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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|GOO|HGN|UP}}
{{disambig header|the older variant of the M808 Scorpion tank|other uses|Scorpion (disambiguation)}}
{{Ship
{{Vehicle infobox
|image=[[Image:Halo 3 Scorpion.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2A M808BScorpion Render.jpg|300px]]
|name=Scorpion
|manufacturer=
|manufacturer=
|line=
|line=[[M808 Scorpion]]
|model=Scorpion
|model=M808B
M808B Main Battle Tank<ref name="halo 1 handbook">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' handbook, page 22</ref><ref name="halo 2 handbook">''[[Halo 2]]'' handbook, page 17</ref><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide">''[[The Official Halo 2 Strategy Guide]]'', page 23</ref>
|cost=
|class=Main Battle Tank<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/>
|length= {{Convert|10.2|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 164''</ref><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 238''</ref>
|length=10 meters (32.8 feet)<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/>
|width= {{Convert|7.8|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|width=
|height=
|height=
|mass=66 tons (145,500 pounds)<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/>
|mass=66 tons
|max accel= 2 meters per second
|max speed=
|max speed space=
|max speed air=
|engine=
|engine=
|slipspace drive=
|hull= Ceramic-[[Titanium]] armor<ref name="H1man">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', ''game manual''</ref><ref name="H2man">'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''game manual''</ref><ref name="flood137">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 137''</ref>
|slipspace speed=
|armament=
|poweroutput=
*One [[M512 90mm Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|power=
*1 coaxial [[M231 Medium Machine Gun]]<ref name="Waypoint">'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"Scorpion"''</ref>
|shield gen=No
|crew=
|hull=Heavy Duty Ceramic-Titanium Armor<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/><ref name="the flood">''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 137</ref>
*2 operators (no augmentations){{Ref/Reuse|H1man}}
|sensor=
or
|target=
*One operator with [[neural interface]]{{Ref/Reuse|H2man}}
|navigation=
|complement=Up to four passengers
|avionics=
|countermeasures=
|armament=*90mm High Velocity Gun (1)
*M247T 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun (1)<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/>(either coaxial<ref>[[Halo 3]]</ref><ref>[[Halo 2]]</ref> or pintle-mounted<ref>[[Halo 3]]</ref>)
|complement=
|crew=*Driver
**Gunner (if both the driver and the gunner have no neural interface)<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/>
*Secondary Gunner (Halo 3 only)
*Passengers (4)
|skeleton=*Driver<ref name="halo 2 handbook"/>
|passengers=Passenger (4)<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/>
|capacity=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=
|firstuse-title=In service
|role=*Anti-Vehicular platform
|firstuse=[[Insurrection]]<br>
*Anti-infantry platform<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/>
[[Human-Covenant War]]
|era=
|role=
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/>
*Anti-armor platform{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*Anti-vehicular platform{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*Anti-infantry platform{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*Heavy weaponry{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
{{quote|This here is 66 tons of straight-up, HE-spewin', dee-vine intervention!|[[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery J. Johnson]]}}
{{Quote|This here is 66 tons of straight-up, HE-spewin', dee-vine intervention!|[[Avery Johnson]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].<ref name="Metropolis">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref>}}
The '''M808B Scorpion''', formally the '''M808B Main Battle Tank''',{{Ref/Reuse|H1man}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2man}} is a variant of the [[M808 Scorpion]]. The tank features a coaxial-mounted [[M231 Medium Machine Gun|M231 machine gun]] and lacks a gunner compartment.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}


The '''M808B Main Battle Tank'''<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/> (abbreviated '''M808B MBT'''), commonly known as simply the '''Scorpion''' or ''Scorp'', is a [[UNSC]] tank. It is outfitted with a 90mm high-velocity cannon, a coaxial<ref>[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]</ref><ref>[[Halo 2]]</ref> or pintle-mounted<ref>[[Halo 3]]</ref> 7.62mm machine gun, and titanium-ceramic armor-plating, and can carry a compliment of five troops: four passengers who can shoot their weapons from emergency jumpseats and one passenger who operates the mounted machine gun.
==Design details==
The M808B features a coaxially mounted [[M231 Medium Machine Gun]]. The machine gun is mounted beside the primary weapon and thus points in the same general direction as the main armament, relying in the turret's ability to traverse in order to change arc. The tank can also be outfitted with a 105mm gun for greater offensive power.<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 153''</ref>


==Overview==
==Operational history==
An older variant of the Scorpion, the M808B saw use throughout the [[Insurrection]] and later the [[Human-Covenant War]], and has been in service for almost two centuries.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} It served alongside the [[M808C Scorpion]] as well as the [[M850 Grizzly]].


{{Quote|Hey, how does 90 millimeters of tungsten strike ya?|[[Pete Stacker|Gunnery Sergeant Pete Stacker]]}}
In February [[2531]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} utilized multiple M808B Scorpions during the end of the [[Harvest Campaign]]. Shortly after a UNSC force led by [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]] retook the besieged [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] from the [[Covenant]], M808B Scorpions were deployed alongside other forces in an assault against the Covenant-held [[Relic (location)|relic]]. The UNSC force was successful in stopping the Covenant, wiping out a Covenant [[Covenant citadel|base]] before stopping them from destroying the Relic with demolition charges.
{{Quote|You had a chance to be afraid before you joined my beloved corps, and to teach you now, I brought this motivational device!|[[Johnson|Avery A. Johnson]]}}
[[File:HW ArcadiaOutskirts.png|thumb|300px|left|UNSC forces, including an M808B Scorpion, retreating from Pirth City.]]
The sturdy M808B Scorpion MBT is an armored tracked vehicle used during planetary combat. It can seat a driver, a gunner and four passengers that sit two on each side.<ref name="halo 1 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 handbook"/><ref name="halo 2 strategy guide"/>  
After the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} arrived at the planet of [[Arcadia]], which was [[Battle for Arcadia|under attack]] by the Covenant [[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]], M808B Scorpions were among the forces deployed into [[Pirth City]] to assist the [[Arcadian Patrol]] in evacuating [[civilian]]s aboard several [[Banta-class transport|cargo ships]]. After saving hundreds of civilians from the Covenant onslaught, the UNSC forces left the city through its traffic tunnels. At least one M808B made it to the outskirts of the city, where it was forced to retreat along with other UNSC survivors to a nearby impact crater, where they would proceed to establish a [[firebase]] and hold out against waves of attacking Covenant forces until [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[Team Omega]] could arrive. Over the course of the battle, [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] [[Bravo 029 (Pelican)|Bravo 029]] continued to deliver UNSC forces until Team Omega arrived. Now reinforced with the Spartan-II team, the UNSC launched an assault on a heavily-defended Covenant [[Covenant citadel|base]], with M808B Scorpion tanks taking part in the assault. Later, M808Bs were used to help defend a number of [[M145D Rhino|Rhino]] tanks as they attacked a large Covenant [[Energy shielding|energy shield dome]] protecting [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|a series of ancient]] [[Forerunner]] structures. After breaching the dome, M808Bs were among the UNSC ground forces that were deployed into the ruins to destroy a Covenant {{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}} protecting the main facility.<ref name="HW">'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref>


Its main function is to provide anti-vehicular support. The Scorpion is equipped with two weapon systems. It has a short-to-medium-range coaxial machine gun and an extremely powerful main cannon. While the main cannon can only shoot one round every few seconds, the machine gun has unlimited ammunition and can fire even when the cannon is reloading. The Scorpion's chassis is covered with heavy titanium-ceramic armor plate, making it mostly immune to small-arms fire. However, it is still possible for anti-tank infantry weapons to inflict severe damage on the vehicle, even destroying it.
Upon their arrival at [[Trove]], the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} immediately began to deploy ground forces, with many of these being M808B Scorpion tanks. After Spartan [[Red Team]] became separated from the main UNSC force, Sergeant Forge assembled a team to reinforce them, as well as to destroy a [[Flood]] [[Proto-Gravemind]] that was blocking a transmission from Professor [[Ellen Anders]], who had been abducted by the Covenant on Arcadia. M808B Scorpions, along with various other ground and air assets from the ''Spirit of Fire'', were able to punch through heavy Flood resistance, destroying several [[Flood colony|colonies]] and the Proto-Gravemind. When the ''Spirit of Fire'' found itself being pulled into the shield world, [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]] ordered all ground forces to return to the ship. Three [[platoon]]s were stranded on the surface and a rescue force was dispatched to retrieve them, including a number of M808B tanks. Sergeant Forge later lead an assault on four fortified Covenant bases in the interior of the shield world, in order to establish an effective resistance to allow them to springboard their assault on the [[Apex Site]]. The UNSC soon attacked the Apex Site, deploying M808B Scorpions alongside other ground forces to clear out Covenant and Flood resistance on the vast ramps leading up to the site itself. In the final engagement of the battle on the shield world, Scorpions, along with other UNSC ground forces were deployed with the objective of opening six interlocks that would open the portal to be used by the ''Spirit of Fire'' in order to escape from the planet before Sergeant Forge activated the ships [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL Drive]] in the installation's star. Within thirty minutes, they were successful in their mission, allowing the ''Spirit of Fire'' to narrowly escape the planet as it is destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|HW}}


The Scorpion has a blind spot around it because the turret is mounted far back and elevated on a pedestal.<ref name="halo 1">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''</ref><ref name="halo 2">''[[Halo 2]]''</ref> The tank houses an interesting track assembly, made of four bogeys, or tread assemblies, with two on each flank of the vehicle, front-to-back. This makes the Scorpion a rather broad target and presumably easy to spot from the air, on the other hand it does give the tank better traction on rough ground. <ref name="halo 1"/><ref name="halo 2"/>
During the Covenant [[Fall of Reach|invasion of]] [[Reach]] in summer of [[2552]], several M808B Scorpion tanks were deployed as part of the UNSC defensive forces for the groundside [[Orbital defense generator|generators]] powering the planet's [[orbital defense platform]]s. [[Orbital Defense Generator Facility A-331|Facility A-331]] was attacked by thousands of Covenant soldiers, and many Scorpions were engaged in the battle before a poorly-targeted [[Carpet bombing|bombing run]] wiped out the remaining attackers but also killed the majority of [[Charlie Company]], including the M808Bs. By the time [[Frederic-104]] and [[Red Team]] arrived, only four UNSC Marines were left.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 22''</ref>


Although it has been said numerous times to be a main battle tank, it seems to have been designed as a lighter armored vehicle. Unlike modern MBTs, which commonly carry crews of four or more, it has a small crew of only two, with room for additional passengers on the outside. However, any marines sitting on the tread covers of the Scorpion will be vulnerable to conventional arms fire, and any explosions that occur near to the tank may kill all outside, whilst crew members will be relatively unscathed. Its cannon, a 90mm piece, also appears weak when compared to modern MBT armaments: the M1 Abrams tank, for example, can mount either a 105mm or 120mm cannon. Alternatively, the 90mm cannon could be the "light" variant of the M808, while a 105mm cannon can be mounted for greater offensive power<ref name="Halo: The Flood"> [[Halo: The Flood]], page 153</ref>, an incident which has indeed been recorded.
The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} carried twenty M808B Scorpions in preparation of [[Operation: RED FLAG]].<ref name="Warfleet">[[Halo: Warfleet]], pg. 25</ref> Before the operation could be carried out, the Covenant attack on Reach forced the ''Pillar of Autumn'' to flee the system, ultimately arriving at [[Installation 04]]. Upon arrival in the [[Soell system]], the ship immediately came under attack from the Covenant [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]. With Cortana operating the ship's [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]], the ''Autumn'' managed to destroy four {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s and damage several others before the MAC was disabled. Captain [[Jacob Keyes]] ordered all crew to abandon the ship before setting it on a collision course with the ring. The ''Autumn'' survived the landing, but was damaged beyond repair. A strike force of UNSC [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] along with [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] led by Lieutenant [[Melissa McKay]] soon staged an assault on the crashed ship, in order to scavenge supplies to return to the newly-established [[Alpha Base (Installation 04)|Alpha Base]]. A number of M808B Scorpions, along with [[M12 Chaingun Warthog|Warthogs]], [[M274R Mongoose|Mongooses]], [[UH-144 Falcon|Falcons]] and [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] clashed with a large force of Covenant infantry and armor in front of the downed Cruiser.<ref name="HFR Rubble">'''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''', campaign level ''[[Rubble]]''</ref> The UNSC forces were ultimately successful in their raid, managing to salvage four more Scorpions for the [[Battle of Installation 04|battle]] against the Covenant.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''chapter 5''</ref> As the convoy made their way from the downed ''Pillar of Autumn'' towards Alpha Base, they were ambushed by a Covenant force commanded by [[Field Master]] [[Noga 'Putumee]]. The M808Bs proved instrumental in allowing the human forces to punch through, as they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralise at least one of the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraiths]] that were bombarding their position.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''chapter 6''</ref>
[[File:ScorpionControlRoom.png|thumb|250px|John-117 fighting Covenant forces on Installation 04 in an M808B Scorpion.]]
During his push towards Installation 04's [[Control Room (Installation 04)|control room]], [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] found members of [[Fireteam Zulu]] engaging Covenant forces near [[030569|an]] unmanned M808B Scorpion, and proceeded to take control of the tank. The Spartan used the M808B to push through several valleys and underground chasms, destroying large numbers of Covenant infantry, armor and aerial defenses before he was forced to leave the tank behind when he encountered several large pipes that prevented them from going forward with the vehicle.{{Ref/Reuse|Assault}} Later, during the Covenant [[Battle of Alpha Base|attack]] on Alpha Base, a pair of entrenched M808B Scorpions inflicted heavy casualties on the Covenant, killing Field Master 'Putumee and throwing the assault into disarray.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''chapter 8''</ref> All Scorpions were destroyed, along with Installation 04, when John-117 overloaded the ''Pillar of Autumn's'' reactor.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]</ref>


Its light and crew-efficient design could be down to the requirements of a tank to be used by the UNSC Marines as a heavy tank would prove useless in their mobile warfare style and be difficult to drop close to or into combat zones. With a "light" version of the MBTs, Marines can react in a quick and efficient manner. Marines can sometimes hitch a ride on the sides of the Scorpion, employing small arms to serve as a sort of point-defense system to stave off enemy infantry. The real weakness of the Scorpion is that it is quite slow and, if enemies are too close to the tank, the driver is unable to get a clear shot. It is also difficult to fatally run an enemy over due to the slow acceleration and low maximum speed of the Scorpion. As such, the anti-infantry defenses of the tank rely largely on passengers and the coaxial machine gun.
During the early stages of the [[Battle for Earth]], M808B Scorpions were used by Marines while [[Battle of Mombasa|engaging]] Covenant within the city of [[Mombasa]]. Upon arriving at the Covenant-held [[New Mombasa 105 East#Kilindini Bridge|Kilindini Bridge]] and rendezvousing with two surviving Marines, John-117 was reinforced with [[12-9F5|an]] M808B Scorpion tank delivered by Sergeant [[Avery Johnson]]. Using the tank, John-117 traversed the suspension bridge in pursuit of the [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] which had previously destroyed his Pelican and passed over the bridge. On the way, he used the Scorpion to destroy large numbers of Ghosts, several Wraiths and Banshees before being forced to leave the tank behind due to massive damage the vehicle had sustained.<ref name="metro">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Palace Hotel]]"</ref> [[957-A3|Another]] M808B Scorpion was deployed in front of a [[Lethbridge Industrial]] building being used as a command post for [[A Company]], after the area was secured by John-117. The Scarab the Spartan had been pursuing soon arrived in the area, and the Scorpion tank opened fire on the walker to no avail before being destroyed by the Scarab's [[focus cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|metro}}
[[File:H2A - Pelican and Scorpion.jpg|thumb|left|A D77-TC Pelican dropping off an M808B Scorpion during the Battle of Mombasa.|250px]]
Upon arriving at [[Installation 05]], having followed ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' into [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] from [[Earth]], the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} deployed John-117 and a team of ODSTs via [[M8823 drop pod]] to secure an initial landing zone that would allow further reinforcements to be deployed to aid in their mission to assassinate the [[Prophet of Regret]]. At a Covenant-held bridge, the presence of multiple Wraiths necessitated the deployment of an M808B Scorpion tank. Using the armored vehicle, John-117 spearheaded the push through multiple Covenant-occupied Forerunner structures before having to leave the tank to proceed deeper into the ruins.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Delta Halo]]</ref> A short time later, Commander [[Miranda Keyes]] deployed the rest of the ''In Amber Clad's'' forces, including a number of M808B Scorpions into the installation's [[quarantine zone]] in search of the [[Activation index]], seeking to keep it out of the Covenant's hands. Upon the deactivation of the [[containment shield]] by [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, the Flood were unleashed upon the UNSC forces. By the time 'Vadamee and his team of [[Special Operations Sangheili]] passed through the quarantine zone on their way to the [[Library]], many of these tanks had been captured by the Flood, who were using them, along with other UNSC and Covenant vehicles, to great effect against the [[Sentinel]] defenders.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]</ref>


==Versions==
By [[2558]], the M808C remained the only variant of the original Scorpion in service with Army and Marine Corps armored units, the M808B having been replaced with the [[M820 Scorpion]].{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
=== Halo: Combat Evolved ===


The [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] version features the standard cannon and machine gun found on all Scorpion Tanks. However, the main cannon requires four seconds to reload, leaving the tank highly vulnerable to enemy fire. The main cannon is ineffective at long ranges, due to its rather high shot spread, and the machine gun is unable to reliably hit targets at anywhere outside a few dozen meters. However, the Scorpion tank is fairly fast and maneuverable, (not to mention indestructible). It makes an effective assault transport in [[Campaign]], but it's less effective in [[Multiplayer]], as its hatch has been replaced with a roll cage that leaves the driver open to infantry fire,<ref name="halo 1"/> an experienced sniper can eliminate the driver in a single shot.
==Variants==
*'''[[M808B2 Sun Devil]]''': The '''M808B2 Air Defense System'''<ref>[http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HGMB99 '''Spartan Games''' - ''Store: UNSC Standard Armoured Battle Group'']</ref> is built on a slightly modified Scorpion tank hull, the Sun Devil uses a full-rotation turret fitted with two twin-linked 40mm autocannons. Ostensibly an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Sun Devil was used in anti-personnel role throughout the insurrection years, and proved to be very effective in clearing Covenant light infantry from contested points.<ref name="Blitz">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/blitz-coverage '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Community Update - Blitz Coverage'']</ref>


One feature unique to this version is the ability for a player to ride on one of the four tread covers in multiplayer (it is possible to jump and land on it to ride, but this makes it difficult to aim and makes you more vulnerable to small and large arms fire, as you are more exposed).Riding this way is similar to riding in the passenger seat of the [[Warthog]], but leaves riders much more vulnerable. The Scorpion only appears once in the campaign, on the level [[Assault on the Control Room]].<ref name="halo 1"/>
*'''[[M808B3 Tarantula]]''': Heavy fire support variant. Armed with twin Scimitar 40x178mm hypervelocity rocket pods. Mostly reequipped as M808Bs due to ineffectiveness against Covenant forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}


Another feature is that the shell fired leaves a trail behind it, like that of a sniper rifle. This allows enemies to locate a tank with greater ease, and for a driver to self assess his or her shots. There is an antenna on the top of the tank but the antenna was not added to the [[Halo 2]] Scorpion, however returned in the [[Halo 3]] Scorpion.
*'''[[ODST Scorpion]]''': A variant of the heavily armored main battle tank, The ODST Scorpion has been secretly designed for the [[105th Special Forces]] with a stealth gray armor that emits a low RADAR detection signature. Its revamped turret houses a heavily modified 90mm High Velocity Cannon with dual recoil brakes to minimize muzzle blast for greater accuracy and stealth when firing.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/odst-covenant-invasion '''Megabloks''' ''- ODST SCORPION'']</ref>
<gallery>
File:SunDevil.png|M808B2 Sun Devil.
File:Megabloks ODST Scorpion.png|ODST Scorpion.
</gallery>


Another problem with the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] tank is that it is easily surrounded and attacked. There's a reason that they have jumpseats for infantry support. Have people with Assault Rifles or Pistols jump on, and you're invulnerable to anything except rocket launchers, including snipers, due to the pistol users.
===Known individual tanks===
The M808B saw a large number of locally-produced variants and field upgrades over nearly two centuries of use. Periodically, the [[UNSC Army]] made attempts to codify these modifications but met with little success.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} Consequently, many individual tanks (identifiable by the serial number) have slight differences which distinguish them from factory standard M808Bs and each other:
*[[030569]] - A variant that was attached to [[Fireteam Zulu]] during the [[Battle of Installation 04]] in [[2552|September 2552]].<ref name="Assault">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]</ref>
*[[052496]] - Painted with a camouflage.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/unsc-scorpion '''Megabloks''' ''- UNSC SCORPION'']</ref>
*[[12-9F5]] - Painted brown, this Scorpion had a wider-set track and an enhanced undercarriage, making it ideal for urban warfare.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[957-A3]] - Painted gray, the 957-A3 had enhanced electronics for a more accurate cannon shot.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*957-A4 - A variant used on the [[War Games]] simulation [[Bloodline]].
*[[UE8-14]] - Painted olive green, this variant had thinner armor, was lighter, and was designed for medium-armor warfare.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[TB-SB-1]] - Painted black, the TB-SB-1 had thicker armor than the standard Scorpion and featured a sturdier chassis.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[HJ3-213]] - With thicker treads than the standard M808B, this variant had a sturdier chassis and was built for rough terrain.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}


=== Halo 2 ===
==Gameplay changes==
[[Image:Scorpion-1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A render of the Scorpion from ''[[Halo 2]]''.]]
===Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''===
The Scorpion Tank had a massive overhaul in [[Halo 2]]. The most noticeable differences are the way the tank drives, the slightly downgraded main cannon, and the removal of the antennas. Instead of driving in the direction the turret is facing, the body and the turret are controlled independently by the left and right thumb stick, respectively. This means that you are able to drive in one direction and shoot in another. The main cannon's reload time has been noticeably shortened and the machine gun is now much more accurate. However, the speed has been reduced to balance gameplay.<ref name="halo 2"/>
*Players now cannot ride on the tank's tread covers. Standing on them is much easier with the revamped physics engine.
*The [[reticule]] for the tank has also changed and is a lot smaller, for increased accuracy.
*The tank now moves a lot slower, further limiting its movement and its evasive capabilities.
*The tank's canopy has been replaced with a solid metal cover like in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''<nowiki />'s Campaign, preventing the driver from being sniped while it is intact. However, vehicle damage has been added to human vehicles, and so the player is in danger of the tank exploding if too much damage is taken.
*The main cannon reloads twice as fast, requiring only a two second delay. The dots during the reload time are now removed. It is also more accurate.
*The machine gun is now much more accurate. Previously, the machine gun fired in a very wide area.
*Driving and aiming controls are now completely divorced allowing for greater maneuverability when firing. Previously the aiming and steering controls were linked, meaning the player had to steer more or less in the same direction they were aiming.
*Tank shell projectile now travels faster and can no longer be seen with the naked eye.
*The Scorpion tank is no longer indestructible.


The option to ride on the tread covers has been removed in Halo 2. However, you can still stand on the tread covers in front of the cannon. It could be a good transport and if the tank is [[Boarding|hijacked]], the one standing on it can get it back for their team. [[AI]] characters, such as [[Marines]], can still sit and ride on the canopy, however. As the roll cage has been exchanged for a hatch, the tank is impervious to sniper rifle fire in Halo 2 when it is not damaged, but if the canopy takes enough damage, it will fall off, exposing the driver's head.<ref name="halo 2"/> However a tactic quickly devised by players in Halo 2 was to drive the Scorpion in reverse using the turret itself to protect the driver from potential snipers. This was possible due to the reverse and forward speeds being identical.
===''Halo Wars''===
[[File:Unsc scorpion 3renders.jpg|300px|thumb|From left to right: the Scorpion from the least to the most upgraded variant in ''Halo Wars''.]]
The Scorpion is the mainline UNSC vehicle, and can be produced from the [[Vehicle Depot]]. 500 resources, three population slots, and a tech level 2 is required to build one. It has the following upgrades:
*''[[S1 canister shell|Canister shell]]'' - A special attack with a blast radius which is devastating to infantry. The upgrade costs 400 resources and requires a tech level of 3.
*''Power turret'' - The turning speed of the turret is doubled. The upgrade costs 900 resources and requires a tech level of 4.
*''Grizzly'' - Turns M808B Scorpion into the [[M850 Grizzly]] (available only if [[Sergeant Forge]] is the leader). The upgrade costs 1800 resources and requires a tech level of 4.


During the [[Halo 2]] Campaign, the first level you get to operate a Scorpion tank is on [[Metropolis]], where [[Sergeant Johnson]] drops off the tank to go over the bridge. Unlike [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the Scorpion is available in three levels, [[Metropolis]], [[Delta Halo]], and [[Quarantine Zone]]. AI players may now pilot the tank. However, in the opposite manner of the Wraith's plasma cannons, AI players cannot use the machine gun on the Scorpion. Only player-controlled characters can use the guns, for example, the Master Chief, the Arbiter, players in multiplayer, etc., whereas only NPCs can use the Wraith's plasma auto-cannons.
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
* The color scheme of the Scorpion is now a brighter olive-green shade.
* The rear of the Scorpion is less boxy, higher off the ground and more angular.
* The turret is wider, and has more protrusions in its armor plating. The assembly to pitch the turret is no longer one contiguous piece.
* The barrel has a muzzle break, and has an optical sight or sensor below it.
* The spare track piece on the top of the body is now smaller and offset, with raised armor extending from the cockpit taking its place.
* Headlights are now affixed above the front tracks.
* The identification decal originally reading "12-9F5" now reads "[[Jorge-052|S-052]]", and is instead on the rear of the turret.
* The cockpit canopy is now wider at the rear, and has three small windows in its front.


The [[Halo 2]] Scorpion was extremely vulnerable to heavy weapons such as the [[Rocket Launcher]] and depending on where the rockets hit the tank could normally only withstand a single rocket with the second rocket destroying the tank. Occasionally the [[Scorpion]] could withstand 2 rockets allowing it time to retreat and recover, this was usually at the expense of it's armour plating.
====Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer''====
* Numerous different decals are used across the Scorpion, and the "S-052" identification decal is replaced by "957-A4", and is also moved to the rear tread armor plating.
* The color scheme is now a darker shade of green, with a large amount of black accenting across multiple pieces.
* Bars have been added to the front tread armor plating.
* The Scorpion has a slower rate of fire, taking longer to reload.
* The HUD reticle is thinner, but also shows the reload progression as two bars either side of the center reticle.
* The coaxial machine gun is placed further away from the barrel towards the edge of the turret.


=== Halo 3 ===
==Trivia==
[[Image:Marine Scorpion at Installation 00.JPG|thumb|Scorpion in Halo 3.]]
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
[[Image:Snow Scorpion.jpg|thumb|left|Scorpion MBT in full snow camouflage.]]
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the Scorpion tank's cannon was a solid object, but in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the player will go through if they try to walk on the barrel - the character's legs will separate from their body.
[[Image:1208363923 Scorpions1190544094.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the M808B uses the M808's model from ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', with the machine gun and its operator's compartment removed.
[[Image:Tank2.jpg|thumb|A snow Scorpion.]]


The [[Halo 3]] era Scorpion Tank's controls are the same as Halo 2, with one exception; control of the machine gun has been taken away from the driver, who must now have a passenger to man the gun which changes the capacity from 5 to 6. The speed of the vehicle has been adjusted so that it is about as fast as its first iteration in Halo, but its acceleration is far inferior, taking two or three seconds to get up to full speed. It's reverse speed has been significantly reduced, perhaps in a reaction to reverse driving in Halo 2 where a driver could be protected from sniping attack by using the tank's turret to obscure his position. This could also be a reaction to give vehicle boarders a more realistic chance of catching up to a reversing tank. Similar to the Halo 3 [[Wraith]] when boarded from the front or back of the vehicle the driver cannot exit the vehicle and it is possible to melee a driver from the rear boarding position.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE TankPelican Concept.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:HCE_EarlyTank_Concept_1.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:HCE_EarlyTank_Concept_2.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:HCE_EarlyTank_Concept_3.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:UNSC-Scorpion-logo1.png|Detail of the scorpion emblem.
File:PreH1-Scorpion.jpg|The Scorpion in [[Pre-Xbox Halo]].
File:Tank.jpg|The Scorpion accompanied by a group of [[Spartan-II]]s in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-MP-M808BScorpionMBT.png|Render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank used in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiplayer.
File:HaloCE-M808BScorpionMBT.png|A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-M808BScorpionMBT-HUD.jpg|The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-BengalScorpionskin.jpg|An M808B with the Bengal [[Skins (Halo: Combat Evolved)|skin]] in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
File:H2-M808BScorpionMBT.png|A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Delivery.png|A Scorpion being delivered to [[New Mombasa]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:Scarabcannon.jpg|Unit [[957-A3]] under fire by a Covenant Scarab in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Scorpion TB-SB-1.jpg|Scorpion tank, unit [[TB-SB-1]].
File:H2 Waterworks Scorpion.jpg|A Scorpion tank being hijacked.
File:Metropolistank.jpg|The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in ''Halo 2''.
File:Unsc scorpion.gif|The Scorpion tank in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW-M808B.png|M808Bs on Harvest.
File:HW-M808Bcannistershot.png|M808Bs with canister shot.
File:HW-M808Bpowerturret.png|M808Bs with power turret.
File:HW_ChasmsScorpions.jpg|A column of M808Bs on [[Chasms]].
File:Scorpion2011.png|A render of the Scorpion in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA-M808BScorpionMBT-HUD.jpg|The [[Heads-Up Display]] when driving an M808B Scorpion in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA Scorpion.png|An M808B Scorpion, as displayed in the [[Library (feature)|Library feature]] of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-M808Bs.png|M808Bs aboard the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.
File:H2A M808BScorpion.png|The M808B Scorpion in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2ACP-M808BHUD.png|The HUD of the Scorpion in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2AMPM808B.png|The Scorpion being used on [[Bloodline]] in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-M808BHUD.png|The HUD of the Scorpion on [[Awash]].
File:HTMCC-Season6RavenM808B.jpg|A M808B in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>


In Halo 3, the Scorpion's main gun was confirmed to use a tungsten-based projectile. Tungsten is a very dense metal that is extremely resistant to physical impact and heat. It is also very heavy, and these factors make it ideal for use in a cannon. A muzzle brake was also added to the barrel of the gun, which is a device that diverts excess muzzle blast sideways reducing recoil of the turret. A similar piece of equipment on an infantry-sized weapon can be seen on the barrel of the [[SRS-99 Sniper Rifle]] series. The main gun also has a fair amount of recoil, pushing the tank backwards slightly with each shot.
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[i love bees]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''


Like the new [[Wraith]], the Scorpion has a secondary position for the turret gunner. The turret makes boarding much harder, but the gunner is highly exposed to enemy fire. Appearance wise, the Scorpion has more detail and the antennas have returned from Halo CE.  The tank is drivable in the levels [[The Ark]] and [[The Covenant]]. However, due to balance problems, the Scorpion does not appear by default in any [[Halo 3]] multiplayer maps, and can only appear in multiplayer in a [[Forge|forged]] map. However, this changed with the introduction of the map [[Avalanche]], where certain gametypes will now spawn a Scorpion tank in Matchmaking.
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


Another thing that is in the Halo 3 version is the trajectory of the shots from the main cannon. The shots will fall over long distances, and so the driver has to adjust his angle to account for the trajectory.
{{Scorpion variants}}
 
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
==Halo Wars==
Scorpion Tanks are supposed to appear in Halo Wars. Apparently it has the ability to upgrade to a 'Grizzly' variant; however, this hasn't been confirmed.
 
== Countermeasures ==
*Firing a [[Rocket Launcher]] or a [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] at the Scorpion generally inflicts damage or kills the driver and gunner.
*The [[Spartan Laser]] is very effective, destroying the tank in a single shot if the shot is well placed,probly in the back hatch, but the slow charging time of the laser may open the wielder to the lethal fire of the tank's main gun.
*If you have a sniper rifle, it may be effective to snipe the gunner. The gunner is in a very exposed position and makes an easy target. The driver is impossible to kill unless the tank has been damaged sufficiently for its canopy to fall off.
*In Halo: CE where the driver is exposed, it is possible to eliminate the driver with a single shot from the sniper rifle. But a player must be very sure that they can do one of the following: hit and kill the driver, that they are too far away to be effectively attacked, switch to heavy weapon or throw grenades, or have some cover. Otherwise if a player misses and is in the open, this tactic is suicidal.
*Boarding the tank is quite effective, especially if the boarder plants a grenade inside the vehicle's housing. This tactic will almost invariably kill the driver, but the boarder must be careful that the coaxial gun does not kill him as he boards.
*Another tank or anti-tank vehicle is usually the most efficient method of stopping a Scorpion. The [[Wraith]]'s high accuracy and speed make it ideal for this task. The [[Gauss Warthog]] is also quite effective, as long as the driver takes care to avoid the main gun. The [[Hornet]]'s missiles can easily destroy the tank, but its slow speed and lack of maneuverability make such an undertaking risky, if not suicidal.
*Using a [[Power Drain]] or a [[plasma pistol]] on overcharge will temporarily disable the movement of the tank and will greatly weaken its driver. While the tank's weaponry will still be functional, it will be unable to move and can be easily boarded.
*Although risky, it is possible to take out a tank using two plasma grenades in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]/[[Halo PC]], as they are significantly stronger than in [[Halo 2]]/[[Halo 3]]. This tactic is especially useful if you have unlimited grenades. In the sequels, this is no longer widely possible. The Scorpion is a very dangerous vehicle with a 90mm high velocity cannon, with a machine gun turret mounted. This vehicle is much faster than the Wraith. A boarding party has a lower chance of boarding it, especially when there is a machine gunner on.
*Also, a standard [[M6|Pistol]] in Halo:CE can do plenty of damage if the driver is hidden.
*Also in Halo 3 the Scorpion tank has a weak ventral port at its rear just like that of the [[Wraith]].
*Engaging tanks in combat in Halo CE without a rocket launcher or sniper rifle is tricky. As the [[Banshee]] isn't included in the [[Xbox]] Version of the game, you can't attack from the air. Other vehicles don't pack the punch needed to kill. Since it only takes 4 second to reload the main turret, and being no gauss turret for the warthog, don't even try to use that. However, since the players take the damage that their vehicles take, have people run around the tank and hit it with [[MA5B|Assault rifle]] or [[M6D|pistol fire]] or even grenades will work. [[Plasma Grenade]]s work especially well, as they cause enormous damage where they hit.
 
== Multiplayer Use ==
 
The Scorpion, being one of the most powerful vehicles in multiplayer, is used mainly for large assaults and infantry cover as other players can hide behind it. A popular tactic in multiplayer is to use a sniper in conjunction with the tank to spot out targets that the tank can't see. Then, the tank bombards said targets acting as a sort of "mobile artillery". It is often used as a "flag transport"—a player who has [[Capture the Flag|taken the enemy's flag]] may board a passenger seat and rely on the tank's high firepower to see him safely back to his own base.
 
=== Invisible turret ===
This glitch will make it so that the turret is still technically there, but it cannot be seen. If a player enters the gunner's seat, they will be able to fire, but there will only be a muzzle flash. To get the glitch you need to get an Energy Sword. Then jump on the Scorpion and hit the turret repeatedly with the sword (B only), until the turret snaps off. Then hop in and enjoy. (Be careful not to damage the Scorpion with the sword.)
 
== Character Compatibility ==
[[Image:Tank.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Elites]] (Halo 2 and 3.)
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] (Halo 2)
*[[Marines]] (can ride as passengers, but can also drive in Halo 2 and Halo 3)
 
== Halo Wars Stats ==
 
*Air Damage: 22
*Vehicle Damage: 93
*Infantry Damage: 40
*Structure Damage: 51
*Defense: 34
 
== Known Scorpion Tanks ==
 
*[[12-9F5]]
*[[957-A3]]
*[[UE8-14]]
*[[TB-SB-1]]
*[[HJ3-213]]
 
== Trivia ==
[[Image:scorpionturret.jpg|thumb|150px]]
*On the turret of the tank, there is an image and pictograph of a Scorpion. In [[Halo 3]], an image of a Scorpion lies on the front "bogies" or treads.
*In Halo 2 if the tank head gets blown off it reveals a face under it. <ref name="halo 1"/><ref name="halo 2"/>
*On the backside of the turret, there are three pipes that look like the number 117, the [[John-117|Master Chief]]'s designation.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and [[Halo 2]], the Scorpion Tank is specifically cited in the manuals for each respective game as firing 90mm HE shells. [[Halo: The Flood]] claims that there are variants that fire 105mm shells.<ref name="halo 1"/><ref name="halo This is strange as the [[Rocket Launcher]] fires a 102mm shot, larger than either of those alleged HE-shots. 2"/><ref name="Halo: The Flood"/> Red vs Blue states that Scorpions fire 130mm shells. However the games are considered 'more canon' than any other material.
*Underneath the turret of the Scorpion, there is a Jack-O-Lantern drawn in blood. This can be found by destroying the turret, then standing on the upside-down turret.<ref name="halo 2"/>
*The Scorpion tank resembles an actual Scorpion with the front bogies being the pincers, the rear bogie's being the legs and the cannon being the tail and its stinger. However, this may refer to the FV101 Scorpion Light Tank used by the British Army in 1973. Ironically, the real-life British Scorpion tank is a light tank, compared to the Halo Scorpion heavy tank. However, later variants of the real-life Scorpion also featured a 90mm main weapon.
*In [[Red vs. Blue]], the AI [[List of Characters in Red vs. Blue#Sheila|Sheila]] operated a Scorpion tank. She was more of a background character, but was the feature of one of the soldier's affections, which eventually morphed into a bizarre love-triangle between Sheila, [[List of Characters in Red vs. Blue#Caboose|Caboose]] and [[List of Characters in Red vs. Blue#Lopez|Lopez]], the Red's personal robot mechanic.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the Scorpion tank cannon was a solid object, while in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]] the player will fall through if they try to walk on the barrel.
*The [[Legendary Map Pack]] features the map [[Avalanche]], a remake of the classic [[Sidewinder]].  For the remake, the M808B is adorned in full snow camouflage, along with all other UNSC vehicles. Avalanche is the first Halo 3 multiplayer map to feature a Scorpion Tank by default.
*In [[Halo 3]], players can actually see that the usual machine gun that was situated besides the main cannon was removed forcibly, as wires still protrude from the housing that encased it.
*In [[Halo 3]], the Scorpion is noticeably faster than its [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], and [[Halo 2]] counterparts.
*Almost all of the UNSC heavy vehicles have the same double-bogie track design.
*It is possible to do the [[turretless vehicle]] trick in a Scorpion. It is not possible to then attach another weapon though and still be able to drive, for some reason it automatically applies the parking brake.
*The new Scorpion in the multiplayer map, [[Avalanche]], is often referred to as the '''Snow-Scorpion'''.
*The Scorpion's serial number is the same as [[Bungie]]'s Art Director's Birthday.
*The Scorpion tank had not changed much at all since the beginning of production.
*The hardcover jacket art of Orson Scott Card's novel "Empire" features two tanks that closely resemble Scorpion Tanks.  They have the four tread pods and angular turrets of the tanks from Halo.  The tanks' design was changed for the paperback edition of the book, quite possibly due to copyright issues.
*A Scorpion is so powerful it can take out a Ghost or Banshee in one hit (with it's main cannon), Wraiths require 2. However the nature of the 2 vehicles main weapons mean that a Wraith has a larger area of effect whereas the Scorpion area of effect is tighter and more focused.
*In [[Halo 2]], unlike the Wraith's plasma cannons, AI players cannot use the machine gun on the Scorpion.
*In [[Halo 2]] the Scorpion is said to weigh 66 tons. Strangely, in [[Halo 3]], Marines can flip the tank in groups of only five.
 
==Related Articles==
 
*[[Grizzly]] - A variant of the M808B
*[[Rhino]] - The [[UNSC]]'s Self-Propelled Artillery Vehicle or Heavy Tank
*[[Wraith]] - The [[Covenant]] equivalent of the Scorpion MBT
 
== Sources ==
<references/>
 
{{UNSC Vehicles}}
 
 
[[de:Scorpion 808 MBT]]
 
[[Category:Drivable Vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 09:57, August 27, 2024

This article is about the older variant of the M808 Scorpion tank. For other uses, see Scorpion (disambiguation).
M808B Scorpion
Model of the M808B Scorpion for Halo 2: Anniversary.
Production information

Product line:

M808 Scorpion

Model:

M808B

Technical specifications

Length:

10.2 meters (33 ft)[1][2]

Width:

7.8 meters (26 ft)[1]

Mass:

66 tons

Hull:

Ceramic-Titanium armor[3][4][5]

Armament:

Crew:

  • 2 operators (no augmentations)[3]

or

Complement:

Up to four passengers

Usage

In service:

Insurrection
Human-Covenant War

Role(s):

  • Anti-armor platform[2]
  • Anti-vehicular platform[2]
  • Anti-infantry platform[2]
  • Heavy weaponry[2]

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

"This here is 66 tons of straight-up, HE-spewin', dee-vine intervention!"
— Avery Johnson during the Battle of Mombasa.[7]

The M808B Scorpion, formally the M808B Main Battle Tank,[3][4] is a variant of the M808 Scorpion. The tank features a coaxial-mounted M231 machine gun and lacks a gunner compartment.[6]

Design details[edit]

The M808B features a coaxially mounted M231 Medium Machine Gun. The machine gun is mounted beside the primary weapon and thus points in the same general direction as the main armament, relying in the turret's ability to traverse in order to change arc. The tank can also be outfitted with a 105mm gun for greater offensive power.[8]

Operational history[edit]

An older variant of the Scorpion, the M808B saw use throughout the Insurrection and later the Human-Covenant War, and has been in service for almost two centuries.[6] It served alongside the M808C Scorpion as well as the M850 Grizzly.

In February 2531 the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire utilized multiple M808B Scorpions during the end of the Harvest Campaign. Shortly after a UNSC force led by Sergeant Forge retook the besieged Alpha Base from the Covenant, M808B Scorpions were deployed alongside other forces in an assault against the Covenant-held relic. The UNSC force was successful in stopping the Covenant, wiping out a Covenant base before stopping them from destroying the Relic with demolition charges.

UNSC troops retreating from Arcadia City. From the opening cinematic of the Halo Wars level "Arcadia Outskirts".
UNSC forces, including an M808B Scorpion, retreating from Pirth City.

After the UNSC Spirit of Fire arrived at the planet of Arcadia, which was under attack by the Covenant Fleet of Glorious Interdiction, M808B Scorpions were among the forces deployed into Pirth City to assist the Arcadian Patrol in evacuating civilians aboard several cargo ships. After saving hundreds of civilians from the Covenant onslaught, the UNSC forces left the city through its traffic tunnels. At least one M808B made it to the outskirts of the city, where it was forced to retreat along with other UNSC survivors to a nearby impact crater, where they would proceed to establish a firebase and hold out against waves of attacking Covenant forces until Spartan Team Omega could arrive. Over the course of the battle, Pelican Bravo 029 continued to deliver UNSC forces until Team Omega arrived. Now reinforced with the Spartan-II team, the UNSC launched an assault on a heavily-defended Covenant base, with M808B Scorpion tanks taking part in the assault. Later, M808Bs were used to help defend a number of Rhino tanks as they attacked a large Covenant energy shield dome protecting a series of ancient Forerunner structures. After breaching the dome, M808Bs were among the UNSC ground forces that were deployed into the ruins to destroy a Covenant R'awuw-pattern Scarab protecting the main facility.[9]

Upon their arrival at Trove, the UNSC Spirit of Fire immediately began to deploy ground forces, with many of these being M808B Scorpion tanks. After Spartan Red Team became separated from the main UNSC force, Sergeant Forge assembled a team to reinforce them, as well as to destroy a Flood Proto-Gravemind that was blocking a transmission from Professor Ellen Anders, who had been abducted by the Covenant on Arcadia. M808B Scorpions, along with various other ground and air assets from the Spirit of Fire, were able to punch through heavy Flood resistance, destroying several colonies and the Proto-Gravemind. When the Spirit of Fire found itself being pulled into the shield world, Captain Cutter ordered all ground forces to return to the ship. Three platoons were stranded on the surface and a rescue force was dispatched to retrieve them, including a number of M808B tanks. Sergeant Forge later lead an assault on four fortified Covenant bases in the interior of the shield world, in order to establish an effective resistance to allow them to springboard their assault on the Apex Site. The UNSC soon attacked the Apex Site, deploying M808B Scorpions alongside other ground forces to clear out Covenant and Flood resistance on the vast ramps leading up to the site itself. In the final engagement of the battle on the shield world, Scorpions, along with other UNSC ground forces were deployed with the objective of opening six interlocks that would open the portal to be used by the Spirit of Fire in order to escape from the planet before Sergeant Forge activated the ships FTL Drive in the installation's star. Within thirty minutes, they were successful in their mission, allowing the Spirit of Fire to narrowly escape the planet as it is destroyed.[9]

During the Covenant invasion of Reach in summer of 2552, several M808B Scorpion tanks were deployed as part of the UNSC defensive forces for the groundside generators powering the planet's orbital defense platforms. Facility A-331 was attacked by thousands of Covenant soldiers, and many Scorpions were engaged in the battle before a poorly-targeted bombing run wiped out the remaining attackers but also killed the majority of Charlie Company, including the M808Bs. By the time Frederic-104 and Red Team arrived, only four UNSC Marines were left.[10]

The UNSC Pillar of Autumn carried twenty M808B Scorpions in preparation of Operation: RED FLAG.[11] Before the operation could be carried out, the Covenant attack on Reach forced the Pillar of Autumn to flee the system, ultimately arriving at Installation 04. Upon arrival in the Soell system, the ship immediately came under attack from the Covenant Fleet of Particular Justice. With Cortana operating the ship's MAC, the Autumn managed to destroy four Ket-pattern battlecruisers and damage several others before the MAC was disabled. Captain Jacob Keyes ordered all crew to abandon the ship before setting it on a collision course with the ring. The Autumn survived the landing, but was damaged beyond repair. A strike force of UNSC Marines along with Orbital Drop Shock Troopers led by Lieutenant Melissa McKay soon staged an assault on the crashed ship, in order to scavenge supplies to return to the newly-established Alpha Base. A number of M808B Scorpions, along with Warthogs, Mongooses, Falcons and Pelicans clashed with a large force of Covenant infantry and armor in front of the downed Cruiser.[12] The UNSC forces were ultimately successful in their raid, managing to salvage four more Scorpions for the battle against the Covenant.[13] As the convoy made their way from the downed Pillar of Autumn towards Alpha Base, they were ambushed by a Covenant force commanded by Field Master Noga 'Putumee. The M808Bs proved instrumental in allowing the human forces to punch through, as they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralise at least one of the Wraiths that were bombarding their position.[14]

John-117 fighting Covenant forces on Installation 04 in an M808B Scorpion.

During his push towards Installation 04's control room, Spartan John-117 found members of Fireteam Zulu engaging Covenant forces near an unmanned M808B Scorpion, and proceeded to take control of the tank. The Spartan used the M808B to push through several valleys and underground chasms, destroying large numbers of Covenant infantry, armor and aerial defenses before he was forced to leave the tank behind when he encountered several large pipes that prevented them from going forward with the vehicle.[15] Later, during the Covenant attack on Alpha Base, a pair of entrenched M808B Scorpions inflicted heavy casualties on the Covenant, killing Field Master 'Putumee and throwing the assault into disarray.[16] All Scorpions were destroyed, along with Installation 04, when John-117 overloaded the Pillar of Autumn's reactor.[17]

During the early stages of the Battle for Earth, M808B Scorpions were used by Marines while engaging Covenant within the city of Mombasa. Upon arriving at the Covenant-held Kilindini Bridge and rendezvousing with two surviving Marines, John-117 was reinforced with an M808B Scorpion tank delivered by Sergeant Avery Johnson. Using the tank, John-117 traversed the suspension bridge in pursuit of the Scarab which had previously destroyed his Pelican and passed over the bridge. On the way, he used the Scorpion to destroy large numbers of Ghosts, several Wraiths and Banshees before being forced to leave the tank behind due to massive damage the vehicle had sustained.[18][19] Another M808B Scorpion was deployed in front of a Lethbridge Industrial building being used as a command post for A Company, after the area was secured by John-117. The Scarab the Spartan had been pursuing soon arrived in the area, and the Scorpion tank opened fire on the walker to no avail before being destroyed by the Scarab's focus cannon.[18]

A D77-TC Pelican dropping off an M808B Scorpion during the Battle of Mombasa.

Upon arriving at Installation 05, having followed Solemn Penance into slipspace from Earth, the UNSC In Amber Clad deployed John-117 and a team of ODSTs via M8823 drop pod to secure an initial landing zone that would allow further reinforcements to be deployed to aid in their mission to assassinate the Prophet of Regret. At a Covenant-held bridge, the presence of multiple Wraiths necessitated the deployment of an M808B Scorpion tank. Using the armored vehicle, John-117 spearheaded the push through multiple Covenant-occupied Forerunner structures before having to leave the tank to proceed deeper into the ruins.[20] A short time later, Commander Miranda Keyes deployed the rest of the In Amber Clad's forces, including a number of M808B Scorpions into the installation's quarantine zone in search of the Activation index, seeking to keep it out of the Covenant's hands. Upon the deactivation of the containment shield by Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee, the Flood were unleashed upon the UNSC forces. By the time 'Vadamee and his team of Special Operations Sangheili passed through the quarantine zone on their way to the Library, many of these tanks had been captured by the Flood, who were using them, along with other UNSC and Covenant vehicles, to great effect against the Sentinel defenders.[21]

By 2558, the M808C remained the only variant of the original Scorpion in service with Army and Marine Corps armored units, the M808B having been replaced with the M820 Scorpion.[6]

Variants[edit]

  • M808B2 Sun Devil: The M808B2 Air Defense System[22] is built on a slightly modified Scorpion tank hull, the Sun Devil uses a full-rotation turret fitted with two twin-linked 40mm autocannons. Ostensibly an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Sun Devil was used in anti-personnel role throughout the insurrection years, and proved to be very effective in clearing Covenant light infantry from contested points.[23]
  • M808B3 Tarantula: Heavy fire support variant. Armed with twin Scimitar 40x178mm hypervelocity rocket pods. Mostly reequipped as M808Bs due to ineffectiveness against Covenant forces.[2][6]
  • ODST Scorpion: A variant of the heavily armored main battle tank, The ODST Scorpion has been secretly designed for the 105th Special Forces with a stealth gray armor that emits a low RADAR detection signature. Its revamped turret houses a heavily modified 90mm High Velocity Cannon with dual recoil brakes to minimize muzzle blast for greater accuracy and stealth when firing.[24]
  • M808B2 Sun Devil.

    M808B2 Sun Devil.

  • ODST Scorpion.

    ODST Scorpion.

Known individual tanks[edit]

The M808B saw a large number of locally-produced variants and field upgrades over nearly two centuries of use. Periodically, the UNSC Army made attempts to codify these modifications but met with little success.[6] Consequently, many individual tanks (identifiable by the serial number) have slight differences which distinguish them from factory standard M808Bs and each other:

  • 030569 - A variant that was attached to Fireteam Zulu during the Battle of Installation 04 in September 2552.[15]
  • 052496 - Painted with a camouflage.[25]
  • 12-9F5 - Painted brown, this Scorpion had a wider-set track and an enhanced undercarriage, making it ideal for urban warfare.[2]
  • 957-A3 - Painted gray, the 957-A3 had enhanced electronics for a more accurate cannon shot.[2]
  • 957-A4 - A variant used on the War Games simulation Bloodline.
  • UE8-14 - Painted olive green, this variant had thinner armor, was lighter, and was designed for medium-armor warfare.[2]
  • TB-SB-1 - Painted black, the TB-SB-1 had thicker armor than the standard Scorpion and featured a sturdier chassis.[2]
  • HJ3-213 - With thicker treads than the standard M808B, this variant had a sturdier chassis and was built for rough terrain.[2]

Gameplay changes[edit]

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2[edit]

  • Players now cannot ride on the tank's tread covers. Standing on them is much easier with the revamped physics engine.
  • The reticule for the tank has also changed and is a lot smaller, for increased accuracy.
  • The tank now moves a lot slower, further limiting its movement and its evasive capabilities.
  • The tank's canopy has been replaced with a solid metal cover like in Halo: Combat Evolved's Campaign, preventing the driver from being sniped while it is intact. However, vehicle damage has been added to human vehicles, and so the player is in danger of the tank exploding if too much damage is taken.
  • The main cannon reloads twice as fast, requiring only a two second delay. The dots during the reload time are now removed. It is also more accurate.
  • The machine gun is now much more accurate. Previously, the machine gun fired in a very wide area.
  • Driving and aiming controls are now completely divorced allowing for greater maneuverability when firing. Previously the aiming and steering controls were linked, meaning the player had to steer more or less in the same direction they were aiming.
  • Tank shell projectile now travels faster and can no longer be seen with the naked eye.
  • The Scorpion tank is no longer indestructible.

Halo Wars[edit]

Renders of the M808B Scorpion and its upgrades.
From left to right: the Scorpion from the least to the most upgraded variant in Halo Wars.

The Scorpion is the mainline UNSC vehicle, and can be produced from the Vehicle Depot. 500 resources, three population slots, and a tech level 2 is required to build one. It has the following upgrades:

  • Canister shell - A special attack with a blast radius which is devastating to infantry. The upgrade costs 400 resources and requires a tech level of 3.
  • Power turret - The turning speed of the turret is doubled. The upgrade costs 900 resources and requires a tech level of 4.
  • Grizzly - Turns M808B Scorpion into the M850 Grizzly (available only if Sergeant Forge is the leader). The upgrade costs 1800 resources and requires a tech level of 4.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • The color scheme of the Scorpion is now a brighter olive-green shade.
  • The rear of the Scorpion is less boxy, higher off the ground and more angular.
  • The turret is wider, and has more protrusions in its armor plating. The assembly to pitch the turret is no longer one contiguous piece.
  • The barrel has a muzzle break, and has an optical sight or sensor below it.
  • The spare track piece on the top of the body is now smaller and offset, with raised armor extending from the cockpit taking its place.
  • Headlights are now affixed above the front tracks.
  • The identification decal originally reading "12-9F5" now reads "S-052", and is instead on the rear of the turret.
  • The cockpit canopy is now wider at the rear, and has three small windows in its front.

Changes from Halo 2: Anniversary to Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer[edit]

  • Numerous different decals are used across the Scorpion, and the "S-052" identification decal is replaced by "957-A4", and is also moved to the rear tread armor plating.
  • The color scheme is now a darker shade of green, with a large amount of black accenting across multiple pieces.
  • Bars have been added to the front tread armor plating.
  • The Scorpion has a slower rate of fire, taking longer to reload.
  • The HUD reticle is thinner, but also shows the reload progression as two bars either side of the center reticle.
  • The coaxial machine gun is placed further away from the barrel towards the edge of the turret.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to M808B Scorpion on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the Scorpion tank's cannon was a solid object, but in Halo 2 and Halo 3, the player will go through if they try to walk on the barrel - the character's legs will separate from their body.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the M808B uses the M808's model from Halo: Reach, with the machine gun and its operator's compartment removed.

Gallery[edit]

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Detail of the scorpion emblem.

    Detail of the scorpion emblem.

  • The Scorpion in Pre-Xbox Halo.

    The Scorpion in Pre-Xbox Halo.

  • The Scorpion accompanied by a group of Spartan-IIs in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The Scorpion accompanied by a group of Spartan-IIs in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank used in Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer.

    Render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank used in Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer.

  • A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • An M808B with the Bengal skin in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

    An M808B with the Bengal skin in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

  • A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo 2.

    A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo 2.

  • A Scorpion being delivered to New Mombasa in Halo 2.

    A Scorpion being delivered to New Mombasa in Halo 2.

  • Unit 957-A3 under fire by a Covenant Scarab in Halo 2.

    Unit 957-A3 under fire by a Covenant Scarab in Halo 2.

  • Scorpion tank, unit TB-SB-1.

    Scorpion tank, unit TB-SB-1.

  • A Scorpion tank being hijacked.

    A Scorpion tank being hijacked.

  • The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo 2.

    The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo 2.

  • The Scorpion tank in Halo Wars.

    The Scorpion tank in Halo Wars.

  • M808Bs on Harvest.

    M808Bs on Harvest.

  • M808Bs with canister shot.

    M808Bs with canister shot.

  • M808Bs with power turret.

    M808Bs with power turret.

  • A column of M808Bs on Chasms.

    A column of M808Bs on Chasms.

  • A render of the Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    A render of the Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • The Heads-Up Display when driving an M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    The Heads-Up Display when driving an M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • An M808B Scorpion, as displayed in the Library feature of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    An M808B Scorpion, as displayed in the Library feature of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • M808Bs aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

    M808Bs aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

  • The M808B Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The M808B Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • The HUD of the Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The HUD of the Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • The Scorpion being used on Bloodline in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

    The Scorpion being used on Bloodline in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

  • The HUD of the Scorpion on Awash.

    The HUD of the Scorpion on Awash.

  • A M808B in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

    A M808B in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 164
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 238
  3. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved, game manual
  4. ^ a b c Halo 2, game manual
  5. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 137
  6. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint, "Scorpion"
  7. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  8. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 153
  9. ^ a b Halo Wars
  10. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 22
  11. ^ Halo: Warfleet, pg. 25
  12. ^ Halo: Fireteam Raven, campaign level Rubble
  13. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 5
  14. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 6
  15. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Assault on the Control Room
  16. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 8
  17. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  18. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  19. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Palace Hotel"
  20. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Delta Halo
  21. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  22. ^ Spartan Games - Store: UNSC Standard Armoured Battle Group
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint: Community Update - Blitz Coverage
  24. ^ Megabloks - ODST SCORPION
  25. ^ Megabloks - UNSC SCORPION

v • d • e
 
Scorpion MBT variants
M808 Scorpion variants
M820 Scorpion variants
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