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{{Era|HW|H1|H2|H3R|H3|TF|FS|HGN}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Disambig header|the fuel rod gun introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]''|other variants of the fuel rod gun|Fuel rod gun}}
<center>''Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] or for the [[Assault Cannon]] used by Hunters?''</center>
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|image=[[File:H3-FuelRodGunSide.png|300px]]
| image=[[Image:Fuelrodcannon.jpg|300px]]
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]] {{C|Covenant War}}<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 77''</ref>
name=Fuel Rod Gun
*[[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>
| manufacturer=
|series=Type-33
| model=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon
|type=Light Anti-Armor Weapon
| type=Anti-Armor 
|cost=
| cost=
|variant=
| size=Shoulder-mounted
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
*Length (o/a):130.2 cm (51.26 in.)
<br>[[Great Schism]]
*Length (barrel):73.66 cm (29 in.)
<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*Weight (empty):20.8 kg (46 lbs)
|weight=*Empty: {{Convert|20.8|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
*Weight (loaded):23.1 kg (51 lbs)
*Loaded: {{Convert|23.3|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
| damage per hit=Very High or Lethal
|length=*o/a: {{Convert|130.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| magazine=*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'':Single Battery
*Barrel: {{Convert|73.66|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'':5 rounds
|width={{Convert|18.5|cm|in}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 90''</ref>
| maxammo=*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': 100 battery units (13 bolts)
|height={{Convert|54.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'': 30 Fuel Rods (6 clips)
|ammotype= Class-2 38mm radioactive explosive [[fuel rod]]s
| fire=Semi-Automatic
|capacity=
| ammotype=83mm Fuel Rods
|feed=5 rounds magazine{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| operation=
|operation=Recoil-operated
| rate of fire=Average (2 rounds per second)
|rate=2 rounds/second (semi-automatic)  
| velocity=72 m/s (236 f/s)
|velocity=72 m/s (236 ft/s){{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
| accuracy=Medium
|optics=
| range=Medium
|range={{Convert|165|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetfuelrodgun}}
*165 meters (541 ft)
| era=
| counterpart=[[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]], [[Spartan Laser]], [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]], [[LAU-65D/SGM-151|Missile Pod]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant]] and [[Covenant Separatist]]
}}
}}
{{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''' ('''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.


The '''Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon'''<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fuelrod</ref>, also known as the Fuel Rod Gun, is a [[Covenant]] indirect-fire mortar with ground and air applications that appears in all three games of the ''[[Halo]]'' Trilogy, although with minor changes in appearance. It is occasionally wielded by higher-ranking [[Grunts]], and often wielded by higher-ranking [[Elites]] and [[Brutes]]. It is known that some versions are equipped with a "dead man's switch" similar to that of the [[Energy Sword]], most notably in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
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}}


==Introduction==
==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.


In ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'', 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 detonate on impact with targets or surfaces, and some variants are equipped with homing rounds. Unlike many Covenant weapons, most incarnations of the Fuel Rod Gun fire ammunition that comes in clips of 5 Fuel Rods. Up to 25 additional Fuel Rods can be carried for a total of 30 shots. The weapon's projectiles arc very slightly 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 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.


==Appearances==
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}}
[[Image:800px-SpecOpsGrunt.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A [[Special Operations Grunt]] shoulders a Fuel Rod Gun in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
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, however, only [[Special Operations Grunt]]s  and [[Major Grunts]] are seen with the deadly weapons (minor grunts may occasionally wield it). 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]] (This is a slight incorrect reference, as a Fragmentation Grenade would have a bigger blast radius. It would be more accurate to say the explosion would have the same force, appearance, and effect as one of its fired bolts). However, they had the blast radius of a [[Plasma Grenade]]. These fail-safes were stripped away in ''[[Halo PC]]'' multiplayer. [[Image:1215454542 Spartanwithfuelrodgun.jpg|right|thumb|A Spartan in ''Halo: CE'' (PC) Multiplayer, wielding a Fuel Rod Gun.]]


In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Fuel Rod Gun had been given a major appearance change, with the body now a shade of yellow and the battery replaced by clips 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.
===Ammunition===
{{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.


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 number of rounds per clip, 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 an 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. It was wielded by Grunts, [[War Chieftain]]s and [[Brute Captains]] (Majors and Ultras only) in Campaign.
===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.
It is also worth noting that the weapon does not appear by default in any multi player maps nor in [[Matchmaking]], and thus is only seen if placed on a custom map by using [[Forge]].
 
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the Fuel Rod Gun makes almost no appearance. It is, however, available as an upgrade to replace the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s plasma cannons to increase his damage.
 
==Usage==
The '''Fuel Rod Gun''' is the Covenant counterpart of the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]. It is mainly used as an anti-vehicle weapon, but is sometimes used as an anti-personnel weapon. It fires glowing green bolts of radioactive incendiary gel that travel to the target in a parabolic arc. This indirect line of fire makes the Fuel Rod Gun often a difficult weapon to wield, yet can be useful if your target is hiding behind a wall or other object.  The bolt is also ponderously slow compared to the [[Spartan Laser]] shot and even to the Rocket, making it rather difficult to wield effectively in comparison to more readily available power weapons.  
 
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 a variant, the [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] is used as a secondary weapon on [[Banshees]], that are commonly called Banshee Bombs. The Fuel Rod Cannon is also used in the AA rounds on an [[Anti-Air Wraith]]. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the Fuel Rod Gun was widely changed. The weapon is gold in color, and can be reloaded. The overheat feature has also been removed. The Fuel Rod Gun's projectiles now arc less, and track slightly over long ranges, but are also significantly slower in speed.
 
 
[[Image:1210493411 Elite Commander.jpg|thumb|left|An [[Elite]] with a Fuel Rod gun. Note the one-handed grip.]]
 
==Combat Tactics==
====Advantages====
[[Image:1217473684 Fuel Rod--Pre-activity.jpg|thumb|right|A Fuel rod before becoming "active."|300px]]
The Fuel Rod Gun fires faster, and reloads at a slightly faster rate than the Rocket Launcher but does less damage per hit 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.
 
The high ammo capacity, rate of fire, and damage of the Fuel Rod Gun makes it a force to be reckoned with, and it's better than the Rocket Launcher in personnel fights, having barely any splash damage and more ammo (2.5x more).
In campaign mode giving your allies (Elites especially) the Fuel Rod Gun gives you a massive advantage over your enemies. On levels like [[Arbiter (level)|the Arbiter]] and [[Uprising]] an Elite with a Fuel Rod Gun can fire the 5 bolts in quick succession with surprising accuracy. This can easily eliminate a group of foes even on [[Legendary]] difficulty. The fact that allies have unlimited ammo makes this valuable as well. The opposite holds true for giving Grunt allies the Fuel Rod Gun, however, due to their lack of shields. Grunts holding the 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 be 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. The ricochet effect will only work before the fuel rod has "ignited".
 
It can be fired from behind cover, so it is very possible to kill enemies without them being able to hit you.
 
Maps recommended in: [[Construct]], [[Epitaph]], [[Guardian]], (maybe) [[High Ground]], and [[Narrows]].


===Disadvantages===
===Disadvantages===
The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Fuel Rod Gun doesn't have a tracking device. The ignited fuel rods behave like the bolts of the [[Plasma Pistol]] (which are semi-homing) and its bolts are slow. At long range you will have to aim high and it normally takes multiple bolts to kill a hostile, as a curtain of fire has to be laid down. 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.
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.
 
The Fuel Rod Cannon is less powerful than the [[Rocket Launcher]], as it takes two strikes to kill a [[Hunter]] on the normal difficulty while the Rocket Launcher can take it out in one shot.  
 
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.
 
Additionally, when used at close to medium range the user should take caution (just like the [[Brute Shot]] or the Rocket Launcher), careless players have a good chance of taking damage from their own fire.
 
The Fuel Rod Gun has a very bright color, making you easy to spot by snipers if you are carrying one. You cannot hide it, since in Halo 3 your secondary weapon is seen on your hip/back.


Additionally, if you hit a target at close range before the mid air blast, their shields will be completely depleted, where as the Rocket Launcher will usually get a one hit kill.
==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.


Finally, you will have to take gravity into account when using it. Unlike the Human counterpart, the [[Rocket Launcher]], it obeys the laws of Gravity (because it has a relatively low velocity) and will curve.
[[File:Fuelrodcannon.jpg|thumb|A Fuel Rod Gun in ''Halo 3''.]]


==Hunter Variant==
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''===
{{main|Hunter Fuel Rod Variant}}
*The textures of the Fuel Rod Gun have been updated, while keeping the ''Halo 2'' design.
[[Image:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Hunter's Fuel Rod Gun known as the Assault Cannon]]
*The blasts have been weakened to 65% of their previous strength, to compensate for the cannon's large number of rounds per magazine.
[[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] also brandish a variant of the Fuel Rod Gun. These work differently than other versions of the Fuel Rod Gun because it can fire in multiple modes, rather than just firing single bolts. In ''Halo 2'' and  ''Halo 3'', these shoot out streams of gel. A Hunter's immense strength nullifies the weight of the weapon. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', their cannons fire explosive bolts, like the troop-carried model. In [[Halo: Contact Harvest]], it was explained that the gel can be fired in both single globules and a stream.{{fact}} The Fuel Rod variant is integrated into a Hunter's armor, so the weapon cannot be obtained.
*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.


==Multiplayer Tactics==
===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
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.
* 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]].
* The explosion from its rounds is more detailed, and with higher contrast to surroundings.
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.  
* It now has a small thermal sight attached to the body, similar to some other weapons like the Spartan Laser and the Focus Rifle.


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 from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4''===
*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.


The high ammo capacity, rate of fire, and damage of the Fuel Rod Gun makes it a force to be reckoned with.
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
*Unlike the original ''Halo 2'' version the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' fuel rod gun is available for use in multiplayer.


One useful tactic is to fire in a star or fan effect making it harder to dodge. Also in at a high point it is also useful to fire in a straight line towards an enemy vehicle, like bombs from a jet.
===Changes for ''Halo Wars 2''===
*Fuel Rod Gun does extremely less damage.
*The Fuel Rod Gun can [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] vehicles and aircraft.


==[[UNSC]] Remarks==
==UNSC remarks==
[[Image:1211317365 Fuel Rod.jpg|thumb|right|A Fuel Rod Gun's shot in mid-flight.]]
*“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!”
*“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 gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing 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.”
*“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.”
*“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.”
*“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.”
*"That thing is s'cool! It can destroy a Ghost with one shot, but it does have that thing stickin' out of the handle, so every time you shoot it, it jams right into your shoulder, and it hurts like hell. It messed up my shot one time and I almost hit my buddy CJ, who was in a 'Hog at the time. He litteraly crapped himself! I laughed so hard a Brute almost blew my head off."
*“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.


==Character Compatibility==
==Trivia==
*[[Elites]]
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*[[Spartans]]
*The fuel rod gun's design in ''Halo 2'' is very similar to the ones shown in [[Pre-Xbox Halo]].
*[[Marines]]
*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.
*[[Brutes]] (''Halo 3'' only)
*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.
*[[Grunts]]
*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>
*[[Hunters]] ([[Assault Cannon]])
*[[Prophet of Regret]] (''Halo Wars'' only)


==Trivia ==
==Gallery==
[[Image:1212466468 Fuel Rod Gun.gif|thumb|right|250px|A Fuel Rod Gun render.]]
<gallery>
*When using the Bump Possession cheat in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' 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.
File:H2-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the fuel rod gun from ''Halo 2''.
*Elites cannot spawn these weapons by default, except in ''Halo 2'' in level Gravemind where one of the three Ultras in the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] will use one on the [[Brutes]].
File:H2-T33FRGHUD.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
*There is a discrepancy about how much the weapon actually weighs. In ''[[Halo: 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: Combat Evolved'', so whether the situation is between the gun's weight or a comparison of Grunts' and [[Marines]]' strengths is unknown. It is strongly believed, however, that Grunts are in fact stronger than their size lets on. Also, the model of the Fuel Rod Gun used in Halo: CE and First Strike might have been heavier than the most recent variants.
File:H2-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
*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 a Rocket Launcher.
File:H2-EliteUltra.png|A [[Sangheili Ultra]] takes cover while holding a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
*In [[Halo 2]] during campaign mode (most likely on Legendary difficulty), 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.
File:Fuel Rod Gun Render.gif|A render of a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3'' from Bungie.net.
*In any ''[[Halo 2]]'' level that you play as the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]], if you give a Grunt ally a Fuel Rod Gun, the Grunt will perform a little dance, or will start laughing crazily. Also if you watch their arm the Grunt will do a strange cocking motion during which his arm will go through the weapon and extend by about a foot.
File:H3-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the Fuel Rod Gun from ''Halo 3''.
*The Fuel Rods fired by this weapon resemble the ammunition of the [[Covenant Carbine]], only of a larger fraction in size and damage. The Carbine ammunition is also notably faster, probably in exchange for power.
File:H3 Orange Elite with fuel rod gun.png|A Sangheili with a fuel rod gun.
*[[Spartan-093|Grace-093]] was almost killed by the gun's fail-safe system in [[Halo: First Strike]].{{fact}}
File:Halo-3-20070923110008904.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
*In Halo: CE PC Multiplayer, the gun's barrel will retract into the weapon when fired. Whether this is the firing mechanism or a recoil compensator is unknown, but the gun has very little recoil on the hands of the Spartan, supporting the latter. Also, if you melee while in third-person view with a Fuel Rod, your feet will slide across the ground, or the air if you jump. You will notice that you will do the same when throwing a grenade in Halo: CE. Note that it takes longer to throw grenades while holding a Fuel Rod. This also applies to the [[M7057 Defoliant Projector|Flamethrower]].
File:H3-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
*The [[Halo 3]] ''bounce'' feature of the Fuel Rod Gun can be utilized to an expert player's advantage. It is possible to bounce the shot around corners without coming out of hiding, and can even be used to kill enemies such as snipers without putting yourself in their line of fire. Note that these tactics require extreme precision, thought, and taking into account angling and game physics. However, with much practice, this tactic could save you from a few deaths in your next match.
File:HTMCC-H3 FRGClownCar.png|Marines carrying fuel rod guns on an [[M831 Troop Transport Warthog]] in ''Halo 3''.
*This gun, like the [[Needler]] and [[Beam Rifle]], has many aesthetic markings on it that are not [[Forerunner]] symbols, yet seem to be important in [[Covenant]] culture.
File:EliteFRG-large.jpg|A Sangheili firing a fuel rod guns at Yanme'e during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].
*The ricochet effect may have its roots in an attempt to prevent soldiers from blowing themselves up with rounds fired too close. Conversely, it is very easy to kill oneself with a [[Rocket Launcher]]. a similar in flight arming system is used in the real-life [[wikipedia:M79_grenade_launcher|M79 Grenade Launcher]].
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>


==Sources==
==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}}


==Related Pages==
==Sources==
*[[Fuel Rod Cannon]]
{{Ref/Sources}}
*[[Hunter]]s
*[[Covenant Weapons]]
*[[Assault Cannon]]


[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
{{Covenant ordnance}}
<br clear="all">
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
{{Template:Covenant 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]

  • 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]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]