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{{Era|H2|H3}}
{{Title|''Skar'wa''-pattern Mantis}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
<center>''You may be looking for the related article: [[Covenant Air Artillery]]''</center>
{{disambig header|the Covenant anti-air cannon nicknamed the "Mantis"|the powered exoskeleton|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis}}
[[Image:1216012025 Anti-Aircraft Battery.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Anti-Aircraft Battery is used almost exclusively as a giant anti-ship gun in Halo 3.]]
{{Weapon infobox
|name=''Skar'wa''-pattern Sky Striker
|image=[[File:T27 AAC.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=117}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=304}}
|series=
|type=[[Anti-aircraft weapon]]
|cost=
|variant=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|length={{Convert|196.1|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|height={{Convert|121.2|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|weight={{Convert|154.3|MT|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|ammotype=Ultra-heavy [[plasma]] bolts
|capacity=
|feed=Unlimited{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|operation=
|rate=Single shot
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
}}
{{Quote|They're setting up an AA battery. That thing'll tear the [[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Dawn]] apart...|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}}}
The '''''Skar'wa''-pattern Sky Striker'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|27|Anti-Aircraft Cannon|AAC}}, nicknamed the "'''Mantis'''",{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} is an automated [[Covenant]] ground-based stationary anti-aircraft emplacement and the most storied extreme-range artillery piece in the service of the empire.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


The '''Anti-Aircraft Battery'''<ref>''[[Crow's Nest (Level)]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]''</ref> is a [[Covenant Loyalist]] ground-based stationary anti-aircraft emplacement. It fires bolts of [[plasma]] that are extremely damaging. A single round can destroy a [[C709 Longsword-class Interceptor]].
==Overview==
===Design details===
The ''Skar'wa''-pattern is sleek and light in construction, composed of a large ultra-heavy [[plasma cannon]] situated atop a large tripod mount,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} which houses platforms for snipers and spotters on two of its three sides. The three legs are able to adjust to a given terrain. The gun component rests on a proportionally small joint which is complemented by an energy field,{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} and allows 360-degree movement.  The weapon itself stands at a height of 36.9 meters (121.2 feet) and has a length of 59.8 meters (196.1&nbsp;ft).{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} Overall, despite a similar operation, the Mantis masses just over a third as much as the similarly-used {{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}} cannon. This mass differential allows the Mantis to be more easily stored and deployed in field operations, compared to the Tyrant's semi-permanent nature of installation.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} A Mantis AA battery can be quickly assembled using modules transported by common [[dropship]]s such as [[Phantom]]s. This makes them ideal for deployment in narrow gorges or dense cityscapes.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}


==Appearances==
The weapon's energy capacity is unlimited, but it must cool off and release its excess heat after every shot, exposing its weak point; the interior is vulnerable through the heat vent, which is located on the underside the cradle component. A certain amount of damage to the interior will destroy the AA battery; this makes it vulnerable to infantry and ground vehicle attacks. While heavy weapons make quick work of the delicate cooling vent and interior, small-arms fire can be nearly as effective; as few as three overcharged shots from a [[Type-25 plasma pistol]] can fatally cripple the gun emplacement.{{Ref/Level|Id=storm|H3|The Storm}}{{Ref/Level|Id=ark|H3|The Ark (level)|The Ark}}
===Halo 2 E3 Demo===
{{main|Halo 2 E3 Demo}}
[[Image:P1a5ma_m0r7ar.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A Covenant Artillery piece from ''[[Halo 2]]''.]]


The AA Battery was first seen in the ''[[Halo 2 E3 Demo]]''. When the [[Covenant]] invaded [[Mombasa]], they stationed a handful of artillery pieces on the ground, which demolished UNSC buildings. Eventually, [[SPARTAN-117]] and his group of [[Marine]]s encountered one, and [[Sergeant]] [[Banks]] called in a [[Longsword]] air strike to destroy the stationary mortar. They fired plasma bolts similar to that of Wraiths and in indirect parabolic trajectories. A sizable difference is that in the demo the Anti-Aircraft Battery is larger than its Halo 2 and Halo 3 successors, being a spire-size when Longswords bombed it.
Mantis cannons require no crew to operate the weapon, and are instead served by a remote link paired with predictive flight-tracking algorithms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Troops are often stationed in the vicinity of the AA guns—as well as in their marksman perches—to safeguard them from opposing ground forces. It is not uncommon to find several [[lance]]s guarding these emplacements, led by a high-ranking Covenant officer. During the final battles of [[Human-Covenant War]], [[Jiralhanae]] [[Chieftain]]s were often seen commanding these emplacements and its garrisoned ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} Mantis AA batteries are often additionally supplemented by multiple [[skyhunter]] tanks nearby such as the {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}}, who provide closer-in defence against smaller and more agile aircraft. This lets the Mantis primarily focus on larger threats such as [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s or even [[warship]]s - Mantis batteries are a threat to [[UNSC frigate]]s, and are capable of denying local [[warship]] support to ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} Their cannons are capable of fire at extreme ranges,{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} allowing them to secure the air and near-orbital space of a given region with ease.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Halo 2===
Ultra-heavy plasma cannons analogous to that fitted on the Mantis are also fielded aboard the {{Pattern|Sumda'te|Scarab}} walkers, allowing them to serve as mobile heavy anti-air artillery.{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=30|M=06|Y=2021}}
{{main|Halo 2}}


The roles of the AA Battery pieces as an active part of the Covenant assault were greatly downgraded in ''[[Halo 2]]'', as the entire [[First Battle of Earth]] was downgraded. The [[Covenant]] apparently placed several artillery pieces on the beachheads of [[New Mombasa]], but did not fire them.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Outskirts (Level)|Outskirts]]''</ref>
==Operational history==
Mantis anti-air guns saw use during the [[Battle of Meridian]], when 18 heavily guarded batteries were destroyed by the first prototype of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX ADS]] in an action known as the "Cherbourg Run". The event has been suggested as one possibility as to how the Mark IX got its nickname of "Mantis" within the UNSC armed forces.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=111}}


===Halo 3===
Mantis guns were heavily deployed by [[Truth's fleet]] during the later stages of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. One such weapon was the target of a UNSC operation during the [[Battle of Voi]] on [[2552#November|November 17th, 2552]], having been deployed in the town of [[Voi]] in order to keep the UNSC forces away from the [[Portal at Voi|Portal]] excavation. The UNSC planned a low-level strike, using frigates and Longswords, to attack the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[keyship]] ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' which was resting on the Portal. Throughout the battle, the AA battery fired continuously, and managed to destroy at least one Longsword. [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]] eventually breached the Covenant resistance in Voi and destroyed the AA gun, allowing Lord [[Terrence Hood]]'s ships to assault ''Anodyne Spirit''.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}}
{{main|Halo 3}}
[[Image:Phantom Construction.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The Covenant often make use of [[Phantom|Phantoms]] to construct their AA in good time, as seen in Halo 3.]]
[[Image:H3 E3 Shootdown.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The AA Battery shoots down a Longsword Interceptor]]


The AA Battery can be seen in the level [[The Storm (Level)|The Storm]] and is the main objective of the level, which is to destroy it so that [[Lord Hood]] can start attacking [[Truth]]'s ships. This time, the bolts that it fires are in a teardrop shape similar to shade and plasma rounds and in an almost straight trajectory. The plasma bolts are extremely powerful, since only their wake are able to take down a [[Longsword]]. However, in order to contain the cannon's efficiency, the battery must cool off and release its excess plasma in order to fire again. This makes the AA battery vulnerable to infantry and vehicle attacks (exploited by [[Spartan 117]] and other [[UNSC]] participants during The [[Battle of Voi]]). One that is in construction can be seen in the level [[The Ark (Level)|The Ark]]. Troops are often stationed on and around the gun to safeguard it from ground forces.
Several weeks later, a number of Mantis guns were deployed by Truth's forces during the [[Battle of Installation 00]] as part of efforts to prevent joint UNSC-[[Covenant separatists|separatist]] ships above from reinforcing their troops on the ground. However, these batteries remained incomplete, as Master Chief with the assistance of several [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s stopped their construction, allowing {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} to land nearby.{{Ref/Reuse|ark}}


==Trivia==
==Gallery==
*The Covenant [[Locust]] bears noticeable resemblance to the ''[[Halo 2]]'' design of the AA battery.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*Oddly it can be destroyed by overcharged plasma pistols.
===Development images===
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is unknown whether the [[Covenant]] placed them as a deterrent or as an effective offensive weapon, since none appears to be fired.
<gallery>
[[Category:The Covenant]]
File:H3 T27Mantis Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Mantis.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', if you mod the maps with the AA battery present, you can witness the intended projectile of the weapon. It is very similar to the [[E3]] Demo projectile. This projectile looks exactly the same as a Wraith's Plasma Mortar shot, but has very high damage and an extremely large explosion radius, which is about twice that of the Scarab's main gun beam.
File:HTMCC H3 Achievement Milk Carton.png|Concept art for an earlier iteration of [[The Storm]], in which the Mantis gun would have been placed inside the town.
{{clear}}
File:H3 BFG Pre Redesign.jpg|An in-game look at the Mantis before its redesign.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/3d288J|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo 3 - Environment Work|Quote=Halo 3 - Covenant BFG before slight redesign|Quotee=Jason Keith|D=23|M=06|Y=2021}} Notice the purple color.
*It is found in the level "The Storm" in Halo 3
File:The Storm AA Gun.jpg|An early model Mantis AA gun at the end of The Storm.
File:HR MantisLightAA Concept.jpg|''[[Halo: Reach]]'' concept art for a light AA gun utilising the Mantis' design as a basis - in contrast to the Tyrant's depiction as a heavy AA gun.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiRsmnIqu/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant light artillery platform (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}}
File:Reach-Concept-Nightfall-LZ.jpg|Concept art for Mantis guns in the Covenant landing zone in the ''Reach'' level [[Nightfall]].
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H3-T27MantisAAC-ScanRender.png|View of the Mantis' right side.
File:1216012025_Anti-Aircraft_Battery.jpg|A ''Skar'wa''-pattern emplacement on a hill in Voi, Kenya.
File:Mantis_2.jpg|A rear view of the Mantis, showing how the emplacement's legs adjust to terrain.
File:Phantom Construction.jpg|The Covenant use a [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] to transport the components of a Mantis to their deployment site on the Ark.
File:H3 E3 Shootdown.jpg|A Longsword interceptor shot down by a Mantis.
File:Covenant Anti-Air gun.jpg|A Mantis cannon firing.
File:AAgun firing.jpg|A plasma bolt fired by a Mantis from another angle.
</gallery>
 
== List of appearances ==
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]'' {{Mo}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Artillery]]
[[Category:Plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 05:36, August 9, 2024

This article is about the Covenant anti-air cannon nicknamed the "Mantis". For the powered exoskeleton, see HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis.
Skar'wa-pattern Sky Striker
T27 AAC.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1][2]

Type:

Anti-aircraft weapon

Specifications

Length:

59.8 meters (196.1 ft)[1][2]

Height:

36.9 meters (121.2 ft)[1]

Weight:

154.3 metric tons (151.9 LT; 170.1 ST)[2]

Ammunition type:

Ultra-heavy plasma bolts

Feed system:

Unlimited[1]

Rate of fire:

Single shot

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

"They're setting up an AA battery. That thing'll tear the Dawn apart..."
— An Orbital Drop Shock Trooper[3]

The Skar'wa-pattern Sky Striker[2] (UNSC Type classification: Type-27 Anti-Aircraft Cannon, T-27 AAC), nicknamed the "Mantis",[1] is an automated Covenant ground-based stationary anti-aircraft emplacement and the most storied extreme-range artillery piece in the service of the empire.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Skar'wa-pattern is sleek and light in construction, composed of a large ultra-heavy plasma cannon situated atop a large tripod mount,[2] which houses platforms for snipers and spotters on two of its three sides. The three legs are able to adjust to a given terrain. The gun component rests on a proportionally small joint which is complemented by an energy field,[4] and allows 360-degree movement. The weapon itself stands at a height of 36.9 meters (121.2 feet) and has a length of 59.8 meters (196.1 ft).[1] Overall, despite a similar operation, the Mantis masses just over a third as much as the similarly-used Cheru-pattern Tyrant cannon. This mass differential allows the Mantis to be more easily stored and deployed in field operations, compared to the Tyrant's semi-permanent nature of installation.[2] A Mantis AA battery can be quickly assembled using modules transported by common dropships such as Phantoms. This makes them ideal for deployment in narrow gorges or dense cityscapes.[1]

The weapon's energy capacity is unlimited, but it must cool off and release its excess heat after every shot, exposing its weak point; the interior is vulnerable through the heat vent, which is located on the underside the cradle component. A certain amount of damage to the interior will destroy the AA battery; this makes it vulnerable to infantry and ground vehicle attacks. While heavy weapons make quick work of the delicate cooling vent and interior, small-arms fire can be nearly as effective; as few as three overcharged shots from a Type-25 plasma pistol can fatally cripple the gun emplacement.[4][3]

Mantis cannons require no crew to operate the weapon, and are instead served by a remote link paired with predictive flight-tracking algorithms.[2] Troops are often stationed in the vicinity of the AA guns—as well as in their marksman perches—to safeguard them from opposing ground forces. It is not uncommon to find several lances guarding these emplacements, led by a high-ranking Covenant officer. During the final battles of Human-Covenant War, Jiralhanae Chieftains were often seen commanding these emplacements and its garrisoned ground forces.[3][4] Mantis AA batteries are often additionally supplemented by multiple skyhunter tanks nearby such as the Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith, who provide closer-in defence against smaller and more agile aircraft. This lets the Mantis primarily focus on larger threats such as GA-TL1 Longswords or even warships - Mantis batteries are a threat to UNSC frigates, and are capable of denying local warship support to ground forces.[3][4] Their cannons are capable of fire at extreme ranges,[1] allowing them to secure the air and near-orbital space of a given region with ease.[2]

Ultra-heavy plasma cannons analogous to that fitted on the Mantis are also fielded aboard the Sumda'te-pattern Scarab walkers, allowing them to serve as mobile heavy anti-air artillery.[5]

Operational history[edit]

Mantis anti-air guns saw use during the Battle of Meridian, when 18 heavily guarded batteries were destroyed by the first prototype of the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX ADS in an action known as the "Cherbourg Run". The event has been suggested as one possibility as to how the Mark IX got its nickname of "Mantis" within the UNSC armed forces.[6]

Mantis guns were heavily deployed by Truth's fleet during the later stages of the Human-Covenant War. One such weapon was the target of a UNSC operation during the Battle of Voi on November 17th, 2552, having been deployed in the town of Voi in order to keep the UNSC forces away from the Portal excavation. The UNSC planned a low-level strike, using frigates and Longswords, to attack the Prophet of Truth's keyship Anodyne Spirit which was resting on the Portal. Throughout the battle, the AA battery fired continuously, and managed to destroy at least one Longsword. Marines and SPARTAN-117 eventually breached the Covenant resistance in Voi and destroyed the AA gun, allowing Lord Terrence Hood's ships to assault Anodyne Spirit.[4]

Several weeks later, a number of Mantis guns were deployed by Truth's forces during the Battle of Installation 00 as part of efforts to prevent joint UNSC-separatist ships above from reinforcing their troops on the ground. However, these batteries remained incomplete, as Master Chief with the assistance of several Orbital Drop Shock Troopers stopped their construction, allowing UNSC Forward Unto Dawn to land nearby.[3]

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Development images[edit]

  • Concept art of the Mantis.

    Concept art of the Mantis.

  • Concept art for an earlier iteration of The Storm, in which the Mantis gun would have been placed inside the town.

    Concept art for an earlier iteration of The Storm, in which the Mantis gun would have been placed inside the town.

  • An in-game look at the Mantis before its redesign.[7] Notice the purple color.

    An in-game look at the Mantis before its redesign.[7] Notice the purple color.

  • An early model Mantis AA gun at the end of The Storm.

    An early model Mantis AA gun at the end of The Storm.

  • Halo: Reach concept art for a light AA gun utilising the Mantis' design as a basis - in contrast to the Tyrant's depiction as a heavy AA gun.[8]

    Halo: Reach concept art for a light AA gun utilising the Mantis' design as a basis - in contrast to the Tyrant's depiction as a heavy AA gun.[8]

  • Concept art for Mantis guns in the Covenant landing zone in the Reach level Nightfall.

    Concept art for Mantis guns in the Covenant landing zone in the Reach level Nightfall.

Screenshots[edit]

  • View of the Mantis' right side.

    View of the Mantis' right side.

  • A Skar'wa-pattern emplacement on a hill in Voi, Kenya.

    A Skar'wa-pattern emplacement on a hill in Voi, Kenya.

  • A rear view of the Mantis, showing how the emplacement's legs adjust to terrain.

    A rear view of the Mantis, showing how the emplacement's legs adjust to terrain.

  • The Covenant use a Phantom to transport the components of a Mantis to their deployment site on the Ark.

    The Covenant use a Phantom to transport the components of a Mantis to their deployment site on the Ark.

  • A Longsword interceptor shot down by a Mantis.

    A Longsword interceptor shot down by a Mantis.

  • A Mantis cannon firing.

    A Mantis cannon firing.

  • A plasma bolt fired by a Mantis from another angle.

    A plasma bolt fired by a Mantis from another angle.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 117
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 304
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo 3, campaign level The Ark
  4. ^ a b c d e Halo 3, campaign level The Storm
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint, Scarab (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2021) [archive]
  6. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 111
  7. ^ ArtStation, Halo 3 - Environment Work: "Halo 3 - Covenant BFG before slight redesign" - Jason Keith (Retrieved on Jun 23, 2021) [archive]
  8. ^ Instagram, Glenn Israel: "Halo Reach - Covenant light artillery platform (2009)" (Retrieved on Apr 28, 2022) [archive]

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