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{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{SeeWikipedia}}  
{{Wikipedia}}  
[[File:HReach-T26BansheeGSA-EMP.jpg|250px|thumb|A Type-26 Banshee GSA when hit by the EMP effect of an overcharged [[plasma pistol]].]]
[[File:HReach-T26BansheeGSA-EMP.jpg|250px|thumb|A Type-26B Banshee GSA when hit by the EMP effect of an overcharged [[Type-25 plasma pistol]].]]


An '''electromagnetic pulse''' ('''EMP''') is the electromagnetic radiation from an explosion (especially a [[nuclear weapon|nuclear explosion]]) or an intensely fluctuating magnetic field caused by Compton-recoil electrons and photoelectrons from photons scattered in the materials of the electronic or explosive device or in a surrounding medium. While organic tissue is unaffected, the resulting electric and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. The effects are usually not noticeable beyond the blast radius unless the device is nuclear or specifically designed to produce an electromagnetic shockwave. An alternate definition is: a broadband, high-intensity, short-duration burst of electromagnetic energy.
An '''electromagnetic pulse''' ('''EMP''') is the electromagnetic radiation from an explosion (especially a [[nuclear weapon|nuclear explosion]]) or an intensely fluctuating magnetic field caused by Compton-recoil electrons and photoelectrons from photons scattered in the materials of the electronic or explosive device or in a surrounding medium. While organic tissue is unaffected, the resulting electric and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. The effects are usually not noticeable beyond the blast radius unless the device is nuclear or specifically designed to produce an electromagnetic shockwave. An alternate definition is: a broadband, high-intensity, short-duration burst of electromagnetic energy.
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==Notable examples==
==Notable examples==
There have been several noteworthy instances in which an EMP has appeared.
There have been several noteworthy instances in which an EMP has appeared.
*The detonation of a [[nuclear weapon]], such as a [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]], is almost always followed by a massive electromagnetic pulse.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 317''</ref>
*The detonation of a [[nuclear weapon]], such as a [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]], is almost always followed by a massive electromagnetic pulse.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 317''</ref>
*In the aftermath of [[Operation: UPPER CUT]], both [[SPARTAN-B312]] and the satellite [[Navigation Beacon RA-15]] witnessed a purple-tinted EMP cloud emanate from the wreckage of the [[Covenant supercarrier]] ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' after the improvised slipspace bomb was activated. The cloud disabled all electronics within its vicinity, including the NAV Beacon.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level, ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''</ref>
*During the [[Battle of Trove]], the smart-AI [[Serina]] had Sergeant [[John Forge]] use [[X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon|the EMP weapon]] of several [[XRP12 Gremlin|Gremlins]] to attack the Forerunner pylons attempting to pull the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} into the [[shield world]] known as [[Trove]]. As a result, the ''Spirit of Fire'' had time to effect a rescue of [[Alpha Platoon|Alpha]], [[Bravo Platoon|Bravo]] and [[Charlie Platoon]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref>
*During the [[Battle of the Rubble]], [[SPARTAN-II]] [[Grey Team]] used a small EMP device to fry the systems on an Insurrectionist freighter called the ''[[Kestrel (freighter)|Kestrel]]''. This was to wipe its navigation database in accordance with the [[Cole Protocol]] which they were at [[the Rubble]] enforcing.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'''</ref>
*In the aftermath of [[Operation: UPPER CUT]], both [[SPARTAN-B312]] and the satellite [[Navigation Beacon RA-15]] witnessed a purple-tinted EMP cloud emanate from the wreckage of the [[Covenant]] {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' after the improvised slipspace bomb was activated. The cloud disabled all electronics within its vicinity, including the NAV Beacon.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''</ref>
*During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], [[Cortana]] diverted [[John-117]]'s [[energy shielding|energy shields]] into an EMP to disable [[Installation 04|Halo's]] [[phase pulse generator]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[Two Betrayals]]''</ref>
*During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], [[Cortana]] diverted [[John-117]]'s [[energy shielding|energy shields]] into an EMP to disable [[Installation 04|Halo's]] [[phase pulse generator]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[Two Betrayals]]''</ref>
*The [[deep-space artifact]] let out an enormous electromagnetic pulse that briefly canceled out all communications in the [[Sol system]]. It later let out another pulse upon deactivation.
*The [[deep-space artifact]] let out an enormous electromagnetic pulse that briefly canceled out all communications in the [[Sol system]]. It later let out another pulse upon deactivation.
*During the [[Skirmish over Threshold]], [[John-117]] used the EMP emitted by a [[Type-1 plasma grenade]] to disable the electronics of a locked door on ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', which allowed him to open the door.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 89''</ref>
*During the [[Skirmish over Threshold]], [[John-117]] used the EMP emitted by a [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenade]] to disable the electronics of a locked door on ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', which allowed him to open the door.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 89''</ref>
*The in-atmosphere jumping of the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' to [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] above [[New Mombasa]] created a massive electromagnetic pulse that damaged electrical systems in the city, and fried the navigational and safety systems of nearly five dozen [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV]] pods unfortunate enough to drop into the city at that exact moment, plunging them and the [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s inside free-falling to near-certain death.<ref>'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', campaign level, ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref>
*The in-atmosphere jumping of the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' to [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] above [[New Mombasa]] created a massive electromagnetic pulse that damaged electrical systems in the city, and fried the navigational and safety systems of nearly five dozen [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV]] pods unfortunate enough to [[Operation: BUMRUSH|drop]] towards the carrier at that exact moment, plunging them and the [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s inside free-falling to near-certain death.<ref>'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', campaign level ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref>
*The {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}} was equipped with an [[Electromagnetic pulse cannon|EMP cannon]], for disabling ships not hardened against it, which it used against the {{Class|Hudal|auxiliary vessel}} ''[[Piety]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 224''</ref>
*The {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}} was equipped with an [[XEV9-Matos nonlinear pulse cannon|EMP cannon]], for disabling ships not hardened against it, which it used against the {{Class|Hudal|auxiliary vessel}} ''[[Piety]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 224''</ref>
*While trying to stop the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], [[Cortana]] again modified the Master Chief's shields to give off an EMP to disable a carrier wave generator. She referred to it as "taking a page out of our old playbook."<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level, ''[[Shutdown]]''</ref>  
*While trying to stop the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], [[Cortana]] again modified the Master Chief's shields to give off an EMP to disable a carrier wave generator. She referred to it as "taking a page out of our old playbook."<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level ''[[Shutdown]]''</ref>
*During the [[Carrow Conflict]], Governor [[Ellis Gass]] and her engineers created a makeshift EMP canon using the core of a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]] and an [[M68 Gauss cannon]] to [[Battle of the Sharquoi Hive|use]] against [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Hekabe]] and the ''[[vertex]]'', the [[Forerunner]] device that allowed him to control the [[Sharquoi]]. The EMP temporarily knocked out all of the Forerunner technology in the Sharquoi hive, although it quickly rebooted. This allowed Ellis time to remove the ''vertex'' from Hekabe and end his control over the Sharquoi.{{Ref/Novel|Env}}
*The [[Guardian]]s are equipped with a technology similar to an EMP, called [[attenuation pulse emitter]]s, which can disable every piece of technology on a planet and surrounding space to keep "troublesome worlds" in-line<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level, ''[[Guardians]]''</ref> by instantaneously neutralizing local power networks through a series of debilitating pulses.<ref name="wf">''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 88-89</ref> However, with enough time, the damage can be repaired, particularly by [[Huragok]]s.{{Ref/Novel|LoO}}{{Ref/Novel|BadB}}
*By [[2559#October|October 2559]], the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s [[Longsword]] fighters are equipped with Shield Busting [[ASGM-15]] EMP-assisted missiles which use an initial burst of electromagnetic energy to penetrate an energy shield before delivering a hull-penetrating charge.{{Ref/Novel|SoR|Chapter=19}}
*During [[Operation: WOLFE]], Fred loses his armor's shields, HUD, weapon sync targeting system and his magmounts to [[electrolaser]] EMP bursts.{{Ref/Novel|SoR|Chapter=21}}
*On [[2559#October|October 14, 2559]], during the [[Battle of Epsilon Clarion]], the ''Spirit of Fire'' bombarded [[Epsilon Clarion]] with EMP MAC rounds which took down the facility's shields, fried all electronics in the area and reduced Epsilon Clarion into a pool of molten lava. The power of the EMP rounds was enough to cause damage to the facility's systems even before the shield came down and to wipe out the code of the powerful Forerunner [[archeon-class ancilla]] [[Intrepid Eye]], finally destroying her.{{Ref/Novel|DW}}
 
===Silver Timeline===
*The UNSC used an EMP to disable ''[[Condor 325]]'' after [[John-117/Silver|John-117]] went rogue.{{Ref/Film|Id=Contact|TV|Episode=[[Contact]]}}
*The [[Madrigal]] [[keystone]] appeared to release an EMP after John activated it, disabling the power to all electronic devices around the ship while it simultaneously restored power to the Condor despite the earlier EMP knocking it out. The UNSC base quickly restored power by switching to auxiliary generators, but it allowed the Condor the chance to escape.{{Ref/Reuse|Contact}}


===Gameplay===
===Gameplay===
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*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the [[Sentinel]]s sometimes emit an EMP when destroyed. This effect disables shields, but vehicles are unaffected.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the [[Sentinel]]s sometimes emit an EMP when destroyed. This effect disables shields, but vehicles are unaffected.
*In ''Halo 3'', the [[power drain]] uses EMP to disable shields, vehicles and other power sources.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the [[power drain]] uses EMP to disable shields, vehicles and other power sources.
*A charged [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]] blast will temporarily disable vehicles and energy shields much like the power drain.
*The overcharged blast from a [[Type-25 plasma pistol|Type-25]] and [[Type-54 plasma pistol]] will temporarily disable vehicles and energy shields.
*In ''Halo Wars'', [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]' vehicle, the [[Gremlin Combat Support Vehicle|Gremlin]], uses EMP as main armament to disable enemy non-infantry units.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]' vehicle, the [[XRP12 Gremlin|Gremlin]], uses [[X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon|an EMP cannon]] as its main armament to disable enemy ground vehicles. It is vital in the level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]'', temporarily disabling Forerunner pylons to buy the player time to complete their mission.
*In ''Halo Wars'', the [[Vampire]]'s [[stasis cannon]] uses EMP as well to drain power from enemy aircraft.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the [[Bkowe'nei-pattern Vampire|Vampire's]] [[stasis cannon]] uses EMP as well to drain power from enemy aircraft.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', [[Armor lock|Armor Lock]] can trigger an EMP after use, which can take out a Spartan's shields. Combined with a quick and accurate melee, this can result in an almost instant kill.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', [[armor lock]] can trigger an EMP after use, which can take out a Spartan's shields. Combined with a quick and accurate melee, this can result in an almost instant kill.
*In ''Halo: Reach'' the [[M319 Individual Grenade Launcher]] has a secondary function that acts like an EMP. It awards a player an [[EMP Kill Medal|EMP Blast Medal]] when it kills an enemy, being the only other weapon in the game that awards the medal.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' the [[M319 grenade launcher]] has a secondary function that acts like an EMP. It awards a player an [[EMP Kill Medal|EMP Blast Medal]] when it kills an enemy, being the only other weapon in the game that awards the medal.
*In ''Halo 2 Anniversary'' the bases have consoles that allow players to activate an EMP around the area.
*In ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' the bases on the map [[Bloodline]] have consoles that allow players to activate an EMP around the area. This can be made in a Forge map too.
*In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' the [[Echidna]] can EMP targets.
*In ''Halo 5: Guardians'' [[Hannibal Mantis]] can EMP targets with its stomp attack.
*In ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' ''Spirit of Fire's'' MAC has been upgraded with EMP capabilities to disable Sentinel defenses at the Forerunner Conduits near the [[Cartographer]] and also outside of the Map Room itself. The EMP is the only in-game weapon that can defeat the Sentinel Swarms and was created by Professor [[Ellen Anders]] and [[Isabel]]. In-game this is referred to as the EMP MAC. After initially being fired under Isabel's control, it becomes a Leader power for its subsequent uses.
*In ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'', an EMP Blast stuns all ally and enemy units around the EMP radius.
*In ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', throwing an EMP Grenade will cause the enemies to be stunned, rendering them unable to attack or move temporarily.
*In ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', overcharged blasts from [[Plasma Pistol]]s will no longer EMP vehicles. Instead, this function has been given to Shock weapons such as the [[Disruptor]] and [[Sicatt Workshop shock rifle]] upon sustained fire.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*If you disable a vehicle using an EMP, it will show an animation of some sparks flying around, but if you disable it again before it is drivable then the animation will stop and the vehicle will not work.
*If you disable a vehicle using an EMP, it will show an animation of some sparks flying around, but if you disable it again before it is drivable then the animation will stop and the vehicle will not work.
*''Some'' vehicles disabled by an EMP will still have full functionality of its weapons if it has any. For example, if a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] is disabled by an EMP, the turret will still be able to turn around and shoot. Likewise, a [[Banshee]], while grounded, will still be able to boost and perform tricks.
*''Some'' vehicles disabled by an EMP will still have full functionality of its weapons if it has any. For example, if an [[M12 Warthog]] is disabled by an EMP, the turret will still be able to turn around and shoot. Likewise, a [[Type-26 Banshee]], while grounded, will still be able to boost and perform tricks.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Plasma_EMP_Wraith.jpg|The [[Type-25 plasma pistol]]'s AOE secondary charge function emits an EMP burst to deactivate a Covenant [[Type-26 Wraith]] tank for a short period of time in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:Plasma_EMP_Wraith.jpg|The Type-25 plasma pistol's AOE secondary charge function emits an EMP burst to deactivate a Covenant {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} tank for a short period of time in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:1249522072-Snap28.png|The [[EMP Kill Medal]] given to a player in ''Halo 3: ODST'' and in ''[[Halo 3]]'' when killing an enemy shortly after their shields are deactivated.
File:Snap28.png|The [[EMP Kill Medal]] given to a player in ''Halo 3: ODST'' and in ''[[Halo 3]]'' when killing an enemy shortly after their shields are deactivated.
File:EMP_Pulse.jpg|An EMP from a Plasma Pistol overcharge hits a [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-III]] in the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:EMP_Pulse.jpg|An EMP from a Plasma Pistol overcharge hits a [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-III]] in the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:EMP.jpg|Another devastating EMP charge from the plasma pistol in the ''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''.
File:EMP.jpg|Another devastating EMP charge from the plasma pistol in the ''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''.
File:Armor_Lock_EMP_Pulse.jpg|An EMP wave from the Armor Lock ability can disrupt nearby enemy shields in the final build of ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Armor_Lock_EMP_Pulse.jpg|An EMP wave from the Armor Lock ability can disrupt nearby enemy shields in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H2A-EMPdHornet.png|A disabled Hornet in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-EMPdHornet.png|A disabled Hornet in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-EMPdSwordT54Ghost.png|An EMP'd Sword T-54 Ghost in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-HannibalMantisstomp.png|A Hannibal Mantis' EMP stomp attack in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Contact]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
[[Category:Physics]]
[[Category:Physics]]

Latest revision as of 15:53, January 12, 2023

Wikipedia.png
There is more information available on this subject at Electromagnetic pulse on the English Wikipedia.
A Type-26B Banshee GSA when hit by the EMP effect of an overcharged Type-25 plasma pistol.

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is the electromagnetic radiation from an explosion (especially a nuclear explosion) or an intensely fluctuating magnetic field caused by Compton-recoil electrons and photoelectrons from photons scattered in the materials of the electronic or explosive device or in a surrounding medium. While organic tissue is unaffected, the resulting electric and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. The effects are usually not noticeable beyond the blast radius unless the device is nuclear or specifically designed to produce an electromagnetic shockwave. An alternate definition is: a broadband, high-intensity, short-duration burst of electromagnetic energy.

The worst of an electromagnetic pulse generally only lasts for a second, but any unprotected electrical equipment will be affected by the pulse.[1]

Notable examples[edit]

There have been several noteworthy instances in which an EMP has appeared.

Silver Timeline[edit]

  • The UNSC used an EMP to disable Condor 325 after John-117 went rogue.[19]
  • The Madrigal keystone appeared to release an EMP after John activated it, disabling the power to all electronic devices around the ship while it simultaneously restored power to the Condor despite the earlier EMP knocking it out. The UNSC base quickly restored power by switching to auxiliary generators, but it allowed the Condor the chance to escape.[19]

Gameplay[edit]

EMP is also an in-game effect in the Halo games, that disables energy shields and vehicles. It is produced by certain weapons and equipment.

  • In Halo 2, the Sentinels sometimes emit an EMP when destroyed. This effect disables shields, but vehicles are unaffected.
  • In Halo 3, the power drain uses EMP to disable shields, vehicles and other power sources.
  • The overcharged blast from a Type-25 and Type-54 plasma pistol will temporarily disable vehicles and energy shields.
  • In Halo Wars, Professor Anders' vehicle, the Gremlin, uses an EMP cannon as its main armament to disable enemy ground vehicles. It is vital in the level Shield World, temporarily disabling Forerunner pylons to buy the player time to complete their mission.
  • In Halo Wars, the Vampire's stasis cannon uses EMP as well to drain power from enemy aircraft.
  • In Halo: Reach, armor lock can trigger an EMP after use, which can take out a Spartan's shields. Combined with a quick and accurate melee, this can result in an almost instant kill.
  • In Halo: Reach the M319 grenade launcher has a secondary function that acts like an EMP. It awards a player an EMP Blast Medal when it kills an enemy, being the only other weapon in the game that awards the medal.
  • In Halo 2: Anniversary the bases on the map Bloodline have consoles that allow players to activate an EMP around the area. This can be made in a Forge map too.
  • In Halo 5: Guardians the Echidna can EMP targets.
  • In Halo 5: Guardians Hannibal Mantis can EMP targets with its stomp attack.
  • In Halo Wars 2 Spirit of Fire's MAC has been upgraded with EMP capabilities to disable Sentinel defenses at the Forerunner Conduits near the Cartographer and also outside of the Map Room itself. The EMP is the only in-game weapon that can defeat the Sentinel Swarms and was created by Professor Ellen Anders and Isabel. In-game this is referred to as the EMP MAC. After initially being fired under Isabel's control, it becomes a Leader power for its subsequent uses.
  • In Halo: Spartan Assault, an EMP Blast stuns all ally and enemy units around the EMP radius.
  • In Halo: Spartan Strike, throwing an EMP Grenade will cause the enemies to be stunned, rendering them unable to attack or move temporarily.
  • In Halo Infinite, overcharged blasts from Plasma Pistols will no longer EMP vehicles. Instead, this function has been given to Shock weapons such as the Disruptor and Sicatt Workshop shock rifle upon sustained fire.

Trivia[edit]

  • If you disable a vehicle using an EMP, it will show an animation of some sparks flying around, but if you disable it again before it is drivable then the animation will stop and the vehicle will not work.
  • Some vehicles disabled by an EMP will still have full functionality of its weapons if it has any. For example, if an M12 Warthog is disabled by an EMP, the turret will still be able to turn around and shoot. Likewise, a Type-26 Banshee, while grounded, will still be able to boost and perform tricks.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]