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MA5B assault rifle: Difference between revisions

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{{Weapon
{{Status|Canon}}
| image=[[Image:MA5B Assault Rifle.jpeg|350px]]
{{Weapon infobox
| name=MA5B ICWS Assault Rife
|name=MA5B assault rifle
| manufacturer=
|image=[[File:MCC Menu MA5BAssaultRifle.png|300px]]
| model=
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=163}}{{Ref/Game|Id=CEAL|HCEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Assault Rifle}}
| type=Rifle
|series=[[MA5 series|MA5 ICWS series]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEAL}}
| cost=
|type=Bullpup assault rifle{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm4|HSS|Chapter=4}}
| size=Handheld, Two-Handed
|cost=
| damage per hit=Low
|variant=
| magazine=60 rounds
|service=[[Insurrection]] <br> [[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]<br>[[Created conflict]]
| maxammo=660 rounds
|length={{Convert|34.5|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| fire=Automatic
|width=
| ammotype=[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62x51_NATO 7.62mm Projectiles] (M118: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armor-piercing Armor-Piercing], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FMJ Full Metal Jacket] [AP-FMJ])
|height=
| operation=Gas System
|weight=
| rate of fire=High, Fully Automatic, 15 rounds per second
|ammotype=[[7.62x51mm]]{{Ref/Game|Id=HCE|HCE|Detail=Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| accuracy=Low
|capacity=
| range=Short to Medium Range
|feed=60-round detachable box magazine{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| era=
|operation=Gas-operated{{Ref/Book|Id=CEM|Halo: Combat Evolved Manual|Page=17}}
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|rate=15 rounds per second automatic,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoRPrologue|HTFoR|Chapter=Prologue}} semi-automatic,{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm27|HSS|Chapter=27}} 3-round burst{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm24|HSS|Chapter=24}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=~500m{{Ref/Novel|Id=Oblivion19|HOblv|Chapter=19}}{{Ref/Note|This is indicated in an exchange between [[Linda-058]] and Captain Dkani of the ''UNSC Wheatley''. When Linda tells him to have his men open fire at "50 paces", he responds by saying that the MA5B's range is almost ten times that. In reply, Linda tells him that if they open fire at 500m (the product of 50x10), being inexperienced shooters, they will waste their ammunition. This indicates that in the context of this exchange, "paces" is being used to refer to meters, as opposed to the term's real world designations as a non-standard measurement unit (~0.75m in the US).}}
}}
}}
==Advantages==
The '''MA5B assault rifle''', or simply '''MA5B''', is a standard-issue automatic rifle utilized widely by the [[United Nations Space Command]], particularly the [[UNSC Marine Corps]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC318}} It is part of the [[Misriah Armory]] [[MA5 series]].{{Ref/Reuse|CEAL}}


When fired in short bursts to increase accuracy, the assault rifle is effective at killing unshielded opponents and weaker enemies (especially when they are in larger groups) at short-to-medium range. This includes [[Covenant]] [[Grunts]], [[Jackals]] (only when shield is down or when shooting their flank), and all variety of [[Flood]]. The assault rifle is also effective for destroying [[Banshee]]s, [[Ghost]]s, and other [[Covenant]] vehicles (Campaign only). It is highly effective against Elite Rangers who attack with active camouflage. Aside from being able to quickly cut down these unshielded elites, the high rate of fire disrupts their camouflage and makes it very easy to center on them for a quick finish.
==Overview==
{{WepList}}
===Design===
As an added bonus, the gun gives the player an at-a-glance ammo count on its digital readout, as well as an arrow pointing toward the gas giant [[Threshold]] (which acts as a compass).
The MA5B is a gas-operated automatic rifle chambered in the widespread [[M118 7.62x51mm Full Metal Jacket Armor-Piercing|7.62x51mm cartridge]], most often used with standard M118 FMJ-AP ammunition,{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} though also employed with shredder{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} and hollow-point rounds.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}} MA5Bs typically feed from 60-round detachable box magazines.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} Hollow-point rounds are loaded into magazines marked with red paint for rapid identification.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}} The weapon's automatic rate of fire is 15 rounds per second,{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} but it can be limited to semi-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm27}} or 3-round burst via a fire selector to conserve ammunition and alter firing pattern.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}}


The 60-Round clip size is also a bonus as it aids to mow down any unshielded Elite, any Grunts, Jackals or Flood which get in its way.
One significant aspect of the MA5B's design is its capacity for modification. Its barrel can be adapted for use with suppressors to combat the conspicuous report of the weapon's firing, making it especially suitable for stealth fighting;{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR2|HSoR|Chapter=2}} [[SPARTAN-IIs]] made use of this attribute during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoR20|HTFoR|Chapter=20}} Early in the [[Human-Covenant War]], SPARTAN-IIs also frequently employed MA5Bs with underslung [[M301 40mm Grenade Launcher|M301 40mm launchers]] to fire HE grenades, notably during [[Operation: SILENT STORM]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=SilentStorm8|HSS|Chapter=8}} and the [[Skirmish over Netherop|salvage operation on Netherop]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Oblivion13|HOblv|Chapter=13}}


==Disadvantages==
[[File:Assault-rifle.png|thumb|A schematic view of the MA5B.]]
The most characteristic part of the MA5B's architecture is the accentuated shroud situated atop the barrel, which houses the weapon's integrated computer and display. While most [[MA5 series|MA5 ICWS rifles]] feature this to some extent, it is most prominent on the MA5B. The magazine which feeds the rifle is inserted behind the thumbhole pistol grip in a bullpup configuration, another trait typical of the ICWS series. The charging handle is an inconspicuous rounded-off protrusion on the left of the weapon's body, and the ejection port is situated on the right. The weapon's horizontal foregrip plays host to a forward-facing [[flashlight]], bearing a prominent green button on both flanks. The barrel of the MA5B lacks any form of muzzle device (unless fitted with a suppressor).{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR20}} The finish of the weapon is a dull grey, with a darker grey color for the foregrip, pistol grip and stock.{{Ref/Game|HW|Detail=UNSC Assault Rifle cinematic model ([[:File:AR.jpg|File link]])}} As standard, the weapon and its cowling has no optical device or ironsight,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} leaving the only evident means by which the weapon is aimed to be via [[Heads-up display|HUD-based targeting reticle]], such as that of [[MJOLNIR Mark V]],{{Ref/Book|Id=CEMHUD|Halo: Combat Evolved Manual|Page=14}} or by eyesight alone.{{Ref/Level|Id=MWMonsters|HW|Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape|Detail="Monsters" cutscene}}


The assault rifle performs poorly against shields and, in comparison with the [[pistol]], is largely inaccurate. In addition, the assault rifle's high rate of fire necessitates frequent reloading. Later in the game, it is almost completely overshadowed by the [[shotgun]]; though in multiplayer this is less apparent, as the amount of ammo available for the shotgun is much less than for the AR.
===Functionality===
[[File:Assault Rifle.png|thumb|left|The display of the MA5B's integrated computer, showing the prominent ammunition counter and compass.]]
The MA5B, being a rifle, is held with the user's dominant hand on the main grip and their off-hand on the foregrip, with the stock stabilized against the shoulder. As is typical of human firearms, the MA5B is fired by the depression of a trigger positioned at the top of the main grip. When the trigger is pulled, the round in the weapon’s chamber is fired, and the weapon’s gas system harnesses some of the energy from the deflagrating propellant to cycle the bolt back into its open position.{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}} As with most human weapons, the firing of the weapon creates a noticeable flash as the fiery gas of the propellant's deflagration escapes the muzzle.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}


==Advanced Tactics==
As the bolt travels back, the spent casing from the expended round is pushed out of the ejection port. After the bolt opens, the weapon’s recoil system pushes it forward again to strip a fresh round from the currently loaded magazine and lock it into the firing chamber. Over the course of these actions, the ammunition counter situated on the display of the weapon’s integrated computer will register the expenditure of one round from the total supply provided by the magazine and tick down by that value.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} From this point, one of three things will occur. If the weapon’s fire-selector was set to the semi-automatic mode of fire, the trigger will have to be released and pulled again before another round fires.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm27}} If the weapon is set to the 3-round burst fire mode, each pull of the trigger will result in 3 successive shots.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}} If the weapon is set to fully-automatic, however, the firing action will repeat successively while the trigger is held down until the magazine is expended or the trigger is released.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}
The Assault Rifle is weakened for multiplayer. however there a couple things you can do to make the most of this weapon, when no other close range weapon is around.
*The AR's accuracy degrades after EXACTLY 1.5 seconds of sustained fire. In order to use this weapon to it's fullest, you must learn the most efficient bursts to use at different ranges. Failure to do so results in missed shots, wasted ammo, and lives lost.
*The AR's melee attack is extremely quick, the fastest other than the Plasma Pistol. When up against anything other than a [[shotgun]] or a [[Plasma Rifle]], use it.
*When used with effective grenades, the AR can hold its own. Backpedal and use any 'nade you have handy, and let the gun take care of your enemy after his shields are down.
*In Halo PC, you have to lead your target, just like all of the other weapons. In the Xbox, this isn't a problem due to autoaim.
*Bunny Hop with the AR. It's your best defense against anything but a sniper. But watch out for ledges!
*When up against a Sniper (or in some cases, a pistol-wielder) use 'nades and strafe in a circle. Only open up when you're within range. There's nothing worse then an empty mag when you're finally able to take the kill.
*Even at long ranges, you can still use the AR to protect yourself from snipers. Remember: it only takes one shot to knock them out of their scope! Use this when you accidentally expose yourself, or when you just need to get to a better position.
*If your enemy is using a Banshee in multiplayer, this weapon is choice. Just point it in a generally upward direction and they will be dead in seconds.


==Variants==
Once the weapon is empty, the bolt will close with no round in the chamber.{{Ref/Reuse|Oblivion19}} The magazine can be removed from the receiver via the manipulation of the magazine release control with the thumb.{{Ref/Reuse|TheFlood1}} Once a fresh magazine has been inserted, the charging handle must be pulled back and released, or "cycled", in order to chamber the new round and prepare the weapon to fire again.{{Ref/Reuse|Oblivion19}} The magazine can also be replaced before the weapon is completely emptied.{{Ref/Reuse|TheFlood1}}{{Ref/Note|The account of an empty MA5B being reloaded in ''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' Chapter 9 somewhat contradicts the gameplay of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], in which, whether the weapon is dry or not, the bolt is first manually locked open, then the magazine removed and replaced, and the bolt manually closed. However, the former interpretation is presumed to take precedence because an exchange of dialogue between [[Linda-058]] and the castoff Roselle no longer makes sense otherwise. It is possible that the weapon can function in both ways and that Linda-058 indicated that Roselle needed to pull on the bolt to make the weapon fire after loading a magazine because she had not already opened it, but if that is true, the method employed in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' should not be necessary, making it unlikely.}}
There are many different models and types of MA5 Assault Rifles. Here is a list of confirmed models:


*[[MA3 Assault Rifle]]
The MA5B's prominent integrated display features both an ammunition counter and an electronic compass. This can be assigned to highlight a specific point to orientate the user in combat or confusing terrain; during the [[Battle of Alpha Halo]], this point was the relative direction of the gas giant [[Threshold]].{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}} Additionally, in low-light conditions, the flashlight mounted beneath the barrel of the weapon can be activated to provide illumination.{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}}
*[[MA5B ICWS Assault Rifle]]
*[[MA2B|MA2B Assault Rifle]]
*[[MA5C Assault Rifle|MA5C ICWS Assault Rifle]]
*[[MA5K Assault Rifle]]


==Multiplayer Role==
===Performance===
[[File:HW Sergeant Forge with MA5B.png|thumb|[[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], armed with an MA5B during the [[Battle of Trove]].]]
The capabilities of the MA5B are seemingly deemed to be sufficient by soldiers of the [[UNSC]], with [[John-117]] regarding the weapon as "powerful."{{Ref/Novel|Id=TheFlood1|HTF|Chapter=1}} While the rifle is very capable of harming foes wearing physical body armor, and even light vehicles,{{Ref/Novel|Id=TheFlood2|HTF|Chapter=2}} [[Energy shielding|personal energy shielding]] represents a significant detriment to its stopping power, as a great deal of concentrated fire from multiple MA5Bs - or an extended period of continuous automatic fire from a single rifle - is needed to overwhelm such systems.{{Ref/Reuse|TheFlood1}} When shredder ammunition is utilized, the weapon appears to be highly effective against infantry targets such as [[Covenant]] [[Grunt|grunt soldiers]],{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} and also capable of obliterating construction materials such as marble tile and wood.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ReferenceA|HTFoR|Chapter=22}} When firing hollow-point ammunition, the weapon is highly effective against unprotected personnel, but is less likely to penetrate hard surfaces, a favorable trait when fighting on a [[starship]] and intending not to cause undue damage to items such as equipment cabinets, hulls, or viewports.{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm24}}


Since players in ''Halo'' multiplayer normally spawn with shields, the assault rifle's effectiveness is limited. It is often used only because more specialized weapons are unavailable. However, when combined with the [[plasma pistol]] (which can destroy shields quickly), the assault rifle can be a powerful short and medium range option. It takes about 15 accurate rounds to kill a spartan normally.
The MA5B's range has been indicated to be approximately 500m in the hands of a competent shooter,{{Ref/Reuse|Oblivion19}} considered "decent" by [[John-117]],{{Ref/Reuse|SoR2}} but its strength was later noted by him to lie primarily in the realm of close-quarters combat.{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR14|HSoR|Chapter=14}} The weapon is compact enough to serve as a pilot's emergency weapon, being short enough to fit in a cockpit scabbard.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR2}}
[[Image:H3_cutout002.gif|thumb|132px|Master Chief with Assault Rifle in Halo 3.]]
==Appearences==
The Assault Rifle was introduced as the default weapon in [[Halo 1]]. Unfortunately Bungie did not like how the rifle behaved, so it did not make it into [[Halo 2]] and was "replaced" with two weapons: the [[Battle Rifle]] and the [[SMG]]. This weapon will return in [[Halo 3]] as the [[MA5C Assault Rifle]].


One positive attribute of the weapon is the high capacity of the 60-round magazines with which it is typically used, an attribute that was comforting to [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC marines]] wielding it in battle.{{Ref/Book|Id=ENC318|Enc11|Page=318}} So well-liked was this attribute that even in light of reliability issues brought on by spring wear, the switch toward 32-round magazines with the later [[MA5C assault rifle]] was met with frustration by the marines of [[E2-BAG/1/7]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle|Site=Bungie.net|Page=MA5C Assault Rifle|D=16|M=12|Y=2007|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#MA5C Assault Rifle}}


When firing this weapon, it has been noted that short, controlled bursts are more accurate than continuous automatic fire. While the cyclic automatic rate of fire is high,{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} actual rate of fire in combat is dictated by the user's own proficiency at aiming, firing and reloading.{{Ref/Reuse|CEM}} When the weapon is altered to mount a silencer, the report of its firing can be reduced to what can be reasonably described as a "cough."{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}} Despite this, it retains a lower overall accuracy than its later cousins in the MA5 series.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Trivia==
===History===
[[File:Johnson-BQ.jpg|thumb|[[Sergeant Avery Johnson]] fires an MA5B during his escape from the compromised [[Flood Containment Facility]] on [[Alpha Halo]].]]
The MA5B was in service to some extent during the [[Insurrection]], being considered a standard weapon in September of [[2525]],{{Ref/Novel|HTFoR|Chapter=9}} and played a significant role in the following Human-Covenant War. MA5Bs were employed by various [[SPARTAN-IIs]] during [[Operation: SILENT STORM]] and the ensuing [[Skirmish over Netherop|Netherop engagement]] in [[2526]].{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm8}}{{Ref/Reuse|Oblivion13}} In [[2531]], the [[UNSC Marine Corps|marine]] compliment of the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire]]'' made use of the MA5B on [[Harvest campaign|Harvest]], [[Battle of Arcadia|Arcadia]] and [[Battle of the Trove|Etran Harborage]],{{Ref/Game|HW|Gameplay}} while members of [[Blue Team]] deployed with it on their mission to the [[Construction Platform 966A|decommissioned Platform 966A]] the same year,{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=3}} and again during the [[Battle of Jericho VII]] in [[2535]].{{Ref/Reuse|TFoRPrologue}} The MA5B saw particularly heavy use in [[2552]]. On [[Fall of Reach|Reach]], it was wielded by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] sent to engage [[John-117]] during the live-fire test of [[MJOLNIR Mark V]] and [[Cortana]],{{Ref/Novel|HTFoR|Chapter=27}} and by the Spartans of [[Red Team#Fall of Reach splinter arrangement|Red Team]] during the defense of [[Orbital Defense Generator]]s.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ReferenceB|HFS|Chapter=2}} John-117 and the marine compliment of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} utilized the MA5B throughout the [[Battle of Installation 04]],{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} and in the ensuing [[Skirmish over Threshold]].{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceB}} [[Spartan]] personnel during the [[Onyx Conflict]] also made use of the MA5B.{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=18}} The MA5B remained in service as of 2559, notably being used by First Lieutenant Maks Chapov as his pilot's emergency weapon in the cockpit of an [[D102 Owl]] dropship.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR2}}


*It is interesting to note that the sound effects for the assault rifle are also the same sounds as the M60 Machine Gun used in the US Military.  
==In-game information==
*One inspiration for the MA5B Assault Rifle was the "MA–75B Battle Rifle (with integral 40mm Grenade Launcher)" from the ''Marathon'' series. In fact, before [[Bungie]] reengineered the game for the [[Xbox]], it was fitted with a grenade launcher. [[Image:F2000.jpg|thumb|The modern day [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|FN2000]]]]
{{Main
*Another inspiration is the MA5B Assault Rifle design seems to be taken from the M-590 7.62mm assault rifle of the USMC from 1995-1996 TV series Space:Above and Beyond.
|1=Assault_Rifle#Halo:_Combat_Evolved_and_Halo:_Combat_Evolved_Anniversary
*Robert McLees at Bungie has gone on record comparing the basic design of the MA5B to that of the [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|Fabrique-Nationale, FN2000]]
|l1=Assault Rifle
}}
===Advantages ===
The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapons. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry, having the ability to kill an Elite in about 45 rounds in close quarters. The MA5B rifle is effective at killing light armored infantry at close-to-medium range, and the high rate of fire combined with the high ammunition capacity allows its user to spray the whole area with suppressing fire. The MA5B also gives the user an ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the arbitrary magnetic "north" position. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon in CQB situations.
 
===Disadvantages===
The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode. The MA5B is also not the ideal weapon to use against [[Flood Combat forms]], as Combat forms dropped by one are likely to rise again soon afterwards if not damaged with another weapon prior. A way to counter this is to kill the Combat form and with the remainder of the clip, fire at the body.
 
==Production notes==
*The MA5B was heavily inspired by the [[marathongame:MA-75 Assault Rifle/Grenade Launcher|MA–75B assault rifle]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series.
*[[Robert McLees]] at [[Bungie]] has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|Fabrique-Nationale FN F2000]]. According to ''[[The Art of Halo]]'', McLees did not know of the F2000 until after the game was even finished; ''"I don't know when the images of the FN F2000 appeared, but I didn't see them until three or four months after the game shipped, and I thought 'Oh great. Now everyone's going to think I swiped the design from Fabrique National.' It was surreal to see how close the Halo assault rifle was to its real-life counterpart... and it was all totally by accident."''{{Ref/Book|AoH|Section=Weapons and Gear|Page=98-99}}
*As seen in the 2001 Gamestock presentation of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', there was going to be an animation of turning on and off the under-barrel flashlight of the MA5B, but this animation was cut.
*There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'' maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the M90 CAWS.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Anniversary'', the gas giant [[Threshold]] is considered arbitrary north by the MA5B's compass.
*In the early version of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the MA5B used the MA37 as a placeholder render, before using the MA5C for the final game.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE_MA5B_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the MA5B produced early in the development of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:MA5B.png|The MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE MA5B ICWS AR.png|In-game side view of the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. 
File:MA5B Assault Rifle.png|The MA5B viewed in different angles.
File:MJOLNIR HUD.jpg|The MJOLNIR [[Heads-up display|HUD]], showing the targeting reticule for the MA5B and ammo readout.
File:Master Chief Points Gun.jpg|Down the barrel of an MA5B.
File:Marines on the Battlefield.jpg|Marines on Installation 04 with MA5B's.
File:Chief-Marine.jpg|[[John-117]] and a Marine with an MA5B.
File:HCE-LuckyShotMA5Bskin.jpg|A ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' MA5B with the Lucky Shot skin in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
File:HCE-MA5Bwoodlandskin1stperson.jpg|First person view of the MA5B with the Woodland skin.
File:Fight on Ascendant Justice.png|Marines with MA5B assault rifle during the [[Skirmish over Threshold]] in ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
File:ChiefHGN.jpg|John-117 with an MA5B in ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''.
File:Fred.JPG|A Spartan-II with an MA5B during the [[Onyx Conflict]] in ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''.
File:AR.jpg|Models for the cinematic appearance of the MA5B in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW-MA5-ICWS-AssaultRifle.png|A render of the MA5B in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HaloWars - MA5.png|The MA5B in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Unsc marine.gif|The in-game model of the MA5B being wielded by marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Cal-141(2).jpg|[[Cal-141]] with an MA5B during the [[Raid on Heian]] in ''Halo Legends'': ''[[The Babysitter]]''.
File:HFoR - Blue Team vs Hunter.jpg|[[Blue Team]] firing their MA5B assault rifles at a [[Mgalekgolo]] during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''.
File:Homecoming AssaultRifle Concept.png|Turnaround view of the MA5B as seen in ''[[Homecoming|Halo Legends: Homecoming]]''.
File:HRoa 1 prep.png|UNSC Marines with MA5B assault rifles in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:HW2 Menu SpartanWithMA5B.png|A Spartan with an MA5B in the main menu of ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Weapon charm only}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]'' {{Mo}}
{{Col-end}}
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Held Weapons]]
{{UNSC rifles}}
[[Category:Human Weapons]]
[[Category:Assault rifles]]

Latest revision as of 08:53, November 7, 2024

MA5B assault rifle
Render of the MA5B assault rifle in MCC's menus.
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2]

Model series:

MA5 ICWS series[1][2]

Type:

Bullpup assault rifle[3]

Specifications

Length:

88 centimeters (34.5 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

7.62x51mm[4][1]

Feed system:

60-round detachable box magazine[4][1]

Operation:

Gas-operated[5]

Rate of fire:

15 rounds per second automatic,[1][6] semi-automatic,[7] 3-round burst[8]

Effective range:

~500m[9][Note 1]

Service history

In service:

Insurrection
Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts
Created conflict

 

The MA5B assault rifle, or simply MA5B, is a standard-issue automatic rifle utilized widely by the United Nations Space Command, particularly the UNSC Marine Corps.[10] It is part of the Misriah Armory MA5 series.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design[edit]

The MA5B is a gas-operated automatic rifle chambered in the widespread 7.62x51mm cartridge, most often used with standard M118 FMJ-AP ammunition,[4] though also employed with shredder[6] and hollow-point rounds.[8] MA5Bs typically feed from 60-round detachable box magazines.[4] Hollow-point rounds are loaded into magazines marked with red paint for rapid identification.[8] The weapon's automatic rate of fire is 15 rounds per second,[6] but it can be limited to semi-automatic[7] or 3-round burst via a fire selector to conserve ammunition and alter firing pattern.[8]

One significant aspect of the MA5B's design is its capacity for modification. Its barrel can be adapted for use with suppressors to combat the conspicuous report of the weapon's firing, making it especially suitable for stealth fighting;[11] SPARTAN-IIs made use of this attribute during the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV.[12] Early in the Human-Covenant War, SPARTAN-IIs also frequently employed MA5Bs with underslung M301 40mm launchers to fire HE grenades, notably during Operation: SILENT STORM[13] and the salvage operation on Netherop.[14]

A schematic view of the MA5B.

The most characteristic part of the MA5B's architecture is the accentuated shroud situated atop the barrel, which houses the weapon's integrated computer and display. While most MA5 ICWS rifles feature this to some extent, it is most prominent on the MA5B. The magazine which feeds the rifle is inserted behind the thumbhole pistol grip in a bullpup configuration, another trait typical of the ICWS series. The charging handle is an inconspicuous rounded-off protrusion on the left of the weapon's body, and the ejection port is situated on the right. The weapon's horizontal foregrip plays host to a forward-facing flashlight, bearing a prominent green button on both flanks. The barrel of the MA5B lacks any form of muzzle device (unless fitted with a suppressor).[12] The finish of the weapon is a dull grey, with a darker grey color for the foregrip, pistol grip and stock.[15] As standard, the weapon and its cowling has no optical device or ironsight,[1] leaving the only evident means by which the weapon is aimed to be via HUD-based targeting reticle, such as that of MJOLNIR Mark V,[16] or by eyesight alone.[17]

Functionality[edit]

The display of the MA5B's integrated computer, showing the prominent ammunition counter and compass.

The MA5B, being a rifle, is held with the user's dominant hand on the main grip and their off-hand on the foregrip, with the stock stabilized against the shoulder. As is typical of human firearms, the MA5B is fired by the depression of a trigger positioned at the top of the main grip. When the trigger is pulled, the round in the weapon’s chamber is fired, and the weapon’s gas system harnesses some of the energy from the deflagrating propellant to cycle the bolt back into its open position.[5] As with most human weapons, the firing of the weapon creates a noticeable flash as the fiery gas of the propellant's deflagration escapes the muzzle.[4]

As the bolt travels back, the spent casing from the expended round is pushed out of the ejection port. After the bolt opens, the weapon’s recoil system pushes it forward again to strip a fresh round from the currently loaded magazine and lock it into the firing chamber. Over the course of these actions, the ammunition counter situated on the display of the weapon’s integrated computer will register the expenditure of one round from the total supply provided by the magazine and tick down by that value.[4] From this point, one of three things will occur. If the weapon’s fire-selector was set to the semi-automatic mode of fire, the trigger will have to be released and pulled again before another round fires.[7] If the weapon is set to the 3-round burst fire mode, each pull of the trigger will result in 3 successive shots.[8] If the weapon is set to fully-automatic, however, the firing action will repeat successively while the trigger is held down until the magazine is expended or the trigger is released.[4]

Once the weapon is empty, the bolt will close with no round in the chamber.[9] The magazine can be removed from the receiver via the manipulation of the magazine release control with the thumb.[18] Once a fresh magazine has been inserted, the charging handle must be pulled back and released, or "cycled", in order to chamber the new round and prepare the weapon to fire again.[9] The magazine can also be replaced before the weapon is completely emptied.[18][Note 2]

The MA5B's prominent integrated display features both an ammunition counter and an electronic compass. This can be assigned to highlight a specific point to orientate the user in combat or confusing terrain; during the Battle of Alpha Halo, this point was the relative direction of the gas giant Threshold.[5] Additionally, in low-light conditions, the flashlight mounted beneath the barrel of the weapon can be activated to provide illumination.[4]

Performance[edit]

Sergeant John Forge with his MA5B held up, immediately after killing the infection forms attacking Ellen Anders.
Sergeant John Forge, armed with an MA5B during the Battle of Trove.

The capabilities of the MA5B are seemingly deemed to be sufficient by soldiers of the UNSC, with John-117 regarding the weapon as "powerful."[18] While the rifle is very capable of harming foes wearing physical body armor, and even light vehicles,[19] personal energy shielding represents a significant detriment to its stopping power, as a great deal of concentrated fire from multiple MA5Bs - or an extended period of continuous automatic fire from a single rifle - is needed to overwhelm such systems.[18] When shredder ammunition is utilized, the weapon appears to be highly effective against infantry targets such as Covenant grunt soldiers,[6] and also capable of obliterating construction materials such as marble tile and wood.[20] When firing hollow-point ammunition, the weapon is highly effective against unprotected personnel, but is less likely to penetrate hard surfaces, a favorable trait when fighting on a starship and intending not to cause undue damage to items such as equipment cabinets, hulls, or viewports.[8]

The MA5B's range has been indicated to be approximately 500m in the hands of a competent shooter,[9] considered "decent" by John-117,[11] but its strength was later noted by him to lie primarily in the realm of close-quarters combat.[21] The weapon is compact enough to serve as a pilot's emergency weapon, being short enough to fit in a cockpit scabbard.[11]

One positive attribute of the weapon is the high capacity of the 60-round magazines with which it is typically used, an attribute that was comforting to UNSC marines wielding it in battle.[10] So well-liked was this attribute that even in light of reliability issues brought on by spring wear, the switch toward 32-round magazines with the later MA5C assault rifle was met with frustration by the marines of E2-BAG/1/7.[22]

When firing this weapon, it has been noted that short, controlled bursts are more accurate than continuous automatic fire. While the cyclic automatic rate of fire is high,[6] actual rate of fire in combat is dictated by the user's own proficiency at aiming, firing and reloading.[5] When the weapon is altered to mount a silencer, the report of its firing can be reduced to what can be reasonably described as a "cough."[20] Despite this, it retains a lower overall accuracy than its later cousins in the MA5 series.[1]

History[edit]

An image of Avery Johnson firing his MA5B assault rifle in the story Breaking Quarantine.
Sergeant Avery Johnson fires an MA5B during his escape from the compromised Flood Containment Facility on Alpha Halo.

The MA5B was in service to some extent during the Insurrection, being considered a standard weapon in September of 2525,[23] and played a significant role in the following Human-Covenant War. MA5Bs were employed by various SPARTAN-IIs during Operation: SILENT STORM and the ensuing Netherop engagement in 2526.[13][14] In 2531, the marine compliment of the UNSC Spirit of Fire made use of the MA5B on Harvest, Arcadia and Etran Harborage,[24] while members of Blue Team deployed with it on their mission to the decommissioned Platform 966A the same year,[25] and again during the Battle of Jericho VII in 2535.[6] The MA5B saw particularly heavy use in 2552. On Reach, it was wielded by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers sent to engage John-117 during the live-fire test of MJOLNIR Mark V and Cortana,[26] and by the Spartans of Red Team during the defense of Orbital Defense Generators.[27] John-117 and the marine compliment of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn utilized the MA5B throughout the Battle of Installation 04,[4] and in the ensuing Skirmish over Threshold.[27] Spartan personnel during the Onyx Conflict also made use of the MA5B.[28] The MA5B remained in service as of 2559, notably being used by First Lieutenant Maks Chapov as his pilot's emergency weapon in the cockpit of an D102 Owl dropship.[11]

In-game information[edit]

Main article: Assault Rifle

Advantages[edit]

The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapons. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry, having the ability to kill an Elite in about 45 rounds in close quarters. The MA5B rifle is effective at killing light armored infantry at close-to-medium range, and the high rate of fire combined with the high ammunition capacity allows its user to spray the whole area with suppressing fire. The MA5B also gives the user an ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the arbitrary magnetic "north" position. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon in CQB situations.

Disadvantages[edit]

The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode. The MA5B is also not the ideal weapon to use against Flood Combat forms, as Combat forms dropped by one are likely to rise again soon afterwards if not damaged with another weapon prior. A way to counter this is to kill the Combat form and with the remainder of the clip, fire at the body.

Production notes[edit]

  • The MA5B was heavily inspired by the MA–75B assault rifle from the Marathon series.
  • Robert McLees at Bungie has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the Fabrique-Nationale FN F2000. According to The Art of Halo, McLees did not know of the F2000 until after the game was even finished; "I don't know when the images of the FN F2000 appeared, but I didn't see them until three or four months after the game shipped, and I thought 'Oh great. Now everyone's going to think I swiped the design from Fabrique National.' It was surreal to see how close the Halo assault rifle was to its real-life counterpart... and it was all totally by accident."[29]
  • As seen in the 2001 Gamestock presentation of Halo: Combat Evolved, there was going to be an animation of turning on and off the under-barrel flashlight of the MA5B, but this animation was cut.
  • There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few Halo Custom Edition maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the M90 CAWS.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved and Anniversary, the gas giant Threshold is considered arbitrary north by the MA5B's compass.
  • In the early version of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the MA5B used the MA37 as a placeholder render, before using the MA5C for the final game.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ This is indicated in an exchange between Linda-058 and Captain Dkani of the UNSC Wheatley. When Linda tells him to have his men open fire at "50 paces", he responds by saying that the MA5B's range is almost ten times that. In reply, Linda tells him that if they open fire at 500m (the product of 50x10), being inexperienced shooters, they will waste their ammunition. This indicates that in the context of this exchange, "paces" is being used to refer to meters, as opposed to the term's real world designations as a non-standard measurement unit (~0.75m in the US).
  2. ^ The account of an empty MA5B being reloaded in Halo: Oblivion Chapter 9 somewhat contradicts the gameplay of Halo: Combat Evolved, in which, whether the weapon is dry or not, the bolt is first manually locked open, then the magazine removed and replaced, and the bolt manually closed. However, the former interpretation is presumed to take precedence because an exchange of dialogue between Linda-058 and the castoff Roselle no longer makes sense otherwise. It is possible that the weapon can function in both ways and that Linda-058 indicated that Roselle needed to pull on the bolt to make the weapon fire after loading a magazine because she had not already opened it, but if that is true, the method employed in Halo: Combat Evolved should not be necessary, making it unlikely.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 163
  2. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Assault Rifle
  3. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 4
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo: Combat Evolved: Gameplay
  5. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved Manual, page 17
  6. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Fall of Reach, Prologue
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 27
  8. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 24
  9. ^ a b c d Halo: Oblivion, chapter 19
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 318
  11. ^ a b c d Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 2
  12. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 20
  13. ^ a b Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 8
  14. ^ a b Halo: Oblivion, chapter 13
  15. ^ Halo Wars: UNSC Assault Rifle cinematic model (File link)
  16. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Manual, page 14
  17. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape: "Monsters" cutscene
  18. ^ a b c d Halo: The Flood, chapter 1
  19. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 2
  20. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 22
  21. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 14
  22. ^ Bungie.net, MA5C Assault Rifle (Retrieved on Dec 16, 2007) [local archive] [external archive]
  23. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 9
  24. ^ Halo Wars, Gameplay
  25. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 3
  26. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 27
  27. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, chapter 2
  28. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 18
  29. ^ The Art of Halo - Weapons and Gear, page 98-99

v • d • e
 
List of rifles and carbines used by humanity
MA series MA1 • MA2B • MA3A • MA40 (Longshot)
MA5 series variants MA37 • MA5B • MA5C • MA5D
Other assault rifles HMG-38 Monitor Rifle • VK78 Commando (Impact)
CM 300 • M6J/C • MA5K
BR55 series XBR55 • BR55 • BR55HB
BR75 series BR75 • BR75 Breacher
BR85 series BR85 • BR85HB • BR85N
Other BR series rifles BRXX Lightfire
Other battle rifles "Maestro"
M295 • M392 • M395 (M395B)
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