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Is'belox-pattern Banshee: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Title|''Is'belox''-pattern Banshee}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Center|This article is about the Banshee introduced in [[Halo: Reach]]. For other Banshee variants, see [[Banshee|here]].}}
{{Center|This article is about the Banshee introduced in [[Halo: Reach]]. For other Banshee variants, see [[Banshee|here]].}}
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|image = [[File:H2A-T26B.png|300px]]
|image = [[File:Halo Reach Type 26 GSA.png|300px]]
|name = Type-26B Ground Support Aircraft
|name = ''Is'belox''-pattern Attack Flyer
|manufacturer = [[Assembly Forges]] {{c|pre-Great Schism}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}<br>[[Lodam Armory]] {{c|post-Covenant War}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/banshee|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Banshee}}
|manufacturer = *[[Assembly Forges]] {{c|pre-Great Schism}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*[[Lodam Armory]] {{c|post-Covenant War}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/banshee|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Banshee}}
|line = [[Type-26 Banshee]]
|line = [[Type-26 Banshee]]
|model = Type-26B
|model = Type-26B
|cost =  
|cost =  
|length = {{Convert|7.1|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=119}}{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|length = {{Convert|7.1|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=119}}{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|width = {{Convert|7.5|m|ft|sp=us}} {{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Game|HCEA|Detail=[[Library (feature)#Banshee|Library - Banshee]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|width = {{Convert|7.5|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Game|HCEA|Detail=[[Library (feature)#Banshee|Library - Banshee]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|height = {{Convert|3.6|m|ft|sp=us}} {{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|height = {{Convert|3.6|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|mass = {{Convert|1.3|MT|lb}} {{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|mass = {{Convert|1.3|MT|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|max speed = {{Convert|67|mph|km/h}} (in tactical flight mode){{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|max speed = {{Convert|67|mph|km/h}} {{c|in tactical flight mode}}{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
|engine = [[Boosted gravity propulsion drive]]
|engine = [[Boosted gravity propulsion drive]]
|hull =  
|hull =  
Line 25: Line 27:
|othersystems =  
|othersystems =  
|firstuse-title = In service
|firstuse-title = In service
|firstuse = [[Human-Covenant War]]
|firstuse = *[[Human-Covenant War]]
<br>[[Great Schism]]
*[[Great Schism]]
<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|role = Ground support aircraft
|role = Ground support aircraft
|affiliation =  
|affiliation =  
Line 35: Line 37:
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
}}
}}
The '''Type-26B Ground Support Aircraft''' ('''T-26B GSA'''), more commonly known as the '''Banshee''', is a variant of the [[Type-26 Banshee]] commonly employed in [[Covenant]] service as a standard aircraft.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
The '''''Is'belox''-pattern Attack Flyer'''{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=286}} {{Type|26B|Ground Support Aircraft|GSA}}, more commonly known as the '''Banshee''', is a variant of the [[Type-26 Banshee]] commonly employed in [[Covenant]] service as a standard aircraft.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


==Overview==
== Specifications ==
===Specifications===
=== Design details ===
{{Main|Type-26 Banshee}}
{{Main|Banshee}}
The Type-26B is a newer model of Banshee employed by the Covenant, and one of the sleekest. Unlike its [[Type-26A Banshee|Type-26A]] and [[Type-26C Banshee|Type-26C]] brothers, the Type-26B features an enclosed canopy with a very different shape to the original models. The canopy has a sweeping form, curving upwards toward the back. Additionally, the Type-26B's wings are split, not retaining the signature antigravity pod of the Type-26A and C models. The back of the craft features two control valences which turn to allow the craft to make extremely rapid turns.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
The Type-26B is a newer model of Banshee employed by the Covenant, and one of the sleekest. Unlike its [[Oghal-pattern Banshee|''Oghal''-pattern]] and [[Irdnekt-pattern Banshee|''Irdnekt''-pattern]] brothers, the Type-26B features an enclosed canopy with a very different shape to the original models. The canopy has a sweeping form, curving upwards toward the back. Additionally, the Type-26B's wings are split, not retaining the signature antigravity pod of the Type-26A and C models. The back of the craft features two control valences which turn to allow the craft to make extremely rapid turns.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}


The Banshee is capable of performing complex maneuvers such as aileron rolls and flips. The Banshee is also capable of hovering, though this ability is not often used.{{Ref/Note|The Banshee's inability to hover in most games is more likely a gameplay conceit than an element of canon. Presumably, all versions of the craft are capable of hovering.}} The Type-26B is capable of operating in planetary atmospheres, typically operating around {{Convert|300|m|ft}} or less from the surface to maximise the effectiveness of its drive systems and evade enemy air defences.{{Ref/Generic|Id=LC17|[[Halo Legendary Crate]]|Subheading=[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #17]]}} It is additionally capable of flying at least as high as around {{Convert|2500|m|ft}} with little observable drop in effectiveness{{Ref/Level|HR|New Alexandria}} and is capable of reaching orbit, albeit slowly.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}  Although not equipped with any form of life support system, it is capable of being used in a vacuum as a [[space fighter]] in some capacity.{{Ref/Level|H4|Dawn}} However, its performance in space is considered adequate at best, particularly when compared to more specialised craft such as the [[Type-27 Banshee]].{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}} Some [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] modifications to the craft have allowed for an improvement in its capabilities as a scout in space environments{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}, though independent life support systems such as those found in the [[Ranger harness]] are still required.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
The Banshee is capable of performing complex maneuvers such as aileron rolls and flips. The Banshee is also capable of hovering, though this ability is not often used.{{Ref/Note|The Banshee's inability to hover in most games is more likely a gameplay conceit than an element of canon. Presumably, all versions of the craft are capable of hovering.}} The Type-26B is capable of operating in planetary atmospheres, typically operating around {{Convert|300|m|ft}} or less from the surface to maximise the effectiveness of its drive systems and evade enemy air defences.{{Ref/Generic|Id=LC17|[[Halo Legendary Crate]]|Subheading=[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #17]]}} It is additionally capable of flying at least as high as around {{Convert|2500|m|ft}} with little observable drop in effectiveness{{Ref/Level|HR|New Alexandria}} and is capable of reaching orbit, albeit slowly.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}  Although not equipped with any form of life support system, it is capable of being used in a vacuum as a [[space fighter]] in some capacity.{{Ref/Level|H4|Dawn}} However, its performance in space is considered adequate at best, particularly when compared to more specialised craft such as the {{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}}.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}} Some [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] modifications to the craft have allowed for an improvement in its capabilities as a scout in space environments{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}, though independent life support systems such as those found in the [[Ranger harness]] are still required.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}


===Weapons===
=== Armament ===
The Banshee sports two weapon pods attached underneath the fuselage; each pod contains a [[Class-2 directed energy cannon|Class-2 plasma cannon]] capable of firing in the 100-250 kilowatt range and a [[fuel rod cannon|Class-2 fuel rod cannon]].<{{Ref/Reuse|HRManual}} The plasma cannons are deadly to infantry; one bolt can instantly kill a lightly armored target. Armored targets such as the [[M808 Scorpion|M808 Scorpion MBT]] can withstand only a few bolts before being destroyed.
The Banshee sports two weapon pods attached underneath the fuselage; each pod contains a [[Class-2 directed energy cannon|Class-2 plasma cannon]] capable of firing in the 100-250 kilowatt range and a [[fuel rod cannon|Class-2 fuel rod cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|HRManual}} The plasma cannons are deadly to infantry; one bolt can instantly kill a lightly armored target. Armored targets such as the [[M808 Scorpion|M808 Scorpion MBT]] can withstand only a few bolts before being destroyed.


===Usage===
=== Operational history ===
The Type-26B model was created by the Covenant during its [[Human-Covenant War|war with humanity]], due to high attrition rates seen with older peacetime stocks of Banshees. By [[2550]], the Banshee was a commonplace vehicle in the Covenant's [[Covenant military|armed forces]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} It was later employed by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]].{{Ref/Game|H4}}
[[File:Covenant assault - 2.png|thumb|250px|left|T-26B Banshees killing human civilians during the Human-Covenant War.]]
The Type-26B model was seen in limited use by the Covenant, but until its [[Human-Covenant War|war with humanity]] due to high attrition rates seen with older peacetime stocks of Banshees. They were deployed against the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] for the first time as early as [[2525#December|December 3, 2525]] during the final stages of the [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II]], alongside many {{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}}s, notably when the [[United Rebel Front]] forces led by [[Captain]] [[Whitaker]] were making their last stand against the overwhelming Covenant ground forces.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HCDI3|Comic=Halo: Collateral Damage|Issue=[[Halo: Collateral Damage Issue 3|3]]}}


===Variants===
By [[2550]], the ''Is'belox''-pattern Banshee was a commonplace vehicle in the Covenant's [[Covenant military|armed forces]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} It was deployed in an extensive use over course of the [[Fall of Reach]] and [[Battle of Installation 04]].{{ref/Game|HR}}{{Ref/Game|Game=Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary}} Again, numerous of these Banshees were later used during the [[Battle for Earth]], notably by the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].{{Ref/Game|Id=hunt|Game=Hunt the Truth|Detail=[[Hunt the Truth Season 1|Season 1]]}}
 
A large number of new commissioned ''Is'belox''-pattern Banshees was later extensively employed by [[Jul 'Mdama]][[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|'s Covenant]] in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]], mostly at [[Requiem]] while the 'Mdama was building up his forces on the [[shield world]] during the [[Battle of Requiem]] and until [[Requiem Campaign]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Game|H4}} The [['Ahtulai Workshop Banshee|Banshee]] [[Kaelum Workshop Banshee|variant]] used by the [[Banished]] and its local occupation fleet led by [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo|conflicts]] on [[Installation 07]] in [[2560]] was likely based on the model of the ''Is'belox''-pattern Banshee and it may be possible that several of these Banshees, if not most or all, were heavily-modified Covenant T-26B Banshees.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShowcase|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/showcase-sensitive|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive|D=16|M=6|Y=2021}}
 
{{clear|left}}
 
== Variants ==
The Type-26B [[design pattern]] has a number of known variants. Differences in design variation can be attributed to specialised functionality and aesthetic preference, and can be used to identify specific military units.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
The Type-26B [[design pattern]] has a number of known variants. Differences in design variation can be attributed to specialised functionality and aesthetic preference, and can be used to identify specific military units.{{Ref/Reuse|LC17}}
===Type-26BZ "Heretic" Banshee===
 
{{Main|Type-26BZ Banshee}}
*'''{{Pattern|Te'ved|Banshee}}''': The ''Te'ved''-pattern Banshee was employed by the [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic forces]] of [[Sesa 'Refumee]].
The Type-26BZ Banshee was employed by the [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic forces]] of [[Sesa 'Refumee]].
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H2A-HereticBanshee-Flight-01.png|The Type-26BZ model.
File:H2A-HereticBanshee-Flight-01.png|The ''Te'ved''-pattern model.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Other variants===
===Other variants===
The Type-26B variant employed by the Covenant during the [[Fall of Reach]] and [[Battle of Installation 04]] features an iridescent green canopy similar to that of the [[Type-26C Banshee]].{{Ref/Game|HR|In-game Banshee model}} {{Ref/Game|HCEA|In-game Banshee model}} Another variant used by the Covenant{{Ref/Map|H2A|Nebula}} and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] in the post-war era features a blue canopy, and is modified to perform better in space environments.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
The Type-26B variant employed by the Covenant, including during the [[Fall of Reach]] and [[Battle of Installation 04]], features an iridescent green canopy similar to that of the {{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}}.{{Ref/Game|HR|In-game Banshee model}}{{Ref/Game|HCEA|In-game Banshee model}} Banshees used by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] in the post-war era features a dark blue-purple canopy, and is modified to perform better in space environments.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo Reach Type 26 GSA.png|The 2552-era Banshee with a green carapace.
File:Halo Reach Type 26 GSA.png|The War-era Banshee with a green carapace.
File:Banshee H4guide.png|A blue-purple Banshee used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.
File:Banshee H4guide.png|A dark blue-purple Banshee used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Silver Timeline===
{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
Banshees are used by the Covenant against humanity.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HTVOT|b4doITNi2RE|Paramount+|Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer|Y=2022|M=3|D=14}}


==Production notes==
==Production notes==
The Type-26B Banshee is the Banshee design introduced in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and later featured in ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''{{'}}s multiplayer mode. The design was not given a formal designation difference until a 2015 [[Halo Waypoint]] universe entry.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
The ''Is'belox''-pattern Banshee is the Banshee design introduced in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and later featured in ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''{{'}}s multiplayer mode. The design was not given a formal designation difference until a 2015 [[Halo Waypoint]] universe entry.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-26B Banshee|gameplay=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Is'belox-pattern Banshee|gameplay=yes}}
* In [[Wikipedia:Celtic mythology|Celtic mythology]], a [[Wikipedia:Banshee|banshee]] is a female spirit who wails for the death of a particular person before they die. Banshees must steal souls from people to continue their existence. The high-pitched sound made by the Covenant Banshee is a reference to this, especially while performing tight maneuvers making it easy to hear them before one sees them. This also fits the theme of Covenant vehicles, with the exceptions of the [[Excavator]]s, being named after supernatural entities.
* In [[Wikipedia:Celtic mythology|Celtic mythology]], a [[Wikipedia:Banshee|banshee]] is a female spirit who wails for the death of a particular person before they die. Banshees must steal souls from people to continue their existence. The high-pitched sound made by the Covenant Banshee is a reference to this, especially while performing tight maneuvers making it easy to hear them before one sees them. This also fits the theme of Covenant vehicles, with the exceptions of the [[Excavator]]s, being named after supernatural entities.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:LC 17 doc1.png|''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'' schematic of the Banshee.
File:HR Banshee Concept 1.jpg|Initial concept sketches for the Banshee.
File:HR-BansheeHUD.png|Type-26B HUD on [[Spire]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR Banshee Concept 2.jpg|Later refinement sketches for the Banshee.
File:Reach 597419 Medium.jpg|T-26B Banshees stored in an {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}} hangar.
File:HR Banshee Concept 3.jpg|Final detail iterations for the Banshee.
File:HR-BansheeHUD.png|Type-26B HUD on [[Spire (map)|Spire]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Reach 597419 Medium.jpg|T-26B Banshees stored in an {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} hangar.
File:Banshee_Rough.jpg|A T-26B Banshee with a very low level of detail, used in background battles.
File:Banshee_Rough.jpg|A T-26B Banshee with a very low level of detail, used in background battles.
File:HR-T26BansheeGSA-Render.jpg|A render of a T-26B from ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR-T26BansheeGSA-Render.jpg|A render of a T-26B from ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HCEA - T26B Banshee render.png|A T-26B Banshee in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA - T26B Banshee render.png|A T-26B Banshee in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA-T26BHUD.png|HUD of the T-26B Banshee in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-T26BHUD.png|HUD of the T-26B Banshee in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:H4-Banshee-Ragnarok.jpg|Type-26B HUD on [[Ragnarok]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4 Banshee Concept.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept variations on the Type-26B.
File:H4-Render-Banshee-3D.jpg|A hi-poly render of the Type-26B in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Render-Banshee-3D.jpg|A hi-poly render of the Type-26B in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Render-Banshee.jpg|Views of the Banshee in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Render-Banshee.jpg|Views of the Banshee in ''Halo 4''.
File:Banshee H4guide.png|A view of the T-26B Banshee in ''Halo 4''.
File:Banshee H4guide.png|A view of the T-26B Banshee in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 SO Thorne Hijacks Banshee.jpg|Thorne with the hijacked Banshee
File:HTMCC-H4 DawnBansheeFormation.png|Banshees in space in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A-T26BHUD.png|Type-26B HUD on [[Bloodline]] in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H4 - Banshee.jpg|A Banshee on [[Ragnarok]] in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A-T26B.png|A T-26B Banshee on Bloodline.
File:H4-Banshee-Ragnarok.jpg|Type-26B HUD on [[Ragnarok]] in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A-T26BZ.png|A T-26BZ Banshee in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H4 SO Thorne Hijacks Banshee.jpg|Thorne on a hijacked Banshee.
File:Vata Gajat's fleet.jpg|A T-26B Banshee and several {{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}}s and a {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} being deployed by [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Vata 'Gajat's mercenary fleet]]
File:H2A-T26BHUD.png|Type-26B HUD on ''[[Bloodline]]'' in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-T26B.png|A T-26B Banshee on ''Bloodline''.
File:Whitaker's last stand.jpg|A ''Is'belox''-pattern Banshee pair alongside a {{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}} over [[Alpha Corvi II]] in ''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''.
File:LC 17 doc1.png|''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'' schematic of the Banshee.
File:HTV-Reckoning Banshee Dive.png|[[John-117/Silver|John-117]] launching a Banshee into a Phantom in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 97: Line 118:
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' {{c|Cutscene only}}
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 105: Line 137:
==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Banshees}}
{{Banshees}}
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
[[Category:Banshee variants]]
[[Category:Banshee variants]]

Latest revision as of 03:25, August 2, 2024

This article is about the Banshee introduced in Halo: Reach. For other Banshee variants, see here.
Is'belox-pattern Attack Flyer
Halo Reach Type 26 GSA.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Product line:

Type-26 Banshee

Model:

Type-26B

Technical specifications

Length:

7.1 meters (23 ft)[2][3]

Width:

7.5 meters (25 ft)[2][4][3]

Height:

3.6 meters (12 ft)[2]

Mass:

1.3 metric tons (2,900 lb)[3]

Maximum speed:

67 miles per hour (108 km/h) (in tactical flight mode)[3]

Engine(s):

Boosted gravity propulsion drive

Armament:

Crew:

One pilot[5]

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

Ground support aircraft

Affiliation:

 

The Is'belox-pattern Attack Flyer[6] (UNSC Type classification: Type-26B Ground Support Aircraft, T-26B GSA), more commonly known as the Banshee, is a variant of the Type-26 Banshee commonly employed in Covenant service as a standard aircraft.[1]

Specifications[edit]

Design details[edit]

Main article: Banshee

The Type-26B is a newer model of Banshee employed by the Covenant, and one of the sleekest. Unlike its Oghal-pattern and Irdnekt-pattern brothers, the Type-26B features an enclosed canopy with a very different shape to the original models. The canopy has a sweeping form, curving upwards toward the back. Additionally, the Type-26B's wings are split, not retaining the signature antigravity pod of the Type-26A and C models. The back of the craft features two control valences which turn to allow the craft to make extremely rapid turns.[2]

The Banshee is capable of performing complex maneuvers such as aileron rolls and flips. The Banshee is also capable of hovering, though this ability is not often used.[Note 1] The Type-26B is capable of operating in planetary atmospheres, typically operating around 300 metres (980 ft) or less from the surface to maximise the effectiveness of its drive systems and evade enemy air defences.[3] It is additionally capable of flying at least as high as around 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) with little observable drop in effectiveness[7] and is capable of reaching orbit, albeit slowly.[3] Although not equipped with any form of life support system, it is capable of being used in a vacuum as a space fighter in some capacity.[8] However, its performance in space is considered adequate at best, particularly when compared to more specialised craft such as the Elsedda-pattern Banshee.[3] Some post-war modifications to the craft have allowed for an improvement in its capabilities as a scout in space environments[2], though independent life support systems such as those found in the Ranger harness are still required.[3]

Armament[edit]

The Banshee sports two weapon pods attached underneath the fuselage; each pod contains a Class-2 plasma cannon capable of firing in the 100-250 kilowatt range and a Class-2 fuel rod cannon.[5] The plasma cannons are deadly to infantry; one bolt can instantly kill a lightly armored target. Armored targets such as the M808 Scorpion MBT can withstand only a few bolts before being destroyed.

Operational history[edit]

T-26B Banshees killing human civilians during the Human-Covenant War.

The Type-26B model was seen in limited use by the Covenant, but until its war with humanity due to high attrition rates seen with older peacetime stocks of Banshees. They were deployed against the UNSC for the first time as early as December 3, 2525 during the final stages of the Battle of Alpha Corvi II, alongside many Irdnekt-pattern Banshees, notably when the United Rebel Front forces led by Captain Whitaker were making their last stand against the overwhelming Covenant ground forces.[9]

By 2550, the Is'belox-pattern Banshee was a commonplace vehicle in the Covenant's armed forces.[1] It was deployed in an extensive use over course of the Fall of Reach and Battle of Installation 04.[10][11] Again, numerous of these Banshees were later used during the Battle for Earth, notably by the Fleet of Sacred Consecration during the Battle of Mombasa.[12]

A large number of new commissioned Is'belox-pattern Banshees was later extensively employed by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in the Post-Covenant War conflicts, mostly at Requiem while the 'Mdama was building up his forces on the shield world during the Battle of Requiem and until Requiem Campaign.[1][13] The Banshee variant used by the Banished and its local occupation fleet led by War Chief Escharum during the conflicts on Installation 07 in 2560 was likely based on the model of the Is'belox-pattern Banshee and it may be possible that several of these Banshees, if not most or all, were heavily-modified Covenant T-26B Banshees.[14]

Variants[edit]

The Type-26B design pattern has a number of known variants. Differences in design variation can be attributed to specialised functionality and aesthetic preference, and can be used to identify specific military units.[3]

  • The Te'ved-pattern model.

    The Te'ved-pattern model.

Other variants[edit]

The Type-26B variant employed by the Covenant, including during the Fall of Reach and Battle of Installation 04, features an iridescent green canopy similar to that of the Irdnekt-pattern Banshee.[15][16] Banshees used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in the post-war era features a dark blue-purple canopy, and is modified to perform better in space environments.[2]

  • The War-era Banshee with a green carapace.

    The War-era Banshee with a green carapace.

  • A dark blue-purple Banshee used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

    A dark blue-purple Banshee used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]

Silver Timeline[edit]

Main article: Silver Timeline

Banshees are used by the Covenant against humanity.[17]

Production notes[edit]

The Is'belox-pattern Banshee is the Banshee design introduced in Halo: Reach and later featured in Halo 4, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo 2: Anniversary's multiplayer mode. The design was not given a formal designation difference until a 2015 Halo Waypoint universe entry.[1]

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Is'belox-pattern Banshee on its gameplay page.
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  • In Celtic mythology, a banshee is a female spirit who wails for the death of a particular person before they die. Banshees must steal souls from people to continue their existence. The high-pitched sound made by the Covenant Banshee is a reference to this, especially while performing tight maneuvers making it easy to hear them before one sees them. This also fits the theme of Covenant vehicles, with the exceptions of the Excavators, being named after supernatural entities.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The Banshee's inability to hover in most games is more likely a gameplay conceit than an element of canon. Presumably, all versions of the craft are capable of hovering.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint, Banshee (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 119
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Legendary Crate - Data Drop #17
  4. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: Library - Banshee
  5. ^ a b c d Halo: Reach Manual
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 286
  7. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  8. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Dawn
  9. ^ Halo: Collateral Damage, issue 3
  10. ^ Halo: Reach
  11. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  12. ^ Hunt the Truth: Season 1
  13. ^ Halo 4
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive (Retrieved on Jun 16, 2021) [archive]
  15. ^ Halo: Reach, In-game Banshee model
  16. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, In-game Banshee model
  17. ^ YouTube - Paramount+, Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2022)

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Banshee variants
Other Banshees
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