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M313 Elephant: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|H3}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ship
{{Disambig header|the vehicle introduced in ''Halo 3''|other vehicles in the Elephant family|Elephant}}
|image=[[Image:Elephant 1up.jpg|300px]]
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=Elephant
|name=
|manufacturer=
|image=[[File:Halo3-M313HRV-Elephant1.png|300px]]
|line=
|manufacturer=[[JOTUN Heavy Industries]]{{Ref/Book|Id=visual|EVG|Page=55}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=145}}
|model=Behemoth-class Troop Transport
|line=[[Elephant]]
|class=Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery Platform
|model=
|length=
|cost=
|width=
|length={{Convert|84.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=236}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=246}}
|height=
|width={{Convert|44.5|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass=
|height={{Convert|37.9|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max accel=
|mass={{Convert|186|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|max speed space=
|max speed-title=Range
|max speed air=
|max speed={{Convert|466|mi|km|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|engine=
|engine=
|slipspace drive=
|hull=Ultra high density armor plating{{Ref/Reuse|screen1}}
|slipspace speed=
|armament=
|poweroutput=
*1 [[12.7×99mm Armor-Piercing|12.7mm]] [[M41 Vulcan]] light anti-aircraft gun with 260<sup>o</sup> FOV{{Ref/Game|Id=screen1|H3|[[:File:H3 Sandtrap ElephantScreen 1.png|Elephant readout]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|power=
*2 [[7.62x51mm|7.62mm]] [[AIE-486H machine gun]]s{{Ref/Book|Halo 3: The Official Guide|Page=192}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|shield gen=
|crew=
|hull=
*1 driver{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|sensor=
*2 gunners{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|target=
|navigation=
|avionics=
|countermeasures=
|armament=*[[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] (1)
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] (2) (optional)<ref>''[[Halo 3: The Official Guide]]'', page 192</ref>
|complement=
|complement=
|crew=*Driver
*12-16 passengers{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*Personnel (12)
*Up to 6 [[Mongoose]]s (1 standard){{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|skeleton=
::or
|passengers=*Personnel (12)
:2 [[Warthog]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|capacity=*[[Mongoose]] (6)  
*[[Warthog]] (2)
*[[Scorpion]] (1 (Forge Only))
*[[Wraith]]  (1 Forge Only))
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=*Crane
|othersystems=
*Crane system
*Mobile launch pad for high speed recon and recovery vehicles{{Ref/Reuse|screen1}}
|firstuse=
|firstuse=
|role=*Mobile command
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*Search & recovery
|role=
|era=
*Mobile command base
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command Marine Corps]]
*Mobile recovery platform
*Troop deployment platform
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
The '''M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle'''{{Ref/Book|Id=H3Art|AoH3|Page=41}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} is a vehicle in the '''[[Elephant]]''' line of heavy Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery (MASR) platforms built by [[JOTUN Heavy Industries]] and employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Elephant in-game vehicle}} Sometimes referred to as the '''Behemoth-class Troop Transport''',{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} the vehicle is one of the largest ground vehicles employed by the UNSC for ground-based operations, though since the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in 2552 it has been surpassed in size by the [[M510 Mammoth]].


The '''''Behemoth''-class Troop Transport'''<ref>''[[Halo 3: The Official Guide]]'', page 192</ref>, more commonly known as the ''[[Elephant]]'', is a heavy [[UNSC Marine Corps]] Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery Platform <ref>''[[Halo 3]]'', Ops Display on underneath the drivers section</ref>. It is only available in [[multiplayer]] games in the map [[Sandtrap]]. The Elephant has two [[turret]]s, a detachable one on the side and a [[Mongoose]] can be found in its lower bay. The Elephant seems to serve a similar role to the [[Shadow]] of Halo 2.
==Overview==
[[File:ElephantSizeComparison.jpg|thumb|left|The size of the Elephant in comparison to other vehicles and a real Elephant.]]
===Design details===
[[File:H3 Sandtrap ElephantScreen 1.png|thumb|left|The Elephant's readout screen.]]
The Elephant is a large, multi-level vehicle driven by eight sets of treads - used to move the vehicle's massive bulk across terrain. The aft of the vehicle is an open-bed cargo bay, featuring a ramp to allow access for personnel and small reconnaissance vehicles (such as [[Mongoose]]s).  The cargo bed contains a readout screen that displays status information on the vehicle and surrounding environment, alongside several [[List of UNSC crates|equipment crates]] built into the external walls, including [[M52B body armor]], [[CH252 helmet]]s, an AIE-486H chaingun and several crates marked [[:File:H3 NerveGas.png|NT/B with a biohazard symbol]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3}} Another ramp leads from the cargo bed up to a small gantry with access to the fore-mounted cockpit and operator's stations, and a number of mounting points for the vehicle's defensive armaments. A Vulcan LAAG turret overwatch station at the top of the vehicle provides a surrounding view of the area, allowing the Elephant to perform its MASR functions with some defensive options available.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


== Specifications==
The chassis of the vehicle is heavily-armoured, allowing it to traverse the front lines to transport troops, light vehicles, and cargo to and from the battlefield. The cargo bed is capable of housing up to 16 infantry personnel, and up to six [[Mongoose]] recon ATVs or two [[Warthog]] FAVs. The vehicle's heavy armour and advanced electronic communications systems (capable of operating in conditions that would hinder most other [[UNSC battle network|network systems]]) also allows it to be deployed into the front lines as a mobile command post for front-line officers.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
Like its [[M312 Elephant|M312 cousin]], the M313 Elephant is designed to safely transport troops, equipment and light vehicles to and from the frontlines. However unlike its previous model, the M313 Elephant features only one [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] with 260 degrees rotation{{Ref/Reuse|screen1}} as its armament, though this can be improved with two additional [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]s. It also features numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it. Its chassis is also as wide as it is high, providing stability. The vehicle's rear bay lacks the protective armour that is available on the M312 Elephant, thus increasing the vulnerability of its carriage.


The Elephant is a mobile base and repair vehicle. Twelve soldiers can ride in it and a [[Mongoose]] respawns in its forward hold. It is armed with a forward [[Elephant - M41 LAAG|M41 LAAG]] on the top right and a [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] on  the mid left.<ref>''[[Halo 3 Epsilon]]''</ref> It is a three storied vehicle <ref>http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161595</ref> with the bottom story, the respawn area that opens out into the rear cargo tray, the second story, a walkway around the cargo ramp and leads onto the driver's cabin then a small, elevated third story where the M41 LAAG is mounted. It features a crane, numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it.<ref>Famitsu Magazine</ref>  It shares the same track set-up as the [[Scorpion Tank]], with a set of four tracked bogies along its chassis. Its chassis is as high as it is long, providing stability.  An IGN video shows its top speed, driver's cabin and turrets.
The Elephant features a large crane mounted to the starboard side of the vehicle, which is capable of lifting, refuelling, and recover any standard ground vehicle in the UNSC fleet.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
In [[multiplayer]], it can respawn troops, and holds both the flag and the capture point for certain multi player maps on [[Capture The Flag]] mode.
 
The elephant is one of the best weapons on huge battles. These mobile command bases can spawn troops and vehicles into battle quickly. Although it may not seem possible, this Elephant can't be destroyed. In addition to the Elephant's indestructibility, it also grants the pilot a few advantages. Due to the indestructible nature of the elephant, the pilot is immune to damage. This is because vehicles have a "health meter" of sorts. Like the player, they can only take so much damage before "death". Because the Elephant is indestructible so is the operator. He may be bombarded with rockets, riddled with bullets and even pierced by the Spartan Laser, but he will live. The only way harm may come to the pilot is through direct attack, like sticking the pilot or meleeing. The back end of the [[Elephant]] is open, so the pilot may be attacked through the large opening to the controls.
===Background===
Designed and manufactured by [[JOTUN Heavy Industries]], the Elephants were initially used in the utility and farming industries during the early colonial expansion periods.{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} After several decades serving in the civilian market, JOTUN was contracted by the UNSC to develop the Elephants and build them as [[wikipedia:armoured recovery vehicle|armored repair and recovery vehicles]].{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} As time has progressed, the Elephant has been modified into several variants and upgrades, though the Elephant's versatility remains unchanged.
 
The Elephant's versatility and commonality means that its basic design template is shared across many other vehicles including the aforementioned colonial vehicles, and even relatively mundane functions such as the [[Oliphant]] refuse collection vehicle used in the urban metroplex of [[New Mombasa]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Known Elephants==
==Known Elephants==
*'''E-2073 46833-S''' - UNSC Elephant stationed on Sandtrap (it is interesting to note that both Elephants on the level Sandtrap are almost completely identical, including having the same identification numbers). They both have nicknames: one is called the "Behemoth", while the other is called the "Leviathan", and they both have different insignias painted on their sides. Another means of identification is that below the M41 turret at the front is the number 3 for the Behemoth and a number 5 for the Leviathan, also on the Leviathan is another number 5 on one of the panels at the top of the outer left hand side of the cargo tray.{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
==Gameplay==
At the launch of ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', the Elephant was exclusively available for play on the multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]], located at each end of the map. With the [[Forge/Halo 3|updates]] given to the [[Forge]] mode of ''Halo 3'' for its launch on PC, the Elephant has been made available for placement on other maps including [[Avalanche]].{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/mcc-development-update-may-2020|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=MCC Development Update - May 2020}} It is completely invincible, and open-topped, unlike [[M312 HRV|its counterpart]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]''. The open roof is probably due to the fact that it is a service and repair station, not a troop carrier.
Inside the Elephant is a large screen which contains information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. While the vehicle itself cannot be destroyed, its slow speed and lack of armor for gunners render them quite vulnerable. Killing the driver must be attempted from behind, ideally in a vehicle like a [[Banshee]]. In objective-based games, the elephant also serves as a mobile bomb plant/spawn site and flag stand.


*[[E-2073 46833-S]] - [[Marine|UNSC]] Elephant stationed on ''[[Sandtrap (Level)|Sandtrap]]''
In ''Halo: Spartan Strike'', the Elephant is armed with twin cannon and twin missile pods. In [[Mission 4: Reversal of Fortune|Mission A-4]], a Zealot Elite hijacks an Elephant, destroying the vehicle from inside out to retrieve the [[Conduit]].


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*If you go to the bottom level of the elephant, there is a screen. If you look at the screen (zoom required) it will say in the top left corner '''Mobile Assault Support and Recovery Platform Statistics'''.
===General===
*If by some chance you do manage to flip over an Elephant (try it on forge it is easy there) , the usual ''"Hold RB to flip <vehicle name>"'' script dialog is replaced with ''"Hold RB to flip...wait, what? How did you do that?"'', referencing the fact that it is the biggest vehicle in the game and that it is impossible for it to be flipped even by Spartans or Elites. That means that probably only heavy cranes or bigger machines could flip it. Also if you hold the RB button while the message is displayed the Elephant will still flip to its regular position.  
*An [[Wikipedia:Elephant|elephant]] is a large, grey mammal native to [[Africa]] and southern Asia, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming ground-based vehicles after real animals.
*On the left hand side of the red team's Elephant there is a spray-paint graffiti with text that reads ''"BEHEMOTH"'' and a cartoony red picture of a woolly mammoth, the evolutionary predecessor of the animal that is the vehicle's namesake. On the blue team's elephant it says ''"LEVIATHAN"''and has a picture of a blue, whale-like sea creature sporting a mean grimace and wearing a comically tiny golden crown.
*If the player goes to the bottom level of the Elephant, there is a screen which gives details about the vehicle's specifications, as well as information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. There are phrases visible such as '''Mobile Assault Support and Recovery Platform Statistics and Environmental Analysts'''. It is interesting to note that it says there are two mobile turrets (that can be ripped off) while there is actually only one. Perhaps one was removed for balance issues as there is a vacant spot opposite the one that is present.
*The Behemoth and Leviathan are two mythological creatures that are enormous in stature and girth. It is said that when the world ends, it is because these two creatures are fighting. The Elephant's size is probably what got them these call signs, and that is another reference to mythology that [[Bungie]] uses. The Behemoth is more hippo-like, while the Leviathan is more whale-like. Leviathan is aquatic and the Behemoth is terrestrial.
*The Elephant is the only drivable vehicle that can have turrets placed on it without them moving/falling when the vehicle drives off. If a player (in [[Forge]]) places a crate or two in the cargo bay of the Elephant, places a turret on top of them and then deletes the crates, then players can drive the Elephant with the turret keeping place over the Elephant.
*The Elephant by default spawns a Mongoose at the front, but can hold more vehicles.
*The windshield in front of the driver is capable of protecting him from any kind of attack (except [[Spartan Laser]]s) without damage; this is probably a balancing action, because the Elephant is a very slow vehicle. In addition, the driver can only be attacked from the back; all other sides are completely protected.
*The easiest way to flip an Elephant is to spawn a closed drop pod in the cockpit and throw down a grav lift right near it.
*The Elephant was removed from [[Sandtrap#Variant: Sand Tarp|Sand Tarp]], a variant of "Sandtrap", by Bungie.
*It appears to be impossible to drive the Elephant into the minefield, either due to an invisible wall or perhaps the flashing stakes that mark its edge. If you make the Elephant fly as it goes round the map it is kept in by an invisible wall around the edge of the minefield. This invisible only works on the Elephant, there is another one thurther on that keeps everything else inside the map.
*On the left-hand side of the Red Team's Elephant there is spray-painted graffiti with text that reads "BEHEMOTH" and a red cartoon picture of a woolly mammoth. On the Blue Team's Elephant it says "LEVIATHAN" and has a picture of a blue, whale-like sea creature sporting a mean grimace and wearing a comically tiny golden crown. The Behemoth and Leviathan are two scriptural creatures that are enormous in stature and girth.
*It is possible to make the Elephant fly or flip with Halo 3's Forge option. To do this, all of the Fusion Cores and Plasma Batteries need to be placed into the back of the Elephant. Next, adjust the settings of the Fusion Cores so that  all of the numbers are 16, then do the same for the Plasma Batteries (only set the numbers to 8). Adjusting the numbers makes it so that there are ALWAYS 16 FCs and 8 PBs on the Elephant. Finally, detonate one of the explosives (driving the Elephant over a Trip Mine works well) and watch it fly.
*The name "Elephant" is a possible reference to Fred Saberhagen's classic science fiction book [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_of_the_East Empire of the East] in which the protagonist defeats an oppressive empire in a post-apocalyptic future using a giant nuclear-powered tank known as the Elephant.
*You can lift up and, dangerous to anyone else on the Elephant at the time, carry the Elephant around. To do this, in Forge, hook a closed Drop Pod under the Elephants 'control room' and pull the pod away from the Elephant, so that it catches on the visors/windows. Pull away slowly enough and you'll be able to drag the Elephant around as you like.
*THE ANTIGRAVITY CHAMBER: This is an amusing glitch found on Sandtrap. Take one of the two elephants on the map, and drive it to the rear of the other. Drive the elephant into the back of the other Elephant until yours begins to lift into the air. Once you reach a good angle, dismount your Elephant and take its mongoose. Drive it into the back of the other Elephant. It will be tossed into the air helplessly. Any vehicle will exhibit this behavior. It is a fun and amusing trick to play when you are being chased by a warthog. Also, this is an easy way to flip an elephant.
*If you move the mongoose, you can fit 2 Choppers on the bottom floor.Landing a Banshee on top will make this a deadly assault vehicle, especially if you have people manning the guns.
*If you can get a Scorpion Tank on top of it, you can get somebody to shoot its cannon while you drive.The Scorpion Tank on top will also protect you from air attacks.
*There is a new glitch thats been found that make multiple Elephants appear on the map.
*Elephant was also the name of a German tank used in World War 2
==Images==
<gallery>
Image:ElephantSizeComparison.jpg|A size comparison between the Elephant Troop Transport, the Elephant animal, and other ''Halo'' vehicles.
Image:H3 Elephant Sharpened2.jpg|An Elephant being engaged on Sandtrap.
Image:Elephant Sand.jpg|An image of the Elephant seen from above.
Image:Elephant.jpg|An Elephant as seen in a Japanese magazine
Image:378183-Medium.jpg|Elephant bombarded by Fusion Cores, making the Elephant fly.
Image:WaitWhat-ElephantFlip.jpg|A player flips the Elephant, initiating the easter egg
</gallery>


== See Also ==
===Easter eggs===
{{Main|Elephant flipping}}
[[File:H3 Elephant Flip Message.jpg|200px|thumb|A player flips an Elephant, initiating the Easter Egg.]]
If by some chance the player does manage to flip over an Elephant, the usual “''Hold RB to flip [vehicle name]''” string entry is replaced with “''Hold RB to flip… wait, what? How did you do that?''”, referencing the fact that it is the biggest vehicle in the game and that it is seemingly impossible for it to be flipped.


*[[Scarab]]- Covenant equivalent
===Glitches===
*There are many methods of achieving the flight of an Elephant on the multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]] in ''Halo 3''. The first is the well-known technique of filling the hull with explosives—set to instant respawn—and setting them off. This is a trial and error method, and achieves minimal Elephant flight, in which the player lacks control of the flight and trajectory of the vehicle. For more, see [[Flying Elephant]].
*If you place a Covenant hover vehicle like a {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} or [[Qavardu Workshop Prowler]] on top of the cockpit, and then drive to the center of the Elephant, the vehicle will stay floating as if there were an invisible floor on top of the Elephant. This same glitch (or a similar one) is present in ''Halo 2'', although with the Scarab instead of the Elephant.{{Ref/YouTube|xJIdIX4hIMQ|Generalkidd|Halo 3 - Invisible Floor On "Sandtrap" Glitch}}
*[[Lag]] from [[Cheating#Standbying|standbying]] can allow a player to directly manipulate an Elephant in [[Forge]]. In some cases, lag on map variants [[modding|with a lot of Elephants]] can have the same effect.


==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:Leviathan.jpg|Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.
File:Beh.jpg|Behemoth insignia on the Red Team's Elephant.
File:H3_Sandtrap_Elephant.jpg|An unoccupied Elephant in Halo 3.
File:Halo3-M313HRV-Elephant2.png|Another angle of the Elephant.
File:H3-M313HRV-Profile.png|A profile view of the Elephant from ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 ElephantFlipPrepared.jpg|The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.
File:H3 Sandtrap ElephantScreen 2.png|The viewscreen of the vehicle on Sandtrap, showing a readout of the map's atmosphere and related info.
File:Escape from Faraday.png|An Elephant in the briefing for the ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' mission [[Mission 19: Escape from Faraday|Escape from Faraday]].
File:H3 Avalanche Thorage.jpg|An Elephant on Avalanche in the updated ''Halo 3'' Forge mode.
</gallery>


{{Ref}}
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''


== Related Links ==
==Sources==
'''Videos'''
{{Ref/Sources}}
*http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DzsNrfrBvCs


{{UNSC Vehicles}}
{{Human vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 12:30, August 19, 2024

This article is about the vehicle introduced in Halo 3. For other vehicles in the Elephant family, see Elephant.
M313 Elephant
A cropped screenshot of the M313 Elephant in Halo 3, with a player mounting the M41 Vulcan turret.
Production information

Manufacturer:

JOTUN Heavy Industries[1][2]

Product line:

Elephant

Technical specifications

Length:

25.7 meters (84.3 ft)[1][2][3][4]

Width:

13.6 meters (44.5 ft)[1][2]

Height:

11.6 meters (37.9 ft)[2]

Mass:

186 metric tons (183 LT; 205 ST)[1][2][3][4]

Range:

750 kilometers (466 mi)[3][4]

Other system(s):

  • Crane system
  • Mobile launch pad for high speed recon and recovery vehicles[5]

Hull:

Ultra high density armor plating[5]

Armament:

Crew:

Complement:

or
2 Warthogs[3][4]
Usage

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts

Role(s):

  • Mobile command base
  • Mobile recovery platform
  • Troop deployment platform

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

The M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle[7][3][4][1] is a vehicle in the Elephant line of heavy Mobile Assault, Support, and Recovery (MASR) platforms built by JOTUN Heavy Industries and employed by the United Nations Space Command.[8] Sometimes referred to as the Behemoth-class Troop Transport,[3][4] the vehicle is one of the largest ground vehicles employed by the UNSC for ground-based operations, though since the end of the Human-Covenant War in 2552 it has been surpassed in size by the M510 Mammoth.

Overview[edit]

A size comparison between a Scorpion, Wraith, a real elephant, and a UNSC Elephant.
The size of the Elephant in comparison to other vehicles and a real Elephant.

Design details[edit]

One of two vehicle viewscreens on the M313 Elephant on Sandtrap, showcasing a readout of the vehicle's status (including that of the M274 Mongoose).
The Elephant's readout screen.

The Elephant is a large, multi-level vehicle driven by eight sets of treads - used to move the vehicle's massive bulk across terrain. The aft of the vehicle is an open-bed cargo bay, featuring a ramp to allow access for personnel and small reconnaissance vehicles (such as Mongooses). The cargo bed contains a readout screen that displays status information on the vehicle and surrounding environment, alongside several equipment crates built into the external walls, including M52B body armor, CH252 helmets, an AIE-486H chaingun and several crates marked NT/B with a biohazard symbol.[8] Another ramp leads from the cargo bed up to a small gantry with access to the fore-mounted cockpit and operator's stations, and a number of mounting points for the vehicle's defensive armaments. A Vulcan LAAG turret overwatch station at the top of the vehicle provides a surrounding view of the area, allowing the Elephant to perform its MASR functions with some defensive options available.[2]

The chassis of the vehicle is heavily-armoured, allowing it to traverse the front lines to transport troops, light vehicles, and cargo to and from the battlefield. The cargo bed is capable of housing up to 16 infantry personnel, and up to six Mongoose recon ATVs or two Warthog FAVs. The vehicle's heavy armour and advanced electronic communications systems (capable of operating in conditions that would hinder most other network systems) also allows it to be deployed into the front lines as a mobile command post for front-line officers.[3][4] Like its M312 cousin, the M313 Elephant is designed to safely transport troops, equipment and light vehicles to and from the frontlines. However unlike its previous model, the M313 Elephant features only one M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun with 260 degrees rotation[5] as its armament, though this can be improved with two additional AIE-486H Heavy Machine Guns. It also features numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it. Its chassis is also as wide as it is high, providing stability. The vehicle's rear bay lacks the protective armour that is available on the M312 Elephant, thus increasing the vulnerability of its carriage.

The Elephant features a large crane mounted to the starboard side of the vehicle, which is capable of lifting, refuelling, and recover any standard ground vehicle in the UNSC fleet.[3][4]

Background[edit]

Designed and manufactured by JOTUN Heavy Industries, the Elephants were initially used in the utility and farming industries during the early colonial expansion periods.[1] After several decades serving in the civilian market, JOTUN was contracted by the UNSC to develop the Elephants and build them as armored repair and recovery vehicles.[1] As time has progressed, the Elephant has been modified into several variants and upgrades, though the Elephant's versatility remains unchanged.

The Elephant's versatility and commonality means that its basic design template is shared across many other vehicles including the aforementioned colonial vehicles, and even relatively mundane functions such as the Oliphant refuse collection vehicle used in the urban metroplex of New Mombasa.[2]

Known Elephants[edit]

  • E-2073 46833-S - UNSC Elephant stationed on Sandtrap (it is interesting to note that both Elephants on the level Sandtrap are almost completely identical, including having the same identification numbers). They both have nicknames: one is called the "Behemoth", while the other is called the "Leviathan", and they both have different insignias painted on their sides. Another means of identification is that below the M41 turret at the front is the number 3 for the Behemoth and a number 5 for the Leviathan, also on the Leviathan is another number 5 on one of the panels at the top of the outer left hand side of the cargo tray.[8]

Gameplay[edit]

At the launch of Halo 3 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the Elephant was exclusively available for play on the multiplayer map Sandtrap, located at each end of the map. With the updates given to the Forge mode of Halo 3 for its launch on PC, the Elephant has been made available for placement on other maps including Avalanche.[9] It is completely invincible, and open-topped, unlike its counterpart in Halo Wars. The open roof is probably due to the fact that it is a service and repair station, not a troop carrier.

Inside the Elephant is a large screen which contains information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. While the vehicle itself cannot be destroyed, its slow speed and lack of armor for gunners render them quite vulnerable. Killing the driver must be attempted from behind, ideally in a vehicle like a Banshee. In objective-based games, the elephant also serves as a mobile bomb plant/spawn site and flag stand.

In Halo: Spartan Strike, the Elephant is armed with twin cannon and twin missile pods. In Mission A-4, a Zealot Elite hijacks an Elephant, destroying the vehicle from inside out to retrieve the Conduit.

Trivia[edit]

General[edit]

  • An elephant is a large, grey mammal native to Africa and southern Asia, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming ground-based vehicles after real animals.
  • If the player goes to the bottom level of the Elephant, there is a screen which gives details about the vehicle's specifications, as well as information on a Mongoose and the Sandtrap's atmosphere, although it is incredibly hard to read. There are phrases visible such as Mobile Assault Support and Recovery Platform Statistics and Environmental Analysts. It is interesting to note that it says there are two mobile turrets (that can be ripped off) while there is actually only one. Perhaps one was removed for balance issues as there is a vacant spot opposite the one that is present.
  • The Elephant is the only drivable vehicle that can have turrets placed on it without them moving/falling when the vehicle drives off. If a player (in Forge) places a crate or two in the cargo bay of the Elephant, places a turret on top of them and then deletes the crates, then players can drive the Elephant with the turret keeping place over the Elephant.
  • The windshield in front of the driver is capable of protecting him from any kind of attack (except Spartan Lasers) without damage; this is probably a balancing action, because the Elephant is a very slow vehicle. In addition, the driver can only be attacked from the back; all other sides are completely protected.
  • The Elephant was removed from Sand Tarp, a variant of "Sandtrap", by Bungie.
  • On the left-hand side of the Red Team's Elephant there is spray-painted graffiti with text that reads "BEHEMOTH" and a red cartoon picture of a woolly mammoth. On the Blue Team's Elephant it says "LEVIATHAN" and has a picture of a blue, whale-like sea creature sporting a mean grimace and wearing a comically tiny golden crown. The Behemoth and Leviathan are two scriptural creatures that are enormous in stature and girth.

Easter eggs[edit]

Main article: Elephant flipping
A Spartan player in Halo 3's Multiplayer map Sandtrap attempts to flip an Elephant that had been thrown onto its side using a glitch. Rather than the standard vehicle-flipping message ("Hold RB to flip Elephant."), the game is showing an Easter Egg message: Hold RB to flip... wait, what? How did you do that?
A player flips an Elephant, initiating the Easter Egg.

If by some chance the player does manage to flip over an Elephant, the usual “Hold RB to flip [vehicle name]” string entry is replaced with “Hold RB to flip… wait, what? How did you do that?”, referencing the fact that it is the biggest vehicle in the game and that it is seemingly impossible for it to be flipped.

Glitches[edit]

  • There are many methods of achieving the flight of an Elephant on the multiplayer map Sandtrap in Halo 3. The first is the well-known technique of filling the hull with explosives—set to instant respawn—and setting them off. This is a trial and error method, and achieves minimal Elephant flight, in which the player lacks control of the flight and trajectory of the vehicle. For more, see Flying Elephant.
  • If you place a Covenant hover vehicle like a Karo'etba-pattern Ghost or Qavardu Workshop Prowler on top of the cockpit, and then drive to the center of the Elephant, the vehicle will stay floating as if there were an invisible floor on top of the Elephant. This same glitch (or a similar one) is present in Halo 2, although with the Scarab instead of the Elephant.[10]
  • Lag from standbying can allow a player to directly manipulate an Elephant in Forge. In some cases, lag on map variants with a lot of Elephants can have the same effect.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.

    Leviathan insignia on the Blue Team's Elephant.

  • Behemoth insignia on the Red Team's Elephant.

    Behemoth insignia on the Red Team's Elephant.

  • An unoccupied Elephant in Halo 3.

    An unoccupied Elephant in Halo 3.

  • Another angle of the Elephant.

    Another angle of the Elephant.

  • A profile view of the Elephant from Halo 3.

    A profile view of the Elephant from Halo 3.

  • The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.

    The rear of the Elephant, showing the cargo ramp leading to the driver's cabin.

  • The viewscreen of the vehicle on Sandtrap, showing a readout of the map's atmosphere and related info.

    The viewscreen of the vehicle on Sandtrap, showing a readout of the map's atmosphere and related info.

  • An Elephant in the briefing for the Halo: Spartan Assault mission Escape from Faraday.

    An Elephant in the briefing for the Halo: Spartan Assault mission Escape from Faraday.

  • An Elephant on Avalanche in the updated Halo 3 Forge mode.

    An Elephant on Avalanche in the updated Halo 3 Forge mode.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 55
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 145
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 236
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 246
  5. ^ a b c d Halo 3, Elephant readout
  6. ^ Halo 3: The Official Guide, page 192
  7. ^ The Art of Halo 3, page 41
  8. ^ a b c Halo 3, Elephant in-game vehicle
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint, MCC Development Update - May 2020 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  10. ^ YouTube - Generalkidd, Halo 3 - Invisible Floor On "Sandtrap" Glitch

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