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{{Era|H3}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Weapon infobox
|name = W/AV M6 G/GNR "Spartan Laser"
|image = {{tabcontainer|title1=M6/E|content1=[[File:H5G-M6SpartanLaser.png|350px]]|title2=M6/R|content2=[[File:H3-M6SpartanLaser.png|350px]]|title3=M6/V|content3=[[File:HReach-M6SpartanLaser.png|350px]]|title4=M6/X|content4=[[File:H4-SpartanLaser.png|350px]]}}
|manufacturer = [[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=179}}
|series = M6
|type = [[Directed-energy weapon]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
|cost = 218,000 [[Credit|cR]]{{Ref/Site|Id=prereleasebnet|URL=http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=charginmalasers|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Spartan Laser|D=2|M=2|Y=2007|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle}}{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGSpartanLaser|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Spartan Laser|D=11|M=9|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle}}
|variant =
* [[M6/E Spartan Laser]]
* [[M6/R Spartan Laser]]
* [[M6/V Spartan Laser]]
* [[M6/X Spartan Laser]]
*[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]
*[[M8C Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]
|service =
*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
|affiliation = [[United Nations Space Command]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
|weight =
*'''Empty''': {{Convert|19.07|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}<br/>
*'''Loaded''': {{Convert|20.4|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
|length = {{Convert|98.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} - {{Convert|121.1|cm|in}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=183}}
|width = {{Convert|7.7|in|cm}} {{C|M6/X}}{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=69}}
|height = {{Convert|15.4|in|cm}} {{C|M6/X}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}
|ammotype = *[[BA-53635/PLMD]] battery unit {{C|M6/R}}{{Ref/Reuse|prereleasebnet}}
*[[Series 6971 battery cell]] {{C|M6/X}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}
|capacity =
|feed = 100 battery units (4 to 5 shots){{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/spartan-laser|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe|Page=Spartan Laser}}
|operation = [[Directed-energy weapon|Directed-energy]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
|rate = Semi-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|velocity = 299,792,458 m/s (983,571,056 ft/s){{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|optics =
|range = Long{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
}}
The '''Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle''' ('''W/AV M6 G/GNR'''), colloquially known as the '''Spartan Laser''', is a man-portable and vehicle-mounted solid-state [[directed-energy weapon|directed-energy]] anti-vehicle weapon used by the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=315}} It is the only known infantry directed-energy weapon manufactured by [[human]]s, aside from the [[Plasma rifle (Chalybs)|plasma rifle protoype]] created by [[Chalybs Defense Solutions]].


{{Quote|It's not overpowered, it's an elegant weapon from a more civilized age.|[[Luke Smith]]}}
==Overview==
===Design details===
The M6 G/GNR was originally created in concert with the [[GUNGNIR]] [[Mjolnir]] armor variant as part of [[Project GUNGNIR]], a program designed to provide supplementary matériel for the [[SPARTAN-II program]], hence the "Spartan Laser" moniker.{{Ref/Site|D=14|M=03|Y=2011|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/video/the-mjolnir-project-2/46e89c1a-f619-41e2-ad7f-ab65c61ca2df|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=MJOLNIR 2|LocalArchive=The MJOLNIR Project}} The M6 G/GNR is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, directed energy weapon firing a [[wikipedia:Solid-state laser|solid-state laser]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} The Spartan Laser's Grindell/Galilean architecture incorporates a [[Smart-linking|smart-linked]] [[Wyrd optics suite|Wyrd III optics suite]], capable of 3× magnification for increased accuracy.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|prereleasebnet}} Its reticule, whether on 1× or 3× magnifications, features a meter on the right side showing the charging status of the laser. The tick mark rests at the bottom of the circular shaped reticule while the laser is dormant, and gradually travels along the reticule's circumference until it reaches the point of origin, indicating that the laser is currently discharging.{{Ref/Game|H3|Gameplay}} Certain variants of the M6, the M6/V and the M6/X, are equipped with foldable targeting displays, allowing operators to target enemies without the use of smart-linking on their [[heads-up display]].{{Ref/Game|HR|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}}


{{Weapon
===Development history===
| image=[[Image:M6 Spartan Laser.jpg|300px]]
The M6 has gone through several iterations, but its changes have been mostly cosmetic.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} For example, the M6/R variant used during the [[Human-Covenant War]] is powered by a [[BA-53635/PLMD]] non-removable battery, which recharges with a [[PP-16979/AM-Sh]] charger,{{Ref/Reuse|prereleasebnet}} whereas the M6/X variant is powered by [[Series 6971 battery cell]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}} with little-to-no changes in performance.{{Ref/Game|H4|Gameplay}} Although the Spartan Laser was considered to be "ruinously expensive" at the time of its introduction, later refinements led to a reduction in production cost which is now only considered to be "extraordinarily expensive". Internal components have changed over time, incorporating incremental advances that have lowered production costs, and increased efficiency, but the significant advances in crystal doping and optoelectronic focusing remain largely opaque to end users.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}  
| name=M6 Spartan Laser
| manufacturer=
| model=Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle
| type=Directed Energy Weapon
| cost=[[cR|218,000.00 cR]]
| size=Heavy, Shoulder Mounted
*Dimensions
**length (o/a): 98.8 centimeters (38.9 inches)
*Weight=45 lbs.
**empty: 19.07 kilograms (42 pounds)
**loaded: 20.4 kilograms (45 pounds)
| damage per hit=Lethal
| magazine= 100 battery units
| maxammo=5 shots
| fire=Single shot, charge
| ammotype=Directed chemical laser
| operation=Directed energy
| rate of fire=Very Slow
| accuracy=Perfect, no COF
| range=Long
| era=''[[Halo 3]]''
| counterpart=
| counterwep=[[Fuel Rod Cannon]], [[M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]], [[Sniper Rifle]]
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}


The '''Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle'''<ref>
===Operation===
http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGSpartanLaser</ref> (abbreviated '''W/AV M6 G/GNR'''), also known as the '''Spartan Laser''', is a [[United Nations Space Command]] ground-based, man-portable, directed energy weapon. It is the only battery operated weapon of the [[UNSC]].
When the weapon is equipped, a shroud over the laser diode lifts up to expose it, presumably to protect it from scratches and battle damage when holstered.{{Ref/Note|In gameplay, the weapon is shown with the shroud up when it is on a person's back. This is likely due to reuse of the third-person viewmodel of the laser, which does not have the shroud covering the laser emitter.}} A small hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder on the left side of the shroud actuates the shroud where it is anchored to the chassis of the weapon. When the trigger is pulled, a red targeting laser is painted on-target accompanied by an audible whine as the weapon cycles up. The Spartan Laser will then charge for approximately three seconds before discharging the main laser. As the Spartan Laser charges, the charging tone gets noticeably louder and increases in pitch up until the laser is fired. The firing sequence can be aborted without discharging the battery as long as the weapon is not actually fired; for example, if the target moves out of sight or the operator needs to displace. Heat management forces significant downtime between shots, and so the weapon enters an approximately two-second-long standby sequence between shots.


It is alternatively known as the ''Galilean''.<ref>[[Image:Spartan Laser.jpg|50px]] (click for greater detail)</ref>
[[File:The Covenant SL.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[John-117]] firing an M6/R during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].]]
When fired, the Spartan Laser emits a solid-state laser, a powerful microsecond-long pulse of energy capable of burning through thick plates of metallic laminates, nanocomposites, or hardened steel.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} The beam can also penetrate multiple obstacles and/or targets, provided they are aligned along a linear trajectory. The beam emitted by the M6 Spartan Laser weapons is typically a bright red. The beam is capable of eliminating all manner of targets in a very large range. When used against infantry such as [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s, the lasers is capable of efficiently burning through the armor and leaving a clean hole through the target and also severely damage anything behind the initial target. A single discharge from the M6/R is capable of piercing the thick armor of a {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}.{{Ref/Reuse|prereleasebnet}}


==Introduction==
===Usage===
The M6 [[Spartan]] Laser is a shoulder-mounted direct energy [[weapon]] used by the [[UNSC]]. It fires a potential-to-kinetic powerful red chemical laser capable of destroying [[vehicles]] and infantry with one accurate strike. When the trigger is pulled, a harmless red sighting laser is projected on-target along with a charging sound, known as a painter. The [[Spartan Laser]] will then charge for about three seconds before firing its powerful and destructive burst. As the Spartan Laser charges, the charging tone gets noticeably louder up until the laser is fired. The charging sequence can be canceled without a battery penalty if the target moves out of sight or the wielder needs to change position. The laser is also capable of firing through several players or vehicles, and has a small blast radius, injuring targets within 2 meters of the impact point and toppling light vehicles. It has a downtime between shots while it cools down (approx. 2-4 seconds) and is highly effective at destroying enemy vehicles.<ref>[http://halo3.com halo3.com]</ref>
While there are multiple M6 variants to facilitate various specialized roles,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} the M6 is typically used in both anti-vehicle and anti-personnel roles.{{Ref/Reuse|prereleasebnet}} When employed in combat, the Spartan Laser had a marked effect on both allied and enemy morale.{{Ref/Reuse|prereleasebnet}} During the [[Human-Covenant War]], only [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s and Spartans were given ready access to the weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} Aircraft, such as the [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]],{{Ref/Reuse|localunits}} the [[G79H-TC Pelican]],{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG113}} and the [[S-930 Pegasus]],{{Ref/Reuse|digsite}} are equipped with armaments that use the same technology.


In ''[[Halo 3]]'' [[Multiplayer]], if you kill another player with the Spartan Laser, you will achieve a unique medal, the [[Laser Kill Medal]], it is awarded due to the difficulty of having to charge and aim the weapon. The weapon is not available in the campaign until the level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]], which Master Chief begins the level armed with the M6 G/GNR. The Spartan Laser is the only weapon powerful enough to harm [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]] in the final level of the campaign.
==Variants==
There are four known variants of the M6 Spartan Lasers:
* '''[[M6/E Spartan Laser]]''': The M6/E ("Enhanced") variant is upgraded to combat heavy armor,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} and functions primarily as an anti-tank ordnance.{{Ref/Site|Id=lockeandloaded|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-locke-load|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cannon Fodder: Locke & Load|D=13|M=4|Y=2016}} Its parts were miniaturized components derived from the [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]] mounted on [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]s.{{Ref/Site|Id=localunits|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cannon Fodder: Local Units|D=31|M=3|Y=2017}}
** '''[[Endgame]]''': ''Endgame'' is an improved model of the M6/E variant with a doubled battery capacity and reduced charge time. It has the downside of having less strength than its normal counterpart.
** '''[[Selene's Lance]]''': ''Selene's Lance'' is an advanced variant of the M6/E variant has a faster charge time and a longer beam duration, with 50% additional battery capacity compared to its normal counterpart.
* '''[[M6/R Spartan Laser]]''': The M6/R variant is specialized in reconnaissance deployments and scouting maneuvers.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
* '''[[M6/V Spartan Laser]]''': The M6/V variant is designed with a larger focus on operator safety via a versatile focus canopy.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
* '''[[M6/X Spartan Laser]]''': The M6/X variant is powered by [[Series 6971 battery cell]]s and featured an experimental alternating power distributor.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}


==Operation==
<gallery class=center>
===Targeting===
File:H5G-M6SpartanLaser.png|The [[M6/E Spartan Laser]].
When the weapon is un-holstered, a shroud over the emitting lens of the laser lifts up to expose it, presumably to protect it from scratches and battle damage when holstered, although the weapon is shown with the shroud up when it is on a person's back. The shroud can be seen doing this when the weapon is un-holstered in first person view if the user looks carefully. The shroud is actuated by a small hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder on the left side of the shroud where it is anchored to the chassis of the weapon. When the trigger is pulled, a harmless red dot is projected on the target and a unique targeting tone is emitted. The Spartan Laser will then charge for three seconds<ref name="1up">http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155479</ref> before firing a massive blood-red laser beam that completely destroys the target. In the beta, if the reticle was moved while firing, a scattering of beams would be released, spreading over the targeted area. For the few seconds the laser is fired, the right targeting stick is disabled. However, the beam can be strafed over a larger area if the player is moving while the laser is firing.
File:H3-M6SpartanLaser.png|The [[M6/R Spartan Laser]]
File:HReach-M6SpartanLaser.png|The [[M6/V Spartan Laser]].
File:H4-SpartanLaser.png|The [[M6/X Spartan Laser]].
</gallery>


The Spartan Laser is equipped with a smart-linked Wyrd III optics suite for increased accuracy and is capable of 2x magnification. Its reticle, whether on 1x or 2x magnifications, features a meter on the right side showing the charge of the laser.
In addition, related technology has been observed on vehicle armaments:
[[Image:1210669463 1834589125 98d378b574.jpg|thumb|right|An Elite firing a Spartan Laser. Notice that the Spartan Laser fires a bright laser shot.]]
* '''[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon|W/AV M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]''': An upgraded variant mounted on the chin of [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk|AV-22]] and [[AV-22B Sparrowhawk]]s.{{Ref/Game|Id=HWLE|HW|[[Halo Wars Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]|Detail=[[Personnel profile]] - [[:File:HWLE Anders Profile Back.jpg|Professor Anders]]}}{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=182}} This variant has similar firing and recharge rates to the man-portable version, though it has higher damage potential and a faster charge up. Some of the components that were on the Sparrowhawk' Spartan Laser were later miniaturized and installed on infantry-portable M6/E variants after the Covenant War.{{Ref/Reuse|localunits}}
* '''[[M8C Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]''': A variant mounted on the [[G79H-TC Pelican]].{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG113|H4EVG|Page=113}}
* '''[[M11B nonlinear cannon]]''': A variant mounted on [[S-930 Pegasus]] prototypes.{{Ref/Site|Id=digsite|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-digsite-dissection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cannon Fodder - Digsite Dissection|D=28|M=7|Y=2023}}
* '''Unidentified variants''': A variant of [[pulse laser turret]]s on the [[G81 Condor]] appear to be derived from similar technology, alongside the high-energy lasers employed on the [[Command Mantis]] variant.


===Laser Beam===
==Gameplay==
{{Main|Spartan Laser}}
Variants of the M6 Spartan Laser are featured as a usable weapon in ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. They are known as the [[Spartan Laser]]. It is a [[power weapon]], which fires a powerful laser that deals an incredible amount of damage, destroying all vehicles with a single well-placed shot. The Spartan Laser is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, and to compensate, it has a limited use of five shots, a short cooldown after a discharge, and inability to pick up ammo.


'''''Also See: [[Too Close to the Sun]]'''''
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'' campaign, [[Jerome-092]] and two of the members of [[Team Omega]] are armed with Spartan Lasers. In ''Halo Wars'' [[skirmish]], the Spartan Laser is the final upgrade available to Spartans, available through the [[UNSC Barracks]]. The [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], a unit exclusive to [[Ellen Anders]], is equipped with a chin-mounted Spartan Laser. In ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' campaign, Jerome-092 again wields the Spartan Laser, while in skirmish, Jerome-092 can equip the Spartan Laser upon researching Spartan Upgrade level Two in the [[UNSC Armory]]. The UNSC Super Unit [[G81 Condor]] is equipped with twin dual laser cannons in addition to a Mini-MAC.


If the player manages to keep their reticle on their target when the beam fires, the enemy will be killed in one hit. The Galilean "Spartan Laser" can even destroy a vehicle in one hit, even the Wraiths and Scorpions. To do so, the operator of the laser must hit the cockpit of the vehicle in question, except for the tanks. The Wraith must be fired upon from the rear right below the mortar. The Scorpion must be hit from the side on the area upon which the firing of the 90 mm shells takes place.  It is powerful enough to make its way through nine [[Warthog|Warthogs]] but, oddly, only 4 Mongooses parked bumper to bumper.  It is also highly effective at destroying [[Scarab]] leg joints, although [[The Covenant]] is the only mission where this can be done, and it is unlikely the player will keep the Spartan Laser that long into the level without completely draining its battery. <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVzPJzlTnsc</ref>. The beam is also known to have high splash damage at its impact point, and around its shot, and also has the capability to over penetrate, and eliminate multiple targets aligned in a linear trajectory. After firing, the weapon stops functioning for a brief period of time as it dumps its waste heat.
==Production notes==
The weapon has 5 shots before a "recharge" is needed.<ref name="1up"/>
* "Grindell" may be a reference to to [[Wikipedia:Harry Grindell Matthews|Harry Grindell Matthews]], an English inventor who claimed to have invented a death ray in the 1920s. The word "Galilean" is also printed on the side of the weapon.
* As a reference to [[Project GUNGNIR|its development program]], the sides of the M6/R and M6/V have the [[List of references to Norse mythology in Halo|Norse]] symbol for [[Wikipedia:Gungnir|Gungnir]] etched into it, which was the mythical spear wielded by the god [[Wikipedia:Odin|Odin]] in Norse Mythology. Gungnir was described as having the ability to always hit its mark. Part of the mythology is that Odin would hurl his spear over the doomed side of a battle.
*During the [[development of Halo 3|development]] of ''[[Halo 3]]'', [[Bungie]] envisioned the Spartan Laser as a weapon which could be only carried by Spartans. When they were deployed onto the battlefield, infantry would call this deployment "rolling thunder".{{Ref/Twitter|Isaac_Hannaford|1376661644185464832|Isaac Hannaford|Quote=We imagined the spartan laser as a Spartan specific weapon.   When Spartans entered the battlefield soldiers would refer to their approach as rolling thunder.|D=02|M=5|Y=2021}}
* Early concept art of the ''Halo: Reach'' starfighter [[FSS-1000 Sabre]] includes the Spartan Laser, which was replaced by the [[ST/Medusa missile|Medusa missiles]] in the final design. The starfighter depicted in the concept art, along with its Spartan Laser, were later canonized as the [[S-930 Pegasus]] and the [[M11B nonlinear cannon]], respectively.{{Ref/Reuse|digsite}}


It is powered by a [[BA-53635/PLMD]] non-replaceable battery, which is recharged with a [[PP-16979/AM-Sh]] charger. However, UNSC logistics are not sufficiently adequate for the charger to accompany many W/AV M6 G/GNR units in the field.
== Trivia ==
* [[Luke Smith]]'s comment on the Spartan Laser, "It's not overpowered, it's an elegant weapon from a more civilized age," is a reference to ''Star Wars''{{'}} [[StarWars:Lightsaber|lightsabers]], described as such by [[StarWars:Obi-Wan Kenobi|Obi-Wan Kenobi]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12442|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Bungie Weekly Update 5/11/07|D=21|M=4|Y=2017}}
* In ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]'', the Spartan Laser is shown to be able to deflect an energy sword and is, in that instance, [[Dual wielding|dual wielded]] with an [[M7 SMG]]. In addition, after [[Frederic-104]] fires his Spartan Laser twice, his HUD shows its battery has 80% of its power left, meaning his Spartan Laser has only expended 10% of its power with each shot. However, in ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', and ''Halo: Reach'' as well as ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'', the Spartan Laser uses 20% and 25% of its battery with each shot, respectively. It is possible the Spartan Laser can change the amount of battery charge used in its shots, as the shots fired by Frederic seem dramatically weaker than those fired in the games.


==Trivia==
== Gallery ==
*The term ''"Galilean"'' in the name does not refer to [[Wikipedia:Galileo|Galileo]], but to [[Wikipedia:Galilee|Galilee]], a town in what is now Israel where Jesus lived for thirty years of his life.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M6 Spartan Laser}}
*When a [[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] wields the Spartan Laser, it cannot shoot you. It is unknown as to why Flood have no intelligence of using the Spartan Laser.
=== Concept art ===
*On the level Halo, if you pick up Johnson's Spartan Laser, it can have 55, 70, or 85 battery, which is usually impossible to obtain, because each shot takes 20 battery.
<gallery>
*The Spartan Laser is the most expensive weapon to produce currently known. It costs 218,000.00 [[cR]], more than the cost of four fully armed [[Warthog]]s, 134 [[MA5B]] Assault Rifles, or over 7,266 [[M9 Fragmentation Grenades]]. That means approximately every shot is the cost of one [[Warthog]].
File:Halo3Beta-M6SpartanLaser-crop.png|Concept art of the M6 Spartan Laser for ''[[Halo 3]]''.
*The only vehicle the Spartan Laser can't destroy  is the [[Elephant]] which only appears in the multi-player map [[Sandtrap]]. The laser beam, however, will penetrate the armored walls of the vehicle and will damage anything in its way (except for walls or terrain.)
File:H4_ShotgunSplaser_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the M6 Spartan Laser in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
*On the side of the gun there is a sign which reads "DANGER: Bare live wires". This is also featured on the [[Missile Pod]].
File:H5G-spartanlaser concept final.jpg|Concept art of the M6/E Spartan Laser in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
*The reticle of the [[Spartan Laser]] has been changed from the one in the Halo 3 Beta. Instead of four markings pointing inward the circle, the reticle now has a circle with a smaller circle inside of it.
</gallery>
*In the level [[Halo (Level)|Halo]] of ''Halo 3'', it is possible to use the unlimited Spartan Laser [[Johnson]] gives you for the rest of the level. To do this, you must be playing co-op. After [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]] opens the door to the control room, kill Johnson with a rocket/grenade, the flamethrower also works very well if you kept it from earlier. When he dies, quickly keep swapping weapons (Johnson's Laser with your weapon). When you get it far enough, use the Laser and it will have unlimited ammo (do this for both players). Then, just before you fight 343 Guilty Spark, kill each other, leaving your Lasers there. Then fight 343 Guilty Spark and after you do, the Laser will still be there for you to use in the Warthog or Mongoose with unlimited ammo.
*The Spartan Laser is the only known infantry weapon that can crack the casing of a Monitor.
*If you manage to kill a player at the exact time they discharge the spartan laser, the laser will still shoot but it will spin around as if it has lost control.
*The Spartan Laser penetrates more or less vehicles depending on the type. Up to ten [[Warthogs]] can be destroyed by the laser. It will also only kill ten Spartan or Elite soldiers for each given discharge of the laser. No other weapon comes close.
*If you play the Campaign Mission [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]] on any difficulty, a second Spartan Laser can be found near the wreckage of the downed Pelican.
*It is unclear how the W/AV M6 G/GNR was given the battlefield moniker ''Spartan'' Laser; it is possible that the first wielder of the weapon was a [[SPARTAN-II]] super-soldier.
*The side of the laser has the Norse symbol for "Gungnir" etched into it, which was the mythical spear wielded by the god Odin in Norse Mythology.
*The laser seems to trail off forever when fired into the sky, much like the [[Sentinel Beam]]. However, the beam of both weapons does end, usually at the invisible walls of the playing area. The laser beam on Sandtrap covers over 75% of the width of area (fired at a 45 degree angle).
*When fired at the ground, there will be more than one impact spot, which indicates that there are four separate beams.
*The writing near the back of the Spartan laser on the right hand side of it reads 06 Galilean, but on the other side this is backwards. This is probably because Bungie designed only one half of the Spartan Laser's skin and mirrored it for the other half.
*If a Marine is given a Spartan Laser, when you retrieve it from them it's power supply will have recharged itself. The amount of added charge varies depending on the amount of time they were holding it.
*A hit with the laser is not always a guaranteed kill. If the laser does not strike the player directly, the player will survive probably with no shields. This effect varies as some players have reported surviving up to two shots from the laser.
*If you find the unknown skull on [[Cortana (Level)|Cortana]] and carry it through the rest of the level, you will start with a Spartan Laser in the next level.
*It is one of only 3 infantry weapons capable of killing an opponent with a direct hit who has a fully charged (2x) Overshield. The other two being the [[Rocket Launcher]] and [[Missile Pod]], however the laser is still much more powerful. This makes this weapon a popular choice for removing VIPs in the [[VIP]] gametype. The Sniper Rifle, Beam Rifle, and [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] do not have this lethality or power. With 3x or 4x overshield each of the three mentioned require 2 direct hits.
*When wielding the Spartan Laser, if you look towards the barrel, there are two stickers/labels. One is a yellow triangle with unreadable text and the other is an unknown symbol. For reasons unknown, you cannot see these when it is on the ground or in Theater, only when you are holding it.
*When the [[M6]] is given to a [[Marine]] ally, they sometimes initiate the reload animation for the [[M41 SSR MAV/AW|Rocket Launcher]].
*With the IWHBYD skull and on [[Legendary]], [[Grunt|Grunts]] will sometimes wield it and they sometimes say "My Arm Go Bye-Bye!"
*If you give a [[Marine]] in the passenger seat of a [[Warthog]] a Spartan Laser, sometimes when the Marine fires the weapon, the angle of the laser is different to that which the Marine is firing. This can be done on the ''Halo 3'' Campaign level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]].
*The splash damage of the Spartan Laser does not injure opponents who are 3 or more meters away. As shown on the page [[Kill Shots]], it takes two to one meter distant impact to kill an opponent with no shields, 4 for an opponent with normal shields and 9 for an opponent with 2x overshield  (if the opponent is oblivious enough to stay still for that long and you have infinite ammo).
*It is known that if you shoot somebody there is a chance they might survive with their shields down or minimal damage.
*It actually fires multiple beams.
*The Spartan Laser is comparable to the ''Gears of War'' version, the ''Hammer of Dawn'', but only in power not in the way the system works..
*It is also possible for the laser to go through more than 6 warthogs.
*The Spartan Laser does not act like a true laser.  A real laser is invisible to the naked eye, has no recoil, travels at the speed of light, and does not have "splash" damage.  These are all attributes the Spartan Laser does not exhibit.
*The ''best'' weapon for [[CTF]] or [[Slayer]] game variants is indisputably the Spartan Laser, as it it can be used to constantly ''murder'' the Flag Carrier and opposing forces with a recurring makeup.


==Images & Video==
=== Screenshots ===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:MediaCAGNNTYD.jpg|The concept art of the M6 Spartan Laser.
File:M6 Spartan Laser.png|An angled view of the M6/R Spartan Laser in ''Halo 3''.
Image:Halo3.comspartanlaser.PNG|A blue-print of the Galilean.
File:H3-SpartanLaserHUD.png|HUD of the Spartan Laser in ''Halo 3''.
Image:Spartan Laser Explosion.jpg|The devastating beam can destroy a vehicle by just grazing it.
File:HW-SpartanIIsM6s.png|[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|Mark IV]]-clad Spartan-IIs with Spartan Lasers in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
Image:SpartanLaserFiring.jpg|Originally the laser beam multifurcated into multiple smaller beams, but still has sufficient force to destroy a [[Warthog]] on a glancing hit.
File:Sparrow Laser.jpg|A [[Sparrowhawk]] fires its nose-mounted Spartan Laser. Note the blueish beam, instead of the normal red laser.
Image:Spartan Laser2.jpg|A player fires a Galilean "Spartan Laser" in [[Valhalla]].
File:Fred 2.jpg|[[Frederic-104]] firing a Spartan Laser in ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.
Image:Spartan laser many beams.jpg|The laser beam is devastating to infantry at any range.
File:H4-M6SpartanLaser-LeftSide.png|In-game left side view of the M6 Spartan Laser in ''Halo 4''.
Image:The Covenant SL.jpg|Master Chief Destroys a Covenant [[Shade]] turret on [[The Covenant]].
File:M6_GGNR_with_active_cowling.jpg|An M6 G/GNR with the protective cowling still deployed.
Image:166520-Full.jpg|Note how the beam destroys a Mongoose, through the Elephant's armor, and finally destroys the Hornet.
File:H4-MP-M6SpartanLaser-HUD-02.jpg|HUD of the M6 Spartan Laser in ''Halo 4''{{'}}s multiplayer.
Image:6853290-Full2.jpg|A blue team player on top of an elephant in Sandtrap fires his spartan laser at a warthog completely destroying it.
File:SarahPalmerLaser SpartanAssault.png|[[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan]] [[Sarah Palmer]] using the M6 G/GNR against a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
Image:No more wraith.jpg|A single beam can destroy a [[wraith]] if it hits the cockpit.
File:HSS Spartan Laser.png|A Spartan-IV holding a Spartan laser in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:HSS_Spartan_laser_model.png|An M6 Spartan Laser in ''Halo: Spartan Strike''.
FIle:H5G-M6EHUD-Campaign.png|HUD of the M6/E Spartan Laser by [[Edward Buck]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-M6ESS.png|Third-person view of the M6/E Spartan Laser engaged in smart scope.
File:HO-SpartanLaser.jpg|A Spartan Laser in ''Halo Online''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Sources==
== List of appearances ==
<references/>
* ''[[Believe]]''
** ''[[Diorama]]'' {{1st}} {{C|Diorama only}}
* ''[[Halo 3]]''
* ''[[Halo Wars]]''
* ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
* ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
* ''[[Halo Legends]]''
** ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
* ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
* ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
** ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
* ''[[Halo 4]]''
** ''[[Spartan Ops]]''
* ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
* ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
* ''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
* ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]'' {{C|Hologram only}}
*''[[Halo: Vertical Umbrage]]''
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}
 
== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{UNSC support weapons}}


<br clear="all">
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
{{WepList}}

Latest revision as of 11:02, November 21, 2024

W/AV M6 G/GNR "Spartan Laser"
M6/E
H5G-M6SpartanLaser.png
M6/R
H3-M6SpartanLaser.png
M6/V
HReach-M6SpartanLaser.png
M6/X
H4-SpartanLaser.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

M6

Type:

Directed-energy weapon[1]

Cost:

218,000 cR[2][3]

Variants:

Specifications

Length:

98.8 centimetres (38.9 in)[3] - 121.1 centimetres (47.7 in)[4]

Width:

7.7 inches (20 cm) (M6/X)[5]

Height:

15.4 inches (39 cm) (M6/X)[5]

Weight:

  • Empty: 19.07 kilograms (42.0 lb)[3]
  • Loaded: 20.4 kilograms (45 lb)[3]

Ammunition type:

Feed system:

100 battery units (4 to 5 shots)[6]

Operation:

Directed-energy[1]

Rate of fire:

Semi-automatic[4]

Muzzle velocity:

299,792,458 m/s (983,571,056 ft/s)[4]

Effective range:

Long[1]

Service history

In service:

 

The Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle (W/AV M6 G/GNR), colloquially known as the Spartan Laser, is a man-portable and vehicle-mounted solid-state directed-energy anti-vehicle weapon used by the United Nations Space Command.[1][7] It is the only known infantry directed-energy weapon manufactured by humans, aside from the plasma rifle protoype created by Chalybs Defense Solutions.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M6 G/GNR was originally created in concert with the GUNGNIR Mjolnir armor variant as part of Project GUNGNIR, a program designed to provide supplementary matériel for the SPARTAN-II program, hence the "Spartan Laser" moniker.[8] The M6 G/GNR is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, directed energy weapon firing a solid-state laser.[1] The Spartan Laser's Grindell/Galilean architecture incorporates a smart-linked Wyrd III optics suite, capable of 3× magnification for increased accuracy.[1][2] Its reticule, whether on 1× or 3× magnifications, features a meter on the right side showing the charging status of the laser. The tick mark rests at the bottom of the circular shaped reticule while the laser is dormant, and gradually travels along the reticule's circumference until it reaches the point of origin, indicating that the laser is currently discharging.[9] Certain variants of the M6, the M6/V and the M6/X, are equipped with foldable targeting displays, allowing operators to target enemies without the use of smart-linking on their heads-up display.[10][5]

Development history[edit]

The M6 has gone through several iterations, but its changes have been mostly cosmetic.[4] For example, the M6/R variant used during the Human-Covenant War is powered by a BA-53635/PLMD non-removable battery, which recharges with a PP-16979/AM-Sh charger,[2] whereas the M6/X variant is powered by Series 6971 battery cells,[5] with little-to-no changes in performance.[11] Although the Spartan Laser was considered to be "ruinously expensive" at the time of its introduction, later refinements led to a reduction in production cost which is now only considered to be "extraordinarily expensive". Internal components have changed over time, incorporating incremental advances that have lowered production costs, and increased efficiency, but the significant advances in crystal doping and optoelectronic focusing remain largely opaque to end users.[6]

Operation[edit]

When the weapon is equipped, a shroud over the laser diode lifts up to expose it, presumably to protect it from scratches and battle damage when holstered.[Note 1] A small hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder on the left side of the shroud actuates the shroud where it is anchored to the chassis of the weapon. When the trigger is pulled, a red targeting laser is painted on-target accompanied by an audible whine as the weapon cycles up. The Spartan Laser will then charge for approximately three seconds before discharging the main laser. As the Spartan Laser charges, the charging tone gets noticeably louder and increases in pitch up until the laser is fired. The firing sequence can be aborted without discharging the battery as long as the weapon is not actually fired; for example, if the target moves out of sight or the operator needs to displace. Heat management forces significant downtime between shots, and so the weapon enters an approximately two-second-long standby sequence between shots.

John-117 firing an M6/R during the Battle of Installation 00.

When fired, the Spartan Laser emits a solid-state laser, a powerful microsecond-long pulse of energy capable of burning through thick plates of metallic laminates, nanocomposites, or hardened steel.[1] The beam can also penetrate multiple obstacles and/or targets, provided they are aligned along a linear trajectory. The beam emitted by the M6 Spartan Laser weapons is typically a bright red. The beam is capable of eliminating all manner of targets in a very large range. When used against infantry such as Jiralhanae Chieftains, the lasers is capable of efficiently burning through the armor and leaving a clean hole through the target and also severely damage anything behind the initial target. A single discharge from the M6/R is capable of piercing the thick armor of a Ru'swum-pattern Phantom.[2]

Usage[edit]

While there are multiple M6 variants to facilitate various specialized roles,[1] the M6 is typically used in both anti-vehicle and anti-personnel roles.[2] When employed in combat, the Spartan Laser had a marked effect on both allied and enemy morale.[2] During the Human-Covenant War, only Orbital Drop Shock Troopers and Spartans were given ready access to the weapon.[6] Aircraft, such as the AV-22 Sparrowhawk,[12] the G79H-TC Pelican,[13] and the S-930 Pegasus,[14] are equipped with armaments that use the same technology.

Variants[edit]

There are four known variants of the M6 Spartan Lasers:

  • M6/E Spartan Laser: The M6/E ("Enhanced") variant is upgraded to combat heavy armor,[1] and functions primarily as an anti-tank ordnance.[15] Its parts were miniaturized components derived from the M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon mounted on AV-22 Sparrowhawks.[12]
    • Endgame: Endgame is an improved model of the M6/E variant with a doubled battery capacity and reduced charge time. It has the downside of having less strength than its normal counterpart.
    • Selene's Lance: Selene's Lance is an advanced variant of the M6/E variant has a faster charge time and a longer beam duration, with 50% additional battery capacity compared to its normal counterpart.
  • M6/R Spartan Laser: The M6/R variant is specialized in reconnaissance deployments and scouting maneuvers.[1]
  • M6/V Spartan Laser: The M6/V variant is designed with a larger focus on operator safety via a versatile focus canopy.[1]
  • M6/X Spartan Laser: The M6/X variant is powered by Series 6971 battery cells and featured an experimental alternating power distributor.[1]

In addition, related technology has been observed on vehicle armaments:

Gameplay[edit]

Main article: Spartan Laser

Variants of the M6 Spartan Laser are featured as a usable weapon in Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, Halo 4, and Halo 5: Guardians. They are known as the Spartan Laser. It is a power weapon, which fires a powerful laser that deals an incredible amount of damage, destroying all vehicles with a single well-placed shot. The Spartan Laser is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, and to compensate, it has a limited use of five shots, a short cooldown after a discharge, and inability to pick up ammo.

In Halo Wars campaign, Jerome-092 and two of the members of Team Omega are armed with Spartan Lasers. In Halo Wars skirmish, the Spartan Laser is the final upgrade available to Spartans, available through the UNSC Barracks. The AV-22 Sparrowhawk, a unit exclusive to Ellen Anders, is equipped with a chin-mounted Spartan Laser. In Halo Wars 2 campaign, Jerome-092 again wields the Spartan Laser, while in skirmish, Jerome-092 can equip the Spartan Laser upon researching Spartan Upgrade level Two in the UNSC Armory. The UNSC Super Unit G81 Condor is equipped with twin dual laser cannons in addition to a Mini-MAC.

Production notes[edit]

  • "Grindell" may be a reference to to Harry Grindell Matthews, an English inventor who claimed to have invented a death ray in the 1920s. The word "Galilean" is also printed on the side of the weapon.
  • As a reference to its development program, the sides of the M6/R and M6/V have the Norse symbol for Gungnir etched into it, which was the mythical spear wielded by the god Odin in Norse Mythology. Gungnir was described as having the ability to always hit its mark. Part of the mythology is that Odin would hurl his spear over the doomed side of a battle.
  • During the development of Halo 3, Bungie envisioned the Spartan Laser as a weapon which could be only carried by Spartans. When they were deployed onto the battlefield, infantry would call this deployment "rolling thunder".[18]
  • Early concept art of the Halo: Reach starfighter FSS-1000 Sabre includes the Spartan Laser, which was replaced by the Medusa missiles in the final design. The starfighter depicted in the concept art, along with its Spartan Laser, were later canonized as the S-930 Pegasus and the M11B nonlinear cannon, respectively.[14]

Trivia[edit]

  • Luke Smith's comment on the Spartan Laser, "It's not overpowered, it's an elegant weapon from a more civilized age," is a reference to Star Wars' lightsabers, described as such by Obi-Wan Kenobi.[19]
  • In The Package, the Spartan Laser is shown to be able to deflect an energy sword and is, in that instance, dual wielded with an M7 SMG. In addition, after Frederic-104 fires his Spartan Laser twice, his HUD shows its battery has 80% of its power left, meaning his Spartan Laser has only expended 10% of its power with each shot. However, in Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo: Reach as well as Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, the Spartan Laser uses 20% and 25% of its battery with each shot, respectively. It is possible the Spartan Laser can change the amount of battery charge used in its shots, as the shots fired by Frederic seem dramatically weaker than those fired in the games.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In gameplay, the weapon is shown with the shroud up when it is on a person's back. This is likely due to reuse of the third-person viewmodel of the laser, which does not have the shroud covering the laser emitter.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 179
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Bungie.net, Spartan Laser (Retrieved on Feb 2, 2007) [local archive] [external archive]
  3. ^ a b c d Bungie.net, Spartan Laser (Retrieved on Sep 11, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
  4. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 183
  5. ^ a b c d e Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 69
  6. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint - Universe, Spartan Laser (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 315
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint, MJOLNIR 2 (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  9. ^ Halo 3, Gameplay
  10. ^ Halo: Reach, Gameplay
  11. ^ Halo 4, Gameplay
  12. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Cannon Fodder: Local Units (Retrieved on Mar 31, 2017) [archive]
  13. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 113
  14. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Cannon Fodder - Digsite Dissection (Retrieved on Jul 28, 2023) [archive]
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint, Cannon Fodder: Locke & Load (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [archive]
  16. ^ Halo Wars, Limited Edition: Personnel profile - Professor Anders
  17. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 182
  18. ^ Twitter, Isaac Hannaford (@Isaac_Hannaford): "We imagined the spartan laser as a Spartan specific weapon. When Spartans entered the battlefield soldiers would refer to their approach as rolling thunder." (Retrieved on May 2, 2021) [archive]
  19. ^ Bungie.net, Bungie Weekly Update 5/11/07 (Retrieved on Apr 21, 2017) [archive]