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M808B Scorpion: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW|ILB}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{disambig header|the older variant of the M808 Scorpion tank|other uses|Scorpion (disambiguation)}}
{{Rename|M808B Scorpion|Per other vehicle naming convention}}
{{Vehicle infobox
<center>''Were you looking for the [[Scorpion missile]], an anti-tank weapon used by the UNSC?''</center>
|image=[[File:H2A M808BScorpion Render.jpg|300px]]
{{Vehicle Infobox
|manufacturer=
|name            = M808B "Scorpion" MBT
|line=[[M808 Scorpion]]
|image           = [[File:Halo Reach Scorpion.png|350px]]
|model=M808B
|manufacturer   =[[UNSC]]
|cost=
|line            =
|length= {{Convert|10.2|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 164''</ref><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 238''</ref>
|model           = M808B
|width= {{Convert|7.8|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|class          = Main Battle Tank
|height=
|length         = {{Convert|10|m|ft}}<ref name="ENC"/>
|mass=66 tons
|width           = {{Convert|3|m|ft}}
|max speed=
|height          =
|engine=
|mass            = {{Convert|66|MT}}<ref name="ENC"/>
|hull= Ceramic-[[Titanium]] armor<ref name="H1man">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', ''game manual''</ref><ref name="H2man">'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''game manual''</ref><ref name="flood137">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 137''</ref>
|max accel      = 9 km/h/s <ref>2.5 m/s x 3600 (seconds in a minute) = 9km/h</ref>
|armament=
|max speed space =
*One [[M512 90mm Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|max speed air  =
*1 coaxial [[M231 Medium Machine Gun]]<ref name="Waypoint">'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"Scorpion"''</ref>
|engine         =
|crew=
|poweroutput    =
*2 operators (no augmentations){{Ref/Reuse|H1man}}
|power          =
or
|shield gen      = None
*One operator with [[neural interface]]{{Ref/Reuse|H2man}}
|hull           = Ceramic-Titanium Armor<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 137''</ref>
|complement=Up to four passengers
|sensor          =
|consumables=
|target          =
|othersystems=
|navigation      =
|firstuse-title=In service
|avionics        =
|firstuse=[[Insurrection]]<br>
|countermeasures =
[[Human-Covenant War]]
|armament        = *1 [[M512 90mm Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon]]<ref>[http://www.halo3.com/believe ''Halo 3'' "Believe" article on the Scorpion]</ref><ref>''Halo'' Game Manual</ref>
|role=
*1 [[M247T Medium Machine Gun]]<ref name="ENC"/>
*Anti-armor platform{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
|complement      =
*Anti-vehicular platform{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
|crew           =*Driver
*Anti-infantry platform{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
**Gunner (only on M808B variants with separate machine gun placement)
*Heavy weaponry{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
|skeleton        =
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|passengers      = Passenger (4)
|capacity        =
|consumables     =
|othersystems   =
|firstuse       =
|role           =*Main Battle Tank
*Anti-Vehicular platform
*Anti-infantry platform
*Heavy Weaponry<ref name="ENC"/>
|era            =
|affiliation     = [[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
{{quote|This here is 66 tons of straight-up, HE-spewin', dee-vine intervention!|[[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery J. Johnson]]}}
{{Quote|This here is 66 tons of straight-up, HE-spewin', dee-vine intervention!|[[Avery Johnson]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].<ref name="Metropolis">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref>}}
The '''M808B Main Battle Tank'''<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 238''</ref>, commonly known as the '''Scorpion''', is a [[United Nations Space Command]]-employed heavy ground combat vehicle. The Scorpion is used for large scale operations requiring heavy firepower or used as an anti-vehicular platform.
The '''M808B Scorpion''', formally the '''M808B Main Battle Tank''',{{Ref/Reuse|H1man}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2man}} is a variant of the [[M808 Scorpion]]. The tank features a coaxial-mounted [[M231 Medium Machine Gun|M231 machine gun]] and lacks a gunner compartment.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}


==Overview==
==Design details==
[[File:Scorpion.jpg|thumb|left|160px|Scorpion blueprint.]]
The M808B features a coaxially mounted [[M231 Medium Machine Gun]]. The machine gun is mounted beside the primary weapon and thus points in the same general direction as the main armament, relying in the turret's ability to traverse in order to change arc. The tank can also be outfitted with a 105mm gun for greater offensive power.<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 153''</ref>
The M808 Scorpion is an armored attack vehicle that has been in service for more than thirty years, and serves as the UNSC's main anti-vehicle platform. The M808B is considered "light" by standard definitions but has served as the UNSC's main battle tank well before the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Its four-track nacelles design with each track mounted on an independent, computer-controlled suspension system, <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25446 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Project Page'']</ref> allows the Scorpion to traverse, climb over, or maneuver around large debris or other battlefield obstacles, and prevents the vehicle from being easily disabled. The central chassis is simple in design containing the main armament at the stern of the hull, and the crew compartment forward of it; and the machine gun at the bow on certain variants. The chassis is covered with heavy titanium-ceramic armor plating, making it incredibly resilient to small-arms fire; however, it's still possible for infantry-portable anti-armor weapons to inflict catastrophic damage. The M808B only requires a crew of one, with complete weapons control allocated to the driver, provided the driver is equipped with a neural interface. Otherwise, it requires one driver and one gunner on a coaxial mounted machine gun.<ref name="Encyc">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 238-239''</ref> As time has progressed, the Scorpion has been modified into more then a half-dozen different versions, however, despite the modifications the Scorpion's psychological aspect and versatility remain unchanged.<ref name="Encyc"/>


The Scorpion is equipped with two weapon systems. The [[90mm High Velocity Cannon]] - the M808B's main weapon fires 90mm Tungsten Armor Piercing Ballistic Capped Rounds at a high velocity, with a three-to-four-second delay between each round. The secondary weapon system is the M247T 7.62mm AP-T Medium Machine Gun, used for engaging infantry. The 90mm cannon, although the standard weapon on the M808, could be considered "light", compared to the 105mm cannon that can be mounted for greater offensive power<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 153''</ref>. Along with its weapons system the Scorpion is equipped with anti-mine detecting software and electronics to help increase safety while in use.
==Operational history==
An older variant of the Scorpion, the M808B saw use throughout the [[Insurrection]] and later the [[Human-Covenant War]], and has been in service for almost two centuries.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} It served alongside the [[M808C Scorpion]] as well as the [[M850 Grizzly]].


===Advantages===
In February [[2531]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} utilized multiple M808B Scorpions during the end of the [[Harvest Campaign]]. Shortly after a UNSC force led by [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]] retook the besieged [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] from the [[Covenant]], M808B Scorpions were deployed alongside other forces in an assault against the Covenant-held [[Relic (location)|relic]]. The UNSC force was successful in stopping the Covenant, wiping out a Covenant [[Covenant citadel|base]] before stopping them from destroying the Relic with demolition charges.
The M808B battle tank has proven itself to be the workhorse of UNSC armored attack vehicles. Its 90mm cannon can deliver a devastating blow to anything it targets - infantry or armor. Its thick titanium-ceramic armor can withstand a direct hit from a [[Covenant]] [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] and continue on with enough armor to keep fighting. Its one man crew severely limits human casualties; along with its main offensive capabilities, four [[Marines]] can sit on the tread pods of the tank, providing support while using the tank as a transport until they reach their destination. The Scorpion's efficient engine allows it to travel up to 466 miles or 750km before needing to be refueled.<ref name="Encyc"/> Along with its offensive capabilities as an anti-vehicle platform, the M808 also fulfills the role of anti-infantry; its machine gun can effectively take down heavily armored and shielded targets at medium range, and the main gun is devastating to infantry targets at any range, instantly killing targets at the impact zone and severely injuring those close by.
[[File:HW ArcadiaOutskirts.png|thumb|300px|left|UNSC forces, including an M808B Scorpion, retreating from Pirth City.]]
After the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} arrived at the planet of [[Arcadia]], which was [[Battle for Arcadia|under attack]] by the Covenant [[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]], M808B Scorpions were among the forces deployed into [[Pirth City]] to assist the [[Arcadian Patrol]] in evacuating [[civilian]]s aboard several [[Banta-class transport|cargo ships]]. After saving hundreds of civilians from the Covenant onslaught, the UNSC forces left the city through its traffic tunnels. At least one M808B made it to the outskirts of the city, where it was forced to retreat along with other UNSC survivors to a nearby impact crater, where they would proceed to establish a [[firebase]] and hold out against waves of attacking Covenant forces until [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[Team Omega]] could arrive. Over the course of the battle, [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] [[Bravo 029 (Pelican)|Bravo 029]] continued to deliver UNSC forces until Team Omega arrived. Now reinforced with the Spartan-II team, the UNSC launched an assault on a heavily-defended Covenant [[Covenant citadel|base]], with M808B Scorpion tanks taking part in the assault. Later, M808Bs were used to help defend a number of [[M145D Rhino|Rhino]] tanks as they attacked a large Covenant [[Energy shielding|energy shield dome]] protecting [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|a series of ancient]] [[Forerunner]] structures. After breaching the dome, M808Bs were among the UNSC ground forces that were deployed into the ruins to destroy a Covenant {{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}} protecting the main facility.<ref name="HW">'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref>


===Disadvantages===
Upon their arrival at [[Trove]], the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} immediately began to deploy ground forces, with many of these being M808B Scorpion tanks. After Spartan [[Red Team]] became separated from the main UNSC force, Sergeant Forge assembled a team to reinforce them, as well as to destroy a [[Flood]] [[Proto-Gravemind]] that was blocking a transmission from Professor [[Ellen Anders]], who had been abducted by the Covenant on Arcadia. M808B Scorpions, along with various other ground and air assets from the ''Spirit of Fire'', were able to punch through heavy Flood resistance, destroying several [[Flood colony|colonies]] and the Proto-Gravemind. When the ''Spirit of Fire'' found itself being pulled into the shield world, [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]] ordered all ground forces to return to the ship. Three [[platoon]]s were stranded on the surface and a rescue force was dispatched to retrieve them, including a number of M808B tanks. Sergeant Forge later lead an assault on four fortified Covenant bases in the interior of the shield world, in order to establish an effective resistance to allow them to springboard their assault on the [[Apex Site]]. The UNSC soon attacked the Apex Site, deploying M808B Scorpions alongside other ground forces to clear out Covenant and Flood resistance on the vast ramps leading up to the site itself. In the final engagement of the battle on the shield world, Scorpions, along with other UNSC ground forces were deployed with the objective of opening six interlocks that would open the portal to be used by the ''Spirit of Fire'' in order to escape from the planet before Sergeant Forge activated the ships [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL Drive]] in the installation's star. Within thirty minutes, they were successful in their mission, allowing the ''Spirit of Fire'' to narrowly escape the planet as it is destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|HW}}
The M808 battle tank's 90mm cannon must be reloaded after every shot and takes between three to four seconds, the time it takes for the cannon to reload may give the enemy enough time to react against the tank. Its deep dead-zone, or the area within which fire from the tank's guns cannot hit targets, puts the vehicle at risk from enemy anti-tank infantry. Although the Scorpion can carry up to four passengers, any Marines sitting on the tread covers of the Scorpion are vulnerable to small-arms fire, and any explosions near the tank can kill all personnel riding on the treads. The Scorpion's slow speed also puts it at a disadvantage, as other more nimble vehicles like the [[Ghost]] can out-maneuver the tank and get within its dead-zone.


==''Halo Wars''==
During the Covenant [[Fall of Reach|invasion of]] [[Reach]] in summer of [[2552]], several M808B Scorpion tanks were deployed as part of the UNSC defensive forces for the groundside [[Orbital defense generator|generators]] powering the planet's [[orbital defense platform]]s. [[Orbital Defense Generator Facility A-331|Facility A-331]] was attacked by thousands of Covenant soldiers, and many Scorpions were engaged in the battle before a poorly-targeted [[Carpet bombing|bombing run]] wiped out the remaining attackers but also killed the majority of [[Charlie Company]], including the M808Bs. By the time [[Frederic-104]] and [[Red Team]] arrived, only four UNSC Marines were left.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 22''</ref>
[[File:Unsc scorpion 3renders.jpg|400px|thumb|right|From left to right: the Scorpion from the least to the most upgraded variant in ''Halo Wars''.]]
The Scorpion is the mainline [[UNSC]] vehicle. This armored tank is a mobile weapons platform. It is available for production inside the [[Vehicle Depot]].


===Requirements===
The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} carried twenty M808B Scorpions in preparation of [[Operation: RED FLAG]].<ref name="Warfleet">[[Halo: Warfleet]], pg. 25</ref> Before the operation could be carried out, the Covenant attack on Reach forced the ''Pillar of Autumn'' to flee the system, ultimately arriving at [[Installation 04]]. Upon arrival in the [[Soell system]], the ship immediately came under attack from the Covenant [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]. With Cortana operating the ship's [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]], the ''Autumn'' managed to destroy four {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s and damage several others before the MAC was disabled. Captain [[Jacob Keyes]] ordered all crew to abandon the ship before setting it on a collision course with the ring. The ''Autumn'' survived the landing, but was damaged beyond repair. A strike force of UNSC [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] along with [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] led by Lieutenant [[Melissa McKay]] soon staged an assault on the crashed ship, in order to scavenge supplies to return to the newly-established [[Alpha Base (Installation 04)|Alpha Base]]. A number of M808B Scorpions, along with [[M12 Chaingun Warthog|Warthogs]], [[M274R Mongoose|Mongooses]], [[UH-144 Falcon|Falcons]] and [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] clashed with a large force of Covenant infantry and armor in front of the downed Cruiser.<ref name="HFR Rubble">'''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''', campaign level ''[[Rubble]]''</ref> The UNSC forces were ultimately successful in their raid, managing to salvage four more Scorpions for the [[Battle of Installation 04|battle]] against the Covenant.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''chapter 5''</ref> As the convoy made their way from the downed ''Pillar of Autumn'' towards Alpha Base, they were ambushed by a Covenant force commanded by [[Field Master]] [[Noga 'Putumee]]. The M808Bs proved instrumental in allowing the human forces to punch through, as they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralise at least one of the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraiths]] that were bombarding their position.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''chapter 6''</ref>
*500 Resources
[[File:ScorpionControlRoom.png|thumb|250px|John-117 fighting Covenant forces on Installation 04 in an M808B Scorpion.]]
*Tech Level 2
During his push towards Installation 04's [[Control Room (Installation 04)|control room]], [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] found members of [[Fireteam Zulu]] engaging Covenant forces near [[030569|an]] unmanned M808B Scorpion, and proceeded to take control of the tank. The Spartan used the M808B to push through several valleys and underground chasms, destroying large numbers of Covenant infantry, armor and aerial defenses before he was forced to leave the tank behind when he encountered several large pipes that prevented them from going forward with the vehicle.{{Ref/Reuse|Assault}} Later, during the Covenant [[Battle of Alpha Base|attack]] on Alpha Base, a pair of entrenched M808B Scorpions inflicted heavy casualties on the Covenant, killing Field Master 'Putumee and throwing the assault into disarray.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''chapter 8''</ref> All Scorpions were destroyed, along with Installation 04, when John-117 overloaded the ''Pillar of Autumn's'' reactor.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]</ref>


===Upgrades===
During the early stages of the [[Battle for Earth]], M808B Scorpions were used by Marines while [[Battle of Mombasa|engaging]] Covenant within the city of [[Mombasa]]. Upon arriving at the Covenant-held [[New Mombasa 105 East#Kilindini Bridge|Kilindini Bridge]] and rendezvousing with two surviving Marines, John-117 was reinforced with [[12-9F5|an]] M808B Scorpion tank delivered by Sergeant [[Avery Johnson]]. Using the tank, John-117 traversed the suspension bridge in pursuit of the [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] which had previously destroyed his Pelican and passed over the bridge. On the way, he used the Scorpion to destroy large numbers of Ghosts, several Wraiths and Banshees before being forced to leave the tank behind due to massive damage the vehicle had sustained.<ref name="metro">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Palace Hotel]]"</ref> [[957-A3|Another]] M808B Scorpion was deployed in front of a [[Lethbridge Industrial]] building being used as a command post for [[A Company]], after the area was secured by John-117. The Scarab the Spartan had been pursuing soon arrived in the area, and the Scorpion tank opened fire on the walker to no avail before being destroyed by the Scarab's [[focus cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|metro}}
*Canister Shell
[[File:H2A - Pelican and Scorpion.jpg|thumb|left|A D77-TC Pelican dropping off an M808B Scorpion during the Battle of Mombasa.|250px]]
**A special attack with a blast radius which is devastating to infantry.
Upon arriving at [[Installation 05]], having followed ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' into [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] from [[Earth]], the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} deployed John-117 and a team of ODSTs via [[M8823 drop pod]] to secure an initial landing zone that would allow further reinforcements to be deployed to aid in their mission to assassinate the [[Prophet of Regret]]. At a Covenant-held bridge, the presence of multiple Wraiths necessitated the deployment of an M808B Scorpion tank. Using the armored vehicle, John-117 spearheaded the push through multiple Covenant-occupied Forerunner structures before having to leave the tank to proceed deeper into the ruins.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Delta Halo]]</ref> A short time later, Commander [[Miranda Keyes]] deployed the rest of the ''In Amber Clad's'' forces, including a number of M808B Scorpions into the installation's [[quarantine zone]] in search of the [[Activation index]], seeking to keep it out of the Covenant's hands. Upon the deactivation of the [[containment shield]] by [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, the Flood were unleashed upon the UNSC forces. By the time 'Vadamee and his team of [[Special Operations Sangheili]] passed through the quarantine zone on their way to the [[Library]], many of these tanks had been captured by the Flood, who were using them, along with other UNSC and Covenant vehicles, to great effect against the [[Sentinel]] defenders.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]</ref>
*Power Turret
**The turning speed of the turret is doubled.
*[[Grizzly]]
**Turns Scorpions into the [[Grizzly]] super tank.
**'''Available only if [[Sergeant Forge]] is the leader.


==Changes==
By [[2558]], the M808C remained the only variant of the original Scorpion in service with Army and Marine Corps armored units, the M808B having been replaced with the [[M820 Scorpion]].{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
The M808B Scorpion Tank makes its first appearance in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', in the [[campaign]] level [[Assault on the Control Room (Level)|Assault on the Control Room]]; it is also available in the [[multiplayer]] levels [[Blood Gulch (Level)|Blood Gulch]] and [[Sidewinder]]. The tank is a dull gray, it moves at a decent speed, and it has a lightly protected canopy in multiplayer, although this is not so in Campaign. Because of this, it is easy for a sniper to kill the driver of the tank, effectively disabling it. Players also have the option of riding on the tank's tread covers in multiplayer.


===Changes from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' to ''[[Halo 2]]''===
==Variants==
*The color of the tank has now changed from brownish gray to olive green, and the textures have also been updated.
*'''[[M808B2 Sun Devil]]''': The '''M808B2 Air Defense System'''<ref>[http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HGMB99 '''Spartan Games''' - ''Store: UNSC Standard Armoured Battle Group'']</ref> is built on a slightly modified Scorpion tank hull, the Sun Devil uses a full-rotation turret fitted with two twin-linked 40mm autocannons. Ostensibly an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Sun Devil was used in anti-personnel role throughout the insurrection years, and proved to be very effective in clearing Covenant light infantry from contested points.<ref name="Blitz">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/blitz-coverage '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Community Update - Blitz Coverage'']</ref>
*Players now cannot ride on the tank's tread covers, called 'hotseats'. Standing on them is much easier with the revamped physics engine.
 
*'''[[M808B3 Tarantula]]''': Heavy fire support variant. Armed with twin Scimitar 40x178mm hypervelocity rocket pods. Mostly reequipped as M808Bs due to ineffectiveness against Covenant forces.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
 
*'''[[ODST Scorpion]]''': A variant of the heavily armored main battle tank, The ODST Scorpion has been secretly designed for the [[105th Special Forces]] with a stealth gray armor that emits a low RADAR detection signature. Its revamped turret houses a heavily modified 90mm High Velocity Cannon with dual recoil brakes to minimize muzzle blast for greater accuracy and stealth when firing.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/odst-covenant-invasion '''Megabloks''' ''- ODST SCORPION'']</ref>
<gallery>
File:SunDevil.png|M808B2 Sun Devil.
File:Megabloks ODST Scorpion.png|ODST Scorpion.
</gallery>
 
===Known individual tanks===
The M808B saw a large number of locally-produced variants and field upgrades over nearly two centuries of use. Periodically, the [[UNSC Army]] made attempts to codify these modifications but met with little success.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} Consequently, many individual tanks (identifiable by the serial number) have slight differences which distinguish them from factory standard M808Bs and each other:
*[[030569]] - A variant that was attached to [[Fireteam Zulu]] during the [[Battle of Installation 04]] in [[2552|September 2552]].<ref name="Assault">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]</ref>
*[[052496]] - Painted with a camouflage.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/unsc-scorpion '''Megabloks''' ''- UNSC SCORPION'']</ref>
*[[12-9F5]] - Painted brown, this Scorpion had a wider-set track and an enhanced undercarriage, making it ideal for urban warfare.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[957-A3]] - Painted gray, the 957-A3 had enhanced electronics for a more accurate cannon shot.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*957-A4 - A variant used on the [[War Games]] simulation [[Bloodline]].
*[[UE8-14]] - Painted olive green, this variant had thinner armor, was lighter, and was designed for medium-armor warfare.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[TB-SB-1]] - Painted black, the TB-SB-1 had thicker armor than the standard Scorpion and featured a sturdier chassis.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
*[[HJ3-213]] - With thicker treads than the standard M808B, this variant had a sturdier chassis and was built for rough terrain.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}
 
==Gameplay changes==
===Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''===
*Players now cannot ride on the tank's tread covers. Standing on them is much easier with the revamped physics engine.
*The [[reticule]] for the tank has also changed and is a lot smaller, for increased accuracy.
*The [[reticule]] for the tank has also changed and is a lot smaller, for increased accuracy.
*The tank now moves a lot slower, further limiting its movement and its evasive capabilities.
*The tank now moves a lot slower, further limiting its movement and its evasive capabilities.
*The tank's canopy has been replaced with a solid metal cover like in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'s'' Campaign, preventing the driver from being sniped while it is intact. However, vehicle damage has been added to human vehicles, and so the player is in danger of the tank exploding if too much damage is taken.
*The tank's canopy has been replaced with a solid metal cover like in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''<nowiki />'s Campaign, preventing the driver from being sniped while it is intact. However, vehicle damage has been added to human vehicles, and so the player is in danger of the tank exploding if too much damage is taken.
*The main cannon reloads twice as fast, requiring only a two second delay. The dots during the reload time are now removed. It is also more accurate.
*The main cannon reloads twice as fast, requiring only a two second delay. The dots during the reload time are now removed. It is also more accurate.
*The machine gun is now much more accurate. Previously, the machine gun fired in a very wide area.
*The machine gun is now much more accurate. Previously, the machine gun fired in a very wide area.
*Driving and aiming controls are now completely divorced allowing for greater maneuverability when firing. Previously the aiming and steering controls were linked, meaning the player had to steer more or less in the same direction they were aiming.
*Driving and aiming controls are now completely divorced allowing for greater maneuverability when firing. Previously the aiming and steering controls were linked, meaning the player had to steer more or less in the same direction they were aiming.
*Tank shell projectile now travels faster and can no longer be seen with the naked eye.
*The Scorpion tank is no longer indestructible.


===Changes from ''[[Halo 2]]'' to ''[[Halo 3]]''/''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''===
===''Halo Wars''===
*Though the tank has once again received a graphical overhaul, its color remains unchanged.
[[File:Unsc scorpion 3renders.jpg|300px|thumb|From left to right: the Scorpion from the least to the most upgraded variant in ''Halo Wars''.]]
*The tank's speed has been increased while moving forward but is still slow while reversing.
The Scorpion is the mainline UNSC vehicle, and can be produced from the [[Vehicle Depot]]. 500 resources, three population slots, and a tech level 2 is required to build one. It has the following upgrades:
*The machine gun has now been moved to the front of the cockpit area, and requires another player or AI to operate the gun.
*''[[S1 canister shell|Canister shell]]'' - A special attack with a blast radius which is devastating to infantry. The upgrade costs 400 resources and requires a tech level of 3.
*The splash damage of the main cannon has been reduced slightly.
*''Power turret'' - The turning speed of the turret is doubled. The upgrade costs 900 resources and requires a tech level of 4.
*The explosion is slightly different than the previous two games due to advances in graphics.
*''Grizzly'' - Turns M808B Scorpion into the [[M850 Grizzly]] (available only if [[Sergeant Forge]] is the leader). The upgrade costs 1800 resources and requires a tech level of 4.
*In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' it is now possible once more to ride on the tank's tread covers.
 
===Changes from ''[[Halo 3]]''/''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' to ''[[Halo: Reach]]''===
*The tank has received a visual upgrade, giving it a grittier, more military look, including a greener paint scheme.
*The tank has considerably less armor than its earlier counterparts, making it somewhat more balanced with the [[Wraith]].
*The tank visually recoils when firing the main gun. Shell casings are released out the back of the turret when it is fired.
*The tank moves faster: Splattering with the tank is once again possible.
*The cockpit now has a translucent canopy, which reveals the driver.
*The main gun is more powerful, with a larger blast radius; it has the ability to destroy a Wraith within two shots.
*The main gun can be blasted off, rendering the tank ineffective in assaulting.
*The velocity of the main cannon fire has been slightly decreased.
*The reticule of the main gun now has vertical bars on its sides that fill as the the cannon is reloaded.
*The secondary turret now overheats after continuous fire, much like the Wraith's turret.
*The turret now slows down to a stop after rotating, it also turns slower than in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and the Scorpion's rotating speed is also slower.
*The tread coverings may be destroyed, which prevents the [[ODST]]s on the level ''[[The Package (level)|The Package]]'' from riding on them.
 
==Known Scorpion Tanks and variants==
*[[030569]]
*M808B2 Sun Devil: A modification with four 40mm autocannons.
*M808B3 Tarantula: A variant with twin Scimitar 4x178mm rocket pods.
*[[12-9F5]]: Painted brown, this version has a wider-set track and an enhanced undercarriage, and is designed for urban warfare.
*[[957-A3]]: Painted gray, the 957-A3 has enhanced electronics for a more accurate cannon shot.
*[[UE8-14]]: Painted olive-green, this variant has thinner armor, is lighter, and is designed for medium-armor warfare.
*[[TB-SB-1]]: Painted black, the TB-SB-1 has thicker armor than the standard Scorpion and a sturdier chassis.
*[[HJ3-213]]: With thicker treads than the standard version, this variant has a sturdier chassis as it is built for rougher terrain.
 
==Tactics==
{{Cleanup|section}}
===Campaign===
====''Halo: Combat Evolved''====
*When you first acquire the tank on [[Assault on the Control Room (Level)|Assault on the Control Room]], and clear out the [[Wraiths]], the best way to take out the [[Banshee]] is to turn the tank around, look right up to the structure where it takes off from, and backup until you receive the checkpoint. Once the [[Banshee]] takes off, start moving forward and do not open fire until the [[Banshee]] has fired its [[Fuel Rod Cannon]]; after the round hits the ground, take aim and take it down.
*Later on, after you move into the valley with the second set of [[Hunters]], as soon as you get to the bottom of the slope, quickly turn around and head back up the ice ramp to take out the [[Covenant]] dropship attempting to flank you from behind. Be sure to watch out for your [[Marines]], as they will also follow you up the slope.


====''Halo 2''====
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
*Ditch the tank completely on "[[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]]" when you proceed into the structures. Just use the [[Warthog]], as your mistakes will be limited - especially when you must take on the [[Ghosts]] in the later part of the level.
* The color scheme of the Scorpion is now a brighter olive-green shade.
* The rear of the Scorpion is less boxy, higher off the ground and more angular.
* The turret is wider, and has more protrusions in its armor plating. The assembly to pitch the turret is no longer one contiguous piece.
* The barrel has a muzzle break, and has an optical sight or sensor below it.
* The spare track piece on the top of the body is now smaller and offset, with raised armor extending from the cockpit taking its place.
* Headlights are now affixed above the front tracks.
* The identification decal originally reading "12-9F5" now reads "[[Jorge-052|S-052]]", and is instead on the rear of the turret.
* The cockpit canopy is now wider at the rear, and has three small windows in its front.


===Multiplayer===
====Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer''====
*A popular tactic in Multiplayer is to use a sniper and/or scout in conjunction with the tank to spot out targets that the tank can't see. Then, the tank bombards said targets, acting as a sort of 'mobile artillery'.
* Numerous different decals are used across the Scorpion, and the "S-052" identification decal is replaced by "957-A4", and is also moved to the rear tread armor plating.
*Another popular tactic is to use a tank tactic used by modern day tank crews known as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hull_down 'Hull Down']. While in Hull Down, the tank is perched behind a hill or an embankment like the many hills on [[Sandtrap]] and [[Valhalla]] while the hull is behind the hill and the turret is above the incline allowing it to shoot at targets while not exposing its hull.
* The color scheme is now a darker shade of green, with a large amount of black accenting across multiple pieces.
*Although risky, it is possible to take out a tank using two [[Plasma Grenades]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', as they are significantly stronger than in Halo 2 and Halo 3. This tactic is especially useful if you have unlimited grenades.
* Bars have been added to the front tread armor plating.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', even small pieces of cover, such as the spires on the top of [[Blood Gulch]]'s bases, can stop players taking damage. Taking cover behind these spires while the cannon fires and firing while it reloads is effective, just watch out for the machine gun, which at close range, is quite lethal.
* The Scorpion has a slower rate of fire, taking longer to reload.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' where the driver is exposed, it is possible to eliminate the driver with a single shot from the [[Sniper Rifle]]. However, a player must be very sure that they can do a hit and kill on the driver. Otherwise, if a player misses and is in the open, it will result in death. This tactic might be suicidal. The pistol can also be used this way, but requiring more shots.
* The HUD reticle is thinner, but also shows the reload progression as two bars either side of the center reticle.
*Although you cannot ride on the tread covers like you could in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', a player who has taken the enemy's flag can still ride the tank by jumping on the tread cover and staying put; they will not fall off as usual and can ride all the way back to the base with extra firepower supporting you.
* The coaxial machine gun is placed further away from the barrel towards the edge of the turret.
*Firing a [[Rocket Launcher]] or a [[Fuel Rod Gun]] at the Scorpion generally inflicts damage on or kills the driver and gunner. In addition, the [[Spartan Laser]] is very effective against a tank. It kills the tank's driver in a single shot if the shot is properly placed, specifically in the driver's canopy. However, the slow charging time and the faint red targeting laser may reveal the wielder of the [[Spartan Laser]] to the lethal fire of the tank's main gun if the driver isn't killed.
*Another tank or anti-tank vehicle is usually the most efficient method of stopping a Scorpion. The [[Wraith]]'s high accuracy and speed make it ideal for this task. The [[Gauss Warthog]] is also quite effective, as long as the driver takes care to avoid the main gun. The [[Hornet]]'s missiles can easily destroy the tank, but its slow speed and lack of maneuverability make such an undertaking risky, if not suicidal.
*Using a [[Power Drain]] or a [[Plasma Pistol]] Overcharge will temporarily disable the movement of the tank and will greatly weaken its driver. While the tank's weaponry will still be functional, it will be unable to move and can be easily [[Boarding|boarded]].
*The best way to hijack a tank and use it is to grab [[Active Camouflage]] and wait for the tank to pass by or approach you. If you are clever, you will be able to board it quickly without the enemy having enough time to move out of the way. This is a sound tactic on [[Avalanche (Level)|Avalanche]].
*On [[Sandtrap]], a good tactic to hijack a Scorpion is to wait for the tank to go into the middle depression and board it from above.
*If you need to take out a Scorpion, drive a [[Gauss Warthog]] behind it and get into it's dead zone. Hit the radiator and in a few shots you can take it out. A [[Brute Chopper]] can be used too. [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongooses]] with a player wielding a [[Rocket Launcher]] can also use this tactic, but it is suicidal if the [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]] is not moving fast enough and the player cannot score a direct hit on the radiator.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Strangely, every ''[[Halo]]'' game manual describes the tank as the M808B. This is odd since the ''[[Halo 3]]'' Scorpion is clearly a variant from the original tank. It is possible that this is because the ''[[Halo 3]]'' tank is a variant of the same model.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*In every ''[[Halo]]'' game the Scorpion's serial number is the [[Birthdate_on_Tank|birthdate]] of [[Marcus R. Lehto]], [[Bungie]]'s senior art director.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the Scorpion tank's cannon was a solid object, but in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the player will go through if they try to walk on the barrel - the character's legs will separate from their body.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Scorpion is specifically cited in the manuals for each respective game as firing 90mm HE shells. ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' claims that there are variants that fire 105mm shells.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the M808B uses the M808's model from ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', with the machine gun and its operator's compartment removed.
*Underneath the turret of the Scorpion, there is a Jack-O-Lantern drawn in blood. This can be found by destroying the turret, then standing on the upside-down turret.
*The Scorpion tank resembles an actual Scorpion with the front body being the pincers, the rear body being the legs and the cannon being the tail and its stinger. However, this may refer to the FV101 Scorpion Light Tank used by the British Army in 1973. Ironically, the real-life British Scorpion tank is a light tank, compared to the ''Halo'' Scorpion. However, later variants of the real-life Scorpion also featured a 90mm main weapon.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the Scorpion tank's cannon was a solid object, but in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'', the player will go through if they try to walk on the barrel - the character's legs will separate from their body.
*The [[Legendary Map Pack]] features the map [[Avalanche]], a remake of the classic [[Sidewinder]]. For the remake, the M808B is adorned in full snow camouflage, along with all other [[UNSC]] vehicles. [[Avalanche]] is the first ''[[Halo 3]]'' multiplayer map to have a Scorpion placed in it by default.
*It is possible to perform the [[Turretless Vehicle Glitch]] on a Scorpion. It is not possible, however, to then attach another weapon and still be able to drive; for some reason, the Scorpion automatically applies the parking brake.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', there is a Scorpion picture on the left tread cover, however, when damaged enough, it disappears.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', if you melee off the machine gun turret, it will still fire with the bullets appearing to be coming out of where the turret barrel would have been.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', when getting into the driver seat, before the chief is actually in the seat you will be able to move the tank and turret.
*In the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]] the Scorpion had the word "MARINES" marked on its armor. This is odd considering that the [[UNSC Army]] is the main faction of the game. This is not present in the full game.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', if enough damage is directed into certain areas of the Scorpion, it's possible for the main turret to be destroyed and become useless, but you can still drive the tank. The same is true of the tank's machine gun turret.
*In Halo: Reach, the achievement "[[Tank Beats Everything]]" is earned by keeping the tank intact during the [[The Package (level)|ninth mission]] on Legendary difficulty.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the code "S-052" is painted on the side of the Scorpion. This is a reference to SPARTAN [[Jorge-052]], as well as a reference to Bungie's obsession with the number seven (0+5+2=7).
*A Scorpion tank is on display in the [[Museum of Humanity]]. A small model of the tank is also on display in the museum.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Ih_scorpion01.jpg|Concept art of the M808B MBT and its turret for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HCE TankPelican Concept.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:HaloCE-ScorpionMBT-transparent.png|A render of the M808B Scorpion in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE_EarlyTank_Concept_1.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:H3-M808B-ScorpionMBT-Thumb800x800.png|The M8088B Scorpion in ''Halo 3''.
File:HCE_EarlyTank_Concept_2.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:Snow Scorpion.png|A winter-variant of the M808B Scorpion.
File:HCE_EarlyTank_Concept_3.jpg|Very early sketches of a human tank for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', before the Scorpion's form was finalised.
File:Reach MPBeta Scorpion2.png|Beta render of the M808B Scorpion in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:UNSC-Scorpion-logo1.png|Detail of the scorpion emblem.
File:Tank.jpg|The Scorpion accompanied by a group of [[SPARTAN]]s in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:PreH1-Scorpion.jpg|The Scorpion in [[Pre-Xbox Halo]].
File:scorpionturret.jpg|A view of the Scorpion's turret and emblem in ''Halo 2''.
File:Tank.jpg|The Scorpion accompanied by a group of [[Spartan-II]]s in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Delivery.png|Scorpion being delivered to [[New Mombasa]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:HCE MC Scorpion.jpg|Two Scorpions in ''Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-MP-M808BScorpionMBT.png|Render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank used in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiplayer.
File:HaloCE-M808BScorpionMBT.png|A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-M808BScorpionMBT-HUD.jpg|The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-BengalScorpionskin.jpg|An M808B with the Bengal [[Skins (Halo: Combat Evolved)|skin]] in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
File:H2-M808BScorpionMBT.png|A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Delivery.png|A Scorpion being delivered to [[New Mombasa]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:Scarabcannon.jpg|Unit [[957-A3]] under fire by a Covenant Scarab in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Scorpion TB-SB-1.jpg|Scorpion tank, unit [[TB-SB-1]].
File:H2 Waterworks Scorpion.jpg|A Scorpion tank being hijacked.
File:Metropolistank.jpg|The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in ''Halo 2''.
File:Unsc scorpion.gif|The Scorpion tank in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW-M808B.png|M808Bs on Harvest.
File:HW-M808Bcannistershot.png|M808Bs with canister shot.
File:HW-M808Bpowerturret.png|M808Bs with power turret.
File:HW_ChasmsScorpions.jpg|A column of M808Bs on [[Chasms]].
File:Scorpion2011.png|A render of the Scorpion in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA-M808BScorpionMBT-HUD.jpg|The [[Heads-Up Display]] when driving an M808B Scorpion in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA Scorpion.png|An M808B Scorpion, as displayed in the [[Library (feature)|Library feature]] of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-M808Bs.png|M808Bs aboard the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.
File:H2A M808BScorpion.png|The M808B Scorpion in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2ACP-M808BHUD.png|The HUD of the Scorpion in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2AMPM808B.png|The Scorpion being used on [[Bloodline]] in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-M808BHUD.png|The HUD of the Scorpion on [[Awash]].
File:HTMCC-Season6RavenM808B.jpg|A M808B in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[i love bees]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
==Related pages==
*[[M-145D Rhino|Rhino]] - The UNSC's Self-Propelled Artillery Vehicle or Heavy Tank.
*[[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]] - The Covenant equivalent of the Scorpion MBT.


{{UNSC Vehicles}}
{{Scorpion variants}}
[[Category:M808B Scorpion tanks| ]]
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
[[Category:UNSC Vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 04:56, December 3, 2024

This article is about the older variant of the M808 Scorpion tank. For other uses, see Scorpion (disambiguation).
M808B Scorpion
Model of the M808B Scorpion for Halo 2: Anniversary.
Production information

Product line:

M808 Scorpion

Model:

M808B

Technical specifications

Length:

10.2 meters (33 ft)[1][2]

Width:

7.8 meters (26 ft)[1]

Mass:

66 tons

Hull:

Ceramic-Titanium armor[3][4][5]

Armament:

Crew:

  • 2 operators (no augmentations)[3]

or

Complement:

Up to four passengers

Usage

In service:

Insurrection
Human-Covenant War

Role(s):

  • Anti-armor platform[2]
  • Anti-vehicular platform[2]
  • Anti-infantry platform[2]
  • Heavy weaponry[2]

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

"This here is 66 tons of straight-up, HE-spewin', dee-vine intervention!"
— Avery Johnson during the Battle of Mombasa.[7]

The M808B Scorpion, formally the M808B Main Battle Tank,[3][4] is a variant of the M808 Scorpion. The tank features a coaxial-mounted M231 machine gun and lacks a gunner compartment.[6]

Design details[edit]

The M808B features a coaxially mounted M231 Medium Machine Gun. The machine gun is mounted beside the primary weapon and thus points in the same general direction as the main armament, relying in the turret's ability to traverse in order to change arc. The tank can also be outfitted with a 105mm gun for greater offensive power.[8]

Operational history[edit]

An older variant of the Scorpion, the M808B saw use throughout the Insurrection and later the Human-Covenant War, and has been in service for almost two centuries.[6] It served alongside the M808C Scorpion as well as the M850 Grizzly.

In February 2531 the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire utilized multiple M808B Scorpions during the end of the Harvest Campaign. Shortly after a UNSC force led by Sergeant Forge retook the besieged Alpha Base from the Covenant, M808B Scorpions were deployed alongside other forces in an assault against the Covenant-held relic. The UNSC force was successful in stopping the Covenant, wiping out a Covenant base before stopping them from destroying the Relic with demolition charges.

UNSC troops retreating from Arcadia City. From the opening cinematic of the Halo Wars level "Arcadia Outskirts".
UNSC forces, including an M808B Scorpion, retreating from Pirth City.

After the UNSC Spirit of Fire arrived at the planet of Arcadia, which was under attack by the Covenant Fleet of Glorious Interdiction, M808B Scorpions were among the forces deployed into Pirth City to assist the Arcadian Patrol in evacuating civilians aboard several cargo ships. After saving hundreds of civilians from the Covenant onslaught, the UNSC forces left the city through its traffic tunnels. At least one M808B made it to the outskirts of the city, where it was forced to retreat along with other UNSC survivors to a nearby impact crater, where they would proceed to establish a firebase and hold out against waves of attacking Covenant forces until Spartan Team Omega could arrive. Over the course of the battle, Pelican Bravo 029 continued to deliver UNSC forces until Team Omega arrived. Now reinforced with the Spartan-II team, the UNSC launched an assault on a heavily-defended Covenant base, with M808B Scorpion tanks taking part in the assault. Later, M808Bs were used to help defend a number of Rhino tanks as they attacked a large Covenant energy shield dome protecting a series of ancient Forerunner structures. After breaching the dome, M808Bs were among the UNSC ground forces that were deployed into the ruins to destroy a Covenant R'awuw-pattern Scarab protecting the main facility.[9]

Upon their arrival at Trove, the UNSC Spirit of Fire immediately began to deploy ground forces, with many of these being M808B Scorpion tanks. After Spartan Red Team became separated from the main UNSC force, Sergeant Forge assembled a team to reinforce them, as well as to destroy a Flood Proto-Gravemind that was blocking a transmission from Professor Ellen Anders, who had been abducted by the Covenant on Arcadia. M808B Scorpions, along with various other ground and air assets from the Spirit of Fire, were able to punch through heavy Flood resistance, destroying several colonies and the Proto-Gravemind. When the Spirit of Fire found itself being pulled into the shield world, Captain Cutter ordered all ground forces to return to the ship. Three platoons were stranded on the surface and a rescue force was dispatched to retrieve them, including a number of M808B tanks. Sergeant Forge later lead an assault on four fortified Covenant bases in the interior of the shield world, in order to establish an effective resistance to allow them to springboard their assault on the Apex Site. The UNSC soon attacked the Apex Site, deploying M808B Scorpions alongside other ground forces to clear out Covenant and Flood resistance on the vast ramps leading up to the site itself. In the final engagement of the battle on the shield world, Scorpions, along with other UNSC ground forces were deployed with the objective of opening six interlocks that would open the portal to be used by the Spirit of Fire in order to escape from the planet before Sergeant Forge activated the ships FTL Drive in the installation's star. Within thirty minutes, they were successful in their mission, allowing the Spirit of Fire to narrowly escape the planet as it is destroyed.[9]

During the Covenant invasion of Reach in summer of 2552, several M808B Scorpion tanks were deployed as part of the UNSC defensive forces for the groundside generators powering the planet's orbital defense platforms. Facility A-331 was attacked by thousands of Covenant soldiers, and many Scorpions were engaged in the battle before a poorly-targeted bombing run wiped out the remaining attackers but also killed the majority of Charlie Company, including the M808Bs. By the time Frederic-104 and Red Team arrived, only four UNSC Marines were left.[10]

The UNSC Pillar of Autumn carried twenty M808B Scorpions in preparation of Operation: RED FLAG.[11] Before the operation could be carried out, the Covenant attack on Reach forced the Pillar of Autumn to flee the system, ultimately arriving at Installation 04. Upon arrival in the Soell system, the ship immediately came under attack from the Covenant Fleet of Particular Justice. With Cortana operating the ship's MAC, the Autumn managed to destroy four Ket-pattern battlecruisers and damage several others before the MAC was disabled. Captain Jacob Keyes ordered all crew to abandon the ship before setting it on a collision course with the ring. The Autumn survived the landing, but was damaged beyond repair. A strike force of UNSC Marines along with Orbital Drop Shock Troopers led by Lieutenant Melissa McKay soon staged an assault on the crashed ship, in order to scavenge supplies to return to the newly-established Alpha Base. A number of M808B Scorpions, along with Warthogs, Mongooses, Falcons and Pelicans clashed with a large force of Covenant infantry and armor in front of the downed Cruiser.[12] The UNSC forces were ultimately successful in their raid, managing to salvage four more Scorpions for the battle against the Covenant.[13] As the convoy made their way from the downed Pillar of Autumn towards Alpha Base, they were ambushed by a Covenant force commanded by Field Master Noga 'Putumee. The M808Bs proved instrumental in allowing the human forces to punch through, as they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralise at least one of the Wraiths that were bombarding their position.[14]

John-117 fighting Covenant forces on Installation 04 in an M808B Scorpion.

During his push towards Installation 04's control room, Spartan John-117 found members of Fireteam Zulu engaging Covenant forces near an unmanned M808B Scorpion, and proceeded to take control of the tank. The Spartan used the M808B to push through several valleys and underground chasms, destroying large numbers of Covenant infantry, armor and aerial defenses before he was forced to leave the tank behind when he encountered several large pipes that prevented them from going forward with the vehicle.[15] Later, during the Covenant attack on Alpha Base, a pair of entrenched M808B Scorpions inflicted heavy casualties on the Covenant, killing Field Master 'Putumee and throwing the assault into disarray.[16] All Scorpions were destroyed, along with Installation 04, when John-117 overloaded the Pillar of Autumn's reactor.[17]

During the early stages of the Battle for Earth, M808B Scorpions were used by Marines while engaging Covenant within the city of Mombasa. Upon arriving at the Covenant-held Kilindini Bridge and rendezvousing with two surviving Marines, John-117 was reinforced with an M808B Scorpion tank delivered by Sergeant Avery Johnson. Using the tank, John-117 traversed the suspension bridge in pursuit of the Scarab which had previously destroyed his Pelican and passed over the bridge. On the way, he used the Scorpion to destroy large numbers of Ghosts, several Wraiths and Banshees before being forced to leave the tank behind due to massive damage the vehicle had sustained.[18][19] Another M808B Scorpion was deployed in front of a Lethbridge Industrial building being used as a command post for A Company, after the area was secured by John-117. The Scarab the Spartan had been pursuing soon arrived in the area, and the Scorpion tank opened fire on the walker to no avail before being destroyed by the Scarab's focus cannon.[18]

A D77-TC Pelican dropping off an M808B Scorpion during the Battle of Mombasa.

Upon arriving at Installation 05, having followed Solemn Penance into slipspace from Earth, the UNSC In Amber Clad deployed John-117 and a team of ODSTs via M8823 drop pod to secure an initial landing zone that would allow further reinforcements to be deployed to aid in their mission to assassinate the Prophet of Regret. At a Covenant-held bridge, the presence of multiple Wraiths necessitated the deployment of an M808B Scorpion tank. Using the armored vehicle, John-117 spearheaded the push through multiple Covenant-occupied Forerunner structures before having to leave the tank to proceed deeper into the ruins.[20] A short time later, Commander Miranda Keyes deployed the rest of the In Amber Clad's forces, including a number of M808B Scorpions into the installation's quarantine zone in search of the Activation index, seeking to keep it out of the Covenant's hands. Upon the deactivation of the containment shield by Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee, the Flood were unleashed upon the UNSC forces. By the time 'Vadamee and his team of Special Operations Sangheili passed through the quarantine zone on their way to the Library, many of these tanks had been captured by the Flood, who were using them, along with other UNSC and Covenant vehicles, to great effect against the Sentinel defenders.[21]

By 2558, the M808C remained the only variant of the original Scorpion in service with Army and Marine Corps armored units, the M808B having been replaced with the M820 Scorpion.[6]

Variants[edit]

  • M808B2 Sun Devil: The M808B2 Air Defense System[22] is built on a slightly modified Scorpion tank hull, the Sun Devil uses a full-rotation turret fitted with two twin-linked 40mm autocannons. Ostensibly an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Sun Devil was used in anti-personnel role throughout the insurrection years, and proved to be very effective in clearing Covenant light infantry from contested points.[23]
  • M808B3 Tarantula: Heavy fire support variant. Armed with twin Scimitar 40x178mm hypervelocity rocket pods. Mostly reequipped as M808Bs due to ineffectiveness against Covenant forces.[2][6]
  • ODST Scorpion: A variant of the heavily armored main battle tank, The ODST Scorpion has been secretly designed for the 105th Special Forces with a stealth gray armor that emits a low RADAR detection signature. Its revamped turret houses a heavily modified 90mm High Velocity Cannon with dual recoil brakes to minimize muzzle blast for greater accuracy and stealth when firing.[24]
  • M808B2 Sun Devil.

    M808B2 Sun Devil.

  • ODST Scorpion.

    ODST Scorpion.

Known individual tanks[edit]

The M808B saw a large number of locally-produced variants and field upgrades over nearly two centuries of use. Periodically, the UNSC Army made attempts to codify these modifications but met with little success.[6] Consequently, many individual tanks (identifiable by the serial number) have slight differences which distinguish them from factory standard M808Bs and each other:

  • 030569 - A variant that was attached to Fireteam Zulu during the Battle of Installation 04 in September 2552.[15]
  • 052496 - Painted with a camouflage.[25]
  • 12-9F5 - Painted brown, this Scorpion had a wider-set track and an enhanced undercarriage, making it ideal for urban warfare.[2]
  • 957-A3 - Painted gray, the 957-A3 had enhanced electronics for a more accurate cannon shot.[2]
  • 957-A4 - A variant used on the War Games simulation Bloodline.
  • UE8-14 - Painted olive green, this variant had thinner armor, was lighter, and was designed for medium-armor warfare.[2]
  • TB-SB-1 - Painted black, the TB-SB-1 had thicker armor than the standard Scorpion and featured a sturdier chassis.[2]
  • HJ3-213 - With thicker treads than the standard M808B, this variant had a sturdier chassis and was built for rough terrain.[2]

Gameplay changes[edit]

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2[edit]

  • Players now cannot ride on the tank's tread covers. Standing on them is much easier with the revamped physics engine.
  • The reticule for the tank has also changed and is a lot smaller, for increased accuracy.
  • The tank now moves a lot slower, further limiting its movement and its evasive capabilities.
  • The tank's canopy has been replaced with a solid metal cover like in Halo: Combat Evolved's Campaign, preventing the driver from being sniped while it is intact. However, vehicle damage has been added to human vehicles, and so the player is in danger of the tank exploding if too much damage is taken.
  • The main cannon reloads twice as fast, requiring only a two second delay. The dots during the reload time are now removed. It is also more accurate.
  • The machine gun is now much more accurate. Previously, the machine gun fired in a very wide area.
  • Driving and aiming controls are now completely divorced allowing for greater maneuverability when firing. Previously the aiming and steering controls were linked, meaning the player had to steer more or less in the same direction they were aiming.
  • Tank shell projectile now travels faster and can no longer be seen with the naked eye.
  • The Scorpion tank is no longer indestructible.

Halo Wars[edit]

Renders of the M808B Scorpion and its upgrades.
From left to right: the Scorpion from the least to the most upgraded variant in Halo Wars.

The Scorpion is the mainline UNSC vehicle, and can be produced from the Vehicle Depot. 500 resources, three population slots, and a tech level 2 is required to build one. It has the following upgrades:

  • Canister shell - A special attack with a blast radius which is devastating to infantry. The upgrade costs 400 resources and requires a tech level of 3.
  • Power turret - The turning speed of the turret is doubled. The upgrade costs 900 resources and requires a tech level of 4.
  • Grizzly - Turns M808B Scorpion into the M850 Grizzly (available only if Sergeant Forge is the leader). The upgrade costs 1800 resources and requires a tech level of 4.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • The color scheme of the Scorpion is now a brighter olive-green shade.
  • The rear of the Scorpion is less boxy, higher off the ground and more angular.
  • The turret is wider, and has more protrusions in its armor plating. The assembly to pitch the turret is no longer one contiguous piece.
  • The barrel has a muzzle break, and has an optical sight or sensor below it.
  • The spare track piece on the top of the body is now smaller and offset, with raised armor extending from the cockpit taking its place.
  • Headlights are now affixed above the front tracks.
  • The identification decal originally reading "12-9F5" now reads "S-052", and is instead on the rear of the turret.
  • The cockpit canopy is now wider at the rear, and has three small windows in its front.

Changes from Halo 2: Anniversary to Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer[edit]

  • Numerous different decals are used across the Scorpion, and the "S-052" identification decal is replaced by "957-A4", and is also moved to the rear tread armor plating.
  • The color scheme is now a darker shade of green, with a large amount of black accenting across multiple pieces.
  • Bars have been added to the front tread armor plating.
  • The Scorpion has a slower rate of fire, taking longer to reload.
  • The HUD reticle is thinner, but also shows the reload progression as two bars either side of the center reticle.
  • The coaxial machine gun is placed further away from the barrel towards the edge of the turret.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to M808B Scorpion on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the Scorpion tank's cannon was a solid object, but in Halo 2 and Halo 3, the player will go through if they try to walk on the barrel - the character's legs will separate from their body.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the M808B uses the M808's model from Halo: Reach, with the machine gun and its operator's compartment removed.

Gallery[edit]

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

    Very early sketches of a human tank for Halo: Combat Evolved, before the Scorpion's form was finalised.

  • Detail of the scorpion emblem.

    Detail of the scorpion emblem.

  • The Scorpion in Pre-Xbox Halo.

    The Scorpion in Pre-Xbox Halo.

  • The Scorpion accompanied by a group of Spartan-IIs in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The Scorpion accompanied by a group of Spartan-IIs in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Two Scorpions in Combat Evolved.

    Two Scorpions in Combat Evolved.

  • Render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank used in Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer.

    Render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank used in Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer.

  • A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • An M808B with the Bengal skin in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

    An M808B with the Bengal skin in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

  • A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo 2.

    A render of the M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank in Halo 2.

  • A Scorpion being delivered to New Mombasa in Halo 2.

    A Scorpion being delivered to New Mombasa in Halo 2.

  • Unit 957-A3 under fire by a Covenant Scarab in Halo 2.

    Unit 957-A3 under fire by a Covenant Scarab in Halo 2.

  • Scorpion tank, unit TB-SB-1.

    Scorpion tank, unit TB-SB-1.

  • A Scorpion tank being hijacked.

    A Scorpion tank being hijacked.

  • The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo 2.

    The HUD of the M808B Scorpion in Halo 2.

  • The Scorpion tank in Halo Wars.

    The Scorpion tank in Halo Wars.

  • M808Bs on Harvest.

    M808Bs on Harvest.

  • M808Bs with canister shot.

    M808Bs with canister shot.

  • M808Bs with power turret.

    M808Bs with power turret.

  • A column of M808Bs on Chasms.

    A column of M808Bs on Chasms.

  • A render of the Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    A render of the Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • The Heads-Up Display when driving an M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    The Heads-Up Display when driving an M808B Scorpion in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • An M808B Scorpion, as displayed in the Library feature of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    An M808B Scorpion, as displayed in the Library feature of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • M808Bs aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

    M808Bs aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

  • The M808B Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The M808B Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • The HUD of the Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The HUD of the Scorpion in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • The Scorpion being used on Bloodline in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

    The Scorpion being used on Bloodline in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

  • The HUD of the Scorpion on Awash.

    The HUD of the Scorpion on Awash.

  • A M808B in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

    A M808B in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 164
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 238
  3. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved, game manual
  4. ^ a b c Halo 2, game manual
  5. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 137
  6. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint, "Scorpion"
  7. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  8. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 153
  9. ^ a b Halo Wars
  10. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 22
  11. ^ Halo: Warfleet, pg. 25
  12. ^ Halo: Fireteam Raven, campaign level Rubble
  13. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 5
  14. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 6
  15. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Assault on the Control Room
  16. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 8
  17. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  18. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  19. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Palace Hotel"
  20. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Delta Halo
  21. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  22. ^ Spartan Games - Store: UNSC Standard Armoured Battle Group
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint: Community Update - Blitz Coverage
  24. ^ Megabloks - ODST SCORPION
  25. ^ Megabloks - UNSC SCORPION

v • d • e
 
Scorpion MBT variants
M808 Scorpion variants
M820 Scorpion variants
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