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Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun: Difference between revisions

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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):23.3 kg (52 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 (28 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=8.2mm 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''', also known as the '''Fuel Rod Gun''', is a [[Covenant]] shoulder-mounted indirect-fire mortar weapon launching explosive fuel rods.  In [[Halo PC]], this weapon has a failsafe in campaign that destroys it after the wielder is killed, while in multiplayer, it fires 28 rods from a battery and could overheat.  In [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]], the battery and overheating was eliminated and instead it fires clips of 5 rods that fly more slowly and arc less. The Fuel Rod Gun is most commonly wielded by [[Unggoy|Grunts]], but in Halo 3, it is the preferred weapon of Brute [[War Chieftain|War Chieftains]].  It is generally not available in Halo 2 and Halo 3 multiplayer.
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.


==Design Details==
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}}
[[File:1212466468 Fuel Rod Gun.gif|A render of a Fuel Rod Gun.|thumb|left|200px]]
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 Halo: Combat Evolved, the Fuel Rod Gun has a purple body and a gray muzzle with a recoil damper. The body and muzzle were changed to a gold color in Halo 2, and it remained this way in Halo 3. In Halo:  Combat Evolved, the gun was equipped with a failsafe that destroyed it after the wielder was killed. This almost killed [[Grace-093]].<ref>Halo, First Strike, chapter 20, page 187</ref>
==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.
 
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.<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}}


===Ammunition===
===Ammunition===
In Halo PC, the Fuel Rod Gun fires 28 bolts from a form of a battery, similarly to other Covenant weapons. But it overheats after five shots, giving down-time similar to reloading in later games. In Halo 2 and 3, it fires rods from an internal magazine.  Rods appear to be fed in belts of five through the top of the weapon.  In Halo 3, the rods are equipped with an activation delay that protects the wielder from explosions caused by carelessly firing fuel rods into nearby objects, but rods will detonate if they are fired into enemies at point-blank range.
{{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.


===Advantages===
===Advantages===
The Fuel Rod Gun has a larger clip and a greater rate of fire than the [[M41 SSR MAV/AW|Rocket Launcher]], and its rods track slightly and do more damage than [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] grenades. It also has a 2x scope that makes it relatively easy to fire accurately at long range.  In Halo 3, it has a safety feature in the form of an activation delay that the Rocket Launcher and Brute Shot lack. In the hands of [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] and [[Sangheili|Elite]] allies, the Fuel Rod Gun is far more devastating because allies fire the weapon quickly and accurately, even from vehicles, and allies do not consume ammo as they fire.
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===
===Disadvantages===
Rods from the Fuel Rod Gun do less damage and have a smaller explosive radius than rockets from the Rocket Launcher. In addition, both rockets and Brute Shot grenades fly more quickly and arc less than Fuel Rods in both Halo 2 and Halo 3. The large size of the weapon obscures the wielder's peripheral vision. Furthermore, the weapon is not completely safe to use; while it has a safety feature, rods will detonate upon impact with any character or vehicle. In Halo 3, the bright color of the weapon makes the wielder easy to spot, even when the weapon is backpacked.  While it is possible to give a Fuel Rod Gun to a Grunt ally in Halo 2, Grunts are very careless and often kill themselves, the player's allies, or the player himself.
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.


===Variant===
==Changes==
{{Main|Assault Cannon}}
===Changes from the unidentified fuel rod in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''===
[[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. The Fuel Rod variant is integrated into a Hunter's armor, so the weapon cannot be obtained. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', their cannons fire explosive bolts, like the troop-carried model. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', these shoot out streams of gel. A Hunter's immense strength nullifies the weight of the weapon.
*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.


==Tactics==
[[File:Fuelrodcannon.jpg|thumb|A Fuel Rod Gun in ''Halo 3''.]]
[[File:1210493411 Elite Commander.jpg|An Elite with a Fuel Rod Gun.|thumb|right|240px]]
The Fuel Rod Gun is best used against armor at medium range and against enemy positions and gun emplacements at long range.


===Campaign===
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''===
The Fuel Rod Gun in Halo 2 generally appears only on [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]] and [[Uprising (Level)|Uprising]].  On the former, it is best to collect 30 rods and hold it until the fight with Sesa 'Refumee. On the latter, it is best in the hands of Elites.
*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.


In Halo 3, the Fuel Rod Gun appears far more frequently. The best thing to do with it is to give it to a Marine, who then rides shotgun. It is very useful against enemy heavy armor and gun emplacements, but it is not effective against light armor and infantry.
===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
* 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.
* It now has a small thermal sight attached to the body, similar to some other weapons like the Spartan Laser and the Focus Rifle.


===Multiplayer===
===Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4''===
In Halo PC, the Fuel Rod Gun is best used as a mortar to bombard the enemy base. It has an advantage of being able to hit enemies that are in cover and over hills, a feature otherwise only possible through the use of grenades. If the wielder uses it against vehicles, correct lead is essential. In Halo 2 and Halo 3, the Fuel Rod Gun does not appear in multiplayer unless it is added through Forge.
*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.


Being an effective suppression weapon, one 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.
===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.


===Advanced Tactics===
===Changes for ''Halo Wars 2''===
On "The Broken Path", the Fuel Rod Gun can be used to destroy the two Phantoms:  fire four rods into one of the engines, and the Phantom will explode.  A wielder using it to combat heavy armor should aim for the engine or the plasma mortar; the Wraith will go down in three shots. Experienced players can use the safety feature to send rods around corners.
*Fuel Rod Gun does extremely less damage.
*The Fuel Rod Gun can [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] vehicles and aircraft.


==[[UNSC]] Remarks==
==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!”
*“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.”
*“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.”
*“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==
===Glitches===
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*When a player wields a Fuel Rod Gun, there is a slightly longer delay between the priming of a grenade and the throwing of the grenade.
*The fuel rod gun's design in ''Halo 2'' is very similar to the ones shown in [[Pre-Xbox Halo]].
*When a Marine wields a Fuel Rod Gun, the animation is the same as for the Rocket Launcher, which has a slightly different orientation of the front grip.
*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.
*In Halo 2, Grunts react very strongly to receiving Fuel Rod Guns.  When they perform their animation, one arm extends through the weapon.
*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.<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>
===Discrepancies===
*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 [[Unggoy|Grunts']] and [[Marine|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, or Locklear never expected the thing to be so heavy.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:800px-SpecOpsGrunt.jpg|A Special Operations Grunt with a Fuel Rod Gun in Halo: Combat Evolved.
File:H2-FuelRodGunSide.png|An in-game profile view of the fuel rod gun from ''Halo 2''.
Image:1215454542 Spartanwithfuelrodgun.jpg|A Spatan with a Fuel Rod Gun in Halo: PC Multiplayer.
File:H2-T33FRGHUD.jpg|First-person view of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
Image:1217473684_Fuel_Rod--Pre-activity.jpg|A Fuel Rod that has not yet been activated.
File:H2-T33FRGzoom.png|The 2× zoom of the fuel rod gun in ''Halo 2''.
Image:1211317365 Fuel Rod.jpg|A Fuel Rod in mid-flight.
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>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
{{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}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<div class="references-small"><references/></div>
{{Ref/Sources}}


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

Latest revision as of 05:26, 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.
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  • 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

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Ordnance in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Directed explosive weapons
Projectile weapons
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