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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|TF|FS|H3R|HE|LE|RE}}
{{disambig header|the ground-based plasma mortars|the plasma mortars mounted on Covenant starships|Plasma bombardment mortar}}
[[Image:H3 Wraith.jpg|right|thumb|125px|A plasma mortar is mounted on the top of the [[Type-25 Wraith|Wraith.]]]]
[[File:HW2-BlitzMegaturret.jpg|thumb|300px|An [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]] firing its siege plasma mortar.]]
The '''Plasma Mortar''' is the primary weapon of the [[Wraith]], and also of the [[Covenant Artillery]].<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref><ref>''[[Halo 2]]-[[Outskirts]] Level''</ref><ref>''[[Halo 2]] [[E3]] Demo''</ref>
The '''plasma mortar''', also known as '''energy mortar''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs12|FS|Chapter=12}} is a classification of [[Plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] artillery weapon.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p347|Enc11|Page=347}}


==Introduction==
The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[:Category:Mortar|mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.
[[Image:Shield_grenade.jpg|right|180px|thumb|A bolt of a Plasma Mortar.]]
The [[Plasma]] mortar fires huge bolts of superheated plasma which, when they hit, have a fairly large explosion radius. The weapon has a relatively slow rate of fire. It is extremely powerful, usually killing infantry in a single hit and can destroy just about anything on the battlefield in a minimal amount of shots. Its plasma projectile moves relatively slowly, making it more susceptible to gravity, causing it to fire in an arc, which allows for it to simply go over obstructions such as barricades and hills which can be effective in ambush attacks. The plasma bolt can be out maneuvered easily by a fast vehicle such as the [[Ghost]] or [[Mongoose]]. The mortar is very effective against dug in enemies, which can deplete the amount of resistance the [[Covenant]] ground troops are going to have to face in battle.


The Wraith's Plasma Mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the Wraith to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around and over terrain.  
Since they can be mounted on a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,{{Ref/Game|Id=citadelturret|HW|Covenant citadel base turret}} anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}}


In the Halo novels, the physical effect of plasma weapons result in extreme heat and the melting/boiling of enemy armour. This effect is never shown in the Halo games, with the plasma having an explosive reaction instead.
==Known types==


==Wraith==
===Burst cannon===
{{Main|Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage}}
{{Main|Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon}}
The Wraith is a mobile plasma mortar. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', that was the sole purpose of the Wraith, lacking any other weapon systems. In ''Halo 2'', the Wraith was armed with two plasma cannons for protection. In ''Halo 3'', the Wraith was turned into an all out tank with its own gunner seat.
While originally designed as a naval weapon aboard [[Vestige|aging warship]]s of the [[Sangheili]], the {{Pattern|Ra'aam|burst cannon}} was taken by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and repurposed as an emplaced plasma mortar.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=305}}


==Covenant Artillery==
===Class-2 medium plasma mortar===
{{Main|Covenant Artillery}}
{{Main|Class-2 medium plasma mortar}}
A giant stationary plasma mortar was seen destroying buildings in the [[Halo 2]] [[Halo 2 E3 Demo|E3 Demo video]]. [[Sergeant]] [[Banks]] called in an airstrike and a group of [[C709 Longsword-class Starfighter|Longsword]] fighters flew in and destroyed it.
The Class-2 medium plasma mortar is mounted on the rear of the {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=154}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p275|Enc22|Page=275}} While charging, the plasma blast possesses a bluish tinge, though it is red when it is fired. The weapon has a less pronounced parabolic arc than its larger counterparts.{{Ref/Game|Id=revenant|HR|Revenant in-game vehicle}}
Several smaller plasma mortars can be seen on the beaches of New Mombasa in the Halo 2, but they are never seen firing.


==Halo Wars==
===Incendiary plasma mortar===
In Halo Wars, if you play as a Covenant leader ([[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute Chieftain]] or [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]]), you can upgrade your
Each {{Pattern|N'weo|Gigas}} craft is armed with two incendiary plasma mortars, allowing the fighter-bomber to deploy incendiary carpet bombs.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p289|Enc22|Page=289}}
turret to a plasma mortar. This version of the turret specializes in taking out infantry ([[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay|Marines]], [[Hellbringers]], [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]] and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]]). The [[Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have also used the Plasma Mortar.


==UNSC==
===Infantry-deployed energy mortar===
The [[United Nations Space Command]] also used a type of plasma mortar, but it was in prototype form upon [[Rhinos]] which were used in at least 2531. Five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield and reveal a [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Super Scarab]], a Covenant superweapon, during the [[First Battle of Arcadia]].
There is a Covenant infantry-deployed energy mortar.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo38|GoO|Chapter=38}} These mortars require at least a trio of [[Unggoy]] to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate [[energy shielding]] for protection.{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo39|GoO|Chapter=39}}


==Tactics==
===Heavy plasma mortar===
[[Image:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|right|180 px|thumb|A Wraith firing a Plasma Mortar.]]
{{Main|Heavy plasma mortar}}
*A Plasma Mortar fires in an arc so it is somewhat difficult to hit a target. The further away you are, the higher you will have to aim to actually hit the target.
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its heavy plasma mortar.]]
*Timing is critical, if perfected, it may flip a smaller vehicle over, allowing you to launch a second mortar and obliterate the vehicle and the crew.
The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It launches a plasma blast that is typically a blue-white orb which travels slowly in the air.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything at the point of impact,{{Ref/Reuse|fs12}} all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p257|Enc11|Page=257}} but it is also fairly effective in closer engagements.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}} The heavy plasma mortar has seen numerous variations, including, but not limited to, the scorch plasma mortar on [[Ironclad Wraith]]s and an infusion-modified variant on [[Terror Wraith]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p469|Enc22|Page=469}}
*Due to its slow-moving nature, the Plasma bolt will be much easier to avoid than a human projectile.
*Remember that even if you are behind cover, you may still not be protected from the plasma's curved trajectory.
*Plasma mortars are usually used for close range in Multiplayer due to the difficulty of hitting people with the arc involved.
*In the Halo 3 campaign, the Wraith's AI is so skilled with the plasma mortar that it can hit you from very far away. Keep moving.
*When a Plasma Mortar is discharged, it makes a distinctive whining noise as if flies through the air. Use this to your advantage, and keep moving. Chances are, you will be able to completely avoid the shot with some deft maneuvering.
*On larger maps like Vahalla, if you continously launch volleys toward the enemy base, you will eventually get a kill. You can also kill teammates too, so be careful where the shots are placed.


== Trivia ==
===Plasma mortar===
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''Starship Troopers''.
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|citadelturret}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}} it is primarily mounted on the [[Banished]]’s [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p464|Enc22|Page=464}}
*It is unknown why the plasma of the mortar arcs, since plasma is a ionized gas and gravity shouldn't have that much effect on it. Though it is likely the Covenant simply engineered it to have an arcing flight path so it can be used to shoot over obstacles.
 
*In the Halo 3 [[Starry night]] trailer, plasma mortar bolts move faster than normal.
===Siege plasma mortar===
*During the level [[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'', several large plasma mortars can be seen firing opposite a couple of [[Sentinel Constructor Factory|Sentinel Factory platforms]], one plunging down, but it's never confirmed if these are from stationary plasma mortar cannons, or otherwise. However, due to the area containing the two Wraiths fighting Enforcers, and its close proximity with the destroyed remains of the factory, it is likely that they are the Wraiths' Plasma Mortars. It is even possible to see those same Wraiths fire at the remains of the factory, when the player destroys the Enforcers before the Wraiths are immobilized.
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of [[plasma torpedo]]es{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Mega Turret}} at an astonishing range, easily turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}}
 
===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar===
The ultra-heavy plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Zo'op|Weevil}}, which provides fire support over large segments of enemy-contested area.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}}
 
===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer===
{{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}}
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on [[M145D Rhino]] prototypes, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia|Battle]] of [[Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}
 
== Production notes ==
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.
*The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have used three plasma mortars.
*Early ''Halo: Reach'' concept art by Glenn Israel featured [[Cut Halo: Reach weapons#Covenant mortar|a Covenant mortar]] held in a manner akin to the [[Brute Shot]] or {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}, or able to be deployed as a static emplacement. Some of the sketches of the weapon drew influences from the plasma mortars on Revenants and  Wraiths.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiLEZHgJ5/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant mortar exploratory sketches (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Shield grenade.jpg|A blast from a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}'s heavy plasma mortar moments before impact in ''[[Starry Night]]''.
File:HWDE-CitadelTurret AI.jpg|The anti-infantry variants of the ''Kewu Umppi'pa{{'}}''-pattern turrets with mounted plasma mortars in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|A blast from an {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}'s siege plasma mortar arcing through the air in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HR GaussHog&Revenants.jpg|Two {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}s fire their medium plasma mortars at a [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:H2A WraithsGuardingBridge.png|A {{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} fires its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:HW2 MarauderMortars.png|A group of [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]]s firing their plasma mortars in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 WraithMortar.png|An [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]] firing its heavy plasma mortar in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 MegaTurretMortars.png|Two [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]s firing their siege plasma mortars in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HFR Mission 6.png|The arc of a plasma blast from a ''Muz''-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HINF-ScarrWraith.png|A [[Bolroci Workshop Wraith]] firing its heavy plasma mortar in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Armor Testing]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Starry Night]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
**''[[Sadie's Story]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Template:Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved]]
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Halo 2]]
[[Category:Mortar]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Explosives]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Halo 3: ODST]]

Latest revision as of 15:17, February 5, 2024

This article is about the ground-based plasma mortars. For the plasma mortars mounted on Covenant starships, see Plasma bombardment mortar.
An Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion firing its siege plasma mortar.

The plasma mortar, also known as energy mortar,[1] is a classification of plasma-based artillery weapon.[2]

The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated plasma, which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.[3] As with any mortar weapon, the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.

Since they can be mounted on a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,[4] anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.[2]

Known types[edit]

Burst cannon[edit]

Main article: Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon

While originally designed as a naval weapon aboard aging warships of the Sangheili, the Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon was taken by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and repurposed as an emplaced plasma mortar.[5]

Class-2 medium plasma mortar[edit]

Main article: Class-2 medium plasma mortar

The Class-2 medium plasma mortar is mounted on the rear of the Rizvum-pattern Revenant.[6][7] While charging, the plasma blast possesses a bluish tinge, though it is red when it is fired. The weapon has a less pronounced parabolic arc than its larger counterparts.[8]

Incendiary plasma mortar[edit]

Each N'weo-pattern Gigas craft is armed with two incendiary plasma mortars, allowing the fighter-bomber to deploy incendiary carpet bombs.[9]

Infantry-deployed energy mortar[edit]

There is a Covenant infantry-deployed energy mortar.[10] These mortars require at least a trio of Unggoy to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate energy shielding for protection.[11]

Heavy plasma mortar[edit]

Main article: Heavy plasma mortar
A Zurdo-pattern Wraith firing its heavy plasma mortar.

The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the Wraith.[12][13] It launches a plasma blast that is typically a blue-white orb which travels slowly in the air.[3] However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything at the point of impact,[1] all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.[3] The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,[14] but it is also fairly effective in closer engagements.[15] The heavy plasma mortar has seen numerous variations, including, but not limited to, the scorch plasma mortar on Ironclad Wraiths and an infusion-modified variant on Terror Wraiths.[16]

Plasma mortar[edit]

The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the Kewu Umppi'pa'-pattern citadel turret during the Human-Covenant War,[4][17] it is primarily mounted on the Banished’s Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder.[18]

Siege plasma mortar[edit]

The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary Emp'seam-pattern Antlion and its Banished successor, the Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma torpedoes[19] at an astonishing range, easily turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.[17] The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.[20]

Ultra-heavy plasma mortar[edit]

The ultra-heavy plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary Zo'op-pattern Weevil, which provides fire support over large segments of enemy-contested area.[17]

XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer[edit]

Main article: XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer

The XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the United Nations Space Command. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with fuel rod filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.[21][22] It is mounted on M145D Rhino prototypes, which were used in at least 2531, when five of these were used by Professor Ellen Anders to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the Battle of Arcadia.[23]

Production notes[edit]

  • Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of Starship Troopers.
  • The Covenant Air Artillery, a unit cut from Halo Wars, would have used three plasma mortars.
  • Early Halo: Reach concept art by Glenn Israel featured a Covenant mortar held in a manner akin to the Brute Shot or Pek-pattern plasma cannon, or able to be deployed as a static emplacement. Some of the sketches of the weapon drew influences from the plasma mortars on Revenants and Wraiths.[24]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, chapter 12
  2. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 347
  3. ^ a b c Halo: The Flood, chapter 6
  4. ^ a b Halo Wars, Covenant citadel base turret
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 305
  6. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 154
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 275
  8. ^ Halo: Reach, Revenant in-game vehicle
  9. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 289
  10. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 38
  11. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 39
  12. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 117, 228
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 274
  14. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 257
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint, Wraith (Retrieved on May 11, 2021) [archive]
  16. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 469
  17. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 305
  18. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 464
  19. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Mega Turret
  20. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 481
  21. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 155
  22. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 141
  23. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Dome of Light
  24. ^ Instagram, Glenn Israel: "Halo Reach - Covenant mortar exploratory sketches (2009)" (Retrieved on Apr 28, 2022) [archive]

v • d • e
 
Heavy weaponry in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Support weapons
Stationary weapon emplacements
Vehicle-mounted weapons
Starship weapons
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