Plasma mortar: Difference between revisions
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The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain. | The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated [[plasma]], which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tf6|TF|Chapter=6}} As with any [[mortar weapon]], the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain. | ||
Since they can be mounted | Since they can be mounted on a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,{{Ref/Game|Id=citadelturret|HW|Covenant citadel base turret}} anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p347}} | ||
==Known types== | ==Known types== | ||
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
{{Main|Heavy plasma mortar}} | {{Main|Heavy plasma mortar}} | ||
[[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its heavy plasma mortar.]] | [[File:1216011812 Wraith.jpg|thumb|250px|A {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} firing its heavy plasma mortar.]] | ||
The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It launches a plasma blast is typically a blue-white orb | The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the [[Wraith]].{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=117, 228}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p274|Enc22|Page=274}} It launches a plasma blast that is typically a blue-white orb which travels slowly in the air.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything at the point of impact,{{Ref/Reuse|fs12}} all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.{{Ref/Reuse|tf6}} The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p257|Enc11|Page=257}} but it is also fairly effective in closer engagements.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}} The heavy plasma mortar has seen numerous variations, including, but not limited to, the scorch plasma mortar on [[Ironclad Wraith]]s and an infusion-modified variant on [[Terror Wraith]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p469|Enc22|Page=469}} | ||
===Plasma mortar=== | ===Plasma mortar=== | ||
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}} it is primarily mounted on the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p464|Enc22|Page=464}} | The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} during the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|citadelturret}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p305}} it is primarily mounted on the [[Banished]]’s [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p464|Enc22|Page=464}} | ||
===Siege plasma mortar=== | ===Siege plasma mortar=== | ||
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma at an astonishing range, turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}} | The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary {{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} and its Banished successor, the [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma at an astonishing range, easily turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p305|Enc22|Page=305}} The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}} | ||
===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar=== | ===Ultra-heavy plasma mortar=== | ||
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===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer=== | ===XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer=== | ||
{{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}} | {{Main|XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer}} | ||
The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on [[M145D Rhino]] prototypes, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}} | The [[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer]] is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with [[fuel rod]] filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=155}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p141|Enc22|Page=141}} It is mounted on [[M145D Rhino]] prototypes, which were used in at least [[2531]], when five of these were used by [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the [[Battle of Arcadia|Battle]] of [[Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}} | ||
== Production notes == | == Production notes == | ||
*Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''. | *Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''. | ||
*The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have used three plasma mortars. | *The [[Cut Halo Wars units#Air Artillery|Covenant Air Artillery]], a unit cut from ''Halo Wars'', would have used three plasma mortars. | ||
*Early ''Halo: Reach'' concept art by Glenn Israel featured [[Cut Halo: Reach weapons#Covenant mortar|a Covenant mortar]] held in a manner akin to the [[Brute Shot]] or {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}, or able to be deployed as a static emplacement. Some of the sketches of the weapon drew influences from the plasma mortars on Revenants and Wraiths.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSiLEZHgJ5/|Site=Instagram|Page=Glenn Israel|Quote=Halo Reach - Covenant mortar exploratory sketches (2009)|D=28|M=04|Y=2022}} | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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{{Col-begin}} | {{Col-begin}} | ||
{{Col-2}} | {{Col-2}} | ||
*''[[Halo: | *''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' | *''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' | *''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' | ||
Revision as of 02:43, August 16, 2023
The plasma mortar, also known as energy mortar,[1] is a classification of plasma-based artillery weapon.[2]
The plasma mortar launches shaped blast of superheated plasma, which arc in a parabolic trajectory and explode violently upon impact.[3] As with any mortar weapon, the plasma mortar serves as an excellent long range bombardment style projectile. The arching projectiles allow the operator to stay at a particular position, without the worry of having to aim projectiles around or over terrain.
Since they can be mounted on a variety of emplacements or vehicles, plasma mortars are employed similarly in a variety of roles, including anti-personnel,[4] anti-vehicle, and shelling fortifications.[2]
Known types
Class-2 medium plasma mortar
- Main article: Class-2 medium plasma mortar
The Class-2 medium plasma mortar is mounted on the rear of the Rizvum-pattern Revenant.[5][6] While charging, the plasma blast possesses a bluish tinge, though it is red when it is fired. The weapon has a less pronounced parabolic arc than its larger counterparts.[7]
Incendiary plasma mortar
Each N'weo-pattern Gigas craft is armed with two incendiary plasma mortars, allowing the fighter-bomber to deploy incendiary carpet bombs.[8]
Infantry-deployed energy mortar
There is a Covenant infantry-deployed energy mortar.[9] These mortars require at least a trio of Unggoy to assemble on-site, but once assembled, they can generate energy shielding for protection.[10]
Heavy plasma mortar
- Main article: Heavy plasma mortar
The heavy plasma mortar is the primary armament of the Wraith.[11][12] It launches a plasma blast that is typically a blue-white orb which travels slowly in the air.[3] However, upon impact, the plasma blast obliterates everything at the point of impact,[1] all the while leaving a large crater on ground in its wake.[3] The plasma mortar's main use lies in shelling and vehicular warfare,[13] but it is also fairly effective in closer engagements.[14] The heavy plasma mortar has seen numerous variations, including, but not limited to, the scorch plasma mortar on Ironclad Wraiths and an infusion-modified variant on Terror Wraiths.[15]
Plasma mortar
The seemingly standard variant of the plasma mortar fires medium-sized blasts of superheated plasma. While it was an optional armament on the Kewu Umppi'pa'-pattern citadel turret during the Human-Covenant War,[4][16] it is primarily mounted on the Banished’s Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder.[17]
Siege plasma mortar
The siege plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary Emp'seam-pattern Antlion and its Banished successor, the Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion. The siege plasma mortar fires a devastating volley of plasma at an astonishing range, easily turning enemy fortifications into glassy craters.[16] The Banished variant is heavily augmented and overclocked to increase its effectiveness and range.[18]
Ultra-heavy plasma mortar
The ultra-heavy plasma mortar is mounted on the Covenant's stationary Zo'op-pattern Weevil, which provides fire support over large segments of enemy-contested area.[16]
XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer
- Main article: XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer
The XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer is the closest equivalent to a plasma mortar employed by the United Nations Space Command. Reverse-engineered from Covenant technology, the weapon fires a 320mm artillery shell with fuel rod filler that unleashes a powerful barrage of plasma at its targets.[19][20] It is mounted on M145D Rhino prototypes, which were used in at least 2531, when five of these were used by Professor Ellen Anders to collapse a Covenant energy shield during the Battle of Arcadia.[21]
Production notes
- Plasma mortars may have been inspired by the Plasma Bugs in the film adaptation of Starship Troopers.
- The Covenant Air Artillery, a unit cut from Halo Wars, would have used three plasma mortars.
- Early Halo: Reach concept art by Glenn Israel featured a Covenant mortar held in a manner akin to the Brute Shot or Pek-pattern plasma cannon, or able to be deployed as a static emplacement. Some of the sketches of the weapon drew influences from the plasma mortars on Revenants and Wraiths.[22]
Gallery
A blast from a Zurdo-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar moments before impact in Starry Night.
A blast from an Emp'seam-pattern Antlion's siege plasma mortar arcing through the air in Halo Wars.
Two Rizvum-pattern Revenants fire their medium plasma mortars at a M12G1 Gauss Warthog in Halo: Reach.
A Muz-pattern Wraith fires its heavy plasma mortar in Halo 2: Anniversary.
A blast from an Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder's plasma mortar impacts a Terror Wraith in Halo Wars 2.
The arc of a plasma blast from a Muz-pattern Wraith's heavy plasma mortar in Halo: Fireteam Raven.
A Bolroci Workshop Wraith firing its heavy plasma mortar in Halo Infinite.
List of appearances
Sources
- ^ a b Halo: First Strike, chapter 12
- ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 347
- ^ a b c Halo: The Flood, chapter 6
- ^ a b Halo Wars, Covenant citadel base turret
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 154
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 275
- ^ Halo: Reach, Revenant in-game vehicle
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 289
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 38
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 39
- ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 117, 228
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 274
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 257
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Wraith (Retrieved on May 11, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 469
- ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 305
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 464
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 481
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 155
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 141
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Dome of Light
- ^ Instagram, Glenn Israel: "Halo Reach - Covenant mortar exploratory sketches (2009)" (Retrieved on Apr 28, 2022) [archive]
