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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Title|''Ogab'd''-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith}}
{{Center|This article is about the Anti-Aircraft Wraith introduced in [[Halo 3]]. For the variant introduced in [[Halo 5: Guardians]] see [[Type-58 Anti-Air Wraith]]}}
{{Status|Canon}}
 
{{Disambig header|the Anti-Aircraft Wraith introduced in [[Halo 3]]|the variant introduced in [[Halo 5: Guardians]]|Muv'te-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith}}
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
|name=''Ogab'd''-pattern Skyhunter
|image=[[File:AAWraithH3.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:AAWraithH3.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=9}}<br>[[Lodam Armory]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|line=
|line=
|model=
|model=
|cost=
|cost=
|length=8.9 meters (29.3 ft)<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 9''</ref>
|length={{Convert|29.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=9.2 meters (30.3 ft)
|width={{Convert|30.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height={{Convert|4.7|m|ft|sp=us|sigfig=3}}
|height={{Convert|12.4|ft|m|sp=us|sigfig=3}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass={{Convert|47|t|kg|sp=us|sigfig=3}}<ref name="Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'''</ref>
|mass={{Convert|47.8|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max speed={{Convert|2.5|m/s|km/h|sp=us|sigfig=3}}
|max speed=
|engine=[[Boosted gravity propulsion drive]]<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Special Collector's Edition Manual]]''', ''page 17''</ref>
|engine=
|hull=
|hull=[[Nanolaminate]]
|armament=Six rapid-fire [[fuel rod cannon]]s<ref name="Blitz">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/blitz-coverage '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Community Update - Blitz Coverage'']</ref>
|armament=  
<br>[[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Secondary plasma turret]]<ref>'''[[Halo 3: The Official Guide]]''', ''page 52''</ref>
*6 rapid-fire heavy [[Fuel rod cannon|flak cannons]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|crew=1 driver, 1 support gunner
*1 {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}
|crew=One pilot, one gunner{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
|complement=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|role=
*Tactical anti-air{{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}}
*Ground assault{{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}}
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br>[[Great Schism]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|firstuse=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|service=
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]
|role=Light assault gun carriage
*Armoured infantry support
*Mobile anti-aircraft battery
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]
*[[Banished]]
*[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
}}
}}
The '''''Ogab'd''-pattern Skyhunter'''{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=275}} {{Type|52|Anti-Aircraft Artillery|AAA}},{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=257}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Blitz|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/blitz-coverage|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Blitz Coverage|D=28|M=10|Y=2021}} is a [[Skyhunter]] variant of the [[Wraith]] line of armoured vehicles, used by the [[Covenant]] and its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]].


The '''Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery''',<ref name="Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'''</ref>  (abbreviated '''Type-52 AAA'''), often referred to as the '''[[Wikipedia:Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon|Anti-Air]] Wraith''',<ref>'''[[Halo 3: The Official Guide]]''', ''page 63''</ref> is a specialized variant of the [[Type-26 Wraith]] tank.
==Overview==
===Design details===
The ''Ogab'd''-pattern skyhunters are built by the [[Assembly Forges]] of [[Lodam Armory]] upon the chassis of the base {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} tank - with some (though not all){{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}} models modified to feature a red-crimson colour scheme, as opposed to the standard blue-purple. As with the {{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}} - the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] era counterpart to the ''Ogab'd'' - [[weapon-smith]]s are required to incorporate stringent failsafes into the vehicle's design to ensure that they are destroyed should the vehicle operator be killed. This is done to prevent the vehicle and it's destructive potential from falling into enemy hands.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Overview and design==
===Armament===
The Type-52 Anti Aircraft Artillery is a variant of the [[Covenant]] Wraith tank, but it differs in its primary armament; while the standard Type-26 model is equipped with a [[plasma mortar]], which is used mainly against slow-moving ground targets, the Type-52 model is equipped with two rapid fire, triple barreled heavy [[fuel rod cannon]]s as its main armament, and is highly effective against nearby air targets as well as ground targets. The Type-52 shares the Type-26's secondary plasma turret, a non-detachable stationary turret emplacement fixed at the midsection of the vehicle that is optionally manned for defense against medium to close range ground targets. It should be noted that the [[fuel rod]]s fired by the AA-Wraith can explode mid-air, creating a cloud of plasma, resembling the clouds of shrapnel produced by modern day flak guns' bursting rounds.
The ''Ogab'd''-pattern anti-air Wraith differs in its primary armament from the standard Wraith models. While the standard forms of Wraith are equipped with a [[plasma mortar]], which is used mainly against slow-moving ground targets, the skyhunter model is equipped with six rapid fire heavy [[fuel rod cannon]]s as its main armament. These weapons fire [[Fuel rod#Class-3|Class-3 fuel rods]], a heavier munition than the standard [[Fuel rod#Class-2|Class-2 fuel rods]] used by infantry-scale [[fuel rod gun]]s outfitted for longer-distanced shooting expected of anti-aircraft work. The fuel rod cannons on the ''Ogab'd'' model act as flak weapons and explode in mid-air, furthering their anti-air utility. The weapons have heat-seeking capabilities built-into their operation, allowing them to automatically track enemy targets.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


The double sets of fuel rod cannons fire Class-3 fuel rods, which have the capability to track vehicles' heat signatures.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 99''</ref> They are devastating to both airborne and ground forces. Dozens of shots can be put out in rapid succession, laying waste to enemy emplacements, leveling fortified bunkers in a matter of seconds, and removing an enemy aerial presence. The cannon can also be a threat to low flying Longsword fighter-bombers, even though they have heavier armor than the Pelican dropship. Luckily, however, the Anti-Air Wraith seems to be used almost exclusively for destroying and harassing air vehicles and use against ground targets is very rare.
To defend the weapon at close-range, the ''Ogab'd'' is equipped with a secondary [[Medium plasma cannon|medium]] {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}},{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} mounted atop a cupola behind the cockpit - allowing a secondary gunner to provide limited fire support for the vehicle.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


The Type-52 is also distinguished from the Type-26 by its red crimson color scheme instead of the standard Wraith's blue-purple armor color. Upon the driver's exiting the AA Wraith, its double flak cannons fold inward and contract into the body of the tank, presumably to keep them protected from enemy gunfire or saboteurs and possibly to allow more compact storage. It might even be necessary in order to travel at high speeds or be air-lifted by a [[Type-52 Phantom]] dropship.
===Usage===
The role of the ''Ogab'd'' in the Covenant arsenal fits in below the larger scale [[sky striker]]s of the Covenant's heavy artillery loadout. They are typically deployed as an air defence solution in theatres where the limitations of time or environmental factors make the establishment of larger assets such as the {{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}}, {{Pattern|Skar'wa|Mantis}} or {{Pattern|Sumda'te|Scarab}} impossible or impractical. Their mobility provides a further advantage that many of these larger systems do not - something neither matched by the air defence variants of the smaller {{Pattern|Preksheda|Shade}} or {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}}.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


In the Campaign, like the [[Fuel Rod Gun]] and [[Energy Sword]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it has a dead man switch, causing the vehicle to self-destruct when the driver dies or exits. Except for a [[Drive an AA Wraith|glitch]], the AA-Wraith is otherwise inoperable by the player.
While initially [[Type classification system|type-classified]] by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] for this reason as a purely air defence system, the Covenant did employ the ''Ogab'd'' in offensive ground attack roles. They were occaisionally used as a general [[tank]] in assaults against entrenched enemies in urban regions.{{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
Type-52 Anti Aircraft Artillery was first encountered late in the [[Human-Covenant War]] and saw widespread deployment by the Covenant in the occupied [[Inner Colonies|Inner Colony worlds]] of the [[Unified Earth Government]]. Though ONI analysts presumed the vehicle was a dedicated air defense vehicle, the Covenant often deployed AA Wraiths as a direct assault vehicle against UNSC forces in urban areas.{{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}}
===Human-Covenant War===
''Ogab'd''-pattern Wraiths were primarily encountered late in the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}} and were in particular heavily employed in the [[2552|final year]] of the war - seeing use against the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Fall of Reach]]{{Ref/Reuse|Blitz}} and [[Battle for Earth]]. During the [[Earth]] campaign, they were deployed into the city of [[New Mombasa]] to act as air defence in the flooded areas of [[Kikowani Station (location)|Kikowani Station]] and later,{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Kikowani Station}} the [[New Mombasa Waterfront Highway]].{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Coastal Highway}} Later on in the battle, anti-air Wraiths were deployed in a perimeter around the [[Voi Excession]] in conjunction with Mantis sky strikers to form a defensive line against incursions by UNSC aerospace assets. Several of these units in the port-city of [[Voi]] were engaged and destroyed by a [[Battle of Voi|battle]] led by [[John-117]].{{Ref/Level|H3|The Storm}}
 
Anti-air Wraiths were deployed in the [[Battle of Installation 00]] as part of the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s final stand against the UNSC.{{Ref/Level|H3|The Ark (level)|The Ark}}{{Ref/Level|H3|The Covenant (level)|The Covenant}}
 
===Post-war era===
Following the war's conclusion, ''Ogab'd''-pattern Wraiths were salvaged and put to use by the empire's various successor factions. These included [[Merg Vol's Covenant]], who deployed anti-air Wraiths as part of their [[Battle of Draetheus V|invasion]] of [[Draetheus V]] in [[2554]].{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 4: Live to Fight}}{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines}} Although the ''Ogab'd'' continued to see use in this era, it was supplanted by the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and among portions of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s Covenant by the more modern {{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}} - though the ''Ogab'd'' did continue to see service in [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] during their [[Battle of Installation 03|conflict]] on [[Installation 03]] in [[2557#July|July 2557]].{{Ref/Level|HSS}}{{Citation needed}}


AA-Wraiths were deployed during the [[Battle of Mombasa|Covenant occupation]] of [[New Mombasa]] in [[2552#October|October 2552]]. Two were deployed at the [[Kikowani]] district to defend the [[Huragok]] [[Huragok recharge station|recharging stations]]. A third was stationed along [[New Mombasa Waterfront Highway|Waterfront Highway]], part of the extensive expanse of defenses there.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Kikowani Station]]''</ref> Multiple Type-52 vehicles were also deployed in the [[Africa]]n city of [[Voi]] during its Covenant occupation in the [[Battle of Earth]]. All of them were eventually destroyed in the [[Battle of Voi|UNSC counterattack]],<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref> and the glassing of a small part of Africa.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref>
Unlike their counterparts, the [[Banished]] have by-and-large elected not to employ the use of anti-aircraft Wraiths - instead preferring the use of the [[Dovotaa Workshop Reaver]] for mobile air defence purposes.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Reaver}}


Several more were deployed against a possible UNSC threat when the Covenant secured the [[Forerunner]] facility known as [[Installation 00|the Ark]].<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign levels ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]'', ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref>
==In-game information==
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
{{Expand-section}}
In the ''[[Halo 3]]'' Campaign, like the [[Fuel Rod Gun]] and [[Energy Sword]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it has a dead man switch, causing the vehicle to self-destruct when the driver dies or exits. Except for a [[Drive an AA Wraith|glitch]], the AA-Wraith is otherwise inoperable by the player.


After the [[Human-Covenant War]], AA-Wraiths would be used during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]] by [[Merg Vol]]'s [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant]] against UNSC forces.<ref name="HSA">'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'''</ref> A number of AA-Wraiths would also be used by [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] during the [[Battle of Installation 03]] in [[2557#July|July 2557]].<ref name="HSS">'''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'''</ref> By [[2558#October|October 2558]] the T-52 AA Wraith has largely been replaced within the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant with the [[Type-58 Anti-Air Wraith]].<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref> By [[2559#April|April 2559]] the [[Banished]] had largely replaced their supply of T-52 AA Wraiths with [[Reaver]]s.<ref name="PL">'''Halo Wars 2''', ''[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Reaver]]''</ref>
==Production notes==
{{Expand-section}}
The Anti-Air Wraith's design dates back to early in the [[Development of Halo 2|production]] of ''[[Halo 2]]''. The vehicle mostly resembles the design that would later be finalised in ''[[Halo 3]]'', albeit built upon the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' model of the regular Wraith tank due to how early in production the vehicle was designed. The AA Wraith was one of [[Cut Halo 2 vehicles|many vehicles]] cut from the final ''Halo 2'' game, though the files for the asset have been restored by the [[Digsite]] project for [[Modding|modders]] to make use of. Due to being built upon a ''Combat Evolved'' Wraith and having more visual consistency with that game's art direction, the Wraith has been formally restored for use in that game - though can be modded into any ''Halo'' game's editing kit. The Digsite iteration of the vehicle was restored by project contributor General_101, who worked to fix the vehicle's textures and UI.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/digsite-discoveries|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Digsite Discoveries|D=17|M=07|Y=2023}}
 
The ''Halo 2'' edition of the AA Wraith has a notable departure from the final vehicle; a purple colour scheme inherited from the base Wraith design. This facet was followed through into early builds of ''Halo 3'' - March 2007 build of the ''Halo 3'' Beta has an [[Cut Halo 3 vehicles#Early anti-air Wraith|early version]] of the AA Wraith available to spawn on [[Snowbound]] in [[Forge/Halo 3|Forge]]. This early Wraith is purple like the regular mortar counterpart, and boasts a pair of automatic [[plasma cannon]]s as opposed to the fuel rod cannons it has in the final game.
<gallery>
File:HCE_Digsite_AAWraith.jpg|The ''Halo 2'' model for the AA Wraith restored into ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' by Digsite.
File:H3 Beta AAWraith Shooting.png|Driving the early AA Wraith in ''Halo 3''.
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Ogab'd-pattern anti-air Wraith}}
*It seemed that [[Bungie]] originally considered making the AA Wraith a drivable vehicle, since when the player takes control of it and then jump out of the Wraith, it features its own weapon retraction animation, much like the normal Wraith. The way Bungie rendered it nearly undrivable is likely due to the fact of dominating firepower. Hints also include that it also contains its own special aiming reticule. Similarly, there is no targeting reticule for the AA Wraith's gunner turret.
*It seemed that [[Bungie]] originally considered making the AA Wraith a drivable vehicle, since when the player takes control of it and then jump out of the Wraith, it features its own weapon retraction animation, much like the normal Wraith. The way Bungie rendered it nearly undrivable is likely due to the fact of dominating firepower. Hints also include that it also contains its own special aiming reticule. Similarly, there is no targeting reticule for the AA Wraith's gunner turret.
*If a player takes control of an AA Wraith in ''Halo 3'', it will not mitigate damage from incoming fire. This makes the player a substantially easier target.
*If a player takes control of an AA Wraith in ''Halo 3'', it will not mitigate damage from incoming fire. This makes the player a substantially easier target.
*The Anti Air Wraith controlled by the player is not as effective at destroying aircraft as one that is operated by an AI, because the AI is more efficient at targeting and leading; as such, it will know where the aircraft (sometimes even if controlled by the player, although the AI will most likely not hit the player) will move based on current readings (sudden course changes notwithstanding).
*A shot from a Fuel Rod Gun is more powerful than a single shot from a cannon on the Anti Air Wraith. This is probably because of the faster rate of fire and infinite ammo the Anti-Air Wraith has, making it overpowered otherwise.
*A shot from a Fuel Rod Gun is more powerful than a single shot from a cannon on the Anti Air Wraith. This is probably because of the faster rate of fire and infinite ammo the Anti-Air Wraith has, making it overpowered otherwise.
*The AA Wraith was added to ''Halo 3'' Forge in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on July 14, 2020, but with its dead-man switch removed and the gunner given a crosshair similar to that on the Type-26 Wraith. The AA Wraith was also added to ''Halo 3: ODST'' Firefight in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' on September 22, 2020.
*The AA Wraith was added to ''Halo 3'' Forge in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on July 14, 2020, but with its dead-man switch removed and the gunner given a crosshair similar to that on the Type-26 Wraith. The AA Wraith was also added to ''Halo 3: ODST'' Firefight in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' on September 22, 2020.
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<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo3-T52WraithAA.png|A view of an occupied T-52 AA Wraith in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Halo3-T52WraithAA.png|A view of an occupied T-52 AA Wraith in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Anti-air Wraith.jpg|An anti-air Wraith at Voi.
File:1216870244 Destroyed.jpg|An Anti-Air Wraith being dissected by an [[M6 Spartan Laser]].
File:1216870244 Destroyed.jpg|An Anti-Air Wraith being dissected by an [[M6 Spartan Laser]].
File:1216870392 AAWraith.jpg|An Anti-Air Wraith in ''Halo 3''.
File:1216870392 AAWraith.jpg|An Anti-Air Wraith in ''Halo 3''.
Line 70: Line 88:
File:H3 Anti-Air Wraith taken over.jpg|An Anti-Air Wraith on The Ark.
File:H3 Anti-Air Wraith taken over.jpg|An Anti-Air Wraith on The Ark.
File:66868004-Full.jpg|John-117 driving an AA Wraith.
File:66868004-Full.jpg|John-117 driving an AA Wraith.
File:H3ODST ScorpionAAWraith.jpg|Alpha-Nine's Scorpion approaches an AA Wraith in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HTMCC_H3_Sandbox_AAWraith.png|An AA Wraith being used by a player on [[Sandbox]] in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC_H3_Sandbox_AAWraith.png|An AA Wraith being used by a player on [[Sandbox]] in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''Halo 3''.
File:H3ODST ScorpionAAWraith.jpg|[[Alpha-Nine]]'s [[M808C Scorpion]] approaches an AA Wraith in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:H3ODST-AAWraithLostPlatoon.png|An AA Wraith being used on [[Lost Platoon]] in the ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' version of ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3ODST-AAWraithLostPlatoon.png|An AA Wraith being used on [[Lost Platoon]] in the ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' version of ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HSA-WraithAssault.jpg|A T-52 Wraith in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:HGC AAWraith.jpg|An anti-air Wraith painted in purple in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''.
File:HGC-Covies.jpg|A T-52 AA Wraith in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''.
File:HGC-Covies.jpg|An AA Wraith in ''Halo: Ground Command''.
File:HGC SunDevil And Wraith.jpg|A T-52 AA Wraith and a M808B2 Sun Devil in ''Halo: Ground Command''
File:HGC SunDevil And Wraith.jpg|A T-52 AA Wraith and a M808B2 Sun Devil in ''Halo: Ground Command''
</gallery>
</gallery>
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==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}
==See also==
*[[Drive an AA Wraith]]


{{Wraiths}}
{{Wraiths}}

Latest revision as of 14:10, March 5, 2024

This article is about the Anti-Aircraft Wraith introduced in Halo 3. For the variant introduced in Halo 5: Guardians, see Muv'te-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith.
Ogab'd-pattern Skyhunter
AAWraithH3.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1]
Lodam Armory[2]

Technical specifications

Length:

8.9 meters (29.3 ft)[1][2]

Width:

9.2 meters (30.3 ft)[1][2]

Height:

12.4 feet (3.78 m)[2]

Mass:

47.8 metric tons (47.0 LT; 52.7 ST)[2]

Hull:

Nanolaminate

Armament:

Crew:

One pilot, one gunner[2]

Usage

In service:

Human-Covenant War

Role(s):

  • Tactical anti-air[3]
  • Ground assault[3]

Affiliation:

Covenant

 

The Ogab'd-pattern Skyhunter[2] (UNSC Type classification: Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery, T-52 AAA),[4][3] is a Skyhunter variant of the Wraith line of armoured vehicles, used by the Covenant and its remnants.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Ogab'd-pattern skyhunters are built by the Assembly Forges of Lodam Armory upon the chassis of the base Zurdo-pattern Wraith tank - with some (though not all)[3] models modified to feature a red-crimson colour scheme, as opposed to the standard blue-purple. As with the Muv'te-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith - the post-war era counterpart to the Ogab'd - weapon-smiths are required to incorporate stringent failsafes into the vehicle's design to ensure that they are destroyed should the vehicle operator be killed. This is done to prevent the vehicle and it's destructive potential from falling into enemy hands.[2]

Armament[edit]

The Ogab'd-pattern anti-air Wraith differs in its primary armament from the standard Wraith models. While the standard forms of Wraith are equipped with a plasma mortar, which is used mainly against slow-moving ground targets, the skyhunter model is equipped with six rapid fire heavy fuel rod cannons as its main armament. These weapons fire Class-3 fuel rods, a heavier munition than the standard Class-2 fuel rods used by infantry-scale fuel rod guns outfitted for longer-distanced shooting expected of anti-aircraft work. The fuel rod cannons on the Ogab'd model act as flak weapons and explode in mid-air, furthering their anti-air utility. The weapons have heat-seeking capabilities built-into their operation, allowing them to automatically track enemy targets.[1]

To defend the weapon at close-range, the Ogab'd is equipped with a secondary medium Pek-pattern plasma cannon,[1] mounted atop a cupola behind the cockpit - allowing a secondary gunner to provide limited fire support for the vehicle.[2]

Usage[edit]

The role of the Ogab'd in the Covenant arsenal fits in below the larger scale sky strikers of the Covenant's heavy artillery loadout. They are typically deployed as an air defence solution in theatres where the limitations of time or environmental factors make the establishment of larger assets such as the Cheru-pattern Tyrant, Skar'wa-pattern Mantis or Sumda'te-pattern Scarab impossible or impractical. Their mobility provides a further advantage that many of these larger systems do not - something neither matched by the air defence variants of the smaller Preksheda-pattern Shade or Kewu Umppi'pa'-pattern citadel turret.[1]

While initially type-classified by the Office of Naval Intelligence for this reason as a purely air defence system, the Covenant did employ the Ogab'd in offensive ground attack roles. They were occaisionally used as a general tank in assaults against entrenched enemies in urban regions.[3]

Operational history[edit]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

Ogab'd-pattern Wraiths were primarily encountered late in the Human-Covenant War,[3] and were in particular heavily employed in the final year of the war - seeing use against the United Nations Space Command during the Fall of Reach[3] and Battle for Earth. During the Earth campaign, they were deployed into the city of New Mombasa to act as air defence in the flooded areas of Kikowani Station and later,[5] the New Mombasa Waterfront Highway.[6] Later on in the battle, anti-air Wraiths were deployed in a perimeter around the Voi Excession in conjunction with Mantis sky strikers to form a defensive line against incursions by UNSC aerospace assets. Several of these units in the port-city of Voi were engaged and destroyed by a battle led by John-117.[7]

Anti-air Wraiths were deployed in the Battle of Installation 00 as part of the Prophet of Truth's final stand against the UNSC.[8][9]

Post-war era[edit]

Following the war's conclusion, Ogab'd-pattern Wraiths were salvaged and put to use by the empire's various successor factions. These included Merg Vol's Covenant, who deployed anti-air Wraiths as part of their invasion of Draetheus V in 2554.[10][11] Although the Ogab'd continued to see use in this era, it was supplanted by the Swords of Sanghelios and among portions of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant by the more modern Muv'te-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith - though the Ogab'd did continue to see service in Jul 'Mdama's Covenant during their conflict on Installation 03 in July 2557.[12][citation needed]

Unlike their counterparts, the Banished have by-and-large elected not to employ the use of anti-aircraft Wraiths - instead preferring the use of the Dovotaa Workshop Reaver for mobile air defence purposes.[13]

In-game information[edit]

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

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In the Halo 3 Campaign, like the Fuel Rod Gun and Energy Sword of Halo: Combat Evolved, it has a dead man switch, causing the vehicle to self-destruct when the driver dies or exits. Except for a glitch, the AA-Wraith is otherwise inoperable by the player.

Production notes[edit]

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The Anti-Air Wraith's design dates back to early in the production of Halo 2. The vehicle mostly resembles the design that would later be finalised in Halo 3, albeit built upon the Halo: Combat Evolved model of the regular Wraith tank due to how early in production the vehicle was designed. The AA Wraith was one of many vehicles cut from the final Halo 2 game, though the files for the asset have been restored by the Digsite project for modders to make use of. Due to being built upon a Combat Evolved Wraith and having more visual consistency with that game's art direction, the Wraith has been formally restored for use in that game - though can be modded into any Halo game's editing kit. The Digsite iteration of the vehicle was restored by project contributor General_101, who worked to fix the vehicle's textures and UI.[14]

The Halo 2 edition of the AA Wraith has a notable departure from the final vehicle; a purple colour scheme inherited from the base Wraith design. This facet was followed through into early builds of Halo 3 - March 2007 build of the Halo 3 Beta has an early version of the AA Wraith available to spawn on Snowbound in Forge. This early Wraith is purple like the regular mortar counterpart, and boasts a pair of automatic plasma cannons as opposed to the fuel rod cannons it has in the final game.

  • The Halo 2 model for the AA Wraith restored into Halo: Combat Evolved by Digsite.

    The Halo 2 model for the AA Wraith restored into Halo: Combat Evolved by Digsite.

  • Driving the early AA Wraith in Halo 3.

    Driving the early AA Wraith in Halo 3.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • It seemed that Bungie originally considered making the AA Wraith a drivable vehicle, since when the player takes control of it and then jump out of the Wraith, it features its own weapon retraction animation, much like the normal Wraith. The way Bungie rendered it nearly undrivable is likely due to the fact of dominating firepower. Hints also include that it also contains its own special aiming reticule. Similarly, there is no targeting reticule for the AA Wraith's gunner turret.
  • If a player takes control of an AA Wraith in Halo 3, it will not mitigate damage from incoming fire. This makes the player a substantially easier target.
  • A shot from a Fuel Rod Gun is more powerful than a single shot from a cannon on the Anti Air Wraith. This is probably because of the faster rate of fire and infinite ammo the Anti-Air Wraith has, making it overpowered otherwise.
  • The AA Wraith was added to Halo 3 Forge in Halo: The Master Chief Collection on July 14, 2020, but with its dead-man switch removed and the gunner given a crosshair similar to that on the Type-26 Wraith. The AA Wraith was also added to Halo 3: ODST Firefight in Halo: The Master Chief Collection on September 22, 2020.

Gallery[edit]

  • A view of an occupied T-52 AA Wraith in Halo 3.

    A view of an occupied T-52 AA Wraith in Halo 3.

  • An anti-air Wraith at Voi.

    An anti-air Wraith at Voi.

  • An Anti-Air Wraith being dissected by an M6 Spartan Laser.

    An Anti-Air Wraith being dissected by an M6 Spartan Laser.

  • An Anti-Air Wraith in Halo 3.

    An Anti-Air Wraith in Halo 3.

  • An Anti-Air Wraith shooting at an AV-14 Hornet.

    An Anti-Air Wraith shooting at an AV-14 Hornet.

  • An Anti-Air Wraith on The Ark.

    An Anti-Air Wraith on The Ark.

  • John-117 driving an AA Wraith.

    John-117 driving an AA Wraith.

  • An AA Wraith being used by a player on Sandbox in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3.

    An AA Wraith being used by a player on Sandbox in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3.

  • Alpha-Nine's M808C Scorpion approaches an AA Wraith in Halo 3: ODST.

    Alpha-Nine's M808C Scorpion approaches an AA Wraith in Halo 3: ODST.

  • An AA Wraith being used on Lost Platoon in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3: ODST.

    An AA Wraith being used on Lost Platoon in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3: ODST.

  • An anti-air Wraith painted in purple in Halo: Ground Command.

    An anti-air Wraith painted in purple in Halo: Ground Command.

  • An AA Wraith in Halo: Ground Command.

    An AA Wraith in Halo: Ground Command.

  • A T-52 AA Wraith and a M808B2 Sun Devil in Halo: Ground Command

    A T-52 AA Wraith and a M808B2 Sun Devil in Halo: Ground Command

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 9
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 275
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Waypoint, Blitz Coverage (Retrieved on Oct 28, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 257
  5. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Kikowani Station
  6. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Coastal Highway
  7. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Storm
  8. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Ark
  9. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  10. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Mission 4: Live to Fight
  11. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines
  12. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike, campaign level {{{Level}}}
  13. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Reaver
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint, Digsite Discoveries (Retrieved on Jul 17, 2023) [archive]

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Wraith variants
Banished
Anti-Air
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