Shiva-class nuclear missile: Difference between revisions

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|name=Shiva-class Nuclear Missile

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|type=Missile

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|ammotype=Nuclear

|operation=*Automated

*Fission-fusion reaction (2 or more stages)

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|accuracy=Computer Guided

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|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]

|counterwep=Covenant Point Defense Laser

|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]

The '''Shiva''-Class Nuclear Missile''' is a starship and starfighter launched thermonuclear weapon used by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. The ''Shiva'' can be outfitted with various payloads and explosive yields.  

The Shiva Nuclear Missile, is a nuclear ordnance often employed by the UNSC in ship to ship engagements with the [[Covenant Empire]]. The use of nuclear weapons, such as the Shiva, are only used when both UNSC forces are outnumbered, or tactical situations that demand the use of such.

==Background==

The ''Shiva'' missile is used on all warships <ref>''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', page 147</ref> in the UNSC including large Supercarriers such as the {{UNSCShip|Trafalgar}}. The ''Shiva'' is stored in a ship's nuclear storage bay until it is time to be deployed. Once launched from the ship, its onboard guidance system can guide the warhead to its intended target. However, the warhead's course can be corrected mid-flight by the ship's navigation officer or artificial intelligence.

The warhead can also be fitted on [[C709 Longsword-class Interceptor|''Longsword''-class Interceptors]] <ref name="pages322-324">''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', pages 322-324</ref> for a low-profile insertion. The ''Shiva'' can be detonated by two methods: radio transmission code sequence, or a proximity fuse, whichever method is most effective for the situation. Space-based weapons are preferred in combat situations with the Covenant because of the massive Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) released by such warheads like the Shiva; this is most effective for disabling electronics aboard nearby enemy ships; this was done by [[SPARTAN-II]] [[Gray Team]] during the [[Battle of the Rubble]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]].  

*It should be noted that the shields of Covenant capital ship have enough power to absorb a full thermonuclear blast from long distances, but not a direct hit. If the warhead detonates inside the shield, the effects of the blast is multiplied tremendously, due to the ship's shields containing the blast. This was demonstrated in the [[Battle of Reach]] by [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Jacob Keyes]] while commanding the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} <ref name="pages322-324"/>. However, it should also be noted that because of the varying payloads, a lighter warhead may not be able to eliminate a Covenant ship's shields, even from close range.

{{UNSC Heavy Weapons}}