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Barukaza Workshop Chopper: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Cleanup}}
{{Vehicle Infobox
|image=[[File:ChopperH3.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:ChopperH3.png|300px]]
|name=Brute Chopper
|name=Barukaza Workshop Assault Bike
|manufacturer=Covenant Empire
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}<br>[[Armory of Barukaza]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=273}}
|line=
|line=[[Chopper]]
|model=Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle<ref name=chopperfiction>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=chopperfiction '''Bungie.net''': ''The Brute Chopper'']</ref><ref name="ENC242">'''''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''''', page 242</ref>
|model=
|cost=
|cost=
|length={{Convert|6.4|m|ft}}<ref name=chopperfiction/><ref name="ENC243">'''''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''''', page 243</ref>
|length={{Convert|6.4|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}{{Ref/Book|Id=ENC243|ENC|Page=242-243}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|width={{Convert|2.8|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height={{Convert|2.9|m|ft}}<ref name=chopperfiction/>
|height={{Convert|2.9|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass=1 tonne (1.1 tons)<ref name=chopperfiction/><ref name="ENC243"/>
|mass={{Convert|1|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max speed={{Convert|74|km/h|mph}}<ref name=chopperfiction/>
|max speed={{Convert|74|km/h|mph}} {{C|Regular}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}<br/>{{Convert|120|km/h|mph}} {{C|Boost}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
|engine=
|engine=
|hull=
|hull=
|sensor=
|sensor=
|target=
|target=
|armament=*Four [[35mm Autocannon]]s<ref name=chopperfiction/>
|armament=
*Bladed chassis<ref name="ENC243"/>
*Bladed chassis{{Ref/Reuse|ENC243}}/ ramming targe{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}
*[[Type-25 Carbine]]s (early models only)
*[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]]s {{C|early models only}}{{Ref/Reuse|CH20}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}
|crew=One driver
*Four 35mm heavy [[spike cannon|spike heavy cannons]] {{C|later models only}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
|crew=One driver{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}
|complement=
|complement=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=2525
|firstuse=[[2525]]
|role=Rapid assault, reconnaissance
|role=Rapid assault, reconnaissance
|era= Human-Covenant War
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br/>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|affiliation= Covenant Empire
|affiliation= [[Covenant]] <br> [[Jiralhanae]] <br> [[Banished]] <br/> Post-war rebel groups{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}
}}
}}
{{quote|I never thought I’d see somethin’ that could tear up a [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle|Warthog]] so completely short of an [[M808B Main Battle Tank|eight-oh-eight]] just by runnin’ into it—are Choppers put together out of old battleships or something?|Anonymous [[UNSC]] Serviceman}}
{{Quote|I never thought I'd see somethin' that could tear up a [[Warthog]] so completely short of an [[M808 Scorpion|eight-oh-eight]] just by runnin' into it—are Choppers put together out of old battleships or something?|Anonymous [[UNSC]] serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}}}
The '''Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle'''<ref name=chopperfiction/><ref>'''GamePro magazine''': ''July Issue, page 50''</ref><ref name="ENC242"/> (abbreviated '''Type-25 RAV'''), commonly known as the '''Brute Chopper''' or '''Chopper''' by [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] personnel, is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] ground assault vehicle used exclusively by the [[Jiralhanae]].
The '''Barukaza Workshop Assault Bike'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|25|Rapid Assault Vehicle|RAV}},{{Ref/Book|Id=visual|EVG|Page=31}}{{Ref/Site|Id=bnetchopper|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=bnetchopper|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Brute Chopper|D=11|M=5|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present#Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle "Chopper"}} commonly known as the '''Brute Chopper''' or simply '''Chopper''' by [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] personnel, is a [[Covenant]] ground assault vehicle used exclusively by the [[Jiralhanae]].


== Overview ==
==Overview==
[[Image:Chopper Render.gif|thumb|left|150px|A render of the Brute Chopper]]
===Design details===
The Brute Chopper is a heavily-armored, one-man assault vehicle, kept aloft by a repulsor array on its rear seating and a massive pair of wheels in the front. The Chopper is designed for a variety of roles, from reconnaissance to anti-armor assaults. Its powerful 35mm auto-cannons can take down most light ground vehicles with ease, and the large blades on the front can instantly destroy any light armored vehicle by ramming into it. It is capable of short bursts of increased speed up to 120 kph, thanks to a pair of boost vents located on either side of the wheel.
The Chopper serves as a rapid attack and scout vehicle for the Covenant's Jiralhanae troops. The vehicle is characterised most notably by its shape; the front has a pair of extremely large wheels, with the driver located at the back. The driver's seat hovers off the ground when the vehicle is active and is shielded from the front angles by the wheels, though is completely exposed to hostile fire from the sides and back. The front of the vehicle is equipped with a large ramming targe, capable of allowing the Chopper to cut through obstacles in its path at high speeds. The vehicles also come equipped with weapons on either side of the vehicle; early models simply bearing [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spikers]] as improvised weapons, with late production models employing larger quad-mounted 35mm [[spike cannon|heavy spike cannon]]s firing high-explosive spike projectiles.


=== Origin ===
Choppers weigh around 1.1 tons (1 tonne), and can reach a maximum speed of 74 kph (46 mph),{{Ref/Site|Id=Universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/chopper|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Chopper|D=19|M=3|Y=2021}} with a maximum range of 272 kilometres (169 miles).{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENC243}} While driving, the vehicle can conduct short bursts of speed to briefly double its top speed to 120 kph (75 mph){{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}} thanks to two boosters on either side of the vehicle, capable of allowing the vehicle to plow through armoured barricades and light vehicles.
The first prototype of the Brute Chopper was built by a [[Huragok]] engineer named [[Lighter Than Some]], as a well-intentioned peace offering towards the [[human]] population of [[Harvest]]. Ironically, the pacifistic Huragok built them in imitation of the colonists' mechanized [[JOTUN]] plows, intending them to be used in the same way as their human-made counterparts. These vehicles were built from parts taken from a damaged [[Spirit]], which the Huragok had been ordered to repair. The Jiralhanae, oblivious to the Huragok's peaceful intentions, instantly took a liking to the vehicles and decided to outfit them for battle. The Brutes customized these prototypes by mounting pairs of [[Type-25 Carbine|Spikers]] to their bodies. As time progressed, the armament mounted on the vehicle was replaced with two [[35mm Autocannon|35mm autocannons]], and the replacement of blades with grinding wheels.


=== Design ===
Choppers are often hand-painted by their riders.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
The Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle is both heavily armored and surprisingly fast.


In the front is a massive cyclical engine, which appears to be the source of the vehicle's power. Directly connected to it at the back is a small, exposed cockpit that provides the rider little protection. The only defense is offered by the sheer bulk of the wheels, which are large enough to protect a pilot from frontal fire. The wheels are protected by bladed cowlings, which can withstand high-speed collisions with other vehicles. The blades on the wheel are strong enough to take down and cut through any vehicle with the boost except large ones like the [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]], [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tank]], and [[M312 Elephant HRV|Elephant]]. Even if it does not destroy the vehicle, a boosted impact may inflict severe damage.
===Development history===
[[File:H3 Chopper.jpg|thumb|left|A Brute driving a Chopper.]]
The first Choppers were, somewhat ironically, originally constructed for peaceful intentions by the [[Huragok]] [[Lighter Than Some]]. Intended as a peace offering to [[human]]ity, the engineer built the vehicles from parts of a damaged [[Spirit]] dropship as farming tools - echoing the design of the [[JOTUN Heavy Industries|JOTUN]] agricultural vehicles widely employed by the humans on [[Harvest]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH14|CH|Chapter=14}} However, these vehicles were co-opted by [[Maccabeus' clan]] - who believed the vehicles to be weapons of war - and pressed into service during the [[First Battle of Harvest]] as cavalry. These early Choppers were jury-rigged with the Brutes' Spikers as weapons. Following the battle on Harvest, the Brutes made improvements to the design, affixing the vehicles with twin pairs of heavy spike cannons and other modifications to suit the vehicle to its role better.{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH18|CH|Chapter=18}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH20|CH|Chapter=20}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} By [[2531]], ramming targes and 35mm autocannons were common weapons employed by the Choppers of the [[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]], with such autocannons sometimes fitted with stabilizers.{{Ref/Game|HW|Detail=Chopper in-game unit}} The models that followed were constructed using cast-off components in an effort to mimic the raider-outriders that were a common feature of life back on [[Doisac]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


When activated, the vehicle moves around by the use of two massive wheels on the front of the vehicle. To turn, the whole frontal portion of the vehicle rotates to the left or right. However, the pilot's seat is kept aloft by anti-gravity technology similar to that of the Ghost. The anti-gravity technology makes the Chopper difficult to be flipped by anything, as the wheels turn instantly when they are on their sides, which keep the driver afloat with the thrusters in the rear.
Throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Chopper was primarily manufactured by the Jiralhanae often using scavenged battlefield remains of human and Covenant vehicles. Such Frankenstein-esque vehicles made use of the damaged [[Gravitics|gravity drives]] of the [[Ghost]] and the armor plating of humanity. Choppers were additionally capable of being manufactured by the [[Factory|factories]] attached to [[Covenant citadel]]s. In [[2552]], production of the vehicles was taken over by the [[Sacred Promissory]] of [[High Charity]], primarily focusing on the design created by the [[Armory of Barukaza]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The Promissory were able to use the vast [[Assembly Forges|nanofabrication facilities]] of High Charity to produce a vast fleet of top-of-the-line models. Nonetheless, Jiralhanae psychological quirks and poor maintenance habits meant even these vehicles still retained a more utilitarian look and crude functionality when compared to other similar vehicles produced by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}


=== Advantages ===
Following the [[Fall of High Charity]] and the end of the war with humanity, the Chopper did not fall out of production despite the loss of the Sacred Promissory. Instead, the vehicle saw proliferation among many Brute [[pack]]s and insurgent groups of other species, with Jiralhanae worlds under the rule of [[Jiralhanae Warlord|warlords]] and the [[Banished]] continuing to produce their own vehicles for use in personal conflicts.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}
The Chopper is frequently described as an "anti-anything" vehicle: Its powerful autocannons can destroy most vehicles (except for heavily armored targets) with relative ease, and their projectiles explode with enough force to send targets reeling. The Chopper's heavily armored chassis and boost ability allow it to ram and obliterate other vehicles of equal size or smaller, including other Choppers. A correctly timed boost will destroy most vehicles with a single hit.  


The Chopper is also compact enough to fit through tight spaces, including most doors. For example, on the mission The Ark, you can take the chopper all the way through to the end of the mission because of the Chopper's ability to fit through doors.
===Operational history===
[[File:Escalation raids.png|thumb|250px|Jiralhanae raiders pillaging Sangheili settlements with Barukaza Workshop Choppers during the Great Schism.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}]]
Choppers were first employed by [[Maccabeus]] and his clan during the [[First Battle of Harvest]] in [[2525]].{{Ref/Reuse|CH20}} They quickly gained usage elsewhere in the Covenant, with Jiralhanae forces of the [[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]], under the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Avitus]], employing the vehicles in the [[Battle of Trove]].{{Ref/Game|HW}} The vehicles continued to see use throughout the war, though saw a prominent resurgence in 2552 as vast quantities were manufactured in secret in preparation for the [[Great Schism]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} The war's final days saw the Chopper in a heavy front-line role in the battles of [[Battle for Earth|Earth]] and [[Battle of Installation 00|Installation 00]].{{Ref/Game|H3}}{{Ref/Game|H3ODST}} The vehicle was later one of many pieces of equipment included in Doctor [[Robert McLees (ship designer)|Robert McLees]]' report ''[[Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}


=== Disadvantages ===
Choppers continue to see proliferation in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]] and the ongoing [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE1|HE|Issue=1}} They have become a vital part of the [[Banished]] vehicle fleet, with the organisation employing [[Barug'qel Workshop Chopper|their own designs]] of the vehicle.
Choppers lack the ability to strafe; they can only turn while moving forward or backward. Other factors, like a wide turn radius add to their overall relative lack of maneuverability, as compared with [[Ghosts]] and even [[Warthogs]], among others. The rounds of the cannons fly at a relatively slow velocity and have a tendency to arc; at longer ranges it is necessary to lead targets and aim high to compensate. The auto-cannons shoot nearly straight out of the front of the vehicle, so it can become difficult to destroy more maneuverable vehicle targets or fast moving opponents. Chopper drivers are extremely vulnerable from the back, which offers almost no shielding from enemy fire. The lack of maneuverability and low speed make the Chopper a hard vehicle to drive for inexperienced players. The boost function on a Chopper is also limited in the amount of time it can be used, and requires a rest period before it can be used again. Lastly, the Chopper has a very slow reverse speed, making it difficult to retreat.


A disadvantage which does not appear in-game is the vehicle's travel range. The Chopper can drive a total of 271km (169 miles) before it needs to refuel, which is just over a third of the range of the Warthog and Scorpion, and close to a quarter the range of a Ghost.<ref name="ENC243"/>
Jiralhanae Chopper drivers occupy a unique position akin to [[Wikipedia:Cossacks|Cossacks]], holding ranks within Jiralhanae society outside of the [[Covenant military]] command structure.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}} The vehicles are extremely popular in the [[Banished]], with Banished troops often competing to become a member of the Banished outrider squadrons; a major source of injury and death among [[Atriox]]'s pilots.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Chopper}} Jiralhanae would often hand-paint the sides of their vehicles, with an unknown [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] speculating them to be seen as status symbols or mounts within Jiralhanae culture - rather than mere equipment.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}


==Combat==
== UNSC remarks ==
===Campaign===
* ''“D’ya think they’re compensating for something? I mean, look at the size of the damn thing—it’s bigger than my first apartment.”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
*As in all vehicular engagements in ''Halo 3'', going bumper to bumper against a Chopper is not to be taken lightly. The heavy guns on this vehicle will rip through all light-armored vehicles with ease. On higher difficulties, the Chopper's cannon will kill [[Marine]] passengers very quickly. Therefore, your best bet in nearly any light vehicle is to stay behind or beside it since the Warthog and [[Prowler]] turrets can turn 360 degrees and all angles.
* ''“It doesn’t have the room to accommodate a single passenger—and what do they do with their gear? Lash it on to the fenders?”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
*If you are playing on a mission like [[Tsavo Highway (Level)|Tsavo Highway]],where there are multiple choppers, you get in one and if you boost at the right time while one is boosting at you, you can "splatter" it and not be harmed.
* ''“They don’t have a lot in the way of places you can stow your gear—it’s basically a huge engine with a little bucket tied to it for you to stick your ass in. And big golf delta blades bolted to it, can’t forget about the blades.”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
* ''“All the markings are hand-painted. Well, at least they were on all the ones I’ve seen close up. I think the Type-25 is more of a status symbol for the Brutes—or maybe a mount—than it is a just another piece of equipment.”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
* ''“Yeah, [[N’tho ‘Sraom]] basically confirmed that—said the riders held specific ranks outside the Covenant military hierarchy structure—that they’re more of a traditional unit like Cossacks or something.”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
* ''“They’re not very fast, but they’re like zombies—every time you turn around there they are breathing down your neck! Don’t help that they’re built like tanks, either.”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
* ''“With that big damn motor you’d think they’d really fly, wouldn’t you? I wonder if the Covenant romeo echo mike foxtrots slapped a governor on ‘em like our do with the warthog?”''{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}
* ''"Whatever kind of engine those Kongs put in there, it's heavy! You actually gotta pull the entire front end to one side to turn it!''"{{Ref/Reuse|bnetchopper}}


===Multiplayer===
==Production notes==
*Since it has a decent agility, it should be fairly easy to get splatters with when playing online. It is also near impossible to flip a Chopper, so you should rarely be flipped upside down, even while taking hard corners.
{{Expand-section}}
*As intimidating as the Chopper's massive bulk is, it is actually a fairly narrow vehicle. This allows the Chopper to navigate small spaces, and even venture inside of buildings in multiplayer mode. The Chopper also is far more durable than the other light/medium Covenant ground vehicles. A plasma grenade to a fairly undamaged Chopper will typically not result in the destruction of the vehicle; however, the lack of armor for the driver's seat counters this, making it important to keep the massive grinding wheels between you and the enemy.
The Chopper's origins lie in concept art produced for ''[[Halo 2]]'', with a sketch produced by [[Eddie Smith]] showing a remarkable resemblance to the final design that would end up in the final build of ''[[Halo 3]]''. The design retains the vehicle's general profile, with the only major difference being the inclusion of a canopy on the vehicle's aft.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://visualatrium.blogspot.com/p/concept-art.html|Site=VisualAtrium.net|Page=Concept art|Detail=Eddie Smith's portfolio page|D=19|M=3|Y=2021}} For ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] designed the chopper analogous to a motorcycle, considering it a vehicle for "tough guys".{{Ref/Film|[[Halo 3 Limited Edition|''Halo 3'' Limited Edition]] documentary}}
*Following behind the Chopper and shooting out the driver is an effective strategy, since they are less maneuverable than other vehicles and will take a much longer time to turn around and return fire.
*The Chopper's autocannon attack is stronger than the attack of the Ghost's plasma cannon, but it's firing rate is slower than the Ghost. This can be offset by double firing, which is performed by pulling the trigger multiple times, as if it were a semi-automatic weapon.
*The only major drawback is an exposed seat in the back, which only allows protection in the front, as well as taking some time to perform a complete turn around.
 
===Halo Wars===
The Chopper makes an appearance in Halo Wars as a unique unit for the [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute Army Commander]], replacing the Ghost. It also has three upgrades:
*''"Auto Cannons"'' - Equips all Choppers with a pair of autocannons.
*''"Stabilizers"'' - Increases the autocannons' damage and accuracy.
*''"Ramming Targe"'' - Greatly increases ramming damage and vehicle armor.
 
==UNSC remarks==
*''“D’ya think they’re compensating for something? I mean, look at the size of the damn thing—it’s bigger than my first apartment.”''
*''“It doesn’t have the room to accommodate a single passenger—and what do they do with their gear? Lash it on to the fenders?”''
*''“They don’t have a lot in the way of places you can stow your gear—it’s basically a huge engine with a little bucket tied to it for you to stick your ass in. And big golf delta blades bolted to it, can’t forget about the blades.”''
*''“All the markings are hand-painted. Well, at least they were on all the ones I’ve seen close up. I think the Type-25 is more of a status symbol for the Brutes—or maybe a mount—than it is a just another piece of equipment.”''
*''“Yeah, [[N’tho ‘Sraom]] basically confirmed that—said the riders held specific ranks outside the Covenant military hierarchy structure—that they’re more of a traditional unit like Cossacks or something.”''
*''“They’re not very fast, but they’re like zombies—every time you turn around there they are breathing down your neck! Don’t help that they’re built like tanks, either.''
*''“With that big damn motor you’d think they’d really fly, wouldn’t you? I wonder if the Covenant romeo echo mike foxtrots slapped a governor on ‘em like our do with the warthog?”''
*''"Whatever kind of engine those Kongs put in there, it's heavy! You actually gotta pull the entire front end to one side to turn it!''
 
==Trivia==
*Because of observation of earlier ''Halo 3'' builds, the Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle was first misidentified as a "Brute Ghost" (mentioned in the December 2006 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=755574 '''Halo.bungie.org''': ''OK I Have all the Info YOU Need...'']</ref>) or the "Mauler". At the time, the vehicle appeared to be similar in color and sound to the Covenant Ghost. However, the wings were folded up and the result was a much thicker, tube-like vehicle, giving some the idea that this was different from the original Ghost. They were proved correct by the unveiling of the Chopper, which in its final iteration bears little resemblance to a Ghost.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155363 '''1Up''': ''Everything we know about Halo 3's single-player mode!'']<br>''... the familiar whine of a Covenant Ghost howls and [[Master Chief]] lowers the Gauss cannon. But this Ghost is unlike any Ghost we've seen before. Instead of the two small wings that normally frame a Ghost, this model is more tube-like in design. The sound is unmistakable, just like its bumpy hover. There's a much larger driver at the back of this new Ghost-type vehicle -- a Brute. This is the first vehicle we've seen from what Griesemer describes as the [[Brute Sandbox]]. As Master Chief lowers the Gauss cannon on the Ghost, the demo ends.''</ref>
*The heavy armor of the front of the Chopper allows it to take massive damage, even allowing the driver to survive grenade sticks with [[Plasma Grenade]]s, as long as the driver's shields recharge to full power and withstand the attack, without full shields the driver will die in the explosion.
*Commentary found on the [[Legendary Edition]] disk relates how the [[Bungie]] team tried to make the Chopper analogous to a human motorcycle, a vehicle for tough guys, in this case the tough ape-like Jiralhanae.
*Choppers are a good vehicle to destroy for the [[We're in for some Chop]] achievement by destroying it with a [[trip mine]].
*The Chopper, the [[Locust]], the Prowler, and the [[Scarab]] are the only Covenant vehicles not named after some sort of apparition. Brute vehicles and weapons, however, seem to have their own nomenclature system: being named after predatory or otherwise vicious acts, e.g. ''chopping'', and ''mauling'' and so on.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'' Choppers begin with no weapons, just like the Warthog. It can be upgraded to be able to use its autocannons. It can be further upgraded to where it has an extra layer of armor on the front wheel, lessening damage when the Chopper rams an enemy unit.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="120" orientation="landscape" captionalign="left">
{{linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
File:UNSC Battle Cruiser 2.jpg|A Chopper being driven by a SPARTAN on [[Sandtrap]]
===Concept art===
File:Brute Chopper.JPG|One of the first appearances of the Chopper.
<gallery>
File:1216050266 Chopper.jpg|A Brute driving a Chopper.
File:H2_Chopper_Concept.jpg|''[[Halo 2]]'' concept art for a Chopper-like vehicle.
File:Sparrowwithgauss.jpg|Choppers as they appear in ''Halo Wars''.
File:H3 ChopperConcept.jpg|Concept art of the Chopper in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:57013808-Medium.jpg|A glitch in which one will ride a destroyed Chopper.
File:HW_Chopper_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Chopper for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HO Chopper Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Chopper in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HINF Concept ChopperConvoy.jpg|Concept art for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' depicting [[Banished]] Jiralhanae riding what appear to be Barukaza Workshop Choppers.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:Halo3-BruteChopper.png|Views of the Brute Chopper in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-ChopperHUD.png|HUD view of the Chopper in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 Choppers 1.png|Two Choppers, one firing its cannon, in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 Choppers 2.png|Two Choppers driven by [[Jiralhanae Major]]s in ''Halo 3''.
File:UNSC Battle Cruiser 2.jpg|A Chopper being driven by a Spartan on [[Sandtrap]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Destroyed Chopper.jpg|A glitch in which one will ride a destroyed Chopper in ''Halo 3''.
File:Covenant brute chopper.gif|An in-game render of the Brute Chopper in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Sparrow Laser.jpg|Choppers in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW-Chopperarmy.png|A group of Choppers on Shield World 0459 in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Halo Online chopper.png|A side view of the Chopper in ''Halo Online''.
File:HO-Chopper.jpg|An angled view of a Chopper in ''Halo Online''.
File:HO Reactor Chopper.jpg|The Chopper in ''Halo Online'' on the map [[Reactor (Halo Online map)|Reactor]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo Wars]]
*''[[Halo Wars]]
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Covenant Vehicles}}
{{Covenant Ground Vehicles}}
[[Category:Drivable Vehicles]]
[[Category:Jiralhanae culture]]
[[Category:Covenant Vehicles]]
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
[[Category:Covenant vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 04:35, July 19, 2024

Barukaza Workshop Assault Bike
ChopperH3.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1][2]
Armory of Barukaza[3]

Product line:

Chopper

Technical specifications

Length:

6.4 metres (21 ft)[4][5][2][3]

Width:

2.8 metres (9.2 ft)[3]

Height:

2.9 metres (9.5 ft)[4][2][3]

Mass:

1 metric ton (0.98 LT; 1.1 ST)[4][2][3]

Maximum speed:

74 kilometres per hour (46 mph) (Regular)[4][2]
120 kilometres per hour (75 mph) (Boost)[4]

Armament:

Crew:

One driver[2]

Usage

Year introduced:

2525

Role(s):

Rapid assault, reconnaissance

Affiliation:

Covenant
Jiralhanae
Banished
Post-war rebel groups[2]

 

"I never thought I'd see somethin' that could tear up a Warthog so completely short of an eight-oh-eight just by runnin' into it—are Choppers put together out of old battleships or something?"
— Anonymous UNSC serviceman[4]

The Barukaza Workshop Assault Bike[3] (UNSC Type classification: Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle, T-25 RAV),[1][4] commonly known as the Brute Chopper or simply Chopper by UNSC personnel, is a Covenant ground assault vehicle used exclusively by the Jiralhanae.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Chopper serves as a rapid attack and scout vehicle for the Covenant's Jiralhanae troops. The vehicle is characterised most notably by its shape; the front has a pair of extremely large wheels, with the driver located at the back. The driver's seat hovers off the ground when the vehicle is active and is shielded from the front angles by the wheels, though is completely exposed to hostile fire from the sides and back. The front of the vehicle is equipped with a large ramming targe, capable of allowing the Chopper to cut through obstacles in its path at high speeds. The vehicles also come equipped with weapons on either side of the vehicle; early models simply bearing Spikers as improvised weapons, with late production models employing larger quad-mounted 35mm heavy spike cannons firing high-explosive spike projectiles.

Choppers weigh around 1.1 tons (1 tonne), and can reach a maximum speed of 74 kph (46 mph),[2] with a maximum range of 272 kilometres (169 miles).[4][5] While driving, the vehicle can conduct short bursts of speed to briefly double its top speed to 120 kph (75 mph)[4] thanks to two boosters on either side of the vehicle, capable of allowing the vehicle to plow through armoured barricades and light vehicles.

Choppers are often hand-painted by their riders.[4]

Development history[edit]

A Brute driving a Chopper.

The first Choppers were, somewhat ironically, originally constructed for peaceful intentions by the Huragok Lighter Than Some. Intended as a peace offering to humanity, the engineer built the vehicles from parts of a damaged Spirit dropship as farming tools - echoing the design of the JOTUN agricultural vehicles widely employed by the humans on Harvest.[7] However, these vehicles were co-opted by Maccabeus' clan - who believed the vehicles to be weapons of war - and pressed into service during the First Battle of Harvest as cavalry. These early Choppers were jury-rigged with the Brutes' Spikers as weapons. Following the battle on Harvest, the Brutes made improvements to the design, affixing the vehicles with twin pairs of heavy spike cannons and other modifications to suit the vehicle to its role better.[8][6][2] By 2531, ramming targes and 35mm autocannons were common weapons employed by the Choppers of the Fleet of Glorious Interdiction, with such autocannons sometimes fitted with stabilizers.[9] The models that followed were constructed using cast-off components in an effort to mimic the raider-outriders that were a common feature of life back on Doisac.[3]

Throughout the Human-Covenant War, the Chopper was primarily manufactured by the Jiralhanae often using scavenged battlefield remains of human and Covenant vehicles. Such Frankenstein-esque vehicles made use of the damaged gravity drives of the Ghost and the armor plating of humanity. Choppers were additionally capable of being manufactured by the factories attached to Covenant citadels. In 2552, production of the vehicles was taken over by the Sacred Promissory of High Charity, primarily focusing on the design created by the Armory of Barukaza.[3] The Promissory were able to use the vast nanofabrication facilities of High Charity to produce a vast fleet of top-of-the-line models. Nonetheless, Jiralhanae psychological quirks and poor maintenance habits meant even these vehicles still retained a more utilitarian look and crude functionality when compared to other similar vehicles produced by the Covenant.[2]

Following the Fall of High Charity and the end of the war with humanity, the Chopper did not fall out of production despite the loss of the Sacred Promissory. Instead, the vehicle saw proliferation among many Brute packs and insurgent groups of other species, with Jiralhanae worlds under the rule of warlords and the Banished continuing to produce their own vehicles for use in personal conflicts.[2]

Operational history[edit]

Jiralhanae raiders pillaging Sangheili settlements with Barukaza Workshop Choppers during the Great Schism.[10]

Choppers were first employed by Maccabeus and his clan during the First Battle of Harvest in 2525.[6] They quickly gained usage elsewhere in the Covenant, with Jiralhanae forces of the Fleet of Glorious Interdiction, under the Chieftain Avitus, employing the vehicles in the Battle of Trove.[11] The vehicles continued to see use throughout the war, though saw a prominent resurgence in 2552 as vast quantities were manufactured in secret in preparation for the Great Schism.[4][2] The war's final days saw the Chopper in a heavy front-line role in the battles of Earth and Installation 00.[12][13] The vehicle was later one of many pieces of equipment included in Doctor Robert McLees' report Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present.[4]

Choppers continue to see proliferation in the Post-Covenant War conflicts and the ongoing Sangheili-Jiralhanae war.[10] They have become a vital part of the Banished vehicle fleet, with the organisation employing their own designs of the vehicle.

Jiralhanae Chopper drivers occupy a unique position akin to Cossacks, holding ranks within Jiralhanae society outside of the Covenant military command structure.[4] The vehicles are extremely popular in the Banished, with Banished troops often competing to become a member of the Banished outrider squadrons; a major source of injury and death among Atriox's pilots.[14] Jiralhanae would often hand-paint the sides of their vehicles, with an unknown Marine speculating them to be seen as status symbols or mounts within Jiralhanae culture - rather than mere equipment.[4]

UNSC remarks[edit]

  • “D’ya think they’re compensating for something? I mean, look at the size of the damn thing—it’s bigger than my first apartment.”[4]
  • “It doesn’t have the room to accommodate a single passenger—and what do they do with their gear? Lash it on to the fenders?”[4]
  • “They don’t have a lot in the way of places you can stow your gear—it’s basically a huge engine with a little bucket tied to it for you to stick your ass in. And big golf delta blades bolted to it, can’t forget about the blades.”[4]
  • “All the markings are hand-painted. Well, at least they were on all the ones I’ve seen close up. I think the Type-25 is more of a status symbol for the Brutes—or maybe a mount—than it is a just another piece of equipment.”[4]
  • “Yeah, N’tho ‘Sraom basically confirmed that—said the riders held specific ranks outside the Covenant military hierarchy structure—that they’re more of a traditional unit like Cossacks or something.”[4]
  • “They’re not very fast, but they’re like zombies—every time you turn around there they are breathing down your neck! Don’t help that they’re built like tanks, either.”[4]
  • “With that big damn motor you’d think they’d really fly, wouldn’t you? I wonder if the Covenant romeo echo mike foxtrots slapped a governor on ‘em like our do with the warthog?”[4]
  • "Whatever kind of engine those Kongs put in there, it's heavy! You actually gotta pull the entire front end to one side to turn it!"[4]

Production notes[edit]

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The Chopper's origins lie in concept art produced for Halo 2, with a sketch produced by Eddie Smith showing a remarkable resemblance to the final design that would end up in the final build of Halo 3. The design retains the vehicle's general profile, with the only major difference being the inclusion of a canopy on the vehicle's aft.[15] For Halo 3, Bungie designed the chopper analogous to a motorcycle, considering it a vehicle for "tough guys".[16]

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 31
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Halo Waypoint, Chopper (Retrieved on Mar 19, 2021) [archive]
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 273
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Bungie.net, The Brute Chopper (Retrieved on May 11, 2012) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 242-243
  6. ^ a b c Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 20
  7. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 14
  8. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 18
  9. ^ Halo Wars: Chopper in-game unit
  10. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, issue 1
  11. ^ Halo Wars
  12. ^ Halo 3
  13. ^ Halo 3: ODST
  14. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Chopper
  15. ^ VisualAtrium.net, Concept art: Eddie Smith's portfolio page (Retrieved on Mar 19, 2021) [archive]
  16. ^ Halo 3 Limited Edition documentary