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<center>''Were you looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon the [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] ?''</center>
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Disambig header|the fuel rod gun introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]''|other variants of the fuel rod gun|Fuel rod gun}}
{{Era|H1|TF|HFS|HGN|H2|H3}}
{{Weapon infobox
 
|image=[[File:H3-FuelRodGunSide.png|300px]]
{{Weapon
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]] {{C|Covenant War}}<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 77''</ref>
| image=[[Image:Fuel_Rod_Gun.jpg|250px]]
*[[Merchants of Qikost]] {{C|Post-war}}<ref>[http://blogs.halo.xbox.com/Headlines/post/2012/09/19/The-Halo-Bulletin-91912-.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin 9.19.12'']</ref><ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fuel-rod-cannon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fuel Rod Cannon'']</ref>
| name=Fuel Rod Gun
|series=Type-33
| manufacturer=
|type=Light Anti-Armor Weapon
| model=
|cost=
| type=Mortar Gun
|variant=
| cost=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
| size=Shoulder-mounted
<br>[[Great Schism]]
| damage per hit=Very High, 40-75 DU<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2 Bungie.net's summary of Halo PC weapons]</ref>
<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| maxammo=100 battery units or 13 bolts, clips of 5
|weight=*Empty: {{Convert|20.8|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
| fire=Semi-Automatic
*Loaded: {{Convert|23.3|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
| ammotype=Fuel Rods
|length=*o/a: {{Convert|130.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| operation=
*Barrel: {{Convert|73.66|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
| rate of fire=Average (2 rounds per second)
|width={{Convert|18.5|cm|in}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 90''</ref>
| accuracy=Medium
|height={{Convert|54.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
| range=Medium
|ammotype= Class-2 38mm radioactive explosive [[fuel rod]]s
| era=
|capacity=
| counterpart=[[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]]
|feed=5 rounds magazine{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
|operation=Recoil-operated
|rate=2 rounds/second (semi-automatic)  
|velocity=72 m/s (236 ft/s){{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
|optics=
|range={{Convert|165|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
}}
}}
{{Quote|Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin' you're transfixed, these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!|Anonymous Serviceman}}


The '''Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon''', also known as the Fuel Rod Gun, is a [[Covenant]] indirect-fire energy mortar with ground and air applications that appears in all three games of the Halo trilogy, although with minor changes in appearance. It is often wielded by higher ranked Grunts, and occasionally by higher-ranked [[Elites]] and [[Brutes]]. It is known that some versions are equipped with a "dead man's switch" similar to that of the [[Plasma Sword]].(Halo: First Strike) In the later games, it had no fail-safes, allowing the player to pick up the weapon in Campaign. All of the incarnations of this weapon fire bolts of deadly radioactive incendiary gel that explode on impact with targets or surfaces, and some variant are equipped with homing rounds. This heavy weapon is most often wielded by  higher ranked [[Grunt]]s.  Unlike many Covenant weapons, most incarnations of the the Fuel Rod Gun fire ammunition that comes in magazines of 5. Up to 25 additional Fuel Rods can be carried for a total of 30 shots. The weapon's projectiles arc due to gravity, unlike the human [[Rocket Launcher]], so one must aim slightly above the target to effectively use the weapon in long range firing.
The '''Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon''' ('''T-33 LAAW'''),<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 325''</ref> colloquially known as the '''fuel rod gun''', is a shoulder-fired mortar/radiation weapon, formerly used by the [[Covenant]] [[Covenant military|military]] and now in service with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} It is also sometimes called the '''flak cannon'''<ref>'''Halo: Reach''' Cortana [[Firefight]] dialogue</ref> or '''fuel rod cannon'''<ref>'''Halo 4''' in-game HUD text</ref> though the latter term is usually reserved for [[Fuel rod cannon|vehicle-mounted weapons]] based on the same technology.
 
==Appearances==
 
In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the Fuel Rod Gun is purple, with a gray muzzle and green energy bar on its left side. It is used solely by [[Grunts]] in the Campaign, with only Spec Ops and [[Major Grunts]] seen with the deadly weapons. It was impossible to pick up discarded Fuel Rod Guns from enemy corpses in the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' campaign, as there were fail-safes that made the weapons self-destruct with the force of a [[Fragmentation Grenade]], however, with a blast radius of a plasma grenade. These fail-safes were evidently stripped away in ''[[Halo PC]]'' multiplayer.
 
In [[Halo 2]], the Fuel Rod Gun has been given a major appearance change, with the body now a shade of yellow and the battery replaced by magazines of 5. This powerful weapon is mostly found on the level [[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]], where the [[Heretic]] [[Grunts]] make extensive use of the weapon. Outside of this level, it is very hard to find, although higher ranked Elites and Grunts will use this weapon against you to great effect. The Fuel Rod Gun is not available in [[Halo 2]] multiplayer due to frame-rate issues.


In [[Halo 3]], the Fuel Rod Gun underwent drastic changes. The blasts are weakened to 65% of their previous strength, to compensate for the cannon's large magazine size, fast rate of fire, and the noticeably lessened distance that the rounds fall en route to the target. Also, when fired, projectiles are affected by gravity at a much higher degree and now need time to ignite after being fired from the cannon and failure to give the rounds proper distance to accomplish this will result in a ricochet if a non-enemy surface is struck at an angle. In Halo 3 it has a slight homing feature on vehicles and is devastating when used against slow moving tanks. In Campaign, if given to a AI controlled ally they will also get the bonus of the weapon's rounds homing in on enemy foot soldiers. Shots from an enemy's Fuel Rod Gun will home on you and your allies to a degree. It becomes increasingly difficult to dodge in higher difficulties. It can still get you if you only try to step to the side.
The weapon's energetic component has been the subject of nearly three decades of intense [[human]] study. The [[Merchants of Qikost]], the fuel rod gun's current manufacturer, are only able to replicate its manufacture using prehistoric [[Forerunner]] machinery that occasionally requires [[Huragok]] maintenance and has proved nearly impossible to study. Both [[Misriah Armory]] and [[Materials Group]] have acquired the aforementioned Forerunner machinery, but are reluctant to produce potentially dangerous feedstock isotopes.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


It is also worth noting that the weapon does not appear by default in any multiplayer maps nor in [[Matchmaking]], and thus is only seen if placed on a custom map using [[Forge]].
==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:ReachSchematic - FuelRodCannon.png|150px|thumb|left|A blueprint of the fuel rod gun in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.]]
The fuel rod gun, which was first encountered by UNSC personnel in [[2531]],{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetfuelrodgun|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon}} is essentially a man-portable version of the [[fuel rod cannon]] that is mounted on Covenant vehicles - it is a support weapon that is commonly employed in both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle roles. It appears to be recoil-operated and fires 3.8&nbsp;cm explosive ballistic incendiary gel projectiles, that travel to the target in a parabolic arc.


==Usage==
The design of the Fuel Rod Gun is unique, more akin to large ornament than deadly weapon; the barrel of the weapon is long and black covered by thick gold plates that make up the body of the weapon; the ammunition is loaded on the top aft section of the fuel rod gun, and can hold up to 5 ballistic projectiles, which seem to be held together by straps, before needing to be reloaded. Because of the weapon’s visibility it is just as effective as a psychological weapon, it is often the case that soldiers will ignore closer, more obvious targets in order to eliminate a Type-33 and its operator.
The Fuel Rod Gun is the Covenant analog of the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]. It fires eerie green pulses of deadly radiation that transverse to the target in a parabolic arc. This indirect line of fire makes the Fuel Rod Gun often a difficult [[weapon]] to wield.
In the PC version, the fuel rod gun is rarely used. It runs as another battery operated weapon, and overheats for a while after five quick shots. Indirect hits will barely be effective, and direct hits are nearly impossible. But, it has the ability to partially stun a hit target, so a bombardment can take out one, but leave the wielder vulnerable for too long to live. Also they are used as a secondary weapon on Banshees, that are called Banshee Bombs. So, this weapon has been labeled as either a noob weapon or a weak weapon.
In Halo 2-3, the Fuel Rod Gun was widely changed. Now called the Fuel Rod Cannon, the weapon is gold in color, and can be reloaded. The overheat has also been stripped away. The FRGs projectiles now arc less and track slightly over long ranges, but are also slower in speed.  


Furthermore, it was impossible to pick up discarded Fuel Rod Guns from enemy corpses in the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' campaign, as there were fail-safes that made the weapons self-destruct with the force of a [[Fragmentation Grenade]], however, with a blast radius of a plasma grenade. These fail-safes were evidently stripped away in ''[[Halo PC]]'' multiplayer.
The fuel rod gun is unique in the way it operates, its ammunition is placed one on top of the other to form a clip and then is loaded into the weapon; it is unknown what exactly holds the rods together. When the large "trigger" is pulled the weapon ejects the projectile at high speeds. It can be assumed that the instant the projectile leaves the barrel of the weapon, the large flash associated with firing the fuel rod gun destroys the caps that are on each end of the fuel rod projectile. The rods are equipped with an activation delay that protects the wielder from explosions caused by carelessly firing fuel rods into nearby objects, however a fuel rod will detonate if fired into enemies at point-blank range. The fuel rod gun is used by most Covenant infantry; Grunts are commonly seen wielding fuel rod guns, and more rarely, higher ranking Elites and Brutes are seen wielding them. The fuel rod gun is extremely powerful, and as such the Covenant went to great lengths to ensure it does not fall into enemy hands - for much of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the prevalent model of the fuel rod gun was equipped with a fail-safe that activates under certain conditions, either by the user dropping the weapon without first engaging a safety, or if the weapon runs out of ammunition and is not reloaded after a certain amount of time.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', "Chapter 20", ''page 187''</ref> In late [[2552]], models without the failsafe became more commonplace, preventing the weapon from being self-destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}


==Combat Tactics==
===Ammunition===
=== Advantages ===
{{main|Fuel rod}}
The Covenant fuel rod gun fires radioactive projectiles colloquially termed as "fuel rods". These projectiles have devastating effects on their targets. When the fuel rod impacts an area, or target, it is instantly subjected to temperatures as hot as standard plasma weapons. The fuel rod gun's projectiles use a form of [[incendiary gel]] similar to a [[Mgalekgolo]]'s [[assault cannon]]. Unlike the globs or beams fired by the assault cannon, however, the fuel rods are compressed canisters of the gel approximately 38mm in diameter which explode upon impact.


The Fuel Rod Gun fires fairly quickly, and reloads at a slightly faster rate than the [[rocket launcher]] while holding much more ammunition. The Fuel Rod Gun has a limited lock-on ability; its projectile follows targets in the air. While easy to avoid at long range, the 2x scope of the Cannon can allow for an accurate original blast and increased chance to catch the victim in the explosive radius.
===Advantages===
The fuel rod gun is an extremely devastating weapon in the hands of a skilled infantry unit. The destructive power of the fuel rod gun is so effective that human forces often focus all of their attention on infantry wielding the fuel rod gun. Unsurprisingly, one strike from a fuel rod will instantly kill any light organic target, even one that is heavily armored. Infantry outside of the initial blast zone will be affected by the concussive force of the impact, which is strong enough to send them flying, and the radiation the rods release. Against light-armored vehicles the fuel rod gun is extremely effective as well, with the ability to flip small vehicles in only a few hits if it doesn't destroy them outright. The gun also takes less time to reload than the rocket launcher, can hold more ammo in both the magazine and reserve, has a very slight tracking ability, and a faster rate of fire. In the context of the Halo games, the fuel rods' strength and lethality are compensated for both the sake of gameplay and ratings.


The high ammo capacity, rate of fire, and damage of the Fuel Rod Gun makes it a force to be reckoned with.
===Disadvantages===
[[Image:Fuel rod gun.jpg|thumb|right|The Fuel Rod Gun in Halo 2.]]
Rods from the fuel rod gun have a smaller explosive radius than the [[M41 rocket launcher]]. In addition, the fuel rods will arc once in flight and lose their accuracy over long distances. The large size of the weapon obscures the wielder's peripheral vision, and it  reduces the speed of weaker infantry holding it, because of its significant weight, unless it is a Spartan carrying the weapon, due to their superior strength. The bright color of the weapon makes the wielder easy to spot, even when the weapon is backpacked; the green flash that occurs when the weapon is fired, can also give away the users position. The fuel rods are also extremely slow in flight. As a result, Fuel Rods are particularly weak against most reconnaissance vehicles (Ghosts, Warthogs, Banshees, Brute Choppers, Mongooses) at long range. This is because the intended target will easily dodge the fuel rod. It also lacks the lock-on and destructive capabilities of the ''Halo 2'' rocket launcher or ''Halo 3'' [[missile pod]]. Also, in ''Halo 3'', the fuel rods usually bounce off the ground, missing their intended targets, unless it is a direct hit or you are directly facing the surface, such as walls and even the Scarab's exterior, although very rarely would it ricochet off vehicles and infantry.
In [[Campaign]] mode giving your allies ([[Elites]] especially) the Fuel Rod Cannon gives you a massive advantage over your enemies. On levels like Arbiter and Uprising an Elite with a Fuel Rod Cannon can fire the 5 bolts in quick succession with surprising accuracy. This can easily rip apart a group of foes even on Legendary difficulty. The fact that allies have unlimited ammo makes this valuable as well. This is opposite for giving [[Grunt]] allies the Fuel Rod Cannon, however, due to their lack of shields, if they happen to fire a rod too close to themselves. But however, Grunts holding Fuel Rod Gun tend to fire rods slightly more often and "wilder" than Elites.


Other advantages include a ricochet effect at wide angles, while firing parallel to a wall the shots can "skip" off. To obtain an effect the angle has to be obtuse and the person firing must near parallel to the targeted wall, this however does not cause the shell to explode but instead sends it off in a new predictable trajectory. You will not be affected by it ricocheting off the ground because its arc will extremely diminish the effect.
==Changes==
===Changes from the unidentified fuel rod in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''===
*The Fuel Rod Gun has been redesigned and now has a golden exterior, instead of a purple.
*The Fuel Rod Gun now fires five rounds from a magazine, rather than a battery.
*The projectiles arc much less, making the weapon function less like a mortar.
*There is a new sound effect for the Fuel Rod Gun - more of a 'thumping' effect.
*The player is now able to wield the Fuel Rod Gun in campaign, but it is not available in multiplayer.
*The melee attack animation was changed.


==Disadvantages==
[[File:Fuelrodcannon.jpg|thumb|A Fuel Rod Gun in ''Halo 3''.]]
The Halo:CE Fuel Rod Gun does not have a tracking device like the bolts of the [[Plasma Pistol]] (which are semi-homing), and its fiery energy pulses are slow. At long range, you have to aim high and it normally takes multiple bolts to kill a hostile, as a curtain of fire has to be laid down, and the overheating of the Fuel Rod Gun is not conducive to streams of radioactive fire. At short range, however, a single direct or almost-direct hit can take down someones shield , killing an enemy with two hits.


Furthermore, the large size will often obscure one's vision, making it harder to see who's there to kill the wielder of this ungainly weapon.
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''===
*The textures of the Fuel Rod Gun have been updated, while keeping the ''Halo 2'' design.
*The blasts have been weakened to 65% of their previous strength, to compensate for the cannon's large number of rounds per magazine.
*The color of the shots has changed to darker green.
*Projectiles are affected by gravity to a higher degree.
*The sound effects have once again been updated to give the Fuel Rod Gun a deeper sound.


==Appearances==
===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
===Hunter ([[Assault Cannon]])===
* The weapon's shape has been redesigned, sporting a smoother, more rounded appearance. Its coloration remains the same. It bears a slight resemblance to the Covenant [[Kopasa'mada-pattern plasma launcher|plasma launcher]].
[[Image:Fuel_Rod_Gun.jpg|thumb|The Fuel Rod Gun of a SpecOps Grunt]]
* The explosion from its rounds is more detailed, and with higher contrast to surroundings.
[[Image:800px-SpecOpsGrunt.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A [[Special Operations Grunt]] shoulders a Fuel Rod Gun]]
* It now has a small thermal sight attached to the body, similar to some other weapons like the Spartan Laser and the Focus Rifle.
[[Image:Afuelrod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A fuel rod in midflight]]
The Fuel Rod Gun, also known as the [[Assault Cannon]] is the signature weapon of a [[Hunter]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. They use the weapon to lob green bolts of lethal energy at great distances, and are extremely intimidating, coupled with the physical statures and armor of Hunters. But once they are killed, they cannot be taken by the player - or anyone else - because the gun is directly fixed to the Hunter's armor.


===Grunts===
===Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4''===
The Fuel Rod Gun is also mounted on the shoulders of many [[Special Operations Grunt]]s in the later levels in either ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: PC''.
*The IR screen has become a lot wider and detailed.
This is rather remarkable however, considering the hefty weight and bulk of the mortar. Although rare, sharp eyes players may have noticed that some [[Major Grunts]] carrying Fuel Rod Gun in ''[[Two Betrayals (Level)|Two Betrayals ]]''.
*The firing sound is deeper.
*The aiming reticule has been changed to a circular shape.
*The projectiles are more solid and move faster.


==Multiplayer Tactics==
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
The Fuel Rod Gun is wieldable by the character only in ''Halo PC'' [[multiplayer]], not in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' campaign nor multiplayer, and neither ''Halo PC'' [[campaign]].
*Unlike the original ''Halo 2'' version the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' fuel rod gun is available for use in multiplayer.
Being an effective suppression weapon, a common tactic in multiplayer [[Capture the Flag]] is to bombard the enemy base from afar with a Fuel Rod Gun. Furthermore, the gunner can fire from a position obscured from enemy view, owing to the indirect-fire properties of the Fuel Rod Gun. Since the view of the targeted area is mutually obscured from the gunner's position (due to having to compensate for the arc and having to aim high), such is unlikely to kill a player, but it is intended to at least deal cover fire for an assault on the flag, and most likely to inflict damage on the flag carrier. Note that the Fuel Rod Gun's splash damage is similar to the ones of a Rocket Launcher. If fired at very close range, the projectile will most likely to harm the player slightly.  


An easy way to dodge the blast is simply to sidestep, where as when the user overheats the gun, the opponent will most likely take the opportunity to fight back.
===Changes for ''Halo Wars 2''===
*Fuel Rod Gun does extremely less damage.
*The Fuel Rod Gun can [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] vehicles and aircraft.


The high ammo capacity, rate of fire, and damage of the Fuel Rod Gun makes it a force to be reckoned with.
==UNSC remarks==
*“Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin' you're transfixed—these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!”
*“It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kinda funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a GA cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.”
*“They’re pretty tricky to handle—first off you gotta get over the fact that there is this glowing, green explosive whatever right next to your head; and it’s not like you can requisition any more ammo for the damn thing—but you can lay down a whole lotta hurt in a very short amount of time I’ll tell you that.”
*“The Type-33s have more in common with the ballistic weapon on the Banshee than it does with the weapon that the Hunters carry around—well, not carry around, but you know what I mean.”
*“I catch a glimpse of green out of the corner of my eye and then there’s this huge “whoomf” and the ‘Hog goes end over end burning with [[Gaz]] still at the wheel. I was riding shotty with the [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|M41]] so I just unlatched and pushed off when we started going up into the air and there went the ‘Hog and Gaz and all our gear cart-wheeling into the ravine.”
*“No sooner had I put the Grunt down than [[Fisk]] has got a hold of that bad boy and dumps the whole clip into the column—stickies and everything just cooking off—secondaries like mad! Fisk was a crazy bastard he was—wish he was still with us.”


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*When you kill a [[Grunt]] with a Fuel Rod Gun in Halo: Combat Evolved, you can´t grab it. Upon its owner´s death, the gun will emit a stream of green smoke then explode after a short delay, making it a hazard for anyone in the immediate area, a Dead Mans' Switch--especially if there are grenades nearby.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*When using the Bump Possession cheat in Halo CE to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Fuel Rod Gun without overheating.  Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
*The fuel rod gun's design in ''Halo 2'' is very similar to the ones shown in [[Pre-Xbox Halo]].
*There is a discrepancy about how much the weapon actually weighs. In First Strike, Corporal Locklear had difficulty lifting the gun when he attempted to shoulder it. However, Grunts seem to have no problem hefting the gun around in Halo 1, so whether the situation is between the gun's weight or a comparison of Grunts' and Marines' strengths is unknown.
*The fuel rod gun is the only weapon in the trilogy which has a separate animation and timer when throwing a grenade; there is approximately a 0.5 second longer delay before you throw the grenade.
 
*When the player gives a fuel rod gun to a marine, their animation is the same as if they were holding a rocket launcher; their left hand is at an angle, just like when they hold a rocket launcher.
== UNSC Remarks ==
*When an NPC is holding the weapon since ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' the projectiles will have a rather strong homing towards the objective, however when the player uses it, it will lack said feature.<ref>https://amp.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/bwbxzs/fun_fact_in_halo_3_when_the_ai_use_a_fuel_rod_it/&ved=2ahUKEwi4jPDj46fsAhV5ILcAHaOqCx8QFjANegQICxAB&usg=AOvVaw01v4hZIyHf2fb4BFTthkeE&cshid=1602255825381</ref>
 
“Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin’ yer transfixed—these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!”
 
“It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kind’a funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.”
 
“They’re pretty tricky to handle—first off you gotta get over the fact that there is this glowing, green explosive whatever right next to your head; and it’s not like you can req any more ammo for the damn thing—but you can lay down a whole lot’a hurt in a very short amount of time I’ll tell you what.”
 
“[The Type-33s] have more in common with the ballistic weapon on the Banshee than it does with the weapon that the Hunters carry around—well, not carry around, but you know what I mean.”
 
“I catch a glimpse of green out of the corner of my eye and then there’s this huge “whoomf” and the ‘hog goes end over end burning with Gaz still at the wheel. I was riding shotty with the em forty-one so I just unlatched and pushed off when we started going up into the air—and there went the ‘hog and Gaz and all our gear cart-wheeling into the ravine.”
 
== Hunters' [[Assault Cannon]] ==
[[Image:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Hunters|Hunter's]] [[Assault Cannon]].]]
[[Image:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Assault Cannon in Action.]]
[[Hunters]] also brandish a variant of the Fuel Rod Gun, known as an [[Assault Cannon]]. In Halo 2 & 3, these shoot out long beams of energy; the Hunters immense strength nullifies the beams' recoil, allowing for accurate and devastating attacks. In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], their cannons fire explosive bolts like the troop-carried model. In [[Halo: The Flood]], it is revealed that, like all other plasma weapons, the Assault Cannon can overheat. There is no way to take the Hunter's version of the weapon outside of a mod. In [[Halo: Contact Harvest]], it is revealed that the cannons fire incendiary gel, either in bolts or beams, as seen in all the games.
 
== Trivia ==
 
*In Halo 3, it takes about 8 shots to take down a [[Phantom]] on Normal difficulty, about 3-4 shots at the Phantom's "eyes".
 
*When you give a Fuel Rod Gun to a Marine, their animation is the same as if they were holding a Rocket Launcher. If you look closely, their left hand is at an angle, just like holding the Rocket Launcher.
 
*In Halo 2 during Campaign mode (most likely on Legendary), the bolts have a slight homing ability. Only enemies have this ability. If you strafe as the wielder fires upon you, it will turn very slowly into your direction. In Halo 3, it also has a slight tracking ability, but this time it is the player and allies only who get this ability.
 
*Sometimes in Halo 3 Forge, when you put the Fuel Rod Gun on a map (usually High Ground), the weapon will not appear in game. It is unknown why.
 
*In Halo 3 if the shot hits the ground shortly after leaving the gun it will bounce like the Brute Shot from Halo 2.
 
*Most likely due to the [[Halo 3 Skulls|Cowbell Skull]], a [[Phantom]] only takes four shots to kill with a Fuel Rod Gun, even on Legendary.
 
*In Halo 3, the Fuel Rod Gun ricochets when fired at a 25° angle at any solid surface.
 
== Character Compatibility ==
 
*[[Elites]]
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Marines]] (Corporal Locklear wielded one in [[Halo: First Strike]])
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]] (animation in games but not used)
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]] (animation in games but not used)
*[[Grunts]]
*[[Hunters]] ([[Assault Cannon]])
*[[Brutes]]
 
== See Also ==
 
*[[Hunter]]s
*[[Covenant Weapons]]
*[[Assault Cannon]]


==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H2-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the fuel rod gun from ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-T33FRGHUD.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-EliteUltra.png|A [[Sangheili Ultra]] takes cover while holding a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
File:Fuel Rod Gun Render.gif|A render of a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3'' from Bungie.net.
File:H3-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the Fuel Rod Gun from ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Orange Elite with fuel rod gun.png|A Sangheili with a fuel rod gun.
File:Halo-3-20070923110008904.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 FRGClownCar.png|Marines carrying fuel rod guns on an [[M831 Troop Transport Warthog]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:EliteFRG-large.jpg|A Sangheili firing a fuel rod guns at Yanme'e during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].
File:1217473684 Fuel Rod--Pre-activity.jpg|A fuel rod that has not yet been activated.
File:Fuel Rod Gun Ammo.jpg|Another close up of a non-activated fuel rod.
File:1211317365 Fuel Rod.jpg|A fuel rod in mid-flight.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST FuelRodWatchtower.png|Three Unggoy armed with fuel rod guns in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Homecoming FuelRod Concept.png|Concept art for the fuel rod gun in ''Halo Legends: Homecoming''.
File:Prototype FuelRodCannon Concept.png|Concept art for the fuel rod gun in ''Halo Legends: Prototype''.
</gallery>


==References==
==List of appearances==
<div class="references-small"><references/></div>
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
{{Col-end}}


[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
==Sources==
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Weapons]]


<br clear="all">
{{Covenant ordnance}}
{{WepList}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[[[]]]]
[[Category:Rocket launchers]]

Latest revision as of 04:26, July 19, 2024

This article is about the fuel rod gun introduced in Halo 2. For other variants of the fuel rod gun, see Fuel rod gun.
Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun
H3-FuelRodGunSide.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Model series:

Type-33

Type:

Light Anti-Armor Weapon

Specifications

Length:

  • o/a: 130.8 centimetres (51.5 in)[3]
  • Barrel: 73.66 centimetres (29.00 in)[4]

Width:

18.5 centimetres (7.3 in)[5]

Height:

54.7 centimetres (21.5 in)[5]

Weight:

  • Empty: 20.8 kilograms (46 lb)[4]
  • Loaded: 23.3 kilograms (51 lb)[4]

Ammunition type:

Class-2 38mm radioactive explosive fuel rods

Feed system:

5 rounds magazine[3]

Operation:

Recoil-operated

Rate of fire:

2 rounds/second (semi-automatic)

Muzzle velocity:

72 m/s (236 ft/s)[4]

Effective range:

165 metres (540 ft)[4]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Great Schism
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

"Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin' you're transfixed, these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!"
— Anonymous Serviceman

The Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (T-33 LAAW),[6] colloquially known as the fuel rod gun, is a shoulder-fired mortar/radiation weapon, formerly used by the Covenant military and now in service with the Swords of Sanghelios.[3] It is also sometimes called the flak cannon[7] or fuel rod cannon[8] though the latter term is usually reserved for vehicle-mounted weapons based on the same technology.

The weapon's energetic component has been the subject of nearly three decades of intense human study. The Merchants of Qikost, the fuel rod gun's current manufacturer, are only able to replicate its manufacture using prehistoric Forerunner machinery that occasionally requires Huragok maintenance and has proved nearly impossible to study. Both Misriah Armory and Materials Group have acquired the aforementioned Forerunner machinery, but are reluctant to produce potentially dangerous feedstock isotopes.[3]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

A blueprint of the fuel rod gun in Halo: Reach.

The fuel rod gun, which was first encountered by UNSC personnel in 2531,[4] is essentially a man-portable version of the fuel rod cannon that is mounted on Covenant vehicles - it is a support weapon that is commonly employed in both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle roles. It appears to be recoil-operated and fires 3.8 cm explosive ballistic incendiary gel projectiles, that travel to the target in a parabolic arc.

The design of the Fuel Rod Gun is unique, more akin to large ornament than deadly weapon; the barrel of the weapon is long and black covered by thick gold plates that make up the body of the weapon; the ammunition is loaded on the top aft section of the fuel rod gun, and can hold up to 5 ballistic projectiles, which seem to be held together by straps, before needing to be reloaded. Because of the weapon’s visibility it is just as effective as a psychological weapon, it is often the case that soldiers will ignore closer, more obvious targets in order to eliminate a Type-33 and its operator.

The fuel rod gun is unique in the way it operates, its ammunition is placed one on top of the other to form a clip and then is loaded into the weapon; it is unknown what exactly holds the rods together. When the large "trigger" is pulled the weapon ejects the projectile at high speeds. It can be assumed that the instant the projectile leaves the barrel of the weapon, the large flash associated with firing the fuel rod gun destroys the caps that are on each end of the fuel rod projectile. The rods are equipped with an activation delay that protects the wielder from explosions caused by carelessly firing fuel rods into nearby objects, however a fuel rod will detonate if fired into enemies at point-blank range. The fuel rod gun is used by most Covenant infantry; Grunts are commonly seen wielding fuel rod guns, and more rarely, higher ranking Elites and Brutes are seen wielding them. The fuel rod gun is extremely powerful, and as such the Covenant went to great lengths to ensure it does not fall into enemy hands - for much of the Human-Covenant War, the prevalent model of the fuel rod gun was equipped with a fail-safe that activates under certain conditions, either by the user dropping the weapon without first engaging a safety, or if the weapon runs out of ammunition and is not reloaded after a certain amount of time.[9] In late 2552, models without the failsafe became more commonplace, preventing the weapon from being self-destroyed.[4]

Ammunition[edit]

Main article: Fuel rod

The Covenant fuel rod gun fires radioactive projectiles colloquially termed as "fuel rods". These projectiles have devastating effects on their targets. When the fuel rod impacts an area, or target, it is instantly subjected to temperatures as hot as standard plasma weapons. The fuel rod gun's projectiles use a form of incendiary gel similar to a Mgalekgolo's assault cannon. Unlike the globs or beams fired by the assault cannon, however, the fuel rods are compressed canisters of the gel approximately 38mm in diameter which explode upon impact.

Advantages[edit]

The fuel rod gun is an extremely devastating weapon in the hands of a skilled infantry unit. The destructive power of the fuel rod gun is so effective that human forces often focus all of their attention on infantry wielding the fuel rod gun. Unsurprisingly, one strike from a fuel rod will instantly kill any light organic target, even one that is heavily armored. Infantry outside of the initial blast zone will be affected by the concussive force of the impact, which is strong enough to send them flying, and the radiation the rods release. Against light-armored vehicles the fuel rod gun is extremely effective as well, with the ability to flip small vehicles in only a few hits if it doesn't destroy them outright. The gun also takes less time to reload than the rocket launcher, can hold more ammo in both the magazine and reserve, has a very slight tracking ability, and a faster rate of fire. In the context of the Halo games, the fuel rods' strength and lethality are compensated for both the sake of gameplay and ratings.

Disadvantages[edit]

Rods from the fuel rod gun have a smaller explosive radius than the M41 rocket launcher. In addition, the fuel rods will arc once in flight and lose their accuracy over long distances. The large size of the weapon obscures the wielder's peripheral vision, and it reduces the speed of weaker infantry holding it, because of its significant weight, unless it is a Spartan carrying the weapon, due to their superior strength. The bright color of the weapon makes the wielder easy to spot, even when the weapon is backpacked; the green flash that occurs when the weapon is fired, can also give away the users position. The fuel rods are also extremely slow in flight. As a result, Fuel Rods are particularly weak against most reconnaissance vehicles (Ghosts, Warthogs, Banshees, Brute Choppers, Mongooses) at long range. This is because the intended target will easily dodge the fuel rod. It also lacks the lock-on and destructive capabilities of the Halo 2 rocket launcher or Halo 3 missile pod. Also, in Halo 3, the fuel rods usually bounce off the ground, missing their intended targets, unless it is a direct hit or you are directly facing the surface, such as walls and even the Scarab's exterior, although very rarely would it ricochet off vehicles and infantry.

Changes[edit]

Changes from the unidentified fuel rod in Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2[edit]

  • The Fuel Rod Gun has been redesigned and now has a golden exterior, instead of a purple.
  • The Fuel Rod Gun now fires five rounds from a magazine, rather than a battery.
  • The projectiles arc much less, making the weapon function less like a mortar.
  • There is a new sound effect for the Fuel Rod Gun - more of a 'thumping' effect.
  • The player is now able to wield the Fuel Rod Gun in campaign, but it is not available in multiplayer.
  • The melee attack animation was changed.
A Fuel Rod Gun in Halo 3.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3[edit]

  • The textures of the Fuel Rod Gun have been updated, while keeping the Halo 2 design.
  • The blasts have been weakened to 65% of their previous strength, to compensate for the cannon's large number of rounds per magazine.
  • The color of the shots has changed to darker green.
  • Projectiles are affected by gravity to a higher degree.
  • The sound effects have once again been updated to give the Fuel Rod Gun a deeper sound.

Changes from Halo 3 to Halo: Reach[edit]

  • The weapon's shape has been redesigned, sporting a smoother, more rounded appearance. Its coloration remains the same. It bears a slight resemblance to the Covenant plasma launcher.
  • The explosion from its rounds is more detailed, and with higher contrast to surroundings.
  • It now has a small thermal sight attached to the body, similar to some other weapons like the Spartan Laser and the Focus Rifle.

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4[edit]

  • The IR screen has become a lot wider and detailed.
  • The firing sound is deeper.
  • The aiming reticule has been changed to a circular shape.
  • The projectiles are more solid and move faster.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • Unlike the original Halo 2 version the Halo 2: Anniversary fuel rod gun is available for use in multiplayer.

Changes for Halo Wars 2[edit]

  • Fuel Rod Gun does extremely less damage.
  • The Fuel Rod Gun can EMP vehicles and aircraft.

UNSC remarks[edit]

  • “Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin' you're transfixed—these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!”
  • “It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kinda funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a GA cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.”
  • “They’re pretty tricky to handle—first off you gotta get over the fact that there is this glowing, green explosive whatever right next to your head; and it’s not like you can requisition any more ammo for the damn thing—but you can lay down a whole lotta hurt in a very short amount of time I’ll tell you that.”
  • “The Type-33s have more in common with the ballistic weapon on the Banshee than it does with the weapon that the Hunters carry around—well, not carry around, but you know what I mean.”
  • “I catch a glimpse of green out of the corner of my eye and then there’s this huge “whoomf” and the ‘Hog goes end over end burning with Gaz still at the wheel. I was riding shotty with the M41 so I just unlatched and pushed off when we started going up into the air and there went the ‘Hog and Gaz and all our gear cart-wheeling into the ravine.”
  • “No sooner had I put the Grunt down than Fisk has got a hold of that bad boy and dumps the whole clip into the column—stickies and everything just cooking off—secondaries like mad! Fisk was a crazy bastard he was—wish he was still with us.”

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The fuel rod gun's design in Halo 2 is very similar to the ones shown in Pre-Xbox Halo.
  • The fuel rod gun is the only weapon in the trilogy which has a separate animation and timer when throwing a grenade; there is approximately a 0.5 second longer delay before you throw the grenade.
  • When the player gives a fuel rod gun to a marine, their animation is the same as if they were holding a rocket launcher; their left hand is at an angle, just like when they hold a rocket launcher.
  • When an NPC is holding the weapon since Halo 2 and Halo 3 the projectiles will have a rather strong homing towards the objective, however when the player uses it, it will lack said feature.[10]

Gallery[edit]

  • An in-game profile view of the fuel rod gun from Halo 2.

    An in-game profile view of the fuel rod gun from Halo 2.

  • First-person view of the fuel rod gun in Halo 2.

    First-person view of the fuel rod gun in Halo 2.

  • The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in Halo 2.

    The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in Halo 2.

  • A Sangheili Ultra takes cover while holding a fuel rod gun in Halo 2.

    A Sangheili Ultra takes cover while holding a fuel rod gun in Halo 2.

  • A render of a fuel rod gun in Halo 3 from Bungie.net.

    A render of a fuel rod gun in Halo 3 from Bungie.net.

  • An in-game profile view of the Fuel Rod Gun from Halo 3.

    An in-game profile view of the Fuel Rod Gun from Halo 3.

  • A Sangheili with a fuel rod gun.

    A Sangheili with a fuel rod gun.

  • First-person view of the fuel rod gun in Halo 3.

    First-person view of the fuel rod gun in Halo 3.

  • The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in Halo 3.

    The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in Halo 3.

  • Marines carrying fuel rod guns on an M831 Troop Transport Warthog in Halo 3.

    Marines carrying fuel rod guns on an M831 Troop Transport Warthog in Halo 3.

  • A Sangheili firing a fuel rod guns at Yanme'e during the Battle of Installation 00.

    A Sangheili firing a fuel rod guns at Yanme'e during the Battle of Installation 00.

  • A fuel rod that has not yet been activated.

    A fuel rod that has not yet been activated.

  • Another close up of a non-activated fuel rod.

    Another close up of a non-activated fuel rod.

  • A fuel rod in mid-flight.

    A fuel rod in mid-flight.

  • Three Unggoy armed with fuel rod guns in Halo 3: ODST.

    Three Unggoy armed with fuel rod guns in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Concept art for the fuel rod gun in Halo Legends: Homecoming.

    Concept art for the fuel rod gun in Halo Legends: Homecoming.

  • Concept art for the fuel rod gun in Halo Legends: Prototype.

    Concept art for the fuel rod gun in Halo Legends: Prototype.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 77
  2. ^ Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin 9.19.12
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint: Fuel Rod Cannon
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Bungie.net, Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (Retrieved on Jan 31, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 90
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 325
  7. ^ Halo: Reach Cortana Firefight dialogue
  8. ^ Halo 4 in-game HUD text
  9. ^ Halo: First Strike, "Chapter 20", page 187
  10. ^ https://amp.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/bwbxzs/fun_fact_in_halo_3_when_the_ai_use_a_fuel_rod_it/&ved=2ahUKEwi4jPDj46fsAhV5ILcAHaOqCx8QFjANegQICxAB&usg=AOvVaw01v4hZIyHf2fb4BFTthkeE&cshid=1602255825381

v • d • e
 
Ordnance in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Directed explosive weapons
Projectile weapons
Mines
Explosives
Grenades
Ammunition
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