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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Title|''Pek''-pattern plasma cannon}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|name=Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon
|name=''Pek''-pattern Sweeping Turret
|image=[[File:H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H4-T52DESW-PlasmaCannonSide.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]]<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 140''</ref> {{C|formerly}}
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|page=140}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=300}} {{C|formerly}}
*[[Achoem Weapons]]<ref name="H4VG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 90''</ref>
*[[Achoem Weapons]]{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=94}}
|series=
|series=
|type=Portable plasma turret
|type=[[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Light plasma cannon]]
|cost=
|cost=
|variant=
|variant=See [[#Variants|variants]]
|length={{Convert|153.2|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
|length=
|width={{Convert|65.5|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name="H4VG"/>
*{{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|sp=us}}<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.}}
|weight={{Convert|30.39|kg|lb}}<ref name="enc344">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 344'' (2011)</ref>
*{{Convert|60.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=4}} {{C|Achoem variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Superheated plasma]]<ref name="enc344"/>
|width={{Convert|25.8|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}} {{C|Achoem variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|feed=200 units {{C|dismounted}}<ref name="enc344"/>
|height={{Convert|33.8|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}} {{C|Achoem variant}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|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}}
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Superheated plasma]]{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|capacity=
|feed=200 units {{C|dismounted}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|operation=
|operation=
|rate=Fully automatic
|rate=Just over 300RPM{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|velocity=Over 300 rounds per minute<ref name="enc344"/>
|velocity
|range={{Convert|158.5|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="enc344"/>
|optics=
|range={{Convert|520|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}} {{C|Assembly Forges variants}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]  
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]  
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Great Schism]]
Line 24: Line 30:
}}
}}


The '''Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon''' ('''T52 DESW'''),<ref name="enc344"/><ref name="Silverlight">[http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx '''Microsoft''': Halo 3 Guide] (defunct)</ref> commonly known simply as the '''plasma cannon''', is a manned automatic [[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Class-1]] [[plasma]] weapon used by the [[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''] (defunct, backup link on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120424172353/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/detail/a/7e7f4e70-db67-4477-9ee9-3956d2155fcc Archive.org])</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 plasma cannon]].<ref name="vis"/><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> All post-[[2549]] [[Type-26 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}}


==Specifications==
==Overview==
===Design details===
===Design details===
The Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon is a stationary [[plasma]] emplacement and a type of [[Class-1 directed energy cannon]].<ref name="waypoint"/> The Type-52 plasma cannon has three protective [[Energy shielding|energy shields]] mounted on its top, with the outer ones being angled to the respective side, providing protection from the hot plasma being shot.<ref name="vis"/> In addition, the cannon itself is mounted on a miniature [[gravity lift]] rather than the V-legged design of the older [[Type-42 plasma cannon]], presumably making turning easier. Heat and excess plasma appears to be vented by four apertures on the weapon's sides during rapid fire; this presumably assists the cooling process. The cannon cannot overheat, which is due to two modular, copper-colored cooling units located on the side.<ref name="vis"/> These cooling units are the cannon's primary maintenance need, though they are easily repaired and replaced by their [[Unggoy]] operators.<ref name="waypoint"/>
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 was designed to allow the ease of transport, which results in little protection.<ref name="vis"/> Operators usually include [[Unggoy]] [[Unggoy Heavy|Heavies]] and [[Sangheili]] [[Sangheili General|Generals]], although it is also sometimes used by [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftains]]. 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 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 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.<ref name="vis"/> Once the power supply has been depleted to only 70 shots remaining, the ammunition counter in any compatible [[Heads-up display|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.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
 
===Usage===
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==
Line 40: Line 64:
*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]]'', [[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]].
*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]].
*The weapon itself is a counterpart of [[M41 Vulcan|M41 Vulcan machine gun]] where it is also can be detachable on stationary or turret version at ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and the detached version will be capped at 200 ammunition regardless if player already firing many rounds before detaching it.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 47: Line 70:
File:H3-T52DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|The T52 DESW Plasma Cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-T52DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|The T52 DESW Plasma Cannon in ''Halo 3''.
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|A Plasma Cannon operated by an [[Unggoy Heavy]] in a [[deployable lookout tower]].
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-T52HUD.png|HUD of the plasma cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-T52HUDdetached.png|HUD of the plasma cannon while detached.
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 in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
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:T52_desw_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the Type-52 DESW.
File:T52_desw_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the Type-52 DESW.
File:TurretGrunt.jpg|An [[Unggoy Heavy]] using the [[Type-26 Wraith]] mounted 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: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: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-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-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-T52detached.png|A Spartan-IV with a detached plasma cannon.
Line 65: Line 91:
File:HE22 Break-in.jpg|[[Ayit 'Sevi]] using a T-52 during [[Operation: ATHENA]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
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-T52.jpg|A T-52 plasma cannon in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HO-T52HUD.jpg|A Spartan-IV using a detached plasma cannon on [[Guardian (level)|Guardian]].
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 73: 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]]''
Line 80: Line 108:
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[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.

Trivia[edit]

  • 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]