'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Coastal Highway]]''</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
This model of Elephant appears exclusively in Halo 3's multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]], located at each end of the map. It is completely invincible, and open-topped, unlike [[M312 HRV|its counterpart]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]''. The open roof is probably due to the fact that it is a service and repair station, not a troop carrier.
At the launch of ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', the Elephant was exclusively available for play on the multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]], located at each end of the map. With the [[Forge/Halo 3|updates]] given to the [[Forge]] mode of ''Halo 3'' for its launch on PC, the Elephant has been made available for placement on other maps including [[Avalanche]].{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/mcc-development-update-may-2020|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=MCC Development Update - May 2020}} It is completely invincible, and open-topped, unlike [[M312 HRV|its counterpart]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]''. The open roof is probably due to the fact that it is a service and repair station, not a troop carrier.


Inside the Elephant is a large screen which contains information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. While the vehicle itself cannot be destroyed, its slow speed and lack of armor for gunners render them quite vulnerable. Killing the driver must be attempted from behind, ideally in a vehicle like a [[Banshee]]. In objective-based games, the elephant also serves as a mobile bomb plant/spawn site and flag stand.
Inside the Elephant is a large screen which contains information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. While the vehicle itself cannot be destroyed, its slow speed and lack of armor for gunners render them quite vulnerable. Killing the driver must be attempted from behind, ideally in a vehicle like a [[Banshee]]. In objective-based games, the elephant also serves as a mobile bomb plant/spawn site and flag stand.


In ''Halo: Spartan Strike'', the Elephant is armed with twin cannon and twin missile pods. In [[Mission 4: Reversal of Fortune|Mission A-4]], a Zealot Elite hijacks an Elephant, destroying the vehicle from inside out to retrieve the [[Conduit]].
In ''Halo: Spartan Strike'', the Elephant is armed with twin cannon and twin missile pods. In [[Mission 4: Reversal of Fortune|Mission A-4]], a Zealot Elite hijacks an Elephant, destroying the vehicle from inside out to retrieve the [[Conduit]].
==Known Elephants==
*'''E-2073 46833-S''' - UNSC Elephant stationed on Sandtrap (it is interesting to note that both Elephants on the level Sandtrap are almost completely identical, including having the same identification numbers). They both have nicknames: one is called the "Behemoth", while the other is called the "Leviathan", and they both have different insignias painted on their sides. Another means of identification is that below the M41 turret at the front is the number 3 for the Behemoth and a number 5 for the Leviathan, also on the Leviathan is another number 5 on one of the panels at the top of the outer left hand side of the cargo tray.<ref name="H3"/>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
===General===
===General===
*An [[Wikipedia:Elephant|elephant]] is a large, grey mammal native to Africa and southern Asia, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming ground-based vehicles after real animals, with the exceptions of the [[Cyclops]] and [[Gremlin]], which are named after mythical creatures.  
*An [[Wikipedia:Elephant|elephant]] is a large, grey mammal native to [[Africa]] and southern Asia, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming ground-based vehicles after real animals.
*If the player goes to the bottom level of the Elephant, there is a screen which gives details about the vehicle's specifications, as well as information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. There are phrases visible such as '''Mobile Assault Support and Recovery Platform Statistics and Environmental Analysts'''. It is interesting to note that it says there are two mobile turrets (that can be ripped off) while there is actually only one. Perhaps one was removed for balance issues as there is a vacant spot opposite the one that is present.
*If the player goes to the bottom level of the Elephant, there is a screen which gives details about the vehicle's specifications, as well as information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. There are phrases visible such as '''Mobile Assault Support and Recovery Platform Statistics and Environmental Analysts'''. It is interesting to note that it says there are two mobile turrets (that can be ripped off) while there is actually only one. Perhaps one was removed for balance issues as there is a vacant spot opposite the one that is present.
*The M313 Heavy Recovering Vehicle's name is a [[Seven|7]] reference, as 3+1+3=7.
*The Elephant is the only drivable vehicle that can have turrets placed on it without them moving/falling when the vehicle drives off. If a player (in [[Forge]]) places a crate or two in the cargo bay of the Elephant, places a turret on top of them and then deletes the crates, then players can drive the Elephant with the turret keeping place over the Elephant.
*The Elephant is the only drivable vehicle that can have turrets placed on it without them moving/falling when the vehicle drives off. If a player (in [[Forge]]) places a crate or two in the cargo bay of the Elephant, places a turret on top of them and then deletes the crates, then players can drive the Elephant with the turret keeping place over the Elephant.
*''[[Gearsofwar:Gears of War 2|Gears of War 2]]'''s [[gearsofwar:Derrick|Derrick]] bears a striking resembalance to the Elephant, most likely due to the fact that both are heavy recovery vehicles. Both in turn bear a slight resemblance to the [[starwars:Sandcrawler|Jawa Sandcrawler]] from ''Star Wars''.
*The windshield in front of the driver is capable of protecting him from any kind of attack (except [[Spartan Laser]]s) without damage; this is probably a balancing action, because the Elephant is a very slow vehicle. In addition, the driver can only be attacked from the back; all other sides are completely protected.
*The windshield in front of the driver is capable of protecting him from any kind of attack (except [[Spartan Laser]]s) without damage; this is probably a balancing action, because the Elephant is a very slow vehicle. In addition, the driver can only be attacked from the back; all other sides are completely protected.
*The Elephant was removed from [[Sandtrap#Variant: Sand Tarp|Sand Tarp]], a variant of "Sandtrap", by Bungie.
*The Elephant was removed from [[Sandtrap#Variant: Sand Tarp|Sand Tarp]], a variant of "Sandtrap", by Bungie.
*On the left-hand side of the Red Team's Elephant there is spray-painted graffiti with text that reads "BEHEMOTH" and a red cartoon picture of a woolly mammoth. On the Blue Team's Elephant it says "LEVIATHAN" and has a picture of a blue, whale-like sea creature sporting a mean grimace and wearing a comically tiny golden crown. The Behemoth and Leviathan are two scriptural creatures that are enormous in stature and girth.
*On the left-hand side of the Red Team's Elephant there is spray-painted graffiti with text that reads "BEHEMOTH" and a red cartoon picture of a woolly mammoth. On the Blue Team's Elephant it says "LEVIATHAN" and has a picture of a blue, whale-like sea creature sporting a mean grimace and wearing a comically tiny golden crown. The Behemoth and Leviathan are two scriptural creatures that are enormous in stature and girth.


===Easter Eggs===
===Easter eggs===
{{Main|Elephant flipping}}
[[File:H3 Elephant Flip Message.jpg|200px|thumb|A player flips an Elephant, initiating the Easter Egg.]]
[[File:H3 Elephant Flip Message.jpg|200px|thumb|A player flips an Elephant, initiating the Easter Egg.]]
If by some chance the player does manage to flip over an Elephant, the usual "''Hold RB to flip [vehicle name]''" script dialog is replaced with "''Hold RB to flip...wait, what? How did you do that?''", referencing the fact that it is the biggest vehicle in the game and that it is seemingly impossible for it to be flipped. For more information, see [[Elephant Flipping]].
If by some chance the player does manage to flip over an Elephant, the usual “''Hold RB to flip [vehicle name]''” string entry is replaced with “''Hold RB to flip… wait, what? How did you do that?''”, referencing the fact that it is the biggest vehicle in the game and that it is seemingly impossible for it to be flipped.


===Glitches===
===Glitches===
*There are many methods of achieving the flight of an Elephant on the multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]] in ''Halo 3''. The first is the well-known technique of filling the hull with explosives--set to instant respawn--and setting them off. This is a trial and error method, and achieves minimal Elephant flight, in which the player lacks control of the flight and trajectory of the vehicle. For more, see [[Flying Elephant]].
*There are many methods of achieving the flight of an Elephant on the multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]] in ''Halo 3''. The first is the well-known technique of filling the hull with explosives—set to instant respawn—and setting them off. This is a trial and error method, and achieves minimal Elephant flight, in which the player lacks control of the flight and trajectory of the vehicle. For more, see [[Flying Elephant]].
*If you place a Covenant hover vehicle like a [[Type-32 Ghost]] or [[Brute Prowler|Prowler]] on top of the cockpit, and then drive to the center of the Elephant, the vehicle will stay floating as if there were an invisible floor on top of the Elephant. This same glitch (or a similar one) is present in ''Halo 2'', although with the Scarab instead of the Elephant.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJIdIX4hIMQ '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 3 - Invisible Floor On "Sandtrap" Glitch'']</ref>
*If you place a Covenant hover vehicle like a {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} or [[Qavardu Workshop Prowler]] on top of the cockpit, and then drive to the center of the Elephant, the vehicle will stay floating as if there were an invisible floor on top of the Elephant. This same glitch (or a similar one) is present in ''Halo 2'', although with the Scarab instead of the Elephant.{{Ref/YouTube|xJIdIX4hIMQ|Generalkidd|Halo 3 - Invisible Floor On "Sandtrap" Glitch}}
*[[Lag]] from [[Cheating#Standbying|standbying]] can allow a player to directly manipulate an Elephant in [[Forge]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DCIb1y6cNk '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 3 Picking Up Elephant Forge Tutorial'']</ref> In some cases, lag on map variants [[modding|with a lot of Elephants]] can have the same effect.
*[[Lag]] from [[Cheating#Standbying|standbying]] can allow a player to directly manipulate an Elephant in [[Forge]]. In some cases, lag on map variants [[modding|with a lot of Elephants]] can have the same effect.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Leviathan.jpg|Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.
File:Leviathan.jpg|Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.
Line 89: Line 94:
File:Halo3-M313HRV-Elephant2.png|Another angle of the Elephant.
File:Halo3-M313HRV-Elephant2.png|Another angle of the Elephant.
File:H3-M313HRV-Profile.png|A profile view of the Elephant from ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-M313HRV-Profile.png|A profile view of the Elephant from ''Halo 3''.
File:ElephantFlipPrepared.jpg|The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.
File:H3 ElephantFlipPrepared.jpg|The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.
File:Escape from Faraday.png|An Elephant in one of ''Halo: Spartan Assault's'' mission briefings.
File:H3 Sandtrap ElephantScreen 2.png|The viewscreen of the vehicle on Sandtrap, showing a readout of the map's atmosphere and related info.
File:Escape from Faraday.png|An Elephant in the briefing for the ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' mission [[Mission 19: Escape from Faraday|Escape from Faraday]].
File:H3 Avalanche Thorage.jpg|An Elephant on Avalanche in the updated ''Halo 3'' Forge mode.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 99: Line 106:


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


{{UNSC Vehicles}}
{{Human vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 12:30, August 19, 2024

This article is about the vehicle introduced in Halo 3. For other vehicles in the Elephant family, see Elephant.
M313 Elephant
A cropped screenshot of the M313 Elephant in Halo 3, with a player mounting the M41 Vulcan turret.
Production information

Manufacturer:

JOTUN Heavy Industries[1][2]

Product line:

Elephant

Technical specifications

Length:

25.7 meters (84.3 ft)[1][2][3][4]

Width:

13.6 meters (44.5 ft)[1][2]

Height:

11.6 meters (37.9 ft)[2]

Mass:

186 metric tons (183 LT; 205 ST)[1][2][3][4]

Range:

750 kilometers (466 mi)[3][4]

Other system(s):

  • Crane system
  • Mobile launch pad for high speed recon and recovery vehicles[5]

Hull:

Ultra high density armor plating[5]

Armament:

Crew:

Complement:

or
2 Warthogs[3][4]
Usage

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts

Role(s):

  • Mobile command base
  • Mobile recovery platform
  • Troop deployment platform

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

The M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle[7][3][4][1] is a vehicle in the Elephant line of heavy Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery (MASR) platforms built by JOTUN Heavy Industries and employed by the United Nations Space Command.[8] Sometimes referred to as the Behemoth-class Troop Transport,[3][4] the vehicle is one of the largest ground vehicles employed by the UNSC for ground-based operations, though since the end of the Human-Covenant War in 2552 it has been surpassed in size by the M510 Mammoth.

Overview[edit]

A size comparison between a Scorpion, Wraith, a real elephant, and a UNSC Elephant.
The size of the Elephant in comparison to other vehicles and a real Elephant.

Design details[edit]

One of two vehicle viewscreens on the M313 Elephant on Sandtrap, showcasing a readout of the vehicle's status (including that of the M274 Mongoose).
The Elephant's readout screen.

The Elephant is a large, multi-level vehicle driven by eight sets of treads - used to move the vehicle's massive bulk across terrain. The aft of the vehicle is an open-bed cargo bay, featuring a ramp to allow access for personnel and small reconnaissance vehicles (such as Mongooses). The cargo bed contains a readout screen that displays status information on the vehicle and surrounding environment, alongside several equipment crates built into the external walls, including M52B body armor, CH252 helmets, an AIE-486H chaingun and several crates marked NT/B with a biohazard symbol.[8] Another ramp leads from the cargo bed up to a small gantry with access to the fore-mounted cockpit and operator's stations, and a number of mounting points for the vehicle's defensive armaments. A Vulcan LAAG turret overwatch station at the top of the vehicle provides a surrounding view of the area, allowing the Elephant to perform its MASR functions with some defensive options available.[2]

The chassis of the vehicle is heavily-armoured, allowing it to traverse the front lines to transport troops, light vehicles, and cargo to and from the battlefield. The cargo bed is capable of housing up to 16 infantry personnel, and up to six Mongoose recon ATVs or two Warthog FAVs. The vehicle's heavy armour and advanced electronic communications systems (capable of operating in conditions that would hinder most other network systems) also allows it to be deployed into the front lines as a mobile command post for front-line officers.[3][4] Like its M312 cousin, the M313 Elephant is designed to safely transport troops, equipment and light vehicles to and from the frontlines. However unlike its previous model, the M313 Elephant features only one M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun with 260 degrees rotation[5] as its armament, though this can be improved with two additional AIE-486H Heavy Machine Guns. It also features numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it. Its chassis is also as wide as it is high, providing stability. The vehicle's rear bay lacks the protective armour that is available on the M312 Elephant, thus increasing the vulnerability of its carriage.

The Elephant features a large crane mounted to the starboard side of the vehicle, which is capable of lifting, refuelling, and recover any standard ground vehicle in the UNSC fleet.[3][4]

Background[edit]

Designed and manufactured by JOTUN Heavy Industries, the Elephants were initially used in the utility and farming industries during the early colonial expansion periods.[1] After several decades serving in the civilian market, JOTUN was contracted by the UNSC to develop the Elephants and build them as armored repair and recovery vehicles.[1] As time has progressed, the Elephant has been modified into several variants and upgrades, though the Elephant's versatility remains unchanged.

The Elephant's versatility and commonality means that its basic design template is shared across many other vehicles including the aforementioned colonial vehicles, and even relatively mundane functions such as the Oliphant refuse collection vehicle used in the urban metroplex of New Mombasa.[2]

Known Elephants[edit]

  • E-2073 46833-S - UNSC Elephant stationed on Sandtrap (it is interesting to note that both Elephants on the level Sandtrap are almost completely identical, including having the same identification numbers). They both have nicknames: one is called the "Behemoth", while the other is called the "Leviathan", and they both have different insignias painted on their sides. Another means of identification is that below the M41 turret at the front is the number 3 for the Behemoth and a number 5 for the Leviathan, also on the Leviathan is another number 5 on one of the panels at the top of the outer left hand side of the cargo tray.[8]

Gameplay[edit]

At the launch of Halo 3 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the Elephant was exclusively available for play on the multiplayer map Sandtrap, located at each end of the map. With the updates given to the Forge mode of Halo 3 for its launch on PC, the Elephant has been made available for placement on other maps including Avalanche.[9] It is completely invincible, and open-topped, unlike its counterpart in Halo Wars. The open roof is probably due to the fact that it is a service and repair station, not a troop carrier.

Inside the Elephant is a large screen which contains information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. While the vehicle itself cannot be destroyed, its slow speed and lack of armor for gunners render them quite vulnerable. Killing the driver must be attempted from behind, ideally in a vehicle like a Banshee. In objective-based games, the elephant also serves as a mobile bomb plant/spawn site and flag stand.

In Halo: Spartan Strike, the Elephant is armed with twin cannon and twin missile pods. In Mission A-4, a Zealot Elite hijacks an Elephant, destroying the vehicle from inside out to retrieve the Conduit.

Trivia[edit]

General[edit]

  • An elephant is a large, grey mammal native to Africa and southern Asia, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming ground-based vehicles after real animals.
  • If the player goes to the bottom level of the Elephant, there is a screen which gives details about the vehicle's specifications, as well as information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. There are phrases visible such as Mobile Assault Support and Recovery Platform Statistics and Environmental Analysts. It is interesting to note that it says there are two mobile turrets (that can be ripped off) while there is actually only one. Perhaps one was removed for balance issues as there is a vacant spot opposite the one that is present.
  • The Elephant is the only drivable vehicle that can have turrets placed on it without them moving/falling when the vehicle drives off. If a player (in Forge) places a crate or two in the cargo bay of the Elephant, places a turret on top of them and then deletes the crates, then players can drive the Elephant with the turret keeping place over the Elephant.
  • The windshield in front of the driver is capable of protecting him from any kind of attack (except Spartan Lasers) without damage; this is probably a balancing action, because the Elephant is a very slow vehicle. In addition, the driver can only be attacked from the back; all other sides are completely protected.
  • The Elephant was removed from Sand Tarp, a variant of "Sandtrap", by Bungie.
  • On the left-hand side of the Red Team's Elephant there is spray-painted graffiti with text that reads "BEHEMOTH" and a red cartoon picture of a woolly mammoth. On the Blue Team's Elephant it says "LEVIATHAN" and has a picture of a blue, whale-like sea creature sporting a mean grimace and wearing a comically tiny golden crown. The Behemoth and Leviathan are two scriptural creatures that are enormous in stature and girth.

Easter eggs[edit]

Main article: Elephant flipping
A Spartan player in Halo 3's Multiplayer map Sandtrap attempts to flip an Elephant that had been thrown onto its side using a glitch. Rather than the standard vehicle-flipping message ("Hold RB to flip Elephant."), the game is showing an Easter Egg message: Hold RB to flip... wait, what? How did you do that?
A player flips an Elephant, initiating the Easter Egg.

If by some chance the player does manage to flip over an Elephant, the usual “Hold RB to flip [vehicle name]” string entry is replaced with “Hold RB to flip… wait, what? How did you do that?”, referencing the fact that it is the biggest vehicle in the game and that it is seemingly impossible for it to be flipped.

Glitches[edit]

  • There are many methods of achieving the flight of an Elephant on the multiplayer map Sandtrap in Halo 3. The first is the well-known technique of filling the hull with explosives—set to instant respawn—and setting them off. This is a trial and error method, and achieves minimal Elephant flight, in which the player lacks control of the flight and trajectory of the vehicle. For more, see Flying Elephant.
  • If you place a Covenant hover vehicle like a Karo'etba-pattern Ghost or Qavardu Workshop Prowler on top of the cockpit, and then drive to the center of the Elephant, the vehicle will stay floating as if there were an invisible floor on top of the Elephant. This same glitch (or a similar one) is present in Halo 2, although with the Scarab instead of the Elephant.[10]
  • Lag from standbying can allow a player to directly manipulate an Elephant in Forge. In some cases, lag on map variants with a lot of Elephants can have the same effect.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.

    Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.

  • Behemoth insignia on the Red Team's Elephant.

    Behemoth insignia on the Red Team's Elephant.

  • An unoccupied Elephant in Halo 3.

    An unoccupied Elephant in Halo 3.

  • Another angle of the Elephant.

    Another angle of the Elephant.

  • A profile view of the Elephant from Halo 3.

    A profile view of the Elephant from Halo 3.

  • The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.

    The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.

  • The viewscreen of the vehicle on Sandtrap, showing a readout of the map's atmosphere and related info.

    The viewscreen of the vehicle on Sandtrap, showing a readout of the map's atmosphere and related info.

  • An Elephant in the briefing for the Halo: Spartan Assault mission Escape from Faraday.

    An Elephant in the briefing for the Halo: Spartan Assault mission Escape from Faraday.

  • An Elephant on Avalanche in the updated Halo 3 Forge mode.

    An Elephant on Avalanche in the updated Halo 3 Forge mode.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 55
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 145
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 236
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 246
  5. ^ a b c d Halo 3, Elephant readout
  6. ^ Halo 3: The Official Guide, page 192
  7. ^ The Art of Halo 3, page 41
  8. ^ a b c Halo 3, Elephant in-game vehicle
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint, MCC Development Update - May 2020 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  10. ^ YouTube - Generalkidd, Halo 3 - Invisible Floor On "Sandtrap" Glitch

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