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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Title|''Pek''-pattern plasma cannon}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[File:HReach-T52DESW-PlasmaCannon-Profile.png|300px]]
|name=''Pek''-pattern Sweeping Turret
| name=Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon
|image=[[File:H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png|300px]]
| manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]] (pre-Great Schism)<ref name="vis">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 140''</ref>
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|page=140}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=300}} {{C|formerly}}
*[[Achoem Weapons]] (post-War) <ref name="H4VG"/>
*[[Achoem Weapons]]{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=94}}
| model=Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon
|series=
| type=Portable plasma turret
|type=[[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Light plasma cannon]]
| cost=
|cost=
|length-title=Dimensions
|variant=See [[#Variants|variants]]
|length=*Length: {{Convert|153.2|cm|in}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
|length=
*Width: {{Convert|65.5|cm|in}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 90''</ref>
*{{Convert|51.85|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} {{C|Assembly Forges variant}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc11|Page=330-331|Detail=Material in the 2009 encyclopedia depicts, and concerns, the ''[[Halo 3]]'' iteration of the turret.}}
*Height: {{Convert|85.9|cm|in}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
*{{Convert|62.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} {{C|Assembly Forges variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=344-345|Detail=Material in the 2011 encyclopedia depicts, and concerns, the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' iteration of the turret.}}
| feed=200 shot charge (when dismounted, but unlimited when mounted)
*{{Convert|60.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} {{C|Achoem variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| ammotype=[[Plasma|Superheated plasma]]
|width={{Convert|25.8|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}} {{C|Achoem variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| operation=
|height={{Convert|33.8|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}} {{C|Achoem variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| rate= Fully Automatic
|weight={{Convert|67|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}} {{C|Assembly Forges variants}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*600 RPM
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Superheated plasma]]{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| range=Medium to medium-long range
|capacity=
| service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]  
|feed=200 units {{C|dismounted}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|operation=
|rate=Just over 300RPM{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|velocity
|optics=
|range={{Convert|520|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}} {{C|Assembly Forges variants}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]  
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Second Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| affiliation=*[[Covenant Empire]]
*[[Covenant separatists]]
*[[Covenant remnant]]
}}
}}
The '''Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon''' ('''T52 DESW'''),<ref name="Silverlight">[http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx '''Microsoft''': Halo 3 Guide]</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 331''</ref> commonly known as the '''portable plasma cannon''', is a manned automatic [[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Class-1]] [[plasma]] weapon used by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]].<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/plasma-cannon/7e7f4e70-db67-4477-9ee9-3956d2155fcc '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Plasma Cannon'']</ref> In use as early as [[2544]],<ref>'''Halo Legends''' - ''The Package''</ref> though rarely encountered until [[2552]], the T52 DESW is a universal replacement for the older [[Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon]].<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=28443 '''Bungie.net''': Halo: Reach Ordnance - Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon]</ref><ref name="vis"/>


All post-[[2549]] [[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]]s possess a Type-52 DESW ring mount.<ref>'''Halo Waypoint:''' Halo: Reach Stats</ref>
The '''''Pek''-pattern Sweeping Turret'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|52|Directed Energy Support Weapon|DESW}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} is a type of [[Class-1 directed energy cannon|light plasma cannon]] utilised by the [[Covenant]] and its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]].{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/plasma-cannon/7e7f4e70-db67-4477-9ee9-3956d2155fcc|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Plasma Cannon|D=27|M=04|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Plasma Cannon}} In use as early as [[2544]],{{Ref/Film|Id=ThePackage|HLeg|Story=The Package (animated short)}} though rarely encountered until [[2552]], the ''Pek'' is a universal replacement for the older {{Pattern|Shepsu|plasma cannon}}.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=28443|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance - Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon|D=13|M=10|Y=2014}}


==Design details==
==Overview==
The Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon sports what appears to be shields or targeting displays on its top surface. These could also be heat dissipation vanes; this is supported by the fact that the weapon cannot overheat even if the entire power supply is emptied, non-stop. Additionally, heat/excess plasma appears to be vented by four apertures on the weapon's sides during rapid fire; this probably assists the cooling process. Its modular, copper-colored cooling units, the cannon’s primary maintenance need, are something easily repaired and replaced by Unggoy units.<ref name="waypoint"/>
===Design details===
As with most light plasma cannons, the ''Pek'' is a man-portable emplacement capable of boasting a high-rate of fire. Its most distinguishing features, when compared to its sister {{Pattern|Shepsu|plasma cannon|}} and {{Pattern|Shea'p|plasma cannon|}}s, is the presence of three protective [[Energy shielding|energy shields]] across the top and sides of the weapoon. This energy shield cowling provides protection to the gunner, and is one of the major examples of improvements to the weapon over the older ''Shepsu''.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} The other major improvement from prior weapons is the installation of two modular{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} cooling modules situated on either side of the plasma emitter.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} These copper-coloured units are the cannon's primary maintenance need, though they are easily repaired and replaced by their [[Unggoy]] operators.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}


===Operation===
Visually, the main distinction of the ''Pek'' from the older ''Shepsu'' is in operation: where the ''Shepsu'' was mounted on a V-shaped stand, the ''Pek'' is instead situated atop a [[Gravity lift|gravity-synched fulcrum]] similar in nature to a [[weapon holder]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} The tripodal base under the gravity emitter contains the weapon's internal generator, which can provide ammunition for extended periods as long as the weapon remains mounted.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} However, should the weapon be dismounted, its internal battery is only capable of supporting it for 200 battery units.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Once the power supply has been depleted to 70 shots or lower, the ammunition counter in any compatible [[Heads-up display|HUD]] of the operator starts to flash as a warning signal.
Used as a heavy support [[weapon]] in ground based combat, it provides a rapid-fire stream of powerful plasma rounds to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. The cannon is basically a mobile support weapon and as such offers no protection for the operator, which is usually a [[Heavy Grunt]] or an [[Sangheili General|Elite General]], although it is also a favorite weapon for [[Jiralhanae]] [[War Chieftain]]s. The gunner is completely exposed to enemy fire, so a well-covered emplacement position is desirable for prolonged use, especially if under fire. This separates it from the [[Shade|Shade ASGs]], which offer some measure of protection for their operator but are not man-portable.


It is carried and operated in a similar fashion to the UNSC's [[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun]], with the obvious difference that while the M247's rounds hit almost instantly, the plasma cannon, as with all plasma weapons, has a slower moving plasma bolt. It has an approximate sixty-five degree turn radius and fifty degree pitch. It fires plasma bolts similar to those of the Covenant [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|plasma rifle]], and fires around three-hundred rounds per minute. A battery or plasma core is built into the tripod which allows the gun to fire indefinitely. When removed from the tripods power supply, the gun can only use the two hundred units of power (equal to two hundred shots) that the gun itself contains.
The ease-of-control and energy shielding of the ''Pek'' sees them most commonly employed by [[Unggoy]] troops, who are the most fully protected by the shields.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}


===Tactics===
===Usage===
Since the operator is completely exposed, it is logical to kill the gunner and not attempt to destroy the gun itself. The gunners are usually positioned low to the ground and as such can be difficult targets to hit. It is advised to attempt this from cover, since the sheer volume of fire the cannon can lay down is not to be underestimated. Once the operator is down, a well placed grenade or some other explosive should be used to put the cannon out of action permanently (other Grunts will sometimes man the turret if the original gunner is killed). Plasma Cannons are often mounted on [[Gravity Platform|Deployable Lookout Towers]] for a superior vantage point. Facing them in such situations, distance and/or firepower is key, and rushing such emplacements is not recommended on higher difficulties.
Although encountered as early as [[Operation: WARM BLANKET]] in [[2544]],{{Ref/Reuse|ThePackage}} the ''Pek'' was not [[Type classification system|type-classified]] by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] until [[2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bnet}} Its rise in prominence was noted by UNSC analysts as corresponding to the increasing influence of [[Jiralhanae]] troops in Covenant deployments during the later years of the war;{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/CareerStats/weapons.aspx?player=A%203%20Legged%20Goat|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Career Stats|Detail=Page erroneously refers to the T52 as the T42|Quote=The type-42 DESW has become a much more common sight on the battlefield since the Brutes have come to prominence in the Covenant.|D=23|M=09|Y=2011}} with [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s particularly preferring the weapon due to their tendency to rip it off its mount and carry it as an infantry weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
 
In more standard use, the ''Pek'' has similar use cases to other light plasma cannons; fortifying a given location against enemy assault. They are generally used to fortify positions in which a larger and bulkier [[Shade]] turret would be unsuitable.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} The ''Pek''{{'}}s versatile nature has led to it being widely used across the Covenant's fleet of vehicles and fortifications, with ''Pek''s being mounted for close-in defence on {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}s and [[Covenant watchtower]]s. They are also commonly fitted to the doors of {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} dropships, allowing the gunner to lay down suppressive fire while infantry forces disembark from the craft.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
 
===Variants===
There are a number of variants of the ''Pek''-pattern plasma cannon; most of the differences between them are cosmetic in nature, with the weapons performing functionally identically.
*'''Truth's fleet variant''': a variant of the plasma cannon built by the [[Assembly Forges]] of [[High Charity]] and predominantly used by the forces of the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] and [[Truth's fleet]] in the [[Battle for Earth]] and [[Battle of Installation 00]]. It measures {{Convert|51.85|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} in length.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}
*'''Fleet of Valiant Prudence variant''': a commonly-used variant of the ''Pek'' used by the forces of the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] during the [[Fall of Reach]]. It is built by the Assembly Forges, and measures {{Convert|62.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} in length.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*'''Achoem Weapons variant''': a variant produced by [[Achoem Weapons]] in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war era]] for use by remnant factions like [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]. It is slightly smaller than the Valiant Prudence iteration at {{Convert|60.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} in length.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
*'''Banished variant''': a distinctive variant produced by the [[Banished]] for their forces. It has a bulkier, metallic frame and metal shields to replace the energy shields of the standard ''Pek''.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Robert-025 in-game unit}}
*'''Wraith variant''': altered ''Pek'' plasma cannons are mounted in a ring mount on {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} tanks, featured on all Wraiths produced after [[2549]]. They forgo the energy shields entirely, and have a much smoother carapace.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://halo.bungie.net/stats/halo3/careerstatsodst.aspx?player=Sniper%20X%20Remix|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3: ODST Career Stats|Detail=Wraith - Gunner|Quote=All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount|D=23|M=07|Y=2019}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/CareerStats/weapons.aspx?player=A%203%20Legged%20Goat|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Career Stats|Detail=Wraith - Type-26 AGC (Gunner)|Quote=All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount|D=23|M=09|Y=2011}}
<gallery class="center">
File:H3-T52DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|The plasma cannon used by Truth's fleet forces.
File:Old waypoint PC 1.png|The plasma cannon used in the Fall of Reach.
File:H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png|The plasma cannon used by Jul 'Mdama's forces.
File:HW2 BanishedPlasmaCannon Concept.jpg|The Banished plasma cannon.
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Jiralhanae War Chieftains and the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] are able to melee with this weapon while in their hand.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain]]s and the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] are able to melee with this weapon while in their hand.
*In the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]'' game stats, the Type-52 DESW was misidentified as the Type-42 DESW. This was not fixed in the final game.
*In the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]'' game stats, the Type-52 DESW was misidentified as the Type-42 DESW. This was not fixed in the final game.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', Elite Generals are seen carrying this weapon, but when thrown in the air by a rocket or other explosives, they will put their arms at their sides and "glide" through the air. This is because they do not have the animation for jumping with the turret, an oversight by Bungie.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', [[Sangheili General]]s are seen carrying this weapon, but when thrown in the air by a rocket or other explosives, they will put their arms at their sides and "glide" through the air. This is because they do not have the animation for jumping with the turret, an oversight by [[Bungie]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:PlasmaCannon-HUD.png|HUD Icon of the Type-52 DESW in ''Halo 4''.
File:Turretoff.jpg|A Type-52 DESW being detached in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:T52_desw_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the Type-52 DESW.
File:H3-T52DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|The T52 DESW Plasma Cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:TurretGrunt.jpg|An [[Unggoy Heavy]] using the [[Wraith]] mounted Type-52 DESW.
File:Turretoff.jpg|A Type-52 DESW being detached.
File:H3-T52DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|The ''Halo 3''-era T52 DESW Plasma Cannon.
File:1212466722 Plasma Cannon.gif|A render of the Type-52 DESW.
File:1212466722 Plasma Cannon.gif|A render of the Type-52 DESW.
File:Grunt Heavy on Turret.jpg|Plasma Cannons are operated by [[Unggoy Heavy|Unggoy Heavies]] in and feature a gravity lift-type support rather than a mounted tripod for easier turning.
File:Grunt Heavy on Turret.jpg|A Plasma Cannon operated by an [[Unggoy Heavy]] in a [[Covenant watchtower]].
File:300px-Plasma_Cannon.jpg|A [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]] with a plasma cannon.
File:H3 Plasma Cannon with EVA spartan.jpg|A [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] with a plasma cannon.
File:halo_3_weapons_plasma_cannon.gif|A Type-52 DESW.
File:halo_3_weapons_plasma_cannon.gif|A Type-52 DESW.
File:H3-T52HUD.png|HUD of the plasma cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-T52HUDdetached.png|HUD of the plasma cannon while detached.
File:Plasma Cannon.jpg|A detached turret in ''Halo 3''.
File:HR PlasmaCannon Render.jpg|The high-poly source asset for the plasma cannon in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Spartanoftheark T42-DESW.jpg|A Type-52 DESW in the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:Spartanoftheark T42-DESW.jpg|A Type-52 DESW in the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:Reach 2473336 Full.jpg|The missing animation for Elites using the Plasma Cannon when airborne.
File:Reach 2473336 Full.jpg|The missing animation for Elites using the Plasma Cannon when airborne in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HaloReach-PortablePlasmaCannon.png|A Type-52 DESW in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HaloReach-PortablePlasmaCannon.png|A Type-52 DESW in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png|The Type-52 DESW Plasma Cannon as it appears in ''Halo 4''.
File:T52_desw_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the Type-52 DESW.
File:TurretGrunt.jpg|An [[Unggoy Heavy]] using the {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} mounted Type-52 DESW.
File:H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png|The Type-52 DESW Plasma Cannon in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:PlasmaCannon-HUD.png|HUD Icon of the Type-52 DESW in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-T52HUD.png|HUD of the plasma cannon in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-T52HUD1.png|Campaign third-person view of [[John-117]] with a detached plasma cannon in [[Ivanoff Station]].
File:H4-T52.png|A [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] with a plasma cannon on [[Landfall]].
File:H4-T52detached.png|A Spartan-IV with a detached plasma cannon.
File:H4-SangheiliStormwithT52.png|A [[Sangheili Storm]] carrying a T-52 in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:HE22 Break-in.jpg|[[Ayit 'Sevi]] using a T-52 during [[Operation: ATHENA]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HO-T52.jpg|A T-52 plasma cannon in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HO-T52HUD.jpg|A Spartan-IV using a detached plasma cannon on [[Guardian (map)|Guardian]].
File:HW2 BanishedPlasmaCannon Concept.jpg|Concept art for a Banished Plasma Cannon.
File:HW2 Plasma Cannon.jpg|[[Robert-025|Robert]] holding the Banished Plasma Cannon.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 68: Line 101:
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''


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


{{Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Plasma weapons]]
[[Category:Plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 10:05, December 19, 2024

Pek-pattern Sweeping Turret
H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Type:

Light plasma cannon

Variants:

See variants

Specifications

Length:

  • 131.7 centimeters (51.85 in) (Assembly Forges variant)[4]
  • 158.2 centimeters (62.3 in) (Assembly Forges variant)[1][2][5]
  • 153.2 centimeters (60.3 in) (Achoem variant)[3]

Width:

65.5 centimeters (25.8 in) (Achoem variant)[3]

Height:

85.9 centimeters (33.8 in) (Achoem variant)[3]

Weight:

30 kilograms (67 lb) (Assembly Forges variants)[1][2][4][5]

Ammunition type:

Superheated plasma[3][1][2][3]

Feed system:

200 units (dismounted)[3][1][2]

Rate of fire:

Just over 300RPM[4][5]

Effective range:

160 meters (520 ft) (Assembly Forges variants)[4][5]

Service history

In service:

 

The Pek-pattern Sweeping Turret[2] (UNSC Type classification: Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon, T-52 DESW)[1][3][4][5] is a type of light plasma cannon utilised by the Covenant and its remnants.[6] In use as early as 2544,[7] though rarely encountered until 2552, the Pek is a universal replacement for the older Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon.[1][8]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

As with most light plasma cannons, the Pek is a man-portable emplacement capable of boasting a high-rate of fire. Its most distinguishing features, when compared to its sister Shepsu-pattern and Shea'p-patterns, is the presence of three protective energy shields across the top and sides of the weapoon. This energy shield cowling provides protection to the gunner, and is one of the major examples of improvements to the weapon over the older Shepsu.[1] The other major improvement from prior weapons is the installation of two modular[3] cooling modules situated on either side of the plasma emitter.[1] These copper-coloured units are the cannon's primary maintenance need, though they are easily repaired and replaced by their Unggoy operators.[6]

Visually, the main distinction of the Pek from the older Shepsu is in operation: where the Shepsu was mounted on a V-shaped stand, the Pek is instead situated atop a gravity-synched fulcrum similar in nature to a weapon holder.[3] The tripodal base under the gravity emitter contains the weapon's internal generator, which can provide ammunition for extended periods as long as the weapon remains mounted.[4][5][2] However, should the weapon be dismounted, its internal battery is only capable of supporting it for 200 battery units.[3][1][2] Once the power supply has been depleted to 70 shots or lower, the ammunition counter in any compatible HUD of the operator starts to flash as a warning signal.

The ease-of-control and energy shielding of the Pek sees them most commonly employed by Unggoy troops, who are the most fully protected by the shields.[6]

Usage[edit]

Although encountered as early as Operation: WARM BLANKET in 2544,[7] the Pek was not type-classified by the Office of Naval Intelligence until 2552.[8] Its rise in prominence was noted by UNSC analysts as corresponding to the increasing influence of Jiralhanae troops in Covenant deployments during the later years of the war;[9] with Jiralhanae Chieftains particularly preferring the weapon due to their tendency to rip it off its mount and carry it as an infantry weapon.[2]

In more standard use, the Pek has similar use cases to other light plasma cannons; fortifying a given location against enemy assault. They are generally used to fortify positions in which a larger and bulkier Shade turret would be unsuitable.[1][3] The Pek's versatile nature has led to it being widely used across the Covenant's fleet of vehicles and fortifications, with Peks being mounted for close-in defence on Zurdo-pattern Wraiths and Covenant watchtowers. They are also commonly fitted to the doors of Ru'swum-pattern Phantom dropships, allowing the gunner to lay down suppressive fire while infantry forces disembark from the craft.[3]

Variants[edit]

There are a number of variants of the Pek-pattern plasma cannon; most of the differences between them are cosmetic in nature, with the weapons performing functionally identically.

  • The plasma cannon used by Truth's fleet forces.

    The plasma cannon used by Truth's fleet forces.

  • The plasma cannon used in the Fall of Reach.

    The plasma cannon used in the Fall of Reach.

  • The plasma cannon used by Jul 'Mdama's forces.

    The plasma cannon used by Jul 'Mdama's forces.

  • The Banished plasma cannon.

    The Banished plasma cannon.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Pek-pattern plasma cannon on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • In Halo 3, Jiralhanae War Chieftains and the Arbiter are able to melee with this weapon while in their hand.
  • In the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta game stats, the Type-52 DESW was misidentified as the Type-42 DESW. This was not fixed in the final game.
  • In Halo: Reach, Sangheili Generals are seen carrying this weapon, but when thrown in the air by a rocket or other explosives, they will put their arms at their sides and "glide" through the air. This is because they do not have the animation for jumping with the turret, an oversight by Bungie.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo: The Essential Visual Guide
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 300
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 94
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 330-331: Material in the 2009 encyclopedia depicts, and concerns, the Halo 3 iteration of the turret.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 344-345: Material in the 2011 encyclopedia depicts, and concerns, the Halo: Reach iteration of the turret.
  6. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Plasma Cannon (Retrieved on Apr 27, 2012) [local archive] [external archive]
  7. ^ a b Halo Legends - The Package (animated short)
  8. ^ a b Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance - Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon (Retrieved on Oct 13, 2014) [archive]
  9. ^ Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Career Stats: Page erroneously refers to the T52 as the T42 "The type-42 DESW has become a much more common sight on the battlefield since the Brutes have come to prominence in the Covenant." (Retrieved on Sep 23, 2011) [archive]
  10. ^ Halo Wars 2, Robert-025 in-game unit
  11. ^ Bungie.net, Halo 3: ODST Career Stats: Wraith - Gunner "All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount" (Retrieved on Jul 23, 2019) [archive]
  12. ^ Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Career Stats: Wraith - Type-26 AGC (Gunner) "All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount" (Retrieved on Sep 23, 2011) [archive]

v • d • e
 
Heavy weaponry in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Support weapons
Stationary weapon emplacements
Vehicle-mounted weapons
Starship weapons
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