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{{Era|TF|FS|H1|H2|H3}}
{{Title|''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith}}
{{Ship
{{Status|Canon}}
|image=[[Image:Wraith view.jpg|300px]]
{{Center|Type-26 Wraith redirects here. For other types of Wraith, see [[Wraith]].}}
|name=Wraith
{{Vehicle infobox
|manufacturer=
|image=[[File:H3-T26WraithAGC.png|250px]]
|name=''Zurdo''-pattern Mortar Tank
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]] {{C|pre-[[Great Schism]]}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=206}}
*[[Lodam Armory]] {{C|post-Great Schism}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=275}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
|line=
|line=
|model=
|model=''Zurdo''-pattern
|class=Mobile Artillery
|cost=
|length=8.7 meters (28.6 feet)
|length={{Convert|8.8|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=247}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=257}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|width={{Convert|9.2|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height=
|height={{Convert|3.7|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass=Estimated 55 - 75 tons (120,000 - 170,000 pounds)
|mass={{Convert|47|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max accel=
|max speed= 82 km/h (51 mph){{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}}
|max speed space=
|engine=[[Boosted gravity propulsion drive]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H2spec|H2|[[Halo 2: Special Collector's Edition Manual|Special Collector's Edition Manual]]|Detail=page 17}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max speed air=
|hull={{Convert|61|cm|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|engine=Boosted Gravity Propulsion Drive<ref>''[[Halo 2: Special Collector's Edition Manual]]'', page 17</ref>
|slipspace drive=
|slipspace speed=
|poweroutput=
|power=
|shield gen=
|hull=
|sensor=
|sensor=
|target=
|target=
|navigation=
|armament=*1 [[Heavy plasma mortar|Type-26 35cm Directed Energy Mortar]]{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG|H4EVG|Page=117}}
|avionics=
*1 [[Type-26 Directed Energy Weapon Emplacement]]{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
|countermeasures=
|crew=*1 driver{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|armament=*Halo 1
*1 gunner{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
**[[Plasma Mortar]]
*Halo 2
**[[Plasma Mortar]]
**Automated [[Plasma Autocannon]]s (2)
*Halo 3
**[[Plasma Mortar]]
**Secondary Gunner Plasma Turret
|complement=
|complement=
|crew=*Halo 1
**1 NPC
*Halo 2
**1 Driver only
*Halo 3
**1 Driver
**1 Secondary gunner
|skeleton=
|passengers=None
|capacity=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=
|role=Light assault gun carriage
|role=
*Armoured infantry support
|era=  
*Mobile Anti-vehicle / anti-armor battery
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]
*Mobile artillery / siege warfare
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Blooding Years]]
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]<br>
*[[Covenant separatists]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Servants of Abiding Truth]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]]
}}
}}
[[Image:Wraith-1.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A Wraith on the Great Journey]]
The '''''Zurdo''-pattern Mortar Tank''' {{Type|26|Assault Gun Carriage|AGC}},{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}} more commonly known as the '''Wraith''', is the [[Covenant]]'s main armoured infantry support/assault gun vehicle for ground engagements.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


The '''Type-25 Battle Tank''', or more commonly known as, the '''Wraith''', {{IPA|ɹeɪθ}}, is a [[Covenant]] ground assault vehicle.
==Overview==
==Introduction==
===Design details===
[[File:Wraith.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Blueprint of the Wraith.]]
The ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith is the primary armored ground vehicle used by the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25444|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page|D=7|M=2|Y=2021}} The Covenant deploys Wraiths in tactical ground engagements, where they serve in both anti-infantry and anti-armor roles. The Wraith's firepower also makes it ideal for destroying structures.{{Ref/Reuse|H2spec}}


The Wraith mobile artillery is the [[Covenant]]'s main assault vehicle for ground engagements. It fires large bolts of super heated plasma encased in a magnetic field into the air. These bolts then rain down on enemy troops from above with tremendous force. Because the Wraith fires in an arc, rather than line-of-sight, this vehicle's attacks are very dangerous. The indirect fire is capable of catching many off guard with tragic consequences. The mortar can bypass most defenses that its enemies can muster. It is equipped with anti-gravity plates underneath its mainframe similar to those of the [[Ghost (Vehicle)|Ghost]] but on a much larger scale, allowing it to hover over any anti-vehicular mines that have been placed in its path as a deterrent. The pilot is completely encased within the armoured hull of the tank and thus protected from all small-arms fire. The vehicle can only be incapacitated by heavy weapons, artillery or internal explosions.
Like all Covenant ground vehicles, the Wraith is sleek, bulbous and more reminiscent of an aircraft than a traditional ground vehicle. The Wraith is divided into four main sections: chassis, fins, rudders, and plasma mortar. The chassis houses the cockpit, which includes movement, targeting and firing controls. Holographic control surfaces and displays show the pilot a 360-degree view outside the Wraith.{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=113}} Underneath the cockpit is a [[boosted gravity propulsion drive]],{{Ref/Game|Id=h2manual|H2|[[Halo 2 manual|manual]]|Detail=page 19}} which propels the Wraith and keeps it suspended a short distance above the ground. The Wraith's engine vents excess heat and plasma through an exhaust port at the rear of the vehicle; this port is one of the more vulnerable spots on the Wraith. The wide, sweeping fins at the front of the vehicle stabilize the vehicle on uneven terrain, as well as provide extra thrust during a boost.{{Ref/Reuse|h2manual}} At the rear of the Wraith are two rudders, which control the turning of the vehicle using independent propulsion drives. The fourth major component is the Wraith's main weapon, a heavy plasma mortar, which rests above and behind the cockpit and can be retracted within the main body. The entirety of the Wraith is covered by nearly two feet of armor plating, which is composed of a polymer that is still poorly understood by human physicists.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}


The Wraith's engines can be pushed to provide an excellent boost in speed, but at the cost of manueverability and weapon power. Mimicking the Ghost once again, however as a result of the Wraith's much greater weight the increase in speed is marginal.
===Armaments===
The main weapon of the Wraith is its 35cm [[heavy plasma mortar]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} The Wraith's mortar is attached to a fixed mounting, meaning that a Wraith must be facing its target in order to hit it.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}} The plasma mortar works by creating a magnetically encapsulated blob of superheated plasma and firing it at a relatively low velocity. Once fired, the bolt is magnetically guided in a ballistic trajectory until it strikes the ground or target. When the bolt hits, the magnetic bubble collapses and the plasma rapidly expands from its compressed state, creating a superheated explosion that will vaporize everything within twenty meters of impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs112|FS|Page=112}} Titanium battleplate, concrete, or flesh is instantly obliterated by the blast. Anything just outside of the kill zone is at risk of injury or death — after the initial impact, the plasma begins to cool and thermal expansion takes over, creating a wave of fire traveling outward that can travel away from the initial blast zone. Infantry within range can sustain burns and heat trauma. The explosion also generates a large amount of concussive force, which can splinter bones and destroy vital organs.{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|Palace Hotel|Page=351}} Flammable materials are especially at risk of igniting due to the intense heat release and can cause further damage. Once the heat from the explosion dissipates, the blast zone will have been converted into a glass-smooth surface - much like the swaths of vitrified soil created by "[[glassing]]".


The Wraith is the main heavy vehicle of the [[Covenant]] army and can be seen as a counterpart to the [[UNSC]] [[Scorpion Tank|M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tanks]]. However, the two tanks are considerably different. The Wraith weighs approximately twenty tons, and can move much faster.
The Wraith is also equipped with an anti-infantry [[Type-26 Directed Energy Weapon Emplacement|T-26 DEWE light plasma cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} This turret is able to burn through armor and flesh, with predictably gruesome results. Against infantry, the cannon's plasma causes severe fourth-degree burns.


Its main weapon, a short barreled [[Plasma Mortar]], can be tilted vertically but remains in fixed position horizontally, meaning that the whole vehicle has to turn to aim the weapon. The mortar can be withdrawn inside the chassis whilst not in use.
All ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraiths made after 2549 featured a ring mount for the light plasma cannon,{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} allowing an additional crew member on the Wraith.{{Ref/Site|Id=odststats|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/stats/halo3/careerstatsodst.aspx?player=AkajiCZ|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 ODST Career Stats|Quote=All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount.|Quotee=Wraith - Gunner tooltip description|D=22|M=12|Y=2013}}{{Ref/Site|Id=reachstats|URL=https://halo.bungie.net/stats/reach/careerstats/weapons.aspx?player=thegamer298&vc=4&sort=5|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Reach : Career Stats|Quote=All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount.|Quotee=Wraith Type-26 AGC (Gunner) tooltip description|D=19|M=7|Y=2019}}
<gallery>
File:H3-T26WraithAGC.png|The ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith with the ring mount.
File:HReach-T26WraithAGC.png|Alternate chassis with the ring mount.
</gallery>


The Wraith moves in the same fashion the [[Ghost (vehicle)|Ghost]], hovering above ground. Its armor is unevenly divided similar to modern tanks; the bulky front skirt can take more punishment than the flanks or rear, making frontal assaults both fruitless and a waste of ammunition.
===Advantages===
With the exception of the [[Scarab]], the Wraith is the Covenant's most destructive mobile armor. Its huge bulk is well shielded from small arms fire, and it is resistant to medium explosive weapons. Its ability to be deployed with the aid of dropships makes insertions into the battlefield fairly easy. Its plasma mortar can easily decimate infantry and vehicles alike, and its destructive powers are so well known to UNSC forces that the mere sight of one on the battlefield can induce psychological effects.{{Ref/Reuse|fs112}} One of the benefits is the mortar function due to the trajectory that can suppress any incoming enemy from behind the wall, or those who are stationed at the rooftop that can't be reached by a Scorpion Tank's trajectory. While it's not suitable for head to head battle, it is most suitable to conduct a suppression fire mainly against enemy infantry.


== [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] ==
===Disadvantages===
The Wraith's main disadvantage is its slow speed, due to the vehicle's massive weight. While the boost drive can propel the vehicle to moderately high speeds, the maneuverability of the vehicle is compromised —  turning becomes difficult during a boost, and the momentum that is built from it makes it possible for the vehicle to inadvertently plow through friendly forces, crash into and get lodged between stationary objects, or overshoot its mark and skate off of a cliff or into a body of water. The Wraith is also poorly suited for scaling inclines.


In Halo 1, the Wraith is a very tough adversary, and can take as many as 3 direct rocket hits, even on normal difficulty, before being destroyed. This version of the Wraith has no anti-personnel weapons. The first time a Wraith is seen on the game is in the Grav-Bay of the [[Truth and Reconciliation]]. Some are also seen in the storage and shuttle bays of the ship. The only two levels they are used in combat are [[Assault on the Control Room]] and [[Two Betrayals]]. Also of note is that the player cannot pilot the Wraith. Another note is that the mortar is not as detailed in Halo 1, looking more like a tube.
Like most tanks, the Wraith has a "dead area", a zone in which the plasma mortar cannot fire without risking damage to itself.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 184''</ref> The slow speed and cumbersome nature of the Wraith makes it prone to boarding action — while the front of the tank is harder to board because of the plasma turret(s), the rear is highly susceptible to boarding. A small rotating cylinder exhaust port in the back is a vulnerable spot that, if hit with a medium explosive device or anti-materiél weapons fire, can damage the tank severely. The exposed gunner operating the Type-52 DESW is also an easy target for marksman and sniper fire.


== [[Halo 2]] ==
Since its weaponry is designed to be used against non-mobile or low-mobility targets, and its weight and wide profile prevent it from maneuvering with any deal of speed and accuracy, the Wraith is a very soft target for high mobility vehicles, such as a [[Warthog]] or a [[Ghost]], and is at a high risk of destruction against a vehicle with a much more accurate heavy weapon (such as the [[Scorpion]] with its direct-firing 90mm cannon).


In Halo 2, the Wraith has two weapons: the standard plasma mortar and two anti-personnel plasma auto-cannons. The main plasma mortar launcher fires a ball of intensely hot blue plasma approximately one meter in diameter into the air. Unlike the blasts from the Scorpion Tank, the plasma shot is affected by gravity, meaning that the shots 'arc' allowing for indirect fire and giving the Wraith a second designation as a mobile gun platform. This can be and is often used to hit enemies behind cover.
The Plasma Mortar is also ill-suited for long range combat, as it moves so slowly that even units with low mobility-such as the Scorpion tank-can dodge it.


The secondary plasma defense weapons are almost identical to the portable [[Plasma Cannon]]s used as squad support weapons by the [[Covenant]]. The turrets will attack any enemy which comes within range, though they are not very accurate. They appear to be automated as they have no visible space for a gunner since the Wraith is a single pilot vehicle. They can take down energy shields relatively easily. This makes [[boarding]] a Wraith slightly more difficult. Oddly, the auto-cannons cannot be used by the player. Only Computer A.I. players, such as Brutes, Elites, or even marines, can take advantage of them. This makes them entirely useless when a player is controlling the Wraith.
==Operational history==
===Human-Covenant War===
The Wraith has been in service to the Covenant for centuries,{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Episode=The Duel}} and has served in countless [[Battle|engagements]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After [[Second Battle of Harvest|the retaking]] of [[Harvest]] in [[2526]] by [[Admiral]] [[Preston Jeremiah Cole|Cole]], the Covenant, attempting to scout and recover [[Relic (location)|an artifact]], deployed multiple Wraiths during [[Harvest Campaign|the assault]] on Harvest.


The Wraith also has a booster engine, capable of tripling the tank's speed for about one second. Once it is used, it takes about five seconds to recharge. Though this can be used to travel more quickly, it is commonly used to run over enemies who are getting too close. It can also flip small vehicles, such as [[Ghosts]] or [[Warthogs]]. A bug in Halo 2 makes it possible to boost a [[Scorpion Tank]] up in the sky.
Throughout the war the Covenant deployed Wraiths during ground campaigns against [[civilian]] and military targets. Wraiths would commonly target civilian evacuation transports still on the ground and platforms and structures leading to them, or would fire and kill large groups of civilians crowded together. In [[2531]], during the [[Battle of Arcadia|first assault]] on the colony world [[Arcadia]], multiple Wraiths were used in this situation to kill panicking civilians attempting to flee the Covenant invasion. The tanks assisted in destroying structures and platforms holding civilians waiting for evacuation. In addition, the tanks were used against UNSC military forces attempting to assist with evacuation efforts.{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia City}} During the [[Battle of Trove]], Wraiths were used by Covenant forces against not only the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} but also the [[Flood]] and Sentinels as well.{{Ref/Level|HW|[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]}}


The player is able to pilot the Wraith in Halo 2.
As the war dragged on, ground campaigns conducted by the Covenant continued to employ the Wraith as their main heavy armored vehicle. During the [[Algolis Invasion|assault]] on [[Algolis]] the Wraiths were called in to weaken military forces attempting to protect and destroy valuable data. The UNSC was able to hold off the Covenant just long enough and all ground forces were eventually destroyed with the detonation of a nuclear weapon attached to a [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System|prototype armor suit]].{{Ref/Film|Id=Prototype|HLeg|Episode=Prototype}}


== [[Halo 3]] ==
As the war with [[human]]ity was reaching its apex, the Covenant began updating and building up their military campaign against humanity. After [[2549]], all models of the ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith were equipped with a ring mount for a secondary gunner to operate the Wraith's plasma cannon.{{Ref/Reuse|odststats}}{{Ref/Reuse|reachstats}} During [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV|the invasion]] of [[Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] the Covenant deployed numerous tanks to take out strategic areas on the planet including [[military base]]s and civilian structures.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HTFOR|TFoR|Chapter=19}} No sooner had that battle finished the Covenant launched [[Fall of Reach|a surprise assault]] on [[Reach]], humanity's heavily fortified epicenter of military and economic power outside of Earth. Multiple divisions of Wraith tanks were employed to inflict mass casualties on civilian and military forces alike. Their campaign was successful destroying major military and civilian transports, structures and killing countless in the process.{{Ref/Level|HR|Tip of the Spear}}{{Ref/Level|HR|Exodus}}
[[Image:Wraith.JPG|left|thumb|186px|The true Wraith from Halo 3, note the added gun turret to deter boarders. ]][[Image:Brute_Wraith.jpg|right|thumb|An image of a [[Brute Wraith]] in [[Halo 3]].]]
The Wraith has been confirmed to reappear in Halo 3, and is hinted at being more powerful in the ESPN trailer, [[Starry Night]].  


The appearance of the newer Wraith is also slightly different, featuring what appear to be rudimentary headlights. It is now a 2-user vehicle with the driver being inside the cockpit, while the gunner is exposed and has a 270 degree view around him. The turret is used for anti personnel defense. Providing a means to repel possible [[Boarding|hijackers]]. The mortar blasts from the Wraith travel slightly faster now, it can fire at a lower trajectory, and the turret fires blasts like the [[Plasma Rifle]] instead of a beam the [[Spectre]] fires but it sounds the same as the spectre turret. A new single propulsion jet similar to the one the spectre uses has been added on the back, plus the regular ones, so its speed boost seems to have increased. It also seems to have a greenish hue like the banshee and a pattern or lattice on its armor. There is now a weak spot, a vent on the rear. It is weak to the point that two melee blows will destroy it.  
During the opening of the [[Battle for Earth]], the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' managed to jump to the city of [[Mombasa]]. In the short but bloody [[Battle of Mombasa|campaign]], the Covenant was able to land armor and troops into the city. Wraiths quickly moved in to cut off civilian evacuation by the city's rail system.{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Sadie's Story}} With civilians cut off, the Covenant began systematically destroying anything they could before the Prophet of Regret's ship jumped out of [[New Mombasa]], destroying parts the city.{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Prepare to Drop}} In the aftermath of Regret's retreat the full-scale invasion of Earth began, the Covenant laid waste to many parts of the planet and Wraiths were on the forefront of the ground assault.{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Kizingo Boulevard}}{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|ONI Alpha Site}}


==Type 52 AAA ==
With the uncovering of the [[Portal at Voi]], the Covenant moved all their troops and armor to prevent the UNSC military from getting close to it. They deployed Wraiths to dispatch military forces attempting to break through their formation.{{Ref/Level|H3|Tsavo Highway}}{{Ref/Level|H3|The Storm}} After the opening of the portal and the arrival at [[Installation 00]] the Covenant deployed all their assets in a [[Battle of Installation 00|last ditch effort]] to stop humanity and activate the remaining [[halo Array|Halo installations]]. Wraiths were front and center in this operation, although ultimately, they lost to their human enemies.{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]}}{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}}
The [[Type-52 Anti Aircraft Artillery]] is different from the Type 25 MBT because,instead of a plasma mortar, it uses two larger versions of the Fuel Rod Cannon. It fires 6 fuel rods in rapid succession. The color of it's body is more brownish blueish than the standard Wraith.
click here to watch[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeIkOrtZJFA]]


[[Image:1180503959.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A side shot of the updated Wraith in Halo 3.]] [[Image:1180503957.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Wraith is dark blue or indigo]]
===Post-War===
During the post-war period, Wraiths were popular during [[War Games]] matches aboard [[Anvil Station]] and the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. Wraiths were used by [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]]. Many would be destroyed by both [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartans]] [[Sarah Palmer]] and [[Edward Davis]] with the help of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and [[UNSC Army]].{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 4: Live to Fight}}{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 10: Battle at Red Slate}} [[2557|Four years]] after the end of the Human-Covenant War, [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] continued to use the Wraith. Multiple Wraiths were used in the [[Battle of Requiem|attack]] on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s crash site.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Infinity (level)|Infinity]]}} Several were later used in defense of the [[Forerunner]] [[particle cannon]]s.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]}} Wraiths were also used during the Didact's [[Raid on Ivanoff Station]] in their attempt to secure the [[Composer]].{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Composer (level)|Composer]]}} The faction utilized a number of Wraiths during the [[Battle of Installation 03]].{{Ref/Level|HSS|Mission 9: Lockout}} Wraiths were deployed to many sites across the interior of Requiem during the [[Requiem Campaign|combat]] within the planet [[2558|six months later]].{{Ref/SpOps|Episode=Departure|Level=Land Grab}}{{Ref/SpOps|Episode=Catherine|Level=Shootout in Valhalla}}{{Ref/SpOps|Episode=Expendable|Level=Unfinished Business}} 'Mdama's faction would again use Wraiths during the [[Battle of Aktis IV|conflict]] on [[Aktis IV]]. A [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|rebel offshoot]] of 'Mdama's faction led by [[Sali 'Nyon]] also possessed at least one Wraith.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=[[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|#24]]}} During [[Operation: ATHENA]] 'Mdama's forces used multiple ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraiths in an attempt to stop a team of Spartan-IVs.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=[[Halo: Escalation Issue 20|#20]]}}


==Deployment==
By October 2558, the newer {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} was becoming more commonplace within Jul 'Mdama's Covenant forces and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-designs-of-the-times|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Designs of the Times|D=26|M=8|Y=2021}}


The Wraith can be ferried to and from the battlefield and deployed in a combat ready state by either [[Spirit]] or [[Phantom]] dropships. This allows for devastating firepower to be delivered to the field rapidly, a common bane of [[UNSC]] soldiers.
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*It is wrongly stated in the ''Halo 2'' manual that the player can shoot the Wraith's plasma cannons while driving; these are usable only by NPCs in gameplay. The ''Halo 3'' manual claims that the Wraith features the aforementioned cannons, though they appear only in ''Halo 2''.
*An [[:File:HR Wraith Marathon symbol.png|abstract depiction]] of the ''[[Marathon]]'' logo [[List of Marathon references in the Halo series|is embedded in the Wraith's cockpit]] in ''Halo: Reach''. [[Bungie]] limited their use of ''Marathon'' references in the game due to intellectual property concerns, as opposed to the logo's frequent appearances in the original trilogy.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the Wraith's model was carried over from ''Halo: Reach'' with no changes. As such the T-52 plasma cannon is still mounted on top, though it is not usable. Conversely, the Scorpion tank's independently mounted machine gun was removed entirely.
*It is possible, though difficult, to hijack a Wraith by hopping in the mounted turret while an enemy is still inside of it, while not harming the Wraith. In ''Halo Reach'' and ''Halo 4'', in Campaign, [[Firefight]] or [[Spartan Ops]], respectively, if the player is able to get in the turret while an enemy NPC driver is still in, the driver will hop out and usually start shooting at the player, after which the player can dispatch the enemy with the turret and claim the Wraith, possibly with it being undamaged.
*Since ''[[Halo 4]]'', if the player presses the melee button while boosting, the Wraith will perform a super glide, in which the vehicle lifts its nose to pass over obstacles, while also making splatters a little bit easier.


== Character Compatability ==
==Gallery==
===''Halo 3''===
<gallery>
File:WraithH3.png|Render of an active Wraith.
File:H3 TsavoBattle.png|A Wraith fires its mortar at a Warthog.
File:H3 Wraith.jpg|A Wraith with a Jiralhanae Minor in its gunner seat.
File:H3-Wraith.png|An active Wraith on [[Highground]] in multiplayer.
File:H3-WraithHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's operator.
File:H3-WraithturretHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's gunner.
</gallery>


*[[Elites]]
===''Halo 3: ODST''===
*[[Spartans]]
<gallery>
*[[Brutes]]
File:H3ODST KizingoBoulevardBattle3.jpg|A Wraith fires its mortar at [[Michael Crespo|Mickey]]'s Scropion.
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Forms]] (Human)(Halo 2 Only)
File:HTMCC-H3ODST BridgeAssault.jpg|Covenant infantry supported by Wraiths in an assault on [[ONI Alpha Site (location)|ONI Alpha Site]].
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Forms]] (Elite) (Halo 2 Only)
File:HTMCC-H3ODST-FloodWraith.png|The Flood using a Wraith in [[Firefight]] in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
*[[Marines]] (Halo 2 Only)
</gallery>
 
===''Halo: Reach''===
<gallery>
File:Reach T25 TR Inact.jpg|Reference of an inactive ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith.
File:Reach T25 TR act.jpg|Reference of an active ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith.
File:Reach T25 eng mor.jpg|Reference of the heavy plasma mortar fired by the ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith.
File:Reach MPBeta Wraith.png|Render of an inactive Wraith in the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta]].
File:Reach Wraith Active.png|Render of an active Wraith.
File:Wraith symbols.png|Patterns on the Wraith.
File:Revenant - Gameplay01.png|A {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}} fighting two Wraiths.
File:HR-WraithHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's operator.
</gallery>
 
===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:H4-T26WraithAGC.png|Render of an inactive Wraith.
File:Wraith H4guide.png|Another render of an inactive Wraith.
File:H4-T26WraithAGC-Active.png|Render of an active Wraith.
File:H4-Scorpion-Versus-Wraith.jpg|A Wraith battling an [[M808 Scorpion]].
File:H4-MasterChief-Versus-Wraith.jpg|[[John-117]] throws a plasma grenade on a Wraith.
File:H4-SpOps-LandGrab-Wraith-3rdPerson.jpg|A Wraith in ''Spartan Ops''.
File:H4-WraithHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's operator.
File:H4-WraithturretHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's gunner.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
**''[[Sadie's Story]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
== Related Links ==
*[[Scorpion Tank]] - UNSC equivalent of the Wraith
*[[Type-52 Anti Aircraft Artillery]] - An anti-air variant of the Wraith


[[Category:Vehicles]]
{{Wraiths}}
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
[[Category:Drivable Vehicles]]
[[Category:Wraith variants]]
{{Covenant Vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 15:22, February 5, 2024

Type-26 Wraith redirects here. For other types of Wraith, see Wraith.
Zurdo-pattern Mortar Tank
H3-T26WraithAGC.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Model:

Zurdo-pattern

Technical specifications

Length:

8.8 meters (29 ft)[1][4][5][2]

Width:

9.2 metres (30 ft)[1][2]

Height:

3.7 metres (12 ft)[2]

Mass:

47 metric tons (46 LT; 52 ST)[4][5][2]

Maximum speed:

82 km/h (51 mph)[6]

Engine(s):

Boosted gravity propulsion drive[7][2]

Hull:

61 centimeters (2.0 ft)[4][5]

Armament:

Crew:

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

Light assault gun carriage

  • Armoured infantry support
  • Mobile Anti-vehicle / anti-armor battery
  • Mobile artillery / siege warfare

Affiliation:

 

The Zurdo-pattern Mortar Tank (UNSC Type classification: Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage, T-26 AGC),[4] more commonly known as the Wraith, is the Covenant's main armoured infantry support/assault gun vehicle for ground engagements.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Blueprint of the Wraith.

The Zurdo-pattern Wraith is the primary armored ground vehicle used by the Covenant.[8] The Covenant deploys Wraiths in tactical ground engagements, where they serve in both anti-infantry and anti-armor roles. The Wraith's firepower also makes it ideal for destroying structures.[7]

Like all Covenant ground vehicles, the Wraith is sleek, bulbous and more reminiscent of an aircraft than a traditional ground vehicle. The Wraith is divided into four main sections: chassis, fins, rudders, and plasma mortar. The chassis houses the cockpit, which includes movement, targeting and firing controls. Holographic control surfaces and displays show the pilot a 360-degree view outside the Wraith.[9] Underneath the cockpit is a boosted gravity propulsion drive,[10] which propels the Wraith and keeps it suspended a short distance above the ground. The Wraith's engine vents excess heat and plasma through an exhaust port at the rear of the vehicle; this port is one of the more vulnerable spots on the Wraith. The wide, sweeping fins at the front of the vehicle stabilize the vehicle on uneven terrain, as well as provide extra thrust during a boost.[10] At the rear of the Wraith are two rudders, which control the turning of the vehicle using independent propulsion drives. The fourth major component is the Wraith's main weapon, a heavy plasma mortar, which rests above and behind the cockpit and can be retracted within the main body. The entirety of the Wraith is covered by nearly two feet of armor plating, which is composed of a polymer that is still poorly understood by human physicists.[4]

Armaments[edit]

The main weapon of the Wraith is its 35cm heavy plasma mortar.[3] The Wraith's mortar is attached to a fixed mounting, meaning that a Wraith must be facing its target in order to hit it.[4] The plasma mortar works by creating a magnetically encapsulated blob of superheated plasma and firing it at a relatively low velocity. Once fired, the bolt is magnetically guided in a ballistic trajectory until it strikes the ground or target. When the bolt hits, the magnetic bubble collapses and the plasma rapidly expands from its compressed state, creating a superheated explosion that will vaporize everything within twenty meters of impact.[11] Titanium battleplate, concrete, or flesh is instantly obliterated by the blast. Anything just outside of the kill zone is at risk of injury or death — after the initial impact, the plasma begins to cool and thermal expansion takes over, creating a wave of fire traveling outward that can travel away from the initial blast zone. Infantry within range can sustain burns and heat trauma. The explosion also generates a large amount of concussive force, which can splinter bones and destroy vital organs.[12] Flammable materials are especially at risk of igniting due to the intense heat release and can cause further damage. Once the heat from the explosion dissipates, the blast zone will have been converted into a glass-smooth surface - much like the swaths of vitrified soil created by "glassing".

The Wraith is also equipped with an anti-infantry T-26 DEWE light plasma cannon.[3] This turret is able to burn through armor and flesh, with predictably gruesome results. Against infantry, the cannon's plasma causes severe fourth-degree burns.

All Zurdo-pattern Wraiths made after 2549 featured a ring mount for the light plasma cannon,[3] allowing an additional crew member on the Wraith.[13][14]

Advantages[edit]

With the exception of the Scarab, the Wraith is the Covenant's most destructive mobile armor. Its huge bulk is well shielded from small arms fire, and it is resistant to medium explosive weapons. Its ability to be deployed with the aid of dropships makes insertions into the battlefield fairly easy. Its plasma mortar can easily decimate infantry and vehicles alike, and its destructive powers are so well known to UNSC forces that the mere sight of one on the battlefield can induce psychological effects.[11] One of the benefits is the mortar function due to the trajectory that can suppress any incoming enemy from behind the wall, or those who are stationed at the rooftop that can't be reached by a Scorpion Tank's trajectory. While it's not suitable for head to head battle, it is most suitable to conduct a suppression fire mainly against enemy infantry.

Disadvantages[edit]

The Wraith's main disadvantage is its slow speed, due to the vehicle's massive weight. While the boost drive can propel the vehicle to moderately high speeds, the maneuverability of the vehicle is compromised — turning becomes difficult during a boost, and the momentum that is built from it makes it possible for the vehicle to inadvertently plow through friendly forces, crash into and get lodged between stationary objects, or overshoot its mark and skate off of a cliff or into a body of water. The Wraith is also poorly suited for scaling inclines.

Like most tanks, the Wraith has a "dead area", a zone in which the plasma mortar cannot fire without risking damage to itself.[15] The slow speed and cumbersome nature of the Wraith makes it prone to boarding action — while the front of the tank is harder to board because of the plasma turret(s), the rear is highly susceptible to boarding. A small rotating cylinder exhaust port in the back is a vulnerable spot that, if hit with a medium explosive device or anti-materiél weapons fire, can damage the tank severely. The exposed gunner operating the Type-52 DESW is also an easy target for marksman and sniper fire.

Since its weaponry is designed to be used against non-mobile or low-mobility targets, and its weight and wide profile prevent it from maneuvering with any deal of speed and accuracy, the Wraith is a very soft target for high mobility vehicles, such as a Warthog or a Ghost, and is at a high risk of destruction against a vehicle with a much more accurate heavy weapon (such as the Scorpion with its direct-firing 90mm cannon).

The Plasma Mortar is also ill-suited for long range combat, as it moves so slowly that even units with low mobility-such as the Scorpion tank-can dodge it.

Operational history[edit]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

The Wraith has been in service to the Covenant for centuries,[16] and has served in countless engagements during the Human-Covenant War. After the retaking of Harvest in 2526 by Admiral Cole, the Covenant, attempting to scout and recover an artifact, deployed multiple Wraiths during the assault on Harvest.

Throughout the war the Covenant deployed Wraiths during ground campaigns against civilian and military targets. Wraiths would commonly target civilian evacuation transports still on the ground and platforms and structures leading to them, or would fire and kill large groups of civilians crowded together. In 2531, during the first assault on the colony world Arcadia, multiple Wraiths were used in this situation to kill panicking civilians attempting to flee the Covenant invasion. The tanks assisted in destroying structures and platforms holding civilians waiting for evacuation. In addition, the tanks were used against UNSC military forces attempting to assist with evacuation efforts.[17] During the Battle of Trove, Wraiths were used by Covenant forces against not only the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire but also the Flood and Sentinels as well.[18]

As the war dragged on, ground campaigns conducted by the Covenant continued to employ the Wraith as their main heavy armored vehicle. During the assault on Algolis the Wraiths were called in to weaken military forces attempting to protect and destroy valuable data. The UNSC was able to hold off the Covenant just long enough and all ground forces were eventually destroyed with the detonation of a nuclear weapon attached to a prototype armor suit.[19]

As the war with humanity was reaching its apex, the Covenant began updating and building up their military campaign against humanity. After 2549, all models of the Zurdo-pattern Wraith were equipped with a ring mount for a secondary gunner to operate the Wraith's plasma cannon.[13][14] During the invasion of Sigma Octanus IV in July 2552 the Covenant deployed numerous tanks to take out strategic areas on the planet including military bases and civilian structures.[20] No sooner had that battle finished the Covenant launched a surprise assault on Reach, humanity's heavily fortified epicenter of military and economic power outside of Earth. Multiple divisions of Wraith tanks were employed to inflict mass casualties on civilian and military forces alike. Their campaign was successful destroying major military and civilian transports, structures and killing countless in the process.[21][22]

During the opening of the Battle for Earth, the Solemn Penance managed to jump to the city of Mombasa. In the short but bloody campaign, the Covenant was able to land armor and troops into the city. Wraiths quickly moved in to cut off civilian evacuation by the city's rail system.[23] With civilians cut off, the Covenant began systematically destroying anything they could before the Prophet of Regret's ship jumped out of New Mombasa, destroying parts the city.[24] In the aftermath of Regret's retreat the full-scale invasion of Earth began, the Covenant laid waste to many parts of the planet and Wraiths were on the forefront of the ground assault.[25][26]

With the uncovering of the Portal at Voi, the Covenant moved all their troops and armor to prevent the UNSC military from getting close to it. They deployed Wraiths to dispatch military forces attempting to break through their formation.[27][28] After the opening of the portal and the arrival at Installation 00 the Covenant deployed all their assets in a last ditch effort to stop humanity and activate the remaining Halo installations. Wraiths were front and center in this operation, although ultimately, they lost to their human enemies.[29][30]

Post-War[edit]

During the post-war period, Wraiths were popular during War Games matches aboard Anvil Station and the UNSC Infinity. Wraiths were used by Merg Vol's Covenant during the Battle of Draetheus V in 2554. Many would be destroyed by both Spartans Sarah Palmer and Edward Davis with the help of the UNSC Marine Corps and UNSC Army.[31][32] Four years after the end of the Human-Covenant War, Jul 'Mdama's Covenant continued to use the Wraith. Multiple Wraiths were used in the attack on the UNSC Infinity's crash site.[33] Several were later used in defense of the Forerunner particle cannons.[34] Wraiths were also used during the Didact's Raid on Ivanoff Station in their attempt to secure the Composer.[35] The faction utilized a number of Wraiths during the Battle of Installation 03.[36] Wraiths were deployed to many sites across the interior of Requiem during the combat within the planet six months later.[37][38][39] 'Mdama's faction would again use Wraiths during the conflict on Aktis IV. A rebel offshoot of 'Mdama's faction led by Sali 'Nyon also possessed at least one Wraith.[40] During Operation: ATHENA 'Mdama's forces used multiple Zurdo-pattern Wraiths in an attempt to stop a team of Spartan-IVs.[41]

By October 2558, the newer Kemu-pattern Wraith was becoming more commonplace within Jul 'Mdama's Covenant forces and the Swords of Sanghelios.[42]

Trivia[edit]

  • It is wrongly stated in the Halo 2 manual that the player can shoot the Wraith's plasma cannons while driving; these are usable only by NPCs in gameplay. The Halo 3 manual claims that the Wraith features the aforementioned cannons, though they appear only in Halo 2.
  • An abstract depiction of the Marathon logo is embedded in the Wraith's cockpit in Halo: Reach. Bungie limited their use of Marathon references in the game due to intellectual property concerns, as opposed to the logo's frequent appearances in the original trilogy.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the Wraith's model was carried over from Halo: Reach with no changes. As such the T-52 plasma cannon is still mounted on top, though it is not usable. Conversely, the Scorpion tank's independently mounted machine gun was removed entirely.
  • It is possible, though difficult, to hijack a Wraith by hopping in the mounted turret while an enemy is still inside of it, while not harming the Wraith. In Halo Reach and Halo 4, in Campaign, Firefight or Spartan Ops, respectively, if the player is able to get in the turret while an enemy NPC driver is still in, the driver will hop out and usually start shooting at the player, after which the player can dispatch the enemy with the turret and claim the Wraith, possibly with it being undamaged.
  • Since Halo 4, if the player presses the melee button while boosting, the Wraith will perform a super glide, in which the vehicle lifts its nose to pass over obstacles, while also making splatters a little bit easier.

Gallery[edit]

Halo 3[edit]

Halo 3: ODST[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 206
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 275
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 117
  4. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 247
  5. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 257
  6. ^ Halo Waypoint, Wraith (Retrieved on May 11, 2021) [archive]
  7. ^ a b Halo 2, Special Collector's Edition Manual: page 17
  8. ^ Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
  9. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 113
  10. ^ a b Halo 2, manual: page 19
  11. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, page 112
  12. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Palace Hotel, page 351
  13. ^ a b Bungie.net, Halo 3 ODST Career Stats: "All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount." - Wraith - Gunner tooltip description (Retrieved on Dec 22, 2013) [archive]
  14. ^ a b Bungie.net, Reach : Career Stats: "All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount." - Wraith Type-26 AGC (Gunner) tooltip description (Retrieved on Jul 19, 2019) [archive]
  15. ^ Halo: The Flood page 184
  16. ^ Halo Legends, episode The Duel
  17. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia City
  18. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Beachhead
  19. ^ Halo Legends, episode Prototype
  20. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 19
  21. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
  22. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Exodus
  23. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Sadie's Story
  24. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Prepare to Drop
  25. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Kizingo Boulevard
  26. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level ONI Alpha Site
  27. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Tsavo Highway
  28. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Storm
  29. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Ark
  30. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  31. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Mission 4: Live to Fight
  32. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Mission 10: Battle at Red Slate
  33. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Infinity
  34. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Reclaimer
  35. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Composer
  36. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike, campaign level Mission 9: Lockout
  37. ^ Halo 4 - Spartan Ops, episode Departure, level Land Grab
  38. ^ Halo 4 - Spartan Ops, episode Catherine, level Shootout in Valhalla
  39. ^ Halo 4 - Spartan Ops, episode Expendable, level Unfinished Business
  40. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue #24
  41. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue #20
  42. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Designs of the Times (Retrieved on Aug 26, 2021) [archive]