Canon

M39 rocket turret: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|name=M39 Rocket Turret
| image=[[Image:1220830756 Rocket.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:HCE-RocketTurret-Model.png|300px]]
| name=102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret
|manufacturer=
| manufacturer=[[UNSC]]
|series=
| model=
|type=Vehicle-mounted turret
| type=
|cost=
| cost=
|variant=
| size=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
| damage per hit=
|weight=
| magazine=3 rounds
|length=
| maxammo=Infinite
|ammotype=102mm [[M19 surface-to-surface missile]]{{Ref/Book|Id=manual|Halo: Combat Evolved manual|Detail=PC port edition|Page=18}}{{Ref/Game|Id=model|HCE|Rocket Warthog in-game model}}
| fire=
|capacity=3 rockets{{Ref/Reuse|model}}
| ammotype=[[102mm HEAT]]
|feed=
| operation=
|operation=
| rate of fire=1.2 Rockets/Second
|rate=
| accuracy=Medium
|velocity=
| range=Long
|optics=
| era=
|range=
| counterpart=
| counterwep=[[Fuel Rod]]
| affiliation=[[UNSC]]
}}
}}
The '''102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret''' is a mounted armament on a Warthog, only seen on ''[[Halo PC]]''.
The '''M39 rocket turret'''{{Ref/Site|Id=CU|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/community-update-summer-red-summer-blue|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Summer Red, Summer Blue|D=03|M=12|Y=2016}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypointuni}} is a 102mm{{Ref/Reuse|manual}} shaped-charge, high-explosive (SC-HE) rocket turret{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=241}} employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces, used primarily on the [[M12A1 Rocket Warthog]].{{Ref/Site|Id=waypointuni|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/warthog|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Warthog|D=03|M=11|Y=2015}}


== Introduction ==
==Overview==
===Design details===
The M39 rocket turret is painted black, with some sort of motion tracking systems facing the gunner. The turret is apparently magazine-fed, due to the presence of a magazine mounted on the left side of the launcher, as well as a pair of identical magazines stored on the turret's base.{{Ref/Reuse|model}}


The 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret is basically a triple-barreled [[Rocket Launcher]], commonly mounted on the [[Warthog|M12A1 Warthog]]. It gives [[UNSC]] personnel a higher degree of anti-armor capacity. This weapon was only available to ''[[Halo PC]]'' users, only in multiplayer, and was not available on the [[Xbox]] version of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
When fired, the turret launches three [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|M19 102mm surface-to-surface missiles]], the same as those employed by the [[M41 SPNKR]] rocket launcher.{{Ref/Reuse|model}} Each reload cycle of the 102mm SC-HE rocket turret consumes four seconds, which is vital in combat situations. Presumably, it has an automatic reload system as the gunner does not have to do anything during the reload cycle. Partial reloads, when only one or two rockets have been fired, are also available, but will still use up the entire reload cycle - there is no time difference between reloading an empty launcher or a launcher with one rocket left. The carriage of the M39 rocket turret resembles the [[M41 Vulcan]] to some extent, most notably due to the shield and arm braces.


It fires rockets similar to those of the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]], although it can fire 3 rockets before each reload cycle, has no scope, and cannot be carried.  
===Usage===
The M39 rocket turret is primarily used on the [[M12A1 Rocket Warthog|M12A Rocket Warthog]]s, light anti-armour vehicles that would later be mostly replaced by [[Gauss cannon]]s like the [[M68 Gauss cannon|M68]], and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) like the [[M79 rocket launcher|M79]] and [[M80 missile launcher|M80]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=137}} While the M39 still populates UNSC armouries in large numbers, it has been mostly supplanted by M79 and M80 MLRS units.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=180}}


Each reload cycle of the 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret consumes 4 seconds, which is vital in combat situations. Presumably, it has an automatic reload system as the gunner does not have to do anything during the reload cycle. Partial reloads, when only 1 or 2 rockets have been fired, are also available, but will still use up the entire reload cycle - there is no time difference between reloading an empty launcher or a launcher with 1 rocket left.
==In-game information==
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
The M39 was originally featured only in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|PC edition]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', and not included in the original [[Xbox]] release of the game. However, the vehicle was included in the ''Combat Evolved'' multiplayer as part of the game's inclusion in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', meaning it can be freely used on any map which supports it.


Its role as the primary anti-armor [[weapon]] mounted on UNSC LAAVs is usurped by the more flexible and faster firing [[Gauss Cannon]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'', which uses similar technology to the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s and eliminates the need for a long reload cycle.
While the M39 rocket turret does heavy damage, frequently killing infantry and vehicle crewmembers in a single shot, learning to hit moving targets when the Warthog itself is in motion requires practice as well as precise timing and aim. Players must take into account the flight time of the rocket, the motion of both the target and the shooter, as well as server lag in order to fire accurately. Constantly, the shots will go wide when fired in too close succession or fly too low when the Warthog is in midair, thus making this weapon less accurate than the LAAG. Mastery of the M39 Rocket Turret takes much longer than proficiency with the LAAG; Warthogs equipped with the LAAG can evade incoming rockets, then take advantage of the launcher's slow reload time to eliminate the helpless enemy. However, the rocket turret is quite an effective weapon if used correctly, and a skilled gunner and driver can become very dangerous in short-range vehicular combat. The gunner can also fire at masses of troops and, as well as vehicles, such as the [[Scorpion]] or the [[Banshee]]. As the rockets travel across the map, gunners can simply create a barrage of missiles from long range, suppressing opponents and forcing them to take cover. As with the LAAG, however, manning the turret leaves gunners extremely susceptible to sniper fire when the vehicle is still.


== Description ==
==Production notes==
{{Main|Cut Halo: Combat Evolved vehicles}}
The concept for a rocket launcher-equipped Warthog originates in the [[Pre-Xbox Halo|early builds]] of ''Halo''{{'}}s development, and was present during the game's third-person shooter era. At this time, the design for the rocket turret was vastly different - bearing more resemblance to the [[M68 Gauss cannon]] later introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]'' - which presumably reused the cut Rocket Warthog turret's design. Like many other vehicles, the Rocket Warthog was later recovered and made useable in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' by the [[Digsite]] team.


The 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret is painted black, with some sort of motion tracking systems facing the gunner. The 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret also resembles the [[M41 LAAG]] to some extent, but it is mounted with a triple-barreled rocket launcher, which seems loaded with a similar system to the M19 SSM. It can be fired faster depending on how fast you click. However, the faster you shoot, the less accurate the rockets are.
The M39 and by extension - the M12A1 Warthog as a whole - is only available for use in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|PC port]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. The weapon is also included with all other ''Halo PC'' content in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''. The weapon was planned for release in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' as part of a Warthog upgrade pack also featuring the [[M862 Arctic Warthog]]'s quad-treads, but this pack would never see release.{{Ref/Reuse|CU}}


==Tactics==
==Gallery==
While the {{PAGENAME}} does much damage (an instant kill for a direct hit against anything), it is quite arduous to hit something when in motion. Constantly, the shots will go wide, thus making this worse than the LAAG. However, it is quite an effective killing machine if used on the defensive or remaining still. Then, the gunner can fire at masses of troops and/or heavy vehicles/Air Support, such as the [[Scorpion]] tank, or the Banshee. If attempting to hold enemy forces off for a time (ex. when covering someone else who is getting the flag), then it can simply create a barrage of missiles, coercing any counter forces to take cover. As with the LAAG, however, it is ''extremely'' susceptible to sniper fire; if the gunner sees a white streak, then he or she should '''immediately get out and try to spot the source of danger'''. Otherwise, the sniper will simply have  a free kill, and your opponents will steal your ally's getaway.
===Original design===
<gallery>
File:Prexbox rocket hog.png|The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in ''Halo 2''.
File:Prexbox warthog 2.png|The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in ''Halo 2''.
File:Prexbox warthog 3.png|The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in ''Halo 2''.
File:Blind Wolves.jpg|Marines and [[Morolaath|Blind Wolves]] by an early rocket Warthog.
File:HCE Digsite Vehicles 1.jpg|An original Rocket Warthog (middle-left) restored into ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' by the Digsite project.
</gallery>


==See Also==
===Canon design===
*[[Rocket Warthog]]
<gallery>
{{clear}}
File:HCE Rocket turret.png|In-game screenshot of the Rocket Turret.
File:HCE - RocketTurret.png|A Spartan-II firing the Rocket Turret.
File:HCE-M39HUD.png|HUD of the rocket turret.
File:HCE_M39_Rocket.png|An M19 missile being fired from the turret.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' {{C|Never released}}


{{Template:UNSC Heavy Weapons}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Human Weapons]]
{{UNSC ordnance}}
 
[[Category:Rocket launchers]]
[[Category:UNSC ground weapons]]

Latest revision as of 06:09, September 16, 2023

M39 Rocket Turret
HCE-RocketTurret-Model.png
Production overview

Type:

Vehicle-mounted turret

Specifications

Ammunition type:

102mm M19 surface-to-surface missile[1][2]

Capacity:

3 rockets[2]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

The M39 rocket turret[3][4] is a 102mm[1] shaped-charge, high-explosive (SC-HE) rocket turret[5] employed by the United Nations Space Command armed forces, used primarily on the M12A1 Rocket Warthog.[4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M39 rocket turret is painted black, with some sort of motion tracking systems facing the gunner. The turret is apparently magazine-fed, due to the presence of a magazine mounted on the left side of the launcher, as well as a pair of identical magazines stored on the turret's base.[2]

When fired, the turret launches three M19 102mm surface-to-surface missiles, the same as those employed by the M41 SPNKR rocket launcher.[2] Each reload cycle of the 102mm SC-HE rocket turret consumes four seconds, which is vital in combat situations. Presumably, it has an automatic reload system as the gunner does not have to do anything during the reload cycle. Partial reloads, when only one or two rockets have been fired, are also available, but will still use up the entire reload cycle - there is no time difference between reloading an empty launcher or a launcher with one rocket left. The carriage of the M39 rocket turret resembles the M41 Vulcan to some extent, most notably due to the shield and arm braces.

Usage[edit]

The M39 rocket turret is primarily used on the M12A Rocket Warthogs, light anti-armour vehicles that would later be mostly replaced by Gauss cannons like the M68, and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) like the M79 and M80.[6] While the M39 still populates UNSC armouries in large numbers, it has been mostly supplanted by M79 and M80 MLRS units.[7]

In-game information[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved[edit]

The M39 was originally featured only in the PC edition of Halo: Combat Evolved, and not included in the original Xbox release of the game. However, the vehicle was included in the Combat Evolved multiplayer as part of the game's inclusion in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, meaning it can be freely used on any map which supports it.

While the M39 rocket turret does heavy damage, frequently killing infantry and vehicle crewmembers in a single shot, learning to hit moving targets when the Warthog itself is in motion requires practice as well as precise timing and aim. Players must take into account the flight time of the rocket, the motion of both the target and the shooter, as well as server lag in order to fire accurately. Constantly, the shots will go wide when fired in too close succession or fly too low when the Warthog is in midair, thus making this weapon less accurate than the LAAG. Mastery of the M39 Rocket Turret takes much longer than proficiency with the LAAG; Warthogs equipped with the LAAG can evade incoming rockets, then take advantage of the launcher's slow reload time to eliminate the helpless enemy. However, the rocket turret is quite an effective weapon if used correctly, and a skilled gunner and driver can become very dangerous in short-range vehicular combat. The gunner can also fire at masses of troops and, as well as vehicles, such as the Scorpion or the Banshee. As the rockets travel across the map, gunners can simply create a barrage of missiles from long range, suppressing opponents and forcing them to take cover. As with the LAAG, however, manning the turret leaves gunners extremely susceptible to sniper fire when the vehicle is still.

Production notes[edit]

Main article: Cut Halo: Combat Evolved vehicles

The concept for a rocket launcher-equipped Warthog originates in the early builds of Halo's development, and was present during the game's third-person shooter era. At this time, the design for the rocket turret was vastly different - bearing more resemblance to the M68 Gauss cannon later introduced in Halo 2 - which presumably reused the cut Rocket Warthog turret's design. Like many other vehicles, the Rocket Warthog was later recovered and made useable in Halo: The Master Chief Collection by the Digsite team.

The M39 and by extension - the M12A1 Warthog as a whole - is only available for use in the PC port of Halo: Combat Evolved. The weapon is also included with all other Halo PC content in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. The weapon was planned for release in Halo: Ground Command as part of a Warthog upgrade pack also featuring the M862 Arctic Warthog's quad-treads, but this pack would never see release.[3]

Gallery[edit]

Original design[edit]

  • The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in Halo 2.

    The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in Halo 2.

  • The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in Halo 2.

    The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in Halo 2.

  • The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in Halo 2.

    The original Rocket Warthog, bearing a rocket turret that would later be reused as a Gauss cannon in Halo 2.

  • Marines and Blind Wolves by an early rocket Warthog.

    Marines and Blind Wolves by an early rocket Warthog.

  • An original Rocket Warthog (middle-left) restored into Halo: The Master Chief Collection by the Digsite project.

    An original Rocket Warthog (middle-left) restored into Halo: The Master Chief Collection by the Digsite project.

Canon design[edit]

  • In-game screenshot of the Rocket Turret.

    In-game screenshot of the Rocket Turret.

  • A Spartan-II firing the Rocket Turret.

    A Spartan-II firing the Rocket Turret.

  • HUD of the rocket turret.

    HUD of the rocket turret.

  • An M19 missile being fired from the turret.

    An M19 missile being fired from the turret.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved manual, page 18: PC port edition
  2. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved, Rocket Warthog in-game model
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Community Update - Summer Red, Summer Blue (Retrieved on Dec 3, 2016) [archive]
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Warthog (Retrieved on Nov 3, 2015) [archive]
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 241
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 137
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 180

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