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AV-22 Sparrowhawk: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
| name        = AV-22 Sparrowhawk
| name        = AV-22 Sparrowhawk
| image        = [[File:HWunit_Sparrowhawk.png|300px]]
| image        = [[File:HWunit Sparrowhawk.png|300px]]
| manufacturer =  
| manufacturer =  
| line        =  
| line        =  
| model        = AV-22<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 182''</ref>
| model        = AV-22<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 182''</ref>
| cost        =  
| cost        =  
| length      = {{convert|16.5|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/><ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/sloftus_scalecomparison/1280h.html?display=unsca '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Determining the Real Sizes of Objects in Halo - Update'']</ref>
| length      = {{convert|16.5|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| width        = {{convert|9.6|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/>
| width        = {{convert|9.6|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| height      =  
| height      =  
| mass        =  
| mass        =  
| max speed    = {{convert|611|km/h|mph|sp=us}}<ref name="airspeed">[[:File:UNSC_Hawk.jpg|Sparrowhawk production image]]</ref>
| max speed    = {{convert|611|km/h|mph|sp=us}}<ref name="airspeed">[[:File:UNSC Hawk.jpg|Sparrowhawk production image]]</ref>
| engine      = Dual-ducted air fans<ref name="deep links">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Local Units'']</ref>
| engine      = Dual-ducted air fans<ref name="deep links">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Local Units'']</ref>
| hull        =  
| hull        =  
| armament    = *Twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless_Feed_Autocannon|GAU-23/AW autocannons]]<ref name="EVG"/>
| armament    = *Twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23/AW autocannons]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*[[M6_Spartan_Laser#Sparrowhawk's_M6|M6 Spartan Laser]]<ref name="EVG"/>
*[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| crew        = One [[pilot]], one gunner<ref name="EVG"/>
| crew        = One [[pilot]], one gunner{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
| complement  =  
| complement  =  
| consumables  =  
| consumables  =  
Line 23: Line 23:
| service      = *[[Human-Covenant War]]
| service      = *[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| role        = *Close air support<ref name="enc259">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 259'' (2011)</ref>
| role        = *Close air support<ref name="enc259">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 259'' (2011)</ref>
*Air escort of ground forces<ref name="enc259"/>
*Air escort of ground forces{{Ref/Reuse|enc259}}
| affiliation  = [[United Nations Space Command]]
| affiliation  = [[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}


The '''AV-22 Sparrowhawk''', often simply called the '''Hawk''', is a a [[VTOL]] attack aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]].  
The '''AV-22 Sparrowhawk''', formally known as the '''AV-22 Attack VTOL'''{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}, but often simply nicknamed the '''Hawk''', is a [[VTOL]] attack aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]].  


==Specifications==
==Overview==
===Design details===
===Design details===
The AV-22 Sparrowhawk is a formidable air-to-ground anti-tank [[Wikipedia:Aircraft#Heavier-than-air_–_aerodynes|aerodyne]] that is used to hunt tanks and support ground advances.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/45018.aspx '''Halo Wars Official Site''': ''Halo Wars Update 03.12.07'']</ref> Rather than using thrust-vectoring jets like some aircraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the AV-22 features an integrated [[VTOL]] propulsion system that combines a turbojet with dual-ducted lift fans.<ref name="deep links"/> The Sparrowhawk has a maximum airspeed of 611 kilometers per hour (380 miles per hour)<ref name="airspeed"/> and boasts impressive maneuverability. The Sparrowhawk also features cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.<ref name="deep links"/>
The AV-22 Sparrowhawk is a formidable air-to-ground anti-tank [[Wikipedia:Aircraft#Heavier-than-air – aerodynes|aerodyne]] that is used to hunt tanks and support ground advances.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/45018.aspx '''Halo Wars Official Site''': ''Halo Wars Update 03.12.07'']</ref>  


The Sparrowhawk is classified as an "Attack VTOL", as evidenced by the "AV-22" designation. However, some branches of the [[UNSC Armed Forces]] classify the aircraft as a gunship due to its heavy armament.<ref name="EVG"/> The Sparrowhawk shares a number of similarities with its fellow aerodyne brethren, the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-30 Kestrel]], and [[AV-49 Wasp]].<ref name="deep links"/>
The Sparrowhawk features a two-seat cockpit with tandem seating for a pilot and gunner, and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} Rather than using thrust-vectoring jets like some aircraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the AV-22 features an integrated [[VTOL]] propulsion system that combines a turbojet with dual-ducted lift fans,{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} which gives it a maximum airspeed of 611 kilometers per hour (380 miles per hour){{Ref/Reuse|airspeed}} and impressive maneuverability.  
 
The Sparrowhawk shares a number of design similarities with its fellow aerodyne brethren such as the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-30 Kestrel]], and [[AV-49 Wasp]],{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} however while classified as an "Attack VTOL", some branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces classify the aircraft as a gunship due to its heavy armament.


===Armaments===
===Armaments===
The VTOL's primary armament is a pair of brutally effective, twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s installed on weapon armatures on either side of the fuselage. These autocannons can fire the full range of 20mm aircraft ammunition, though the standard loadout on the Sparrowhawk is either M718 SAPHEI or PGU-42/B API, with a [[depleted uranium]] core, and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="deep links"/><ref>[http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF Halo Wars manual]</ref> The secondary weapon of the Sparrowhawk is a nose-mounted [[M6_Spartan_Laser#Sparrowhawk's_M6|M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]], an upgraded version of the M6 Spartan Laser.<ref name="EVG"/><ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''', ''[[:File:Anders 0002.jpg|Anders leader card]]''</ref> The cannon allows gunners to conduct devastatingly effective long-range strikes with pinpoint accuracy. Components of the Sparrowhawk's cannon were later miniaturized and incorporated into the infantry-portable [[M6_Spartan_Laser#M6/E|M6/E Spartan Laser variant]].<ref name="deep links"/>
The VTOL's primary weapon is a pair of brutally effective, twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s installed on weapon armatures on either side of the fuselage. These autocannons can fire the full range of 20mm aircraft ammunition, though the standard loadout on the Sparrowhawk is either [[M718 SAPHEI]], or [[PGU-42/B API]] with a [[depleted uranium]] core, and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}<ref>[http://mktplassets.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF Halo Wars manual]</ref> The secondary weapon of the Sparrowhawk is a nose-mounted [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]], an upgraded version of the [[M6 Spartan Laser]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''', ''[[:File:HWLE Anders Profile Back.jpg|Anders leader card]]''</ref> The cannon allows gunners to conduct devastatingly effective long-range strikes on heavy vehicles such as tanks with pinpoint accuracy. Components of the Sparrowhawk's cannon were later miniaturized and incorporated into the infantry-portable [[M6/E Spartan Laser|M6/E Spartan Laser variant]].{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}
 
Like most of the UNSC's vehicle fleet, the aircraft has some degree of modularity. Its wings can be fitted with mounting brackets for missile racks, and the weapon armatures on the fuselage and nose can be fitted with a number of other twin-linked heavy machine guns.


This armament, combined with the VTOL's impressive speed and maneuverability, allows the Sparrowhawk to engage Covenant [[Type-26 Banshee]]s on more than equal terms and to pursue fleeing dropships or engage them as they approach; even a pair of Sparrowhawks can destroy a [[Type-29 Vampire]]—the bane of the AV-14—with minimal attrition.<ref name="Repairs"/>
These armaments, combined with the VTOL's impressive speed and maneuverability, allows the Sparrowhawk to engage Covenant [[Type-26 Banshee]]s on more than equal terms and to pursue fleeing dropships or engage them as they approach; even a pair of Sparrowhawks can destroy a {{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}}—the bane of the AV-14—with minimal attrition.{{Ref/Reuse|Repairs}}


==Variants==
==Variants==
*'''ODST Hawk''': The ODST Hawk is designed exclusively for the 105th Special Forces to assist in covert offensives against Covenant armor and infantry units. It is designed with stealth gray armor creating a low RADAR detection signature, that make it nearly impossible to detect.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/odst-hawk '''Megabloks''' ''- ODST Hawk'']</ref>
*'''[[AV-22B Sparrowhawk]]''': A variant of AV-22 armed with two short-range [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 Sylver]] missile racks.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
<gallery>
File:AV-22_Sparrowhawk.png|AV-22B Hawk
</gallery>
*'''ODST Hawk''': The ODST Hawk is an upgraded variant of the AV-22B designed exclusively for the [[105th Shock Troops Division|105th Special Forces]] to assist in covert offensives against Covenant armor and infantry units. It is designed with stealth gray armor creating a low RADAR detection signature, that makes it nearly impossible to detect.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/odst-hawk '''Megabloks''' ''- ODST Hawk'']</ref> It is normally flown by [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Pilots, designated by their brown colored breastplate and helmet stripe.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:ODST_Hawk.png|ODST Hawk.
File:ODST_Hawk.png|ODST Hawk
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
The AV-22 first saw action on [[Harvest]] during the final months of the [[Harvest campaign]] in early [[2531]].<ref name="EVG"/> Weeks later, several Sparrowhawks attached to {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} defended their parent vessel from a [[Covenant]] {{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}} during the [[Battle of Shield World 0459]], proving the VTOL's effectiveness as both a ground-support platform and as an impromptu atmospheric fighter.<ref name="Repairs">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> The Sparrowhawk met with great success in the war against the Covenant, serving as a gunship escort for troop transports, providing aerial security, and operating in hunter-killer squadrons that harassed Covenant landing zones and troop columns. Combat losses were always high, though pilots accumulated enviable kill ratios.<ref name="deep links"/>
The Sparrowhawk was employed as early as [[2526]]{{Ref/Novel|Oblv|Chapter=1}}, and later saw action on [[Harvest]] during the final months of the [[Harvest campaign]] in early [[2531]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Weeks later, several Sparrowhawks attached to {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} defended their parent vessel from a [[Covenant]] {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} during the [[Battle of Trove]], proving the VTOL's effectiveness as both a ground-support platform and as an impromptu atmospheric fighter.<ref name="Repairs">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> The Sparrowhawk met with great success in the war against the Covenant, serving as a gunship escort for troop transports, providing aerial security, and operating in hunter-killer squadrons that harassed Covenant landing zones and troop columns. Combat losses were always high, though pilots accumulated enviable kill ratios.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}


Although the Sparrowhawk was widely produced during the first decade of the war, problems with its ducted fan propulsion system<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 249''</ref> and the high costs of repair and replacement resulted in limited production after [[2550]].<ref name="EVG"/> Nonetheless, the Sparrowhawk continued active service and saw combat during the [[Battle of Earth]] in [[2552]], the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]], the [[Invasion of Earth]] in [[2555]], and the [[Battle of Installation 03]] in [[2557]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Spartan Strike'''</ref> On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]] several AV-22 Sparrowhawks belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AC-220 Vulture]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref>
Although the Sparrowhawk was widely produced during the first decade of the war, problems with its ducted fan propulsion system<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 249''</ref> and the high costs of repair and replacement resulted in limited production after [[2550]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Nonetheless, the Sparrowhawk continued active service and saw combat during the [[Battle for Earth]] in [[2552]], the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]], the [[Invasion of Earth]] in [[2555]], and the [[Battle of Installation 03]] in [[2557]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Spartan Strike'''</ref> On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]] several AV-22 Sparrowhawks belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AC-220 Vulture]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref> Several Sparrowhawks were used by the Surakan Militia against Hekabe's forces in the [[Carrow Conflict]] later that year.{{Ref/Novel|Env}}


Prior to the Sparrowhawk's introduction, the [[AV-14 Hornet]] filled a similar anti-tank and ground support role, and as such is considered the Hawk's predecessor.<ref name="EVG"/>
Prior to the Sparrowhawk's introduction, the [[AV-14 Hornet]] filled a similar anti-tank and ground support role, and as such is considered the Hawk's predecessor.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
In ''Halo Wars''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[skirmish]] and multiplayer modes, the Hawk is the unique unit of [[Ellen_Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]]. It is available as the final upgrade for the AV-14 Hornet at a cost of 900 supplies and a tech level of 3. It can be built at the [[UNSC_Airpad|airpad]] for a cost of 250 resources and 2 population with a tech level of 2. The game's first title update increased the Hawk's price to 1350 supplies in order to prevent spamming of the unit.
In ''Halo Wars''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[skirmish]] and multiplayer modes, the Hawk is the unique unit of [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]]. It is available as the final upgrade for the AV-14 Hornet at a cost of 900 supplies and a tech level of 3. It can be built at the [[UNSC Airpad|airpad]] for a cost of 250 resources and 2 population with a tech level of 2. The game's first title update increased the Hawk's upgrade price to 1350 supplies in order to prevent spamming of the unit.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*A [[Wikipedia:Sparrowhawk|sparrowhawk]] is a species of small hawk, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming most atmospheric aircraft after birds.  
*A [[Wikipedia:Sparrowhawk|sparrowhawk]] is a species of small hawk, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming most atmospheric aircraft after birds.  
*The Sparrowhawk looks similar to the [[AV-30_Kestrel#Halo_2_predecessor|Kestrel]], a UNSC aircraft that was cut from ''[[Halo 2]]''. The Hawk also bears a noticeable resemblance to the [[w:c:cnc:Orca_aircraft|Orca gunship series]] from the [[w:c:cnc:Main_Page|''Command and Conquer'' franchise]], primarily the [[w:c:commandandconquer:A-15_Orca|A-15 model]].
*The Sparrowhawk looks similar to the [[AV-30 Kestrel#Halo 2 predecessor|Kestrel]], a UNSC aircraft that was cut from ''[[Halo 2]]''. The Hawk also bears a noticeable resemblance to the [[cnc:Orca aircraft|Orca gunship series]] from the [[cnc:Main Page|''Command and Conquer'' franchise]], primarily the [[cnc:A-15 Orca|A-15 model]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HW UNSCArmourColumn Concept.jpg|Concept art depicting a flight of Sparrowhawks providing close-air-support for UNSC ground forces.
File:SparrowHawk.jpg|Concept art depicting a squadron of AV-22 Sparrowhawks hovering above a desert for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:SparrowHawk.jpg|Concept art depicting a squadron of AV-22 Sparrowhawks hovering above a desert for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:AV-22_Sparrowhawk.png|More concept art of the Sparrowhawk.
File:UNSC_Hawk.jpg|Early concept art of the AV-22 Sparrowhawk VTOL.
File:UNSC_Hawk.jpg|Early concept art of the AV-22 Sparrowhawk VTOL.
File:UNSC_Hawk_Chaingun.jpg|Concept art of the [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless_Feed_Autocannon|GAU-23 autocannon]].
File:UNSC_Hawk_Chaingun.jpg|Concept art of the [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23 autocannon]].
File:HaloWarsBattle.jpg|Sparrowhawks and [[D77-TC_Pelican|Pelicans]] lend their firepower in support of UNSC ground forces in an early build of ''Halo Wars''.
File:HaloWarsBattle.jpg|Sparrowhawks and [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] lend their firepower in support of UNSC ground forces in an early build of ''Halo Wars''.
File:SCV02_VultureFight.jpg|Sparrowhawks during the Harvest Campaign.
File:SCV02_VultureFight.jpg|Sparrowhawks during the Harvest Campaign.
File:Sparrow_Laser.jpg|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk firing its nose-mounted [[M6_Spartan_Laser#Sparrowhawk's_M6|M6 Spartan Laser]].
File:Sparrow_Laser.jpg|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk firing its nose-mounted [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon|M6 Spartan Laser]].
File:HW-AV22.png|A large squadron of Hawks on [[Arcadia]].
File:HW-AV22.png|A large squadron of Hawks on [[Arcadia]].
File:HW-HawksvsFloodLauncher.png|A trio of Hawks attack the Flood on Shield World 0459.
File:HW-Dogfight.png|A Hawk being chased by a T-26A Banshee.
File:HawkRenders.png|thumb|External Renders of the Hawk from ''Halo Wars Definitive Edition'' with Marines in the operator seats for scale.
File:Hawk_Escalation_4.png|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:Hawk_Escalation_4.png|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:SS Sparrowhawk.png|An AV-22 in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:SS Sparrowhawk.png|An AV-22 in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:HM-AV22.png|A trio of AV-22 Sparrowhawks in ''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''.
File:HM-AV22.png|A trio of AV-22 Sparrowhawks in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 85: Line 96:
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''


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


{{UNSCDF Aircraft}}
{{Human aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 17:46, August 28, 2023

AV-22 Sparrowhawk
HWunit Sparrowhawk.png
Production information

Model:

AV-22[1]

Technical specifications

Length:

16.5 meters (54 ft)[1]

Width:

9.6 meters (31 ft)[1]

Maximum speed:

611 kilometers per hour (380 mph)[2]

Engine(s):

Dual-ducted air fans[3]

Armament:

Crew:

One pilot, one gunner[1]

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

  • Close air support[4]
  • Air escort of ground forces[4]

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

The AV-22 Sparrowhawk, formally known as the AV-22 Attack VTOL[1], but often simply nicknamed the Hawk, is a VTOL attack aircraft in service with the United Nations Space Command.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The AV-22 Sparrowhawk is a formidable air-to-ground anti-tank aerodyne that is used to hunt tanks and support ground advances.[5]

The Sparrowhawk features a two-seat cockpit with tandem seating for a pilot and gunner, and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.[3] Rather than using thrust-vectoring jets like some aircraft of the United Nations Space Command, the AV-22 features an integrated VTOL propulsion system that combines a turbojet with dual-ducted lift fans,[3] which gives it a maximum airspeed of 611 kilometers per hour (380 miles per hour)[2] and impressive maneuverability.

The Sparrowhawk shares a number of design similarities with its fellow aerodyne brethren such as the AV-14 Hornet, AV-19 SkyHawk, AV-30 Kestrel, and AV-49 Wasp,[3] however while classified as an "Attack VTOL", some branches of the United Nations Space Command armed forces classify the aircraft as a gunship due to its heavy armament.

Armaments[edit]

The VTOL's primary weapon is a pair of brutally effective, twin-linked GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannons installed on weapon armatures on either side of the fuselage. These autocannons can fire the full range of 20mm aircraft ammunition, though the standard loadout on the Sparrowhawk is either M718 SAPHEI, or PGU-42/B API with a depleted uranium core, and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.[1][3][6] The secondary weapon of the Sparrowhawk is a nose-mounted M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon, an upgraded version of the M6 Spartan Laser.[1][7] The cannon allows gunners to conduct devastatingly effective long-range strikes on heavy vehicles such as tanks with pinpoint accuracy. Components of the Sparrowhawk's cannon were later miniaturized and incorporated into the infantry-portable M6/E Spartan Laser variant.[3]

Like most of the UNSC's vehicle fleet, the aircraft has some degree of modularity. Its wings can be fitted with mounting brackets for missile racks, and the weapon armatures on the fuselage and nose can be fitted with a number of other twin-linked heavy machine guns.

These armaments, combined with the VTOL's impressive speed and maneuverability, allows the Sparrowhawk to engage Covenant Type-26 Banshees on more than equal terms and to pursue fleeing dropships or engage them as they approach; even a pair of Sparrowhawks can destroy a Bkowe'nei-pattern Vampire—the bane of the AV-14—with minimal attrition.[8]

Variants[edit]

  • AV-22B Hawk

    AV-22B Hawk

  • ODST Hawk: The ODST Hawk is an upgraded variant of the AV-22B designed exclusively for the 105th Special Forces to assist in covert offensives against Covenant armor and infantry units. It is designed with stealth gray armor creating a low RADAR detection signature, that makes it nearly impossible to detect.[9] It is normally flown by ODST Pilots, designated by their brown colored breastplate and helmet stripe.
  • ODST Hawk

    ODST Hawk

Operational history[edit]

The Sparrowhawk was employed as early as 2526[10], and later saw action on Harvest during the final months of the Harvest campaign in early 2531.[1] Weeks later, several Sparrowhawks attached to UNSC Spirit of Fire defended their parent vessel from a Covenant Sinaris-pattern heavy destroyer during the Battle of Trove, proving the VTOL's effectiveness as both a ground-support platform and as an impromptu atmospheric fighter.[8] The Sparrowhawk met with great success in the war against the Covenant, serving as a gunship escort for troop transports, providing aerial security, and operating in hunter-killer squadrons that harassed Covenant landing zones and troop columns. Combat losses were always high, though pilots accumulated enviable kill ratios.[3]

Although the Sparrowhawk was widely produced during the first decade of the war, problems with its ducted fan propulsion system[11] and the high costs of repair and replacement resulted in limited production after 2550.[1] Nonetheless, the Sparrowhawk continued active service and saw combat during the Battle for Earth in 2552, the Battle of Draetheus V in 2554, the Invasion of Earth in 2555, and the Battle of Installation 03 in 2557.[12][13] On March 11, 2558 several AV-22 Sparrowhawks belonging to the Spirit of Fire, alongside multiple AC-220 Vultures, attacked the UNSC Infinity when the Pilgrims' Pride was pulled into the Infinity's docking bay.[14] Several Sparrowhawks were used by the Surakan Militia against Hekabe's forces in the Carrow Conflict later that year.[15]

Prior to the Sparrowhawk's introduction, the AV-14 Hornet filled a similar anti-tank and ground support role, and as such is considered the Hawk's predecessor.[1]

Gameplay[edit]

In Halo Wars' skirmish and multiplayer modes, the Hawk is the unique unit of Professor Ellen Anders. It is available as the final upgrade for the AV-14 Hornet at a cost of 900 supplies and a tech level of 3. It can be built at the airpad for a cost of 250 resources and 2 population with a tech level of 2. The game's first title update increased the Hawk's upgrade price to 1350 supplies in order to prevent spamming of the unit.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Gallery[edit]

  • Concept art depicting a flight of Sparrowhawks providing close-air-support for UNSC ground forces.

    Concept art depicting a flight of Sparrowhawks providing close-air-support for UNSC ground forces.

  • Concept art depicting a squadron of AV-22 Sparrowhawks hovering above a desert for Halo Wars.

    Concept art depicting a squadron of AV-22 Sparrowhawks hovering above a desert for Halo Wars.

  • Early concept art of the AV-22 Sparrowhawk VTOL.

    Early concept art of the AV-22 Sparrowhawk VTOL.

  • Concept art of the GAU-23 autocannon.

    Concept art of the GAU-23 autocannon.

  • Sparrowhawks and Pelicans lend their firepower in support of UNSC ground forces in an early build of Halo Wars.

    Sparrowhawks and Pelicans lend their firepower in support of UNSC ground forces in an early build of Halo Wars.

  • Sparrowhawks during the Harvest Campaign.

    Sparrowhawks during the Harvest Campaign.

  • An AV-22 Sparrowhawk firing its nose-mounted M6 Spartan Laser.

    An AV-22 Sparrowhawk firing its nose-mounted M6 Spartan Laser.

  • A large squadron of Hawks on Arcadia.

    A large squadron of Hawks on Arcadia.

  • A trio of Hawks attack the Flood on Shield World 0459.

    A trio of Hawks attack the Flood on Shield World 0459.

  • A Hawk being chased by a T-26A Banshee.

    A Hawk being chased by a T-26A Banshee.

  • External Renders of the Hawk from Halo Wars Definitive Edition with Marines in the operator seats for scale.

    External Renders of the Hawk from Halo Wars Definitive Edition with Marines in the operator seats for scale.

  • An AV-22 Sparrowhawk attacking the UNSC Infinity in Halo: Escalation.

    An AV-22 Sparrowhawk attacking the UNSC Infinity in Halo: Escalation.

  • An AV-22 in Halo: Spartan Strike.

    An AV-22 in Halo: Spartan Strike.

  • A trio of AV-22 Sparrowhawks in Halo Mythos.

    A trio of AV-22 Sparrowhawks in Halo Mythos.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 182
  2. ^ a b Sparrowhawk production image
  3. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 259 (2011)
  4. ^ Halo Wars Official Site: Halo Wars Update 03.12.07
  5. ^ Halo Wars manual
  6. ^ Halo Wars: Limited Edition, Anders leader card
  7. ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level Repairs
  8. ^ Megabloks - ODST Hawk
  9. ^ Halo: Oblivion, chapter 1
  10. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 249
  11. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Operation F: Hydra
  12. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike
  13. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #4
  14. ^ Halo: Envoy

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