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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H3|}}
{{Disambig header|the Pelican featured in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''|other Pelican models|Pelican}}
 
{{Ship class infobox
<center>''Were you also looking for the [[Dropship 77-Troop Carrier]], used in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and [[Halo 2]]?''</center>
|name=Dropship 77 Heavy-Troop Carrier/Infantry
 
|image=[[File:H3 - D77H-TCI.png|300px]]
{{Ship
|hull symbol=
|name=D77H-TCI Pelican
|architect=
|image=[[Image:Halo-3-20070923010924907.jpg|310px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=149}}
|model=D77H-TCI Pelican (Heavy Infantry variant)
|class=
|class=Dropship/Gunship
|role=[[Dropship]]
|manufacturer=Misriah Armories<ref>[[Halo: Arms Race]]</ref>
|length={{Convert|31.2|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=262}}
|modifier=
|width={{Convert|25.5|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|sysmods=
|height=
|length=30.5 meters (100.3 feet) Troop Bay: 6.19 Meters (20.3 feet)
|width= Wingspan - 23.5 meters (76.9 feet) Troop Bay: 4.64 Meters (15.22 feet)
|height=10.0 meters (35.9 feet) (10.5 meters with landing gear) Troop Bay: 3.23 Meters (10.6 feet)
|mass=
|mass=
|max speed space=
|power=
|max speed air=
|engine=
|engine=2 main engines housed in middle section of ship, 10 maneuvering thrusters housed in 4 vector pylons.
*6 hybrid ramjet [[fusion drive]]s {{C|2 primary, 4 secondary}}{{Ref/Reuse|WF}}
|slipspace drive=None
*10 manoeuvring thrusters{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
|poweroutput=
|slipspace drive=
|shield gen=heat and radiation shielding to protect the occupants.
|navigation=
|sensor=
|hull=
|target=
|shielding=
|navigation=*Motion trackers<ref>[[343 Guilty Spark (Level)]]</ref>
|armament=
|avionics=
*1 chin-mounted Class-3 weapon hardpoint{{Ref/Reuse|h3com}} (typically an [[M370 autocannon]])
|countermeasures=
*2 wing-mounted [[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile|Anvil-II missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|armament=*1 Chin-mounted Rotary-cannon:
*4 wing-mounted weapons pylons {{C|optional}}
**40mm Rotary-cannon (optional)
*1 rear bay Class-1 weapon hardpoint{{Ref/Reuse|h3com}} (typically an [[AIE-486H machine gun]])
**70mm Rotary-cannon (optional)<ref>[[Halo: The Flood]], page 39</ref>
|complement=
*2 [[ANVIL-II ASM]] Pods (6 missiles each)
|crew=
*1 AIE-486H HMG
*3{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|complement=*1 [[Scorpion Tank]] ''or''
**1 [[pilot]]
*1 [[Warthog]] ''or''
**1 co-pilot
*4-6 [[Resupply Canister Type-C Capsule]]s ''and''
**1 crew chief
*2 [[Mongoose]] (internally and externally)
*1 [[smart AI]] {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Level|Id=Halo|H3|Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo}}
|crew=*1 [[Pilot]]
|passengers=15{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*1 Co-pilot
*1 crew chief
|skeleton=1 pilot with an [[AI]]
|passengers=10 seats in internal bay amidships 15 people standing and sitting (these numbers are doubled in case the ship carries a [[Troop Deployment Pod (Pelican)|Troop Deployment Pod]]).
|capacity=70 tons on hoist. (anything over 35 tons slows speed considerably)
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|role=[http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/air_assault Air Assault]/[http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Air_Support Close Air Support]
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|commission=[[2552]]/[[2553]]
|introduced=
|firstsight=[[Halo 3]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|battles=*[[Battle of Earth]]
**[[Battle of Crows Nest]]
**[[Battle of Voi]]
*[[Battle of Installation 00]]
*[[Battle of Installation 04]]
|affiliation=[[UNSC]]
}}
}}
The '''Dropship 77 Heavy-Troop Carrier/Infantry''' ('''D77H-TCI''') is a [[dropship]] in the ubiquitous [[Pelican]] line of armed transports built by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h3com|URL=http://www.halo3.com/|Site=halo3.com|Page=Weapons & Vehicles|Detail=Pelican|LocalArchive=Halo3.com#Weapons & Vehicles|D=30|M=12|Y=2007}} It was introduced as a variant of the older [[D77 Pelican]],{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} and has been dominant in [[United Nations Space Command]] armouries for decades.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


The '''Dropship-77 Heavy Troop Carrier/Infantry Pelican''', abbreviated '''D77H-TCI Pelican''', is a newer model of the venerable [[D77-TC Pelican]], recently introduced into service within the [[UNSC]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] and [[UNSC Navy|Navy]] in late 2552 and early 2553.
==Overview==
===Design details===
Like its standard D77 forebear, the D77H is an extremely versatile airframe. It features a power-efficient thruster configuration and dense ablative armour plating that make it suited for quick-transfer deployments deep into enemy territory. Where it differs most from the traditional D77 design is in the cockpit; where the D77 features tandem seating,{{Ref/Book|Id=WF|HWF|Page=44-45|Detail=While the page in question specifically discusses the standard D77, the general details are applicable to all D77 Pelican models.}} the D77H features vertically staggered seats for its crew, with a co-pilot situated behind the pilot.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The cockpit features a [[Holography|holopedestal]] that allows for the display of a [[smart AI]].{{Ref/Reuse|Halo}} Other differences include the arrangement of the wings. The "shoulders" connecting the fuselage to the wing are much larger and more armoured on the D77H, with the wing itself only having one [[Wikipedia:Flight control surfaces|control surface]] on the back of the wing, rather than the two per-wing present on the regular D77.{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Pelican in-game model}} The dorsal surface of the craft contains a [[Anti-gravity technology|gravitic-assist]], which helps provide lift and stability during atmospheric flight.{{Ref/Reuse|WF}} The craft has four hybrid [[fusion drive]]s, with an engine pod situated in both of the wings, and with two located at the aft of the vehicle. Each drive consists of a vectored-thrust fusion ram-rocket with an air-breathing hyperfan. When operating in space, the ram-rockets require [[hydrogen]] reaction mass. The Pelican carries enough on-board fuel for two ground-orbit trips.{{Ref/Reuse|WF}}


==Background== 
As-standard, the craft can carry up to 18 personnel; 3 crew (a [[pilot]], a co-pilot, and a crew chief) and 15 passengers. However, this capacity can be upgraded for higher troop concentrations.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} The rear bay, or "blood tray",{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=23}} seats these infantry in jumpseats lining the sides, with a space in the middle which can be used for installing benches, cargo pallets, casualty stretchers, or even smaller utility vehicles like a [[Mongoose]] quad bike.{{Ref/Reuse|WF}} Alternatively, the seating can be ripped out to make for more space in the bay if required for more specialised deployments.{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR17|HSoR|Chapter=17}}
The D77H-TCI is a fleet wide upgrade to the [[UNSC]]'s squadrons of Pelican dropships, that have been in service for over 50 years. First seen deployed in November, 2552 <ref>[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]] Chapter 23, Page 203</ref> the Pelican is the primary tactical support aircraft of the UNSC. The Pelican serves a multi-role purpose, it is fully capable of Atmospheric flight and can land almost anywhere without difficulty, the Pelican is also capable of limited spaceflight, making the pelican the prime troop transport of the UNSC. The D77H-TCI makes several drastic design changes to both the interior, and exterior, although the exteriors changes are not as noticeable as the interior is. The first significant change is in the cockpit area of the D77H which instead of having the pilot and co-pilot sitting next to each other, the copilot is now seated behind and above the pilot, the control's and instrument panels have been rearranged and upgraded for the D77H. A small holo-tank is installed in the cockpit, allowing an artificial intelligence to project its holographic form to the craft's pilots.<ref>Halo 3</ref>


===Payload Capacity===
A larger vehicle, such as a [[Warthog]] or [[Scorpion]] tank, can be lifted in the magnetic cargo clamp situated behind the troop bay. This clamp can also be used to carry a cargo pod or up to six [[Ordnance pod|resupply capsules]];{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} however, using it in this manner during orbital reentry is discouraged due to the complications it adds.{{Ref/Reuse|WF}}
[[Image:HRS D77H TCI Pelican Bottom.jpg|left|thumb|A bottom-profile of the D77H-TCI Pelican Dropship.]]
The pressurized payload area has also seen a design change, the D77H-TCI variant of the Pelican carries the same number of passengers as its predecessor. However, its troop-bay is more flexible, able to carry up to two [[M274 Mongoose ULATV|Mongoose ULATV's]] internally, in addition to ten passengers, also it has a hermetic door on its rear section for ship-to-shore orbital insertions. Its tail-mounted magnetic clamps are capable of carrying a [[M12 Warthog LRV]], [[Gauss Warthog|M12G1 Warthog LAAG]] or [[M831 TT Warthog]], an [[M808B Scorpion MBT]], or four [[Resupply Canister Type-C Capsule|Type C Resupply Capsules]] rather than six of the older [[Resupply Canister Type-B Capsule|Type B Resupply Capsules]], to the battlefield, able to detach its payload without landing decreasing the chance of an attack while it unloads.


===Armament===
===Armament===
The D77H-TCI Pelican, like its predecessor, is compatible with the Rotary-cannons in both 40mm and 70mm types. The Pelican is also able to mount an [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] in its troop-bay compartment for supporting ground teams and covering the departure of its passengers, an improvement from the previous [[M247 GPMG]], although this prevents it from carrying a vehicle internally. The D77H can also be equipped with [[ANVIL-II ASM]] Pods; the design of the pods has changed, and now seamlessly blends with the Pelican. The new ANVIL pods can fire up to 12 missiles at once, six from each pod. A Gunship version of the D77H is in service as well, this heavily armed version, is equipped with more chainguns, missiles, and a large cannon, mounted at the ventral-fore of the dropship<ref>[[High Ground (Level)]] computers</ref>.
The D77H's standard weapons loadout includes two integrated [[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile]] pods integrated seamlessly into the wing, below the fusion drive assembly.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Each pod contains six silos.{{Ref/Reuse|H3}} In addition, a Class-1 weapon hardpoint is fitted in the rear bay.{{Ref/Reuse|h3com}} This can be used to fit a heavy machine gun, [[grenade launcher]], or even a [[Gauss cannon]] to provide protection for the bay during infantry embarking or disembarking.{{Ref/Reuse|WF}} The most commonly-seen armament in the D77H bay is a tripod-mounted [[AIE-486H machine gun]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}


===Propulsion===
Despite the standard armaments, the D77H is as versatile in its loadout as its D77 forebear.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} As such, more heavily-armed variants exist.{{Ref/Reuse|h3com}} A chin-mounted Class-3 weapons hardpoint is present on the craft's nose{{Ref/Reuse|h3com}} that can be used to equip an autocannon such as the [[M340 autocannon|M340 40mm]] or [[M370 autocannon|M370 70mm]].
The main engines are mounted in pairs in four nacelles, one situated on each wing and two at the rear and posterior. The nacelles can articulate independently, thus altering the direction of thrust, referred to as vectoring in aviation; This improves the Pelican's low altitude maneuverability. Four ventral thrusters are identified by markings and a rendered thrust effect, one on each wing nacelle and one on each aft nacelle, allow the drop ship to land and take off vertically. These engines are capable of both space and atmospheric operation. It has 8 jet intakes, 3 on each side and 2 on top.


The wings mounted on a Pelican seem extremely small, too small to support the weight of drop ship and payload alone. It is speculated that it utilizes at least some [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifting_body Lifting Body] principles, using its own hull create most of the lift necessary for flight. It may also be that the Pelican partially relies upon thrust vectoring, referred to as jet-borne flight as opposed to wing-borne flight which can be further reinforced with the fact that down-ward aiming jets can be seen on the bottom of the thruster mountings. It should be noted that small wings are very efficient for high-speed flight, as demonstrated by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-104_Starfighter F-104 Starfighter]. It is also a benefit for operations in the upper atmosphere, especially re-entry, as was the case with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-15 X-15]. The D77H-TCI, like the D77, although fully capable of orbital insertion, is too small to be equipped with a [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]], and thus is incapable of slipspace travel.
===Variants===
*'''UNICOM Pelican''' - an altered D77H used by the [[UNSC Army]] and [[UNSC Air Force]] during the [[Fall of Reach]], boasting only ten seats in the passenger bay and other minor alterations to the body.
*'''[[D77C Pelican]]''' - a civilian variant of the D77H-TCI, replacing military armaments with sensors. These are mostly used by government, corporate, and [[law enforcement]] agencies such as the [[New Mombasa Police Department]].
*'''G77S Pelican''' - a gunship conversion of the D77H, boasting a much heavier ordnance loadout for ground support.
<gallery class="center">
File:Pelican render.png|A Pelican used by [[Unified Ground Command|UNICOM]] forces during the [[Fall of Reach]]. This variant only contains ten seats for passengers.
File:H3ODST-D77C-NMPD-PelicanDropship.png|The D77C-NMPD Pelican.
File:HW2 - G77S Pelican.jpg|The G77S Pelican gunship.
</gallery>


==Identified Pelicans==
==Identified Pelicans==
{{Pelican}}
*[[Echo 051]]
*[[Kilo 023]]
*[[Oscar 5]]
*[[Oscar 6]]
*[[Oscar 8]]
*[[Oscar 9]]
*[[Victor 398]]
 
==Operational history==
D77H Pelicans saw heavy use during the [[Battle for Earth]] in [[2552#November|November 2552]], alongside the ensuing [[Battle of Installation 00|campaign]] on [[Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
 
==Production notes==
The [[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|2009 ''Halo Encyclopedia'']] lists the D77H-TCI's length and width stats as {{Convert|100|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}} and {{Convert|77|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}, respectively.{{Ref/Book|Enc09|Page=252}} This was updated in the book's [[Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition)|2011 reissue]] to {{Convert|102.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}} and {{Convert|83.7|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
 
Early concept art for the D77H produced by [[Isaac Hannaford]] during ''Halo 3''{{'}}s [[Development of Halo 3|production]] depicted the craft with much more exaggerated weapons and sensor antennae on its nose.{{Ref/Book|AoH3|Page=38-39}} This concept was reused as a texture on the [[laptop]] display screen inside the base on the multiplayer map [[High Ground]], and was also later revisited during the concept phase for the ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode ''[[Homecoming]]''.
<gallery>
File:H3 HighGround Pelican.png|The Pelican on the laptop screen on High Ground.
File:Homecoming Pelican Concept.png|Concept art for the Pelican in ''Homecoming'', heavily based on Hannaford's original ''Halo 3'' work.
</gallery>
 
===''Halo: Reach'' model===
The Pelican model found in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' is called out in the [[Halo: Reach manual|game's manual]] and in-game tooltips as a regular D77 Pelican, despite otherwise being almost identical to the D77H design introduced in ''[[Halo 3]]'' (particularly the broader shoulders, the control surfaces on the wings and the vertically-stacked cockpit alignment - the latter of which was specifically noted in the [[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)|2022 ''Halo Encyclopedia'']] as a signature element of the D77H{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}). As such, this page considers the ''Reach'' manual and other sources which label it as a D77-TC to be an error.


==Trivia==
The ''Reach'' model was reused in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''{{'}}s campaign gameplay including the updated cockpit alignment - though for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' [[Blur Studio]] also made their own VFX-quality Pelican in the original D77 style for use in the game's prerendered cutscenes. The ''Reach''/''Anniversary'' Pelican was also later used as the basis for the design featured in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
*In the cockpit it has a screen which in Hocus' Pelican reads "connected to [[UNSCDF]] via local grid Pz87-3383", It also has the insignia of the UNSCDF in the upper left corner. This screen is also used as a method of communication in scripted sequences.
*It is possible to kill the pilots in ''[[Halo 3]]'' by using a [[plasma grenade]] on [[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]] , making it impossible to complete the level.
*Pelicans, unlike [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantoms]] are invincible in-game, surviving direct hits from the weapons of everything from a [[Scorpion]] to a [[Scarab]]. The only exceptions to their invulnerability lay in the multiplayer map ''[[Rat's Nest]]'' where sprites in likeness of them can be destroyed by the [[Spartan Laser]], and the pelicans flying high above the citadel battle in The Covenant, which are supposed to be randomly destroyed, as well as several Pelicans seen getting destroyed in [[Metropolis (Level)]] by the [[Scarab]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===''Halo 3'' design===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:The Ark Pelican.jpg|A Pelican, dropping off two ODSTs on Installation 00.
File:Halo3-PelicanDropship.png|A detail fore view of the D77H Pelican's cockpit.
Image:Landfall Pelicans.jpg|D77H-TCI Pelicans under construction.
File:Landfall Pelicans.jpg|D77H-TCI Pelicans under construction in ''Halo: Landfall''.
Image:Pelican bay.jpg|The rear seats of a D77H-TCI Pelican.
File:D77H-TCI Pelican Gunship.jpg|The D77H-TCI in ''Halo 3''.
Image:1210810634 Gfs 63166 2 16.jpg|A Pelican seen from the front, with ANVIL-II pods attached.
File:H3 Pelican Anvil-II.jpg|A frontal view of the D77H-TCI, affixed with ANVIL-II pods.
Image:1212438981 The Pit.jpg|Pelicans outside [[The Pit]].
File:HRS D77H TCI Pelican Bottom.jpg|A bottom view of the D77H-TCI.
Image:Pelican-Abrams_Comparison.jpg|A comparison of how big the troop bay actually is.  
File:Pelican bay.jpg|The rear seats of a D77H-TCI Pelican.
Image:PolicePelican1.png|The NMPD-version of the D77H-TCI.
File:Ark2.JPG|The cockpit of the D77H-TCI.
Image:Ark2.JPG|The cockpit of the D77H-TCI.
File:Pelican Cockpit.jpg|Another view of the cockpit.
File:H3 The Pit out of bounds.jpg|D77H-TCI dropship outside [[The Pit]].
File:The Ark Pelican.jpg|A D77H-TCI dropping off two [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]] on [[Installation 00]].
File:PelicanCrash-large.jpg|A crashed D77H-TCI on Installation 00.
File:PelicanOnCortana.jpg|A D77H-TCI crashed on ''[[High Charity]]''.
File:Pelicans5e_copy.jpg|A comparison of the D77H-TCI and the D77-TC.
</gallery>
</gallery>
===''Halo: Reach'' design===
<gallery>
File:HaloReach-D77TC-PelicanDropship.png|A D77H Pelican in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR - Render - D77TAL Pelican view 1.png|A view of the D77H in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:BirthOfASpartan - Hopeful.png|A Pelican approaches the {{UNSCShip|Hopeful}} in the ''[[Birth of a Spartan]]'' short live-action film.
File:Halo Reach - TotS Pelican.jpg|A Pelican during the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]].
File:Pelican_carrying_bridge.jpg|A Pelican carrying a [[deployable bridge]].
File:Bravo 001.jpg|The crashed [[Bravo 001]] in the [[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]].
File:Troopers in Pelican.jpg|UNSC Army soldiers in the troop bay of a Pelican.
File:HCEA-PelicanDropship.png|An angled profile view of a Pelican in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:PelicansAnniversary.png|Two Pelicans during the [[Battle of the Silent Cartographer]] in ''Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:H2A-D77TC-PelicanDropship-FrontView.png|In-game cutout of the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' D77H in-game.
File:HE12 Space Combat2.jpg|Several D77Hs along with [[Longswords]] during the [[mission to Ven III]].
File:HGC-D77.jpg|A D77H Pelican in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''.
File:HW2B_Pelican.png|A D77H Pelican in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2B-D77gunship.png|A G77S Pelican gunship in the ''Halo Wars 2 Open Beta''.
File:HW2-CampaignD77.png|A D77H Pelican delivering a [[UNSC Supply Pad]] during the Battle of Installation 00 in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2-D77&Minibase.png|A D77H delivering a minibase.
File:HW2-D77&Supplypad.png|A D77H delivering a supply pad to a firebase.
File:HW2-D77.png|A D77 delivering a [[Watchtower]].
File:HW2-D77vsG81.jpg|A D77H in comparison to a [[G81 Condor]].
File:HW2-G77S.png|A G77S firing at a target.
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: Arms Race]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''{{Ref/Note|Though the ''Halo: Reach'' manual identifies the Pelican in the game as the D77-TC model, all Pelicans seen in-game have the same internal design as the D77H-TCI, notably including the tandem seating configuration. This is most easily seen in the level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
==Related Links==
===Internal Links===
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]
*[[Albatross|Albatross Dropship]]
*[[Phantom|Phantom Dropship]]
*[[Spirit|Spirit Dropship]]


{{UNSC Ships}}
{{Pelican variants}}
{{Template:UNSCDF Aircraft}}
{{Human Ships}}
[[Category:UNSC Vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 06:32, March 10, 2025

This article is about the Pelican featured in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach. For other Pelican models, see Pelican.
Dropship 77 Heavy-Troop Carrier/Infantry
H3 - D77H-TCI.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Role:

Dropship

Technical specifications

Length:

31.2 meters (102 ft)[2]

Width:

25.5 meters (84 ft)[2]

Engine(s):

Armament:

Crew:

Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Human-Covenant War

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

The Dropship 77 Heavy-Troop Carrier/Infantry (D77H-TCI) is a dropship in the ubiquitous Pelican line of armed transports built by Misriah Armory.[1][5] It was introduced as a variant of the older D77 Pelican,[2] and has been dominant in United Nations Space Command armouries for decades.[1]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Like its standard D77 forebear, the D77H is an extremely versatile airframe. It features a power-efficient thruster configuration and dense ablative armour plating that make it suited for quick-transfer deployments deep into enemy territory. Where it differs most from the traditional D77 design is in the cockpit; where the D77 features tandem seating,[3] the D77H features vertically staggered seats for its crew, with a co-pilot situated behind the pilot.[1] The cockpit features a holopedestal that allows for the display of a smart AI.[6] Other differences include the arrangement of the wings. The "shoulders" connecting the fuselage to the wing are much larger and more armoured on the D77H, with the wing itself only having one control surface on the back of the wing, rather than the two per-wing present on the regular D77.[4] The dorsal surface of the craft contains a gravitic-assist, which helps provide lift and stability during atmospheric flight.[3] The craft has four hybrid fusion drives, with an engine pod situated in both of the wings, and with two located at the aft of the vehicle. Each drive consists of a vectored-thrust fusion ram-rocket with an air-breathing hyperfan. When operating in space, the ram-rockets require hydrogen reaction mass. The Pelican carries enough on-board fuel for two ground-orbit trips.[3]

As-standard, the craft can carry up to 18 personnel; 3 crew (a pilot, a co-pilot, and a crew chief) and 15 passengers. However, this capacity can be upgraded for higher troop concentrations.[2] The rear bay, or "blood tray",[7] seats these infantry in jumpseats lining the sides, with a space in the middle which can be used for installing benches, cargo pallets, casualty stretchers, or even smaller utility vehicles like a Mongoose quad bike.[3] Alternatively, the seating can be ripped out to make for more space in the bay if required for more specialised deployments.[8]

A larger vehicle, such as a Warthog or Scorpion tank, can be lifted in the magnetic cargo clamp situated behind the troop bay. This clamp can also be used to carry a cargo pod or up to six resupply capsules;[2] however, using it in this manner during orbital reentry is discouraged due to the complications it adds.[3]

Armament[edit]

The D77H's standard weapons loadout includes two integrated Anvil-II air-to-surface missile pods integrated seamlessly into the wing, below the fusion drive assembly.[1] Each pod contains six silos.[4] In addition, a Class-1 weapon hardpoint is fitted in the rear bay.[5] This can be used to fit a heavy machine gun, grenade launcher, or even a Gauss cannon to provide protection for the bay during infantry embarking or disembarking.[3] The most commonly-seen armament in the D77H bay is a tripod-mounted AIE-486H machine gun.[4]

Despite the standard armaments, the D77H is as versatile in its loadout as its D77 forebear.[1] As such, more heavily-armed variants exist.[5] A chin-mounted Class-3 weapons hardpoint is present on the craft's nose[5] that can be used to equip an autocannon such as the M340 40mm or M370 70mm.

Variants[edit]

  • UNICOM Pelican - an altered D77H used by the UNSC Army and UNSC Air Force during the Fall of Reach, boasting only ten seats in the passenger bay and other minor alterations to the body.
  • D77C Pelican - a civilian variant of the D77H-TCI, replacing military armaments with sensors. These are mostly used by government, corporate, and law enforcement agencies such as the New Mombasa Police Department.
  • G77S Pelican - a gunship conversion of the D77H, boasting a much heavier ordnance loadout for ground support.
  • A Pelican used by UNICOM forces during the Fall of Reach. This variant only contains ten seats for passengers.

    A Pelican used by UNICOM forces during the Fall of Reach. This variant only contains ten seats for passengers.

  • The D77C-NMPD Pelican.

    The D77C-NMPD Pelican.

  • The G77S Pelican gunship.

    The G77S Pelican gunship.

Identified Pelicans[edit]

Operational history[edit]

D77H Pelicans saw heavy use during the Battle for Earth in November 2552, alongside the ensuing campaign on Installation 00.[4]

Production notes[edit]

The 2009 Halo Encyclopedia lists the D77H-TCI's length and width stats as 30 meters (100 ft) and 23 meters (77 ft), respectively.[9] This was updated in the book's 2011 reissue to 31.2 meters (102.3 ft) and 25.5 meters (83.7 ft).[2]

Early concept art for the D77H produced by Isaac Hannaford during Halo 3's production depicted the craft with much more exaggerated weapons and sensor antennae on its nose.[10] This concept was reused as a texture on the laptop display screen inside the base on the multiplayer map High Ground, and was also later revisited during the concept phase for the Halo Legends episode Homecoming.

  • The Pelican on the laptop screen on High Ground.

    The Pelican on the laptop screen on High Ground.

  • Concept art for the Pelican in Homecoming, heavily based on Hannaford's original Halo 3 work.

    Concept art for the Pelican in Homecoming, heavily based on Hannaford's original Halo 3 work.

Halo: Reach model[edit]

The Pelican model found in Halo: Reach is called out in the game's manual and in-game tooltips as a regular D77 Pelican, despite otherwise being almost identical to the D77H design introduced in Halo 3 (particularly the broader shoulders, the control surfaces on the wings and the vertically-stacked cockpit alignment - the latter of which was specifically noted in the 2022 Halo Encyclopedia as a signature element of the D77H[1]). As such, this page considers the Reach manual and other sources which label it as a D77-TC to be an error.

The Reach model was reused in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo 2: Anniversary's campaign gameplay including the updated cockpit alignment - though for Halo 2: Anniversary Blur Studio also made their own VFX-quality Pelican in the original D77 style for use in the game's prerendered cutscenes. The Reach/Anniversary Pelican was also later used as the basis for the design featured in Halo Wars 2.

Gallery[edit]

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

Halo 3 design[edit]

  • A detail fore view of the D77H Pelican's cockpit.

    A detail fore view of the D77H Pelican's cockpit.

  • D77H-TCI Pelicans under construction in Halo: Landfall.

    D77H-TCI Pelicans under construction in Halo: Landfall.

  • The D77H-TCI in Halo 3.

    The D77H-TCI in Halo 3.

  • A frontal view of the D77H-TCI, affixed with ANVIL-II pods.

    A frontal view of the D77H-TCI, affixed with ANVIL-II pods.

  • A bottom view of the D77H-TCI.

    A bottom view of the D77H-TCI.

  • The rear seats of a D77H-TCI Pelican.

    The rear seats of a D77H-TCI Pelican.

  • The cockpit of the D77H-TCI.

    The cockpit of the D77H-TCI.

  • Another view of the cockpit.

    Another view of the cockpit.

  • D77H-TCI dropship outside The Pit.

    D77H-TCI dropship outside The Pit.

  • A D77H-TCI dropping off two ODSTs on Installation 00.

    A D77H-TCI dropping off two ODSTs on Installation 00.

  • A crashed D77H-TCI on Installation 00.

    A crashed D77H-TCI on Installation 00.

  • A D77H-TCI crashed on High Charity.

    A D77H-TCI crashed on High Charity.

  • A comparison of the D77H-TCI and the D77-TC.

    A comparison of the D77H-TCI and the D77-TC.

Halo: Reach design[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Though the Halo: Reach manual identifies the Pelican in the game as the D77-TC model, all Pelicans seen in-game have the same internal design as the D77H-TCI, notably including the tandem seating configuration. This is most easily seen in the level The Pillar of Autumn.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 149
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 262
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: Warfleet, page 44-45: While the page in question specifically discusses the standard D77, the general details are applicable to all D77 Pelican models.
  4. ^ a b c d e Halo 3, Pelican in-game model
  5. ^ a b c d e f halo3.com, Weapons & Vehicles: Pelican (Retrieved on Dec 30, 2007) [local archive] [external archive]
  6. ^ a b Halo 3, campaign level Halo
  7. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 23
  8. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 17
  9. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 252
  10. ^ The Art of Halo 3, page 38-39

v • d • e
 
Pelican TAL variants
D75 Pelican variants
D77 Pelican variants
D78 Pelican variants
D79 Pelican variants
Unique and individual vehicles

v • d • e
 
Human ship classifications
Stealth craft
Heavy frigates Paris-class • Strident-class
Light frigates Anlace-class • Charon-class • Mulsanne-class • Stalwart-class
Heavy destroyers Able-class • Hillsborough-class
Light destroyers Diligence-class • Halberd-class • Unidentified
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Light cruisers Halcyon-class
Unclassified
By human faction: UEG (UNSC • CAA) • Insurrectionist
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