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{{Title|''Halcyon''-class light cruiser}}
{{Title|''Halcyon''-class light cruiser}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Infobox/Ships
{{Ship Class Infobox
|name           = ''Halcyon''-class light cruiser
|name=''Halcyon''-class light cruiser
|image           =[[File:HR-UNSCPillarOfAutumn-Side.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:HReach-PillarofAutumnCruiser.png|300px]]
|caption        =  
|manufacturer=[[Reyes-McLees Shipyards]]
|modules        ={{Infobox/Ships/Class
|class=[[Cruiser]]
|hide-class          =  
|role=* Naval engagements
|class identification = [[Hull classification symbol]]: '''C'''{{Ref/Book|Id=HCESGuide|Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets|Page=60}}
* Troop carrier/supply carrier/escort
|class operator      = [[UNSC Navy]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=119}}
|length={{Convert|1171|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="EVG 138">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 138''</ref>
|class manufacturer  = [[Reyes-McLees Shipyards]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width={{Convert|352|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="EVG 138"/>
|class architect      = [[Robert McLees (ship designer)|Dr. Robert McLees]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=261}}
|height={{Convert|414|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Citation needed}}
|class built          = 50{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
|engine=[[Fusion drive]]s
|class in service    = 2510{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} - present
*[[Mark II Hanley-Messer DFR]] (3) (pre-refit)<ref name= "data drop">[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/ONI/577839090903298928/DDR-A340024-1115-08-27-52.pdf '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Data Drop 5'']</ref>
|slipspace drive= [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]
|hull=[[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]; resistant to around 5 plasma torpedoes
|armament=*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] (1)
*[[Shiva-class nuclear missile|Shiva missiles]] (4)
*[[Archer missile]] pods (6)
*[[point-defense gun|50mm point defense guns]]
|Complement=*[[Pelican]]s (6+)  
*[[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longswords]] (7+)
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|HEVs]]
*[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthogs]]
*[[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion Tanks]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]]
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]]
|misc-title=Sensors
|misc=*Radar
*Spectroscopes
|era= [[Human-Covenant War]]
|affiliation=
;[[United Nations Space Command]], [[UNSC Navy]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|A dozen [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] superior battleships against a single Halcyon-class cruiser. Given those odds, I'm content with three... make that four kills.|[[Cortana]]}}
|hide-characteristics=
|nocollapse      = Yes
|type            = [[Cruiser]]
|length          = {{Convert|3840.64|ft|m|sp=us|sigfig=6|disp=flip}}<ref name="H1GameData">'''Halo: Combat Evolved''' 3D model data</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width          = {{Convert|1155.73|ft|m|sp=us|sigfig=5|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|H1GameData}}{{Ref/Generic|Id=data drop|[[Data drops]]|Detail=Data drop 5}}
|height          = {{Convert|1359.69|ft|m|sp=us|sigfig=5|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|H1GameData}}
|mass            = 11 million tonnes{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power          =
|maneuver drive  =3 [[Mark II Hanley-Messer DFR]] [[fusion drive]]s{{Ref/Reuse|data drop}}
|slipspace drive =[[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine#Series V CODEN|Series V CODEN SFTE]] {{C|main translight engine}}{{Ref/Reuse|data drop}}
|crew            = 1,000{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|complement      =
|troops          =
|hull            = [[Titanium-A armor]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|shielding      =
|sensors        =
|ew              =
|armaments      = *Initial configuration
**1 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
**4 [[Shiva-class nuclear missile|Shiva missiles]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
**180 [[Archer missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*Alternate weapons configuration
**1 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark II 56A2D4 light MAC]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
**4 [[Spitfire naval coilgun battery|Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun battery]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
**4 [[Sentry autocannon|M66 Sentry autocannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
**20 [[Archer missile|M58 Archer missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
**40 [[M810 Helix point defense guns]] or [[M910 Rampart point defense network|M910 Rampart point defense guns]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|aircraft        =
|air facilities  =
}}
{{Quote|A dozen [[Covenant]] superior battleships against a single Halcyon-class cruiser. Given those odds, I'm content with three...make that four kills.|[[Cortana]] during the [[Battle of Installation 04]].<ref name="TPOA">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref>}}
 
The '''''Halcyon''-class light cruiser''',{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} known as the '''Human Attack Ship class C-II''' by the [[Covenant]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=TF|HTF|Chapter=Prologue}} is a [[United Nations Space Command]] cruiser starship classification designed by [[Robert McLees (ship designer)|Dr. Robert McLees]] before [[2507]], with a [[hull classification symbol]] of '''C'''. Originally designed for attack and defense role in mind,{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=42}} they were also capable of being used as troop and supply transports.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
 
Their service lives were short due to a unique hull design that was costly to construct and maintain with low maneuverability, poor armament, and concerns about their tactical viability. They were replaced by the {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} and later the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}. Despite the disadvantages of the original design, the heavily modified {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} proved to be one of the most effective, and costly, ships deployed in the war.


The '''''Halcyon''-class light cruiser''',<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 42''</ref> known as '''Human Attack Ship class C-II''' by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 4''</ref> was a [[United Nations Space Command]] cruiser starship classification designed by [[Robert McLees (ship designer)|Dr. Robert McLees]] in [[2510]], with a [[hull classification symbol]] of '''C'''. Their service lives were short due to a unique hull design that was costly to construct and maintain with low maneuverability, poor armament, and concerns about their tactical viability. They were replaced by the {{Class|Marathon|cruiser}}. Despite the disadvantages of the original design, the heavily modified {{UNSCship|Pillar of Autumn}} proved to be one of the most effective, and costly, ships deployed in the war.
==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:HWF PillarOfAutumn CrossSection.jpg|thumb|left|300px|A cross-sectioned view of the ''Pillar of Autumn''.]]
Maintaining the monolithic hull design of other UNSC cruisers, the ''Halcyon''-class were visually distinguished by their composition of five hexagonal and octagonal hull sections, each of which stacked on top of each other and progressively grew as they ran towards the engines. The frontmost surface of these cruisers was dominated by a long antenna structure called the foremast, whose base sat below the muzzle of the MAC. The [[bridge]] was slung underneath the front section on a portruding structure, which made it very vulnerable to enemy fire. The second-last hull section possessed four [[hangar bay|docking bay]]s that ran down either side like an equatorial line, and the keel featured a drop bay capable of deploying both [[SOEIV]] and dropships. Personnel made use of lifts, stairs, and mag-rail platforms for quick transit around the cruiser.{{Ref/Reuse|WFPoA}} To evacuate personnel during emergencies, these cruisers had at least 18 [[Class-3 Bumblebee]]s.


==History==
The aftmost section was largely devoted to the cruiser's propulsion and powerplant systems, which as originally installed were three [[Mark II Hanley-Messer DFR]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|data drop}} Designed for bulk manoeuvring rather than speed,<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 94''</ref> they were woefully obsolete by 2552, only capable of providing a tenth the output of more modern systems.<ref name="FoRC25">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', Chapter 25</ref> They were complemented by four compact auxiliary fusion rockets mounted in pairs, which could provide high thrust but were dogged by inefficiency.{{Ref/Reuse|WFPoA}} Combined, they gave the ''Halcyon''-class a profound lack of speed, and coupled with their minimal firepower they were ineffective in combat.{{Ref/Reuse|FoRC25}}
At just over 1.17 kilometers in length and one-third the tonnage of the succeeding ''Marathon'' class, the ''Halcyon''s were the smallest of vessels to be designated and structured as cruisers. Compared to later ships, the original ''Halcyon''s were sorely underpowered and under gunned: their Mark II fusion engines provided but a tenth of the output of modern reactors and their armament consisted of a mere six [[Archer missile]] pods and a single [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] gun. According to the AI Cortana, these ships were considered laughable within the UNSC fleet.<ref name="for238"/>


When the [[Human-Covenant War]] erupted in [[2525]] a number of ''Halcyon'' cruisers were reactivated from storage and refitted. With the right upgrades, a ''Halcyon''-class cruiser could be a formidable foe. During the [[Fall of Reach]], the upgraded {{UNSCship|Pillar of Autumn}} was able to inflict damage far beyond its tonnage, engaging and destroying [[Covenant frigate]]s, a {{Class|DDS|carrier}} and a [[Covenant supercruiser]]. While much of this was due to the tactical genius of Captain Jacob Keyes and his crew, the upgraded ''Autumn'' was highly resilient and capable of unleashing tremendous artillery barrages. The ship's main Magnetic Accelerator Cannon was enhanced to fire in three round bursts. While each individual round was weakened, this firing pattern typically insured at least one projectile would penetrate a Covenant vessel's shields. Damaged, the targeted ship could then be overwhelmed with Archer missiles, nuclear weaponry, or further bombardment once the ''Autumn'' recharged its main batteries. 
The most curious element of the ''Halcyon''-class was their unusual frame construction. Designed by [[Robert McLees (ship designer)|Doctor Robert McLees]], they made use of a series of internal cross bracings and [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A]]{{Ref/Reuse|FoRC29}} honeycombs. This feature gave the class a reputation for enduring serious punishment, despite their usage of older, heavier armor that provided less protection than modern standards. ''Halcyon''-class cruisers were known to remain operational despite suffering breaches to all compartments and losing 90% of their armor. However, such a scheme was costly and grossly overmassed compared to more conventional measures, which led to it being dropped after the first eleven cruisers.<ref name="FoRC25">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', Chapter 25</ref> Aiding in this, corridors aboard the ''Halcyon''-class possessed retractable containment bulkheads which could seal off breached or overrun sections of the ship.<ref name="maw">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]''</ref> During emergencies, the environmental systems could vent each section to asphyxiate the occupants within.{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFC1|HTF|Chapter=1}} The ship was pocketed with numerous maintenance and service corridors that ran the length of the ship. If necessary, these expansive corridors, including a [[Class Seven service corridor]] running along the dorsal structure of the vessel, could permit passage to [[Warthog]]s and some sections were large enough to accept [[Pelican]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|maw}}


==Design==
There were two distinct visual varieties of ''Halcyon''-class cruisers: the earliest version of the cruiser had a rather smooth and flat construction,{{Ref/Reuse|TPOA}} while later portrayals incorporated cut-out portions and often featured [[Spitfire naval coilgun battery#Mark 33 Spitfire|Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun battery]].
===Layout===
''Halcyon''-class cruisers are composed of five hexagonal and octagonal sections mounted onto each other. The [[bridge]] is slung underneath one of the forward sections and eight docking bays are distributed throughout the ship. There are also slots for eighteen lifepods on the ship's hull. Because of the low number, these were likely used only as a last resort if Pelicans or other modes of transportation were not available. Lastly, the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] cannon is visible as a bump on the bow.


The most noteworthy design feature was a series of internal cross bracings and honeycombs that made the ships surprisingly resistant to battle damage; ships of the class were able to remain operational despite sustaining breaches to all compartments and losing 90% of their armor.<ref name="for238">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 238''</ref> The durability of the design was demonstrated by the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} when she survived a crash-landing on [[Installation 04|Alpha Halo]] after taking a tremendous beating at Reach and over the ring.  However, while the cruiser was intact, it was damaged beyond repair and could never fly again, although some systems were still online such as the fusion core, the engines, and the self-destruct.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]''</ref> Another example of the ship's durability was during the [[Fall of Reach]] when the ship took on a [[Covenant supercruiser]]. Having wrecked havoc with Reach's defense fleet, this formitable Covenant warship breached the ''Autumn's'' hull with two piercing beam attacks, one of which severely damaged its reactors. Not only did the ''Autumn'' continue its engagement with limited loss of functionality, it destroyed the supercruiser after a protracted battle.
''Halcyon''-class cruisers were constructed in space and are not rated for atmospheric deployment.{{Ref/Reuse|TFC1}} If necessary, detachable [[R7 thrust coupling]]s could provide them with limited atmospheric flight.<ref name="ReferenceA">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref>


Corridors on the ''Halcyon''-class were segmented by several retractable containment bulkheads. In the event of an emergency, these bulkheads could be closed and affected sections sealed from the remainder of the ship. A potential application of this was during a hostile boarding action, whereas the atmosphere in the sealed sections could be vented via commands from the bridge, asphyxiating enemy troops.
===Armament===
The ''Halcyon''-class was by far the most lightly-armed of the UNSC's cruiser classes, being armed with only one [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]], 180 [[Archer missile]]s, and four [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


Armories were located throughout the ship, holding a selection of small arms and their requisite ammunition. Eight docking bays allowed a number of [[Pelican]] dropships, [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longsword]] Interceptors, [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthogs]] and [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion Tanks]] to be carried.<ref>It is unknown how many auxiliary craft and vehicles a ''Halcyon'' can embark. The ''Pillar of Autumn'', depending on the in-game cut scenes, missions, and novels, was shown to carry at least: twelve Longswords, seven Pelicans, four Scorpions, and perhaps in excess of forty Warthogs. The Warthog count is partially based on the text of '''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''pages 136-138''. The docking bays shown in the cut scenes each revealed berths for sixteen Pelicans as well.</ref>
An alternative armament scheme provided the ''Halcyon''-class with a single Mark II 56A2D4 light MAC as its primary weapon. This was bolstered with twenty [[M58 Archer missile]] pods, which was far below standards at the time. The class' firepower was further supplemented with four [[Spitfire naval coilgun battery#Mark 33 Spitfire|Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun batteries]] and four [[M66 Sentry autocannon]]s, with both types of turrets featuring two barrels each. The ''Halcyon''-class cruisers could also be equipped with forty point defense guns, using either the [[M810 Helix point defense gun|M810 Helix]] or the [[Rampart point defense gun#M910 Rampart|M910 Rampart]] point defense guns.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


A number of service corridors ran the length of the ship. Workers go in and out of the corridors, as seen in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. Although normally restricted to personnel, they could be accessed by lifts in main engineering or connecting passageways from the docking bays. If necessary, these expansive corridors could permit passage to Warthogs and some sections were large enough to accept Pelicans. The corridors served a secondary purpose of lessening the ship's considerable mass, thereby increasing acceleration.
===Refits===
{{Main|UNSC Pillar of Autumn#Design details}}
Although considered subpar ships, the pressure of the Human-Covenant War forced the UNSC to recommission and refit ''Halcyon''-class cruisers back into service. Generally, they received token armament upgrades through the installation of a MAC and an additional six Archer missile pods.{{Ref/Reuse|FoRC25}} However, when called upon substantially greater changes were authorised.


''Halcyon''-class cruisers are constructed in space and are not rated for atmospheric deployment;<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 40''</ref> however, [[R7 thrust coupling]]s allow them limited atmospheric operation capabilities, as demonstrated by the ''Pillar of Autumn'' which was capable of achieving liftoff from [[Aszod]], supported by a series of rocket pods.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref>
By far the most expansive and famous of these were the alterations the UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'' received as part of preparations for Operation: RED FLAG. Selected due to its possession of the honeycomb framing scheme, the refit took advantage of the need to replace its hull plating with reformulated [[Titanium-A armor]], which reduced its mass but also freed up internal volume. Much of this would be taken up by hangars and [[SOEIV]] launch bays, although the former required the removal of long-term accommodations.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Power was improved with an experimental reactor setup that could not only increase output by up to 300% for short periods of time, but made use of a very efficient laser-induced ion cooling system. Armament was finally expanded, with a MAC capable of firing three times on the same charge,{{Ref/Novel|Id=FoRC29|FoR|Chapter=29}} 32 M58 Archer missile pods, 8 Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun batteries, and six M66 Sentry autocannons. 18 M910 Rampart point defense guns with overlapping fields of fire provided the final layer of protection against missiles and incoming munitions.{{Ref/Book|Id=WFPoA|HWF|Page=24-25}}


===Armament===
==Service history==
Known elements of the Halcyon-classes' original armament consisted of the following;
At just over 1.17 kilometers in length, the ''Halcyon''s were the lightest of vessels to be designated and structured as cruisers.{{Ref/Reuse|FoRC25}} Considered subpar compared to later ships, these cruisers only served for a handful of years before they were placed into long-term storage near [[Europa]],{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and were eventually designated for scrapping.{{Ref/Reuse|FoRC25}} Some of these were disposed even into [[2552]], as the [[Asźod ship breaking yards]] were in the process of scrapping at least one ''Halcyon''-class cruiser by that time.{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}}
*One '''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] '''
*Six '''[[Archer missile|Archer missile pods]]''' which were far below standards at the time. Each pod would have contained several individual missiles.
*Four '''[[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]s'''
*Numerous '''[[M910 PDN|M910 50mm point-defense guns]]'''
With the outbreak of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ''Halcyon''-class ships were put through extensive refits. At least one ship, the ''Pillar of Autumn'', had the following armament:
*One upgraded '''Magnetic Accelerator Cannon''' capable of firing 3 rounds in quick succession.
*300 '''Archer missile pods''' which were arranged in thirty columns and ten rows. Each pod contained 26 individual devices, equaling 7800 missiles.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 274-275'' (Captain Keyes mentions performing a fly-by inspection of the starboard shuttle bay and counting Archer missile pods thirty across and ten down, making for 300 Archer missile pods. The next sentence then reads "Each pod held dozens of missiles.) </ref>
*Four '''Shiva nuclear warheads'''. One of these missiles was disguised as a Longsword fighter, which could be remote controlled.
*Forty '''50mm MLA autocannons''' with overlapping fields of fire for point defense against single ships.


===Power plant===
When the [[Human-Covenant War]] erupted in [[2525]] a number of ''Halcyon'' cruisers were reactivated from storage and refitted. Some participated in remarkably early engagements of the war; [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Cole's]] [[Battle Group X-Ray]] fought the [[Battle of Harvest]] with a number of these cruisers.{{Ref/Comic|HWG|Id=HWG}} Even this early on, it was evident that the ''Halcyon''s were not invulnerable; {{UNSCShip|Constantinople}} was lost with all hands during this battle. Meanwhile, the UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'' took heavy damage when it teamed up with three other ships to destroy [[CCS-U321|a]] {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} during the [[Battle for Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia City}} This led to a substandard performance record for the cruisers, and they'd come to be known as a joke within the [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|FoRC25}}
{{Main|Fusion drive}}
Sublight thrust is provided by nuclear fusion reactions which are channeled to two primary and twelve secondary adjacent exhausts at the ship's exterior stern.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> There are six exhausts visible, two large and four small. These engines are powered by reactions between [[hydrogen]] isotopes, including [[deuterium]].<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 275''</ref> The main engine core consists of a three underpowered Mark II Hanley-Messer reactors which provided 10% of modern engine output as of 2552.<ref name="for238"/>


On the refit ships, specifically the ''Pillar of Autumn'', the reactor system was one of the aspects which was heavily retrofitted. The ''Autumn'' was installed with an experimental reactor architecture which used a set of primary and secondary reactors to greatly boost its power generation capabilities.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 174''</ref>
''Halcyon''-class cruisers continued to serve throughout the conflict. As the losses continued to mount, the UNSC were forced to consider radical improvements to keep the ships competitive. The UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'' received one such overhaul as part of the planned [[Operation: RED FLAG]], and used it to great effect during the subsequent [[Fall of Reach]], where it was instrumental to the destruction of a {{Pattern|Kewu|battleship}}.{{Ref/Novel|TFOR|Id=FoRC36|Chapter=36}} Later, during the approach to [[Alpha Halo]], it managed to destroy four Covenant [[capital ship]]s before being forced to crash onto the ring's surface, a phenomenal performance for a UNSC cruiser.{{Ref/Level|CE|Pillar of Autumn (Combat Evolved Level)|Pillar of Autumn}} Ultimately, the ''Autumn'' met its end when its engines were overloaded to destroy the Halo and much of the Covenant's [[Fleet of Particular Justice]],{{Ref/Level|CE|The Maw}} leaving behind only a handful of survivors.


The class was also equipped with a standard Slipspace drive for translight speeds.
The first of the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser|heavy cruisers}}, commissioned into service following the end of the Human-Covenant War,<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref> would be built from the recycled hulls of surviving ''Halcyon''-class vessels.{{Ref/Book|Id=WFA|HWF|Chapter=Human, Cruisers}}


==Ships of the line==
==Ships of the line==
*{{UNSCShip|Constantinople}}
Out of 50 Halcyon-class light cruisers built, the first 11 have the honeycomb superstructure while the other 39 have an unspecified construction.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
*{{UNSCShip|Dawn Under Heaven}}
 
*{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} - After refitting, the ''Autumn'' was selected as the [[SPARTAN-II]]s' chariot for [[Operation: RED FLAG]], due to its new resilience and firepower. Destroyed by [[John-117]] in the [[Battle of Installation 04]] through wildcat destabilization of the engines, as a means to destroy [[Installation 04]] itself.
===Honeycomb superstructure===
*Numerous Halcyon cruisers were part of [[Admiral]] [[Preston Jeremiah Cole|Preston Cole]]'s fleet.
This is the list of Halcyon-class light cruisers with the honeycomb superstructure:
*{{UNSCShip|Halcyon}} - The [[Wikipedia:lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.
*{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} (C-709) - Participated in the [[Battle for Arcadia]] in [[2531]], destroying [[CCS-U321|a]] [[Ket-pattern battlecruiser|Covenant battlecruiser]] alongside three other human ships and providing ground support for the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}. After refitting in [[2552]], the ''Autumn'', captained by [[Jacob Keyes]], was selected as the [[SPARTAN-II]]s' chariot for [[Operation: RED FLAG]], due to its new resilience and firepower. Destroyed by [[John-117]] in the [[Battle of Installation 04]] through wildcat destabilization of the engines, as a means to destroy [[Halo Array|Halo]] [[Installation 04]].  
 
===Unknown superstructure===
This is a list of Halcyon-class light cruisers that haven't gotten their superstructure confirmed yet:
*{{UNSCShip|Constantinople}} - Participated and destroyed during the [[Second Battle of Harvest]] in [[2526]].
*{{UNSCShip|Dawn Under Heaven}}
*{{UNSCShip|Persian Gate}} - Participated in the [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II]] in [[2526]].
*{{UNSCShip|Roman Blue}} - The first ship to be captained by [[Terrence Hood]]; participated in the [[Battle for Arcadia]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #5''</ref> Shot down in battle between [[2535]] and [[2552]] and crashed on [[Eiro]]. Wreckage later salvaged by the ''[[Ace of Spades]]'' before an unknown vessel, possibly belonging to ONI, glassed ''Roman Blue's'' remains.<ref>'''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]'''</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Toulouse}} - Participated in an engagement over an unidentified [[Forerunner]] installation with a Covenant fleet.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Halcyon is derived from the Greek word ''Alcyone'', which means golden or marked by peace and prosperity.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Halcyon-class light cruisers}}
*Scrapped hulls and frames of several Halcyon-class cruisers can be seen on the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' multiplayer map, [[Boneyard]].
*"''Halcyon''" is derived from the Greek word "''Alcyone''", which means "''marked by peace and prosperity''".
*The turrets seen on the ''Autumn'' in ''Halo: Reach'' appear to have the same caliber, rate of fire, and size as the turrets on the frigate ''[[UNSC Savannah|Savannah]]''. However, if these turrets are indeed the same as the ones on the frigate Savannah, then by comparing the size of the turrets to the rest of the ''Autumn'' it would seem as though the ''Autumn'' in ''Halo: Reach'' is much smaller than it is supposed to be. This is likely just a design oversight.
*The scrapped hulls of several ''Halcyon''-class cruisers can be seen in the ''Halo: Reach'' campaign level ''The Pillar of Autumn'' and the multiplayer map ''[[Boneyard]]''.
*The ''Autumn'' held the highest capital ship kill count of any ship in the UNSC Navy. Excluding suicide attacks and massed nuclear barrages, the ''Autumn'' destroyed at least four CCS-class cruisers above Installation 04. This was after a prolonged engagement at Reach in which the ''Autumn'' also destroyed numerous, and superior warships.
*The ''Pillar of Autumn's'' model from ''Halo: Reach'' is considerably larger than its original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' counterpart. Indeed, it is longer than even the ''Marathon''-class cruiser.
*The ''Pillar of Autumn'' plays a role in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo Wars]]''. In each game, the ship provides support to the player in some form.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:PoA Reach.jpg|The ''Pillar of Autumn'' in space in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HCE-PillarOfAutumnSide.png|Profile view of the ''Halcyon''-class light cruiser ''[[Pillar of Autumn]]'' in ''Halo: Combat Evolved.
File:PoA.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.
File:PoA.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.
File:POA-InterdeckStructure.jpg|A vertical cross-section of a Halcyon-class ship, showing the honeycombed internal layout.
File:POA-InterdeckStructure.jpg|A vertical cross-section of a Halcyon-class ship, showing the honeycombed internal layout.
File:POA-MAC Schematic.jpg|An overlay of the ''Pillar of Autumn'' and its MAC.
File:PelicanBay.jpg|A docking bay
File:PelicanBay.jpg|A docking bay.
File:PoA Crewmen.jpg|A typical internal corridor
File:PoA Crewmen.jpg|A typical internal corridor.
File:Armory HCE.jpg|An [[armory]]
File:Armory HCE.jpg|An [[armory]].
File:Origins - Defensive Measure.png|A Halcyon-class using its [[point-defense gun|50mm PDG]] against Covenant boarding craft in ''[[Halo Legends]]'': ''[[Origins]]''.
File:Origins - Defensive Measure.png|A Halcyon-class using its [[point-defense gun|50mm PDG]] against Covenant boarding craft.
File:Boneyard Panorama.jpg|Halcyon cruisers sitting in a decommissioning yard on [[Reach]].
File:Boneyard Panorama.jpg|Halcyon cruisers sitting in a decommissioning yard on [[Reach]].
File:Holdout.jpg|A Halcyon Class cruiser on the surface of Reach.
File:PoA Reach.jpg|The ''Pillar of Autumn'' in space in ''Halo: Reach''
File:Reach 3889544 Full.jpg|Another view of a Halcyon class cruiser on [[Reach]].
File:HR_Holdout.jpg|A Halcyon class cruiser on the surface of Reach.
File:HR-UNSCPillarOfAutumn-Side.png|Right-side view of the ''Halcyon''-class light cruiser ''Pillar of Autumn'' in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_PillarofAutumn_Drydock.jpg|Another view of a Halcyon class cruiser on [[Reach]].
File:HE13 Unknown Engagement.jpg|Halcyon-class cruisers during an unknown battle in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:H2A -Halcyon.png|A ''Halcyon''-class light cruiser in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]].
File:Halo Warfleet cover.jpg|The UNSC ''Toulouse'', on an early draft of the ''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'' cover.
File:HTVS2 PillarOfAutumn Render.png|The ''Halcyon''-class model created for ''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{C|Flashback}}
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{mo}}
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{C|Memorial only}}
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' {{mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' {{C|Flashback}}
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''<ref name="orders">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-taking-orders '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Taking Orders'']</ref>
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{C|Hologram only}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Into the Fire]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
 
{{Human Ships}}


{{UNSC Ships}}
[[Category:Halcyon-class light cruisers| ]]
[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]

Latest revision as of 13:59, September 8, 2024

Halcyon-class light cruiser
HR-UNSCPillarOfAutumn-Side.png
Class attributes

Identification:

Hull classification symbol: C[1]

Operators:

UNSC Navy[2]

Manufacturer:

Reyes-McLees Shipyards[2]

Naval architect:

Dr. Robert McLees[3]

Built:

50[1]

In service:

2510[2] - present

General characteristics

Type:

Cruiser

Length:

1,170.63 meters (3,840.64 ft)[4][2]

Width:

352.27 meters (1,155.73 ft)[4][5]

Height:

414.43 meters (1,359.69 ft)[4]

Mass:

11 million tonnes[2]

Maneuver drive:

3 Mark II Hanley-Messer DFR fusion drives[5]

Slipspace drive:

Series V CODEN SFTE (main translight engine)[5]

Crew:

1,000[3]

Hull:

Titanium-A armor[3]

Armaments:

 

"A dozen Covenant superior battleships against a single Halcyon-class cruiser. Given those odds, I'm content with three...make that four kills."
— Cortana during the Battle of Installation 04.[6]

The Halcyon-class light cruiser,[2] known as the Human Attack Ship class C-II by the Covenant,[7] is a United Nations Space Command cruiser starship classification designed by Dr. Robert McLees before 2507, with a hull classification symbol of C. Originally designed for attack and defense role in mind,[8] they were also capable of being used as troop and supply transports.[3]

Their service lives were short due to a unique hull design that was costly to construct and maintain with low maneuverability, poor armament, and concerns about their tactical viability. They were replaced by the Marathon-class heavy cruiser and later the Autumn-class heavy cruiser. Despite the disadvantages of the original design, the heavily modified UNSC Pillar of Autumn proved to be one of the most effective, and costly, ships deployed in the war.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

A cross-sectioned view of the Pillar of Autumn.

Maintaining the monolithic hull design of other UNSC cruisers, the Halcyon-class were visually distinguished by their composition of five hexagonal and octagonal hull sections, each of which stacked on top of each other and progressively grew as they ran towards the engines. The frontmost surface of these cruisers was dominated by a long antenna structure called the foremast, whose base sat below the muzzle of the MAC. The bridge was slung underneath the front section on a portruding structure, which made it very vulnerable to enemy fire. The second-last hull section possessed four docking bays that ran down either side like an equatorial line, and the keel featured a drop bay capable of deploying both SOEIV and dropships. Personnel made use of lifts, stairs, and mag-rail platforms for quick transit around the cruiser.[9] To evacuate personnel during emergencies, these cruisers had at least 18 Class-3 Bumblebees.

The aftmost section was largely devoted to the cruiser's propulsion and powerplant systems, which as originally installed were three Mark II Hanley-Messer DFRs.[5] Designed for bulk manoeuvring rather than speed,[10] they were woefully obsolete by 2552, only capable of providing a tenth the output of more modern systems.[11] They were complemented by four compact auxiliary fusion rockets mounted in pairs, which could provide high thrust but were dogged by inefficiency.[9] Combined, they gave the Halcyon-class a profound lack of speed, and coupled with their minimal firepower they were ineffective in combat.[11]

The most curious element of the Halcyon-class was their unusual frame construction. Designed by Doctor Robert McLees, they made use of a series of internal cross bracings and Titanium-A[12] honeycombs. This feature gave the class a reputation for enduring serious punishment, despite their usage of older, heavier armor that provided less protection than modern standards. Halcyon-class cruisers were known to remain operational despite suffering breaches to all compartments and losing 90% of their armor. However, such a scheme was costly and grossly overmassed compared to more conventional measures, which led to it being dropped after the first eleven cruisers.[11] Aiding in this, corridors aboard the Halcyon-class possessed retractable containment bulkheads which could seal off breached or overrun sections of the ship.[13] During emergencies, the environmental systems could vent each section to asphyxiate the occupants within.[14] The ship was pocketed with numerous maintenance and service corridors that ran the length of the ship. If necessary, these expansive corridors, including a Class Seven service corridor running along the dorsal structure of the vessel, could permit passage to Warthogs and some sections were large enough to accept Pelicans.[13]

There were two distinct visual varieties of Halcyon-class cruisers: the earliest version of the cruiser had a rather smooth and flat construction,[6] while later portrayals incorporated cut-out portions and often featured Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun battery.

Halcyon-class cruisers were constructed in space and are not rated for atmospheric deployment.[14] If necessary, detachable R7 thrust couplings could provide them with limited atmospheric flight.[15]

Armament[edit]

The Halcyon-class was by far the most lightly-armed of the UNSC's cruiser classes, being armed with only one Magnetic Accelerator Cannon, 180 Archer missiles, and four Shiva-class nuclear missiles.[3]

An alternative armament scheme provided the Halcyon-class with a single Mark II 56A2D4 light MAC as its primary weapon. This was bolstered with twenty M58 Archer missile pods, which was far below standards at the time. The class' firepower was further supplemented with four Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun batteries and four M66 Sentry autocannons, with both types of turrets featuring two barrels each. The Halcyon-class cruisers could also be equipped with forty point defense guns, using either the M810 Helix or the M910 Rampart point defense guns.[2]

Refits[edit]

Main article: UNSC Pillar of Autumn § Design details

Although considered subpar ships, the pressure of the Human-Covenant War forced the UNSC to recommission and refit Halcyon-class cruisers back into service. Generally, they received token armament upgrades through the installation of a MAC and an additional six Archer missile pods.[11] However, when called upon substantially greater changes were authorised.

By far the most expansive and famous of these were the alterations the UNSC Pillar of Autumn received as part of preparations for Operation: RED FLAG. Selected due to its possession of the honeycomb framing scheme, the refit took advantage of the need to replace its hull plating with reformulated Titanium-A armor, which reduced its mass but also freed up internal volume. Much of this would be taken up by hangars and SOEIV launch bays, although the former required the removal of long-term accommodations.[2] Power was improved with an experimental reactor setup that could not only increase output by up to 300% for short periods of time, but made use of a very efficient laser-induced ion cooling system. Armament was finally expanded, with a MAC capable of firing three times on the same charge,[12] 32 M58 Archer missile pods, 8 Mark 33 Spitfire naval coilgun batteries, and six M66 Sentry autocannons. 18 M910 Rampart point defense guns with overlapping fields of fire provided the final layer of protection against missiles and incoming munitions.[9]

Service history[edit]

At just over 1.17 kilometers in length, the Halcyons were the lightest of vessels to be designated and structured as cruisers.[11] Considered subpar compared to later ships, these cruisers only served for a handful of years before they were placed into long-term storage near Europa,[2] and were eventually designated for scrapping.[11] Some of these were disposed even into 2552, as the Asźod ship breaking yards were in the process of scrapping at least one Halcyon-class cruiser by that time.[15]

When the Human-Covenant War erupted in 2525 a number of Halcyon cruisers were reactivated from storage and refitted. Some participated in remarkably early engagements of the war; Vice Admiral Cole's Battle Group X-Ray fought the Battle of Harvest with a number of these cruisers.[16] Even this early on, it was evident that the Halcyons were not invulnerable; UNSC Constantinople was lost with all hands during this battle. Meanwhile, the UNSC Pillar of Autumn took heavy damage when it teamed up with three other ships to destroy a Ket-pattern battlecruiser during the Battle for Arcadia.[17] This led to a substandard performance record for the cruisers, and they'd come to be known as a joke within the UNSC Navy.[11]

Halcyon-class cruisers continued to serve throughout the conflict. As the losses continued to mount, the UNSC were forced to consider radical improvements to keep the ships competitive. The UNSC Pillar of Autumn received one such overhaul as part of the planned Operation: RED FLAG, and used it to great effect during the subsequent Fall of Reach, where it was instrumental to the destruction of a Kewu-pattern battleship.[18] Later, during the approach to Alpha Halo, it managed to destroy four Covenant capital ships before being forced to crash onto the ring's surface, a phenomenal performance for a UNSC cruiser.[19] Ultimately, the Autumn met its end when its engines were overloaded to destroy the Halo and much of the Covenant's Fleet of Particular Justice,[20] leaving behind only a handful of survivors.

The first of the Autumn-class heavy cruisers, commissioned into service following the end of the Human-Covenant War,[21] would be built from the recycled hulls of surviving Halcyon-class vessels.[22]

Ships of the line[edit]

Out of 50 Halcyon-class light cruisers built, the first 11 have the honeycomb superstructure while the other 39 have an unspecified construction.[1]

Honeycomb superstructure[edit]

This is the list of Halcyon-class light cruisers with the honeycomb superstructure:

Unknown superstructure[edit]

This is a list of Halcyon-class light cruisers that haven't gotten their superstructure confirmed yet:

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • "Halcyon" is derived from the Greek word "Alcyone", which means "marked by peace and prosperity".
  • The scrapped hulls of several Halcyon-class cruisers can be seen in the Halo: Reach campaign level The Pillar of Autumn and the multiplayer map Boneyard.
  • The Pillar of Autumn's model from Halo: Reach is considerably larger than its original Halo: Combat Evolved counterpart. Indeed, it is longer than even the Marathon-class cruiser.
  • The Pillar of Autumn plays a role in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo: Reach and Halo Wars. In each game, the ship provides support to the player in some form.

Gallery[edit]

  • A vertical cross-section of a Halcyon-class ship, showing the honeycombed internal layout.

    A vertical cross-section of a Halcyon-class ship, showing the honeycombed internal layout.

  • A docking bay

    A docking bay

  • A typical internal corridor

    A typical internal corridor

  • An armory

    An armory

  • A Halcyon-class using its 50mm PDG against Covenant boarding craft in Halo Legends: Origins.

    A Halcyon-class using its 50mm PDG against Covenant boarding craft in Halo Legends: Origins.

  • Halcyon cruisers sitting in a decommissioning yard on Reach.

    Halcyon cruisers sitting in a decommissioning yard on Reach.

  • The Pillar of Autumn in space in Halo: Reach

    The Pillar of Autumn in space in Halo: Reach

  • A Halcyon class cruiser on the surface of Reach.

    A Halcyon class cruiser on the surface of Reach.

  • Right-side view of the Halcyon-class light cruiser Pillar of Autumn in Halo: Reach.

    Right-side view of the Halcyon-class light cruiser Pillar of Autumn in Halo: Reach.

  • Another view of a Halcyon class cruiser on Reach.

    Another view of a Halcyon class cruiser on Reach.

  • Halcyon-class cruisers during an unknown battle in Halo: Escalation.

    Halcyon-class cruisers during an unknown battle in Halo: Escalation.

  • A Halcyon-class light cruiser in Halo 2: Anniversary terminals.

    A Halcyon-class light cruiser in Halo 2: Anniversary terminals.

  • The UNSC Toulouse, on an early draft of the Halo: Warfleet cover.

    The UNSC Toulouse, on an early draft of the Halo: Warfleet cover.

  • The Halcyon-class model created for Halo: The Television Series Season Two.

    The Halcyon-class model created for Halo: The Television Series Season Two.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets, page 60
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 119
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 261
  4. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved 3D model data
  5. ^ a b c d Data drops: Data drop 5
  6. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  7. ^ Halo: The Flood, Prologue
  8. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 42
  9. ^ a b c Halo: Warfleet, page 24-25
  10. ^ Halo Mythos, page 94
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: The Fall of Reach, Chapter 25
  12. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 29
  13. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  14. ^ a b Halo: The Flood, chapter 1
  15. ^ a b Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  16. ^ Halo Wars: Genesis
  17. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia City
  18. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 36
  19. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Pillar of Autumn
  20. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  21. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide
  22. ^ Halo: Warfleet, chapter Human, Cruisers
  23. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #5
  24. ^ Halo: Smoke and Shadow
  25. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Taking Orders

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