M41 SPNKr

File:M19-ssm-rocket-launcher.jpg

Rocket Launcher

The M19 SSM SPNkr Rocket Launcher, alternatively called the "Spanker" or the "Jackhammer", is a heavy ordinance weapon of the UNSC aersenal. It fires Anaconda Surface to Air missiles or surface to surface missiles of unknown specification. It is featured prominently in the Halo games.

M19 SSM (SPNKr) Rocket Launcher

 Rate of Fire  : Low (1 round per 2 seconds)
 Ammunition    : 102mm HEAT (High Explosive, Anti-Tank (Shaped Charge))
 Damage per Hit: Very high
 Range         : All (most effective at short-medium range)
 Accuracy      : Pinpoint
 Magazine Size : 2 Rockets
 Maximum Ammo  : 10 Rockets (including fully loaded magazine)

Advantages

File:RocketArmory.jpg

An armory full of Rocket Launchers

The rocket launcher spreads huge amount of damage over a large area. It is capable of taking out entire groups of targets at any range, and kills all the riders of nearly any vehicle (with the exception of the Scorpion tank) with one direct hit. The rocket launcher automatically pierces through overshields with direct hits. It is very useful for killing Hunters, which are often the most difficult enemies to kill.

Disadvantages

Several things counterbalance the rocket launcher's sheer power:

1. It fires and reloads slowly
2. Ammunition is often unavailable, and the player can carry only 8 extra rockets at once (6 in Halo 2)
3. It can damage or kill its operator if fired carelessly near or into surrounding terrain
4. The rocket travels slowly enough to be dodged and trying to hit moving vehicles from long range will require very precise timing and predictable driving by the opponent (precisely timed shots are not required in Halo 2 because of the addition of the ability for the rockets to lock onto vehicles).

Influences

The M19 SSM was inspired by the SPNKr rocket launcher from the Marathon series. The launcher itself is also nicknamed the SPNKr (pronounced "spanker") due to the labeling on the rear of the barrels and rectangular ammunition cases.

Multiplayer Role

Acquiring the rocket launcher in a multiplayer game may prove difficult, since it rarely appears in the spawn area. However, once acquired, this weapon can become very effective for all the reasons mentioned above - it can take out a large group of enemies in one shot, and can easily eliminate vehicles. Additionally, the pinpoint accuracy of the sniper rifle makes it very effective when combined with the rocket launcher (the former being more accurate than the latter). Since head-on collisions with the rocket are hard to obtain, it is prudent to aim at the ground in front of the enemy or the wall to their side. Though the shot may miss, the Splash damage will kill the opponent.

Effective Against

All Enemies and Vehicles