AV-14 Hornet: Difference between revisions

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|image= [[Image:Hornets.jpg|300px]]
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|name=AV-14 Attack VTOL
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|manufacturer=[[United Nations Space Command]]
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|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
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The '''AV-14 Attack VTOL'''<ref>EGM September 2007 Issue</ref>, full name '''AV-14 Attack Vertical Takeoff and Landing (Vehicle)''', colloquially known as the "'''Hornet'''", is a [[United Nations Space Command]] atmospheric assault vehicle. It is armed with two [[Class-2 Guided Munition Launch System]]s made up of a missile launcher under each jump seat, and two tri-barreled Rotary Cannons mounted above the cockpit. It is also capable of carrying up to four passengers in lateral jump-seats. The passengers are highly exposed and have little to no protection.
The '''AV-14 Attack VTOL''', colloquially known as the "'''Hornet'''", is a [[United Nations Space Command]] airborne assault vehicle.


==Overview==
==Overview==
The Hornet consists of a one-man cockpit, and a rear section extending approximately one meter backward. From the top of this rear section are a set of wings with what appear to be jet engines,turbo fans or gyro rotators at the ends, providing the Hornet's main source of propulsion. It possesses gear that is able to differentiate friends from foes and lock on to enemy vehicles. On each side of the cockpit is a jump-seat extending backward that doubles as a landing skid. These skids allow up to 2 Spartan-sized passengers to fire from the sides (the vehicle can carry four regular Marines <ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''</ref>). The Hornet is slightly larger as than the [[Covenant]] [[Banshee]].<ref>September 2007 Issue of EGM's vehicle scale chart.</ref> Unlike the Banshee, the Hornet can remain stationary in the air, but it lacks the evasive maneuvers of the Banshee.  
[[Image:Halo-3-20070923023521817.jpg|thumb|left|150px|A Hornet carrying [[Marines]].]]
The Hornet is a vertical take off and landing vehicle (VTOL) that has been in service for over 28 years, and serves as the UNSCs rapid assault and reconnaissance vehicle. The Hornet is an atmospheric craft and as such cannot be deployed by orbital cruisers; unless a [[UNSC Frigate|ship]] rated for atmospheric entry, can deliver Hornets to the battlefield; however it is easier for Hornets to be deployed from an air base located on the surface then a ship.


The controls for the Hornet appears to be similar to those of a helicopter, suggesting that as turbine-driven VTOL craft became more practical, they replaced helicopters. The Hornet is most likely used in a supporting role to larger crafts, such as the [[Pelican]] Dropship or the [[Hawk]], though the latter carries heavier armaments at the expense of being unable to ferry soldiers. The Hornet can be used as a gunship, a troop carrier, or an air support craft.
The Hornet consists of a one-man cockpit, and a rear section extending approximately one meter backward. From the top of this rear section are a set of wings with what appear to be an advanced Turboprop Engine on gyro rotators at the ends, providing the Hornet's main source of propulsion. the front of the Hornet contains a Target Acquisition and Designation System, along with cameras and sensors. On each side of the cockpit is a jump-seat extending backward that doubles as a landing skid. These skids allow up to four passengers <ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''</ref>. The Hornet features both anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon systems, increasing the vehicle's battlefield utility. The anti-infantry system in composed of two triple-barrel fire-linked rotary cannons. These are located on either side above the cockpit on the leading edge of the wing. The guns fire synchronously and can be elevated and depressed to a small degree without affecting the flight pattern of the Hornet. The anti-vehicle system is composed of two [[Class-2 Guided Munition Launch System]] belly-mounted under the port and starboard skids. Upon activation, each pod fires a single missile. Like the Missile Pod support weapon, this system is capable of achieving a target lock, although the tracking system in the Hornet's missiles is slightly inferior. Given the Hornet's maneuvering characteristics and loitering capability, it is an excellent anti-vehicle unit. The Hornet is slightly larger as than the [[Covenant]] [[Banshee]].<ref>September 2007 Issue of EGM's vehicle scale chart.</ref> Unlike the Banshee, the Hornet can remain stationary in the air, but it lacks the evasive maneuvers of the Banshee.  


==Operational History==
The controls for the Hornet appears to be similar to those of a helicopter, suggesting that as turbine-driven VTOL craft became more practical, they replaced helicopters. Although the Hornet primary serves as an attack craft, like most UNSC hardware it is flexible able to serve a support role or to escort larger UNSC crafts if needed. The Hornet is very resistant to small arms fire. However, the [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] on the Warthog is capable of doing heavy damage to it. A Gauss cannon can destroy a Hornet in three consecutive hits. [[Wraith]] mortars and [[Scorpion]] rounds are both one hit kills if they hit.
[[Image:1210056319 SpecOps Teamwork.jpg|thumb|left|A Hornet at the [[Battle of the Citadel]].]]
Hornets were used as early as [[2524]], during [[Operation: TREBUCHET]] when they were used to ferry [[Marine]] strike teams from target to target as well as evacuating wounded men. In [[Halo: Contact Harvest]], Sergeant Johnson has an [[M99 Stanchion Gauss Rifle]] tied to the wing of the Hornet he rides.  


Hornets also saw use in the [[Third Battle of Harvest]] as ground support and fighter aircraft, as well as at the [[First Battle of Arcadia]] and the [[Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World]].
===Advantages===
The AV-14 Hornet is known for its efficiency in combat situations, its multi purpose role provides a wide amount of tasks the AV-14 can perform without any major problems. In its role as an attack craft the AV-14 is very effective at hunting down and destroying armor with relative ease; the Class-II GMLS can take down the toughest Covenant armor in only a few strikes, making it the UNSC's prime choice for hunting down Tanks. Its ability to engage infantry, also makes the AV-14 both an attack and defensive craft, the triple-barrel rotary cannons can take down heavy armored and shielded targets with relative ease, and its ability to place itself in a stationary position to lay down cover fire while a larger craft retrieves fellow infantry also fulfills its role as a support craft. The firepower on the craft also is an added bonus when escorting other aircraft into dangerous territory that could be susceptible to ground fire, its role as a support craft is also bolstered by its ability to insert small strike teams into combat situations with ease.


Hornets were not observed after that until much later, during the [[Second Battle of Earth]] in [[2552]]. They provided air cover throughout the battles at [[New Mombasa]] and [[Voi]]. Several Hornets were later brought to the [[Ark]] and fought against enemy [[Banshee]] formations during the [[Battle of the Ark]].
===Disadvantages===
While the AV-14 Hornet has a wide variety of roles and advantages its greatest weakness is its small size and armor. Because the AV-14 is so small its armor is light, and the craft can easily be taken down by Light Anti-Aircraft Guns, high viscosity cannons can shred the AV-14 to pieces with only one strike. Passengers on the AV-14 have no protection at all and must be tired down to the vehicle or risking falling to their deaths, should a major problem arise, because of this the AV-14 is mostly used for inserting strike teams, and not extracting them, the vulnerability of the AV-14 and the high risk of casualties mandates that larger more well armored crafts like the [[Pelican]] be placed in combat situations for extracting UNSC personnel.


==Specifications==
===Transport Hornet===
[[Image:Hornetthruster.jpg|thumb|right|A close up of a Hornet's propulsion system while active.]]
The Transport Hornet, is exclusive to [[Avalanche]] and [[Sandbox (Level)|Sandbox]]. this variant of the Hornet is camouflaged grayish-white. Its missile pods have been removed and its cannons' rates of fire has been decreased, shifting the Hornet from an aggressive assault vehicle to a more conservative air support/transport unit.<ref>Bungie Podcast, 8-27-07</ref> The Snow Hornet on Avalanche has been used as a very effective transport vehicle for teams during objective games. It has also been noted to be slightly faster than its normal counterpart, probably to make up for the slow rate of firepower.  
===Armament===
The Hornet features both anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon systems, increasing the vehicle's battlefield utility. The anti-infantry system in composed of two triple-barrel fire-linked rotary cannons. These are located on either side above the cockpit on the leading edge of the wing. The guns fire synchronously and can be elevated and depressed to a small degree without affecting the flight pattern of the Hornet. The anti-vehicle system is composed of two belly-mounted missile pods located under the port and starboard skids. Upon activation, each pod fires a single missile. Like the Missile Pod support weapon, this system is capable of achieving a target lock, although the tracking system in the Hornet's missiles is slightly inferior. Given the Hornet's maneuvering characteristics and loitering capability, it is an excellent anti-vehicle unit.
 
===Armor===
The Hornet is very resistant to small arms fire. However, the machine gun/plasma cannon and the armaments on the Warthog are capable of doing heavy damage to it. A Gauss cannon can destroy a Hornet in three consecutive hits. [[Wraith]] mortars and Scorpion rounds are both one hit kills if they hit near the cockpit, otherwise, they will simply drain the driver's shield. Rockets and [[Spartan Lasers]] are able to destroy Hornets with one shot. Missile Pods require three to four hits. Sustained gunfire will crack and shatter the canopy, leaving the pilot vulnerable to sniper fire.
 
==Appearances==
Hornets debuted in ''[[Halo 3]]''. They are first seen at the beginning of the level [[Crow's Nest (Level)|Crow's Nest]]. Though Hornets are visible fighting Banshees for many of the early levels, they are only available for use by the player twice, both times in the [[Campaign]] level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant.]] In the first appearance, they are used to move quickly from one location to another, with air-to-air combat in between. Later in the mission, they prove to be useful to take down two [[Scarab]]s as they can hover in position to destroy the power core or remove any [[Brutes]] and [[Grunts]] on the Scarab or on nearby vehicles.
 
The Hornet can be used in ''Halo 3'' [[Multiplayer]]. It can be added to most maps only through [[Forge (gameplay mode)|Forge]], and is thus only available in [[Custom Games]]. [[Avalanche]], however, a map in the [[Legendary Map Pack]], includes a down-graded, snow-camouflaged Hornet which is usable both in Matchmaking and Custom Games. Both the 'transport' and 'normal' versions appear on the Mythic Map [[Sandbox]].
 
 
[[Image:1226300089 Hornet 3render.jpg|300px|thumb|left|The Hornet in Halo Wars. Note the large chin-mounted gun.]]
The Hornet also appears in ''[[Halo Wars]]'' as the main-line UNSC aircraft. Can be built at the [[Air Pad]] for a cost of 250 resources with a minimum tech level of 2, It takes 2 population slots. It is capable of engaging both ground and air targets and has two upgrades:
*Wingmen: Adds two Marines riding who carry a [[Rocket Launcher]] each.
*Chaff Pod: Increases the Hornet's avoidance of anti-air fire.
 
Also, only when [[Professor Anders]] is the selected leader in Skirmish or Multiplayer:
*[[Hawk]]: Upgrades the Hornet into the Hawk gunship equipped with laser beams, which has a greater firepower and hitpoints.
{{clear}}
 
===Hornet Versus [[Banshee]]===
The Hornet is commonly said to be far superior to its Covenant counterpart, the Banshee. In many ways, this is true. For example:
* A Hornet's rotary cannons are more effective against personnel and vehicles than the Banshee's plasma cannons.
* Hornets can hover, as well fly backwards, while Banshees are restricted to always flying forward.
* Banshees cannot turn quickly, while Hornets can. If a Banshee is being fired at from the rear, it is an easy target.
* Hornets can carry passengers, and are much harder to hijack than Banshees.
* The Hornet has a faster cruising speed than the Banshee but the Banshee's ability to boost gives it a higher top speed. However, a Banshee will lose offensive capabilities when using boost.
* The Hornet's missile pods have a higher rate of fire than the Banshee's fuel rod cannon, allowing the pilot a larger window of error and quicker re-engagement times, as well as being able to more quickly suppress a larger number of armored targets.
 
'''However, Banshees do have some advantages over the Hornet:'''
* A Banshee has evasive rolls and flips to avoid enemy fire. Lacking these, Hornets are easier targets.
* Hornets lack a boost, which the Banshee has and can propel the Banshee across a map very quickly, or flee a battle.
* A Banshee's Fuel Rod Cannon can inflict more damage in a single shot than the Hornet's missiles.
* If the glass hood of the Hornet is damaged, then then the pilot is extremely vulnerable to sniper fire.  A rather easy shot to the head from such a weapon could finish off a distracted pilot with ease. A Banshee, in comparison, is exceedingly difficult to damage with a sniper rifle.
* The Banshee's armor is slightly stronger than the Hornet's, likely to balance out the fact that the Hornet's Gatling-guns fire at a faster rate than its Plasma Cannons.


==Halo 3 Hornet Strategies==
==Tactics==
The Hornet is extremely effective in Halo 3 if used correctly. In Campaign, the Hornet dominates all battles it enters with its accurate and effective rotary cannons, as well as its guided missiles. While in [[Matchmaking]] on [[Avalanche (Level)|Avalanche]], however, the Hornet has no missiles, the rotary cannons have a slower rate of fire, is Snow-camouflaged, and moves slightly faster. Thus, it remains a great transport and support vehicle, and can change the face of a battle if used properly. Here are a list of tips for both pilots and troops riding on the jump seats of Hornets.
The Hornet is extremely effective in Halo 3 if used correctly. In Campaign, the Hornet dominates all battles it enters with its accurate and effective rotary cannons, as well as its guided missiles. While in [[Matchmaking]] on [[Avalanche (Level)|Avalanche]], however, the Hornet has no missiles, the rotary cannons have a slower rate of fire, is Snow-camouflaged, and moves slightly faster. Thus, it remains a great transport and support vehicle, and can change the face of a battle if used properly. Here are a list of tips for both pilots and troops riding on the jump seats of Hornets.
===Campaign===
*In Campaign, it is best to give your [[Marine]] allies a heavy weapon like a [[Rocket Launcher]], they can assist in destroying nearby infantry/vehicles that are often not in your sight.
*When engaging the Scarabs on [[The Covenant (Level)]] using a Hornet, be sure to continuously circle around the heavy attack platforms, as their weapons will take you down pretty quick on higher difficulty's.
*Another handy way of taking on the Scarabs is to fly underneath them and attack their weak spot from behind, until the Scarab is destroyed, be cautious of the other scarab trying to attack you though. 


*The Hornet can only take so much damage before going down. Three missiles from a [[Missile Pod]] will take one out. Therefore, if you hear a beeping sound signaling that you are being tracked, try to do some evasive moves, like spinning the Hornet while moving backwards and diving. If the Hornet is being tracked by someone with a [[Spartan Laser]], as in when you see the red laser near your Hornet, it is best advised for you and your passengers to drop out of the vehicle or bring the vehicle to ground as quickly as possible. (Note: In Matchmaking, your teammates sometimes may not hear you.)
===Multiplayer===
 
*The Hornet can only take so much damage before going down. Three missiles from a [[Missile Pod]] will take one out. If the Hornet is being tracked by someone with a [[Spartan Laser]], it is best advised for you and your passengers to drop out of the vehicle or bring the vehicle to ground as quickly as possible.
*One discharge of a Spartan Laser is sufficient to either bring the vehicle down, or inflict critical damage and seriously injure the pilot on a near-hit. If a hit is landed on your aircraft, it is advisable to retreat immediately and recharge your shielding before re-engaging.
*One discharge of a Spartan Laser is sufficient to either bring the vehicle down, or inflict critical damage and seriously injure the pilot on a near-hit. If a hit is landed on your aircraft, it is advisable to retreat immediately and recharge your shielding before re-engaging.
 
*Passengers that are armed with Rocket Launchers or Spartan Lasers can help compensate for the lack of missile pods on the transport variant, although passengers can be hindered due to their limited field of view, restricted firing angles, and vulnerability to heavy weapons and small arms fire while riding on the skids. When this tactic is properly employed by a skilled crew on a standard variant, it creates a heavy weapons platform that is exceptionally difficult for the opposing team to engage without absorbing serious casualties.
*In Campaign, it is best to give your [[Marine]] allies a heavy weapon like a [[Rocket Launcher]], they can assist in destroying nearby infantry/vehicles that are often not in your sight.
 
*Passengers that are armed with Rocket Launchers or Spartan Lasers can help compensate for the lack of missile pods on the tranport variant, although passengers can be hindered due to their limited field of view, restricted firing angles, and vulnerability to heavy weapons and small arms fire while riding on the skids. When this tactic is properly employed by a skilled crew on a standard variant, it creates a heavy weapons platform that is exceptionally difficult for the opposing team to engage without absorbing serious casualties.
 
*Like the [[Mongoose]], the Hornet can be used for rapid relocation of a sniper or platform to fire from as it can go as high as some unreachable structures, and also serves an excellent objective item-holding carrier, being a more durable and harder to hit target than a Mongoose or a Warthog.
*Like the [[Mongoose]], the Hornet can be used for rapid relocation of a sniper or platform to fire from as it can go as high as some unreachable structures, and also serves an excellent objective item-holding carrier, being a more durable and harder to hit target than a Mongoose or a Warthog.
*Do not engage Warthogs with the Hornet unless you have a range advantage, or the element of surprise, or teammates providing sufficient supporting fire. The Warthog's turret can easily rip an overzealous Hornet to shreds. However, attacking a Wraith while in a Hornet is recommended, as the Wraith's arcing shot make it difficult to line up with a flying target and hit. Wraith mortars rarely hit a Hornet, but if there is someone on the Wraith's secondary turret, try to fight and fall back if your shields get low, as it can rip up a Hornet like a Warthog's turret, if you are not careful. And also, try to watch your back as the Hornet can be clumsy and easily bump into a tree or rock formation, giving the Wraith a chance at hitting.
*Do not engage Warthogs with the Hornet unless you have a range advantage, or the element of surprise, or teammates providing sufficient supporting fire. The Warthog's turret can easily rip an overzealous Hornet to shreds. However, attacking a Wraith while in a Hornet is recommended, as the Wraith's arcing shot make it difficult to line up with a flying target and hit. Wraith mortars rarely hit a Hornet, but if there is someone on the Wraith's secondary turret, try to fight and fall back if your shields get low, as it can rip up a Hornet like a Warthog's turret, if you are not careful. And also, try to watch your back as the Hornet can be clumsy and easily bump into a tree or rock formation, giving the Wraith a chance at hitting.
*Skilled pilots may decide to use the Hornet much like the Pelican, in that you could use the Hornet to drop off teammates near strategic locations. Be wary if using this tactic near enemy bases, as you are more than guaranteed to get shot at by explosives.
*Skilled pilots may decide to use the Hornet much like the Pelican, in that you could use the Hornet to drop off teammates near strategic locations. Be wary if using this tactic near enemy bases, as you are more than guaranteed to get shot at by explosives.
 
*In a match where the Hornet is available, get two people riding jumpseat, and have the passengers equipped with a [[Bubble Shield]]. When someone attacks the Hornet with a heavy weapon, get one person to deploy the bubble shield. If done right the bubble shield will block the blast and then fall to the ground.
*Actually, the Hornet passenger have third person view. It takes quite an amount of fiddling about to actually see this, though. The camera is directly above the passenger's head.
 
*Whilst in matchmaking get one person to pilot a hornet and two people riding jumpseat. Have the passengers equipped with [[bubble shield]]s. When someone attacks the hornet with a rocket launcher or heavy weaponry, get one person riding to deploy the bubble shield, it takes excellent timing. If done right the bubble shield will block the blast and then fall to the ground.
 
*Whilst in matchmaking, get two hornet passengers equipped with [[trip mine]]s, then fly over enemy vehicles and drop trip mines on them.
 
*When riding jumpseat on a hornet, get the pilot to fly at a low altitude, then jump off right into the enemy base. Be careful not to get shot down.
 
*An ordinary Hornet (not transport) with two passengers equipped with heavy weapons would have devastating firepower.
 
===Transport Hornet===
[[Image:Snowhornet.jpg|thumb|right|The snow-camouflaged Hornet for [[Avalanche]].]]
The Transport Hornet, also known as the Snow Camouflaged Hornet is exclusive to [[Avalanche]] and [[Sandbox (Level)|Sandbox]]. The new version of the Hornet is camouflaged grayish-white. Bungie has removed its missiles and decreased its cannons' rates of fire (e.g. the Transport Hornet's guns are weaker then those of the [[Warthog]]'s [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|LAAG]]), shifting the Hornet from an aggressive assault vehicle to a more conservative air support/transport unit.<ref>Bungie Podcast, 8-27-07</ref> These alterations will even out dogfights with the Covenant Banshee, giving the Banshee a chance against this new Hornet in the air, instead of the Hornet acting as a practically unstoppable "hovering platform of death". The Snow Hornet on Avalanche has been used as a very effective transport vehicle for teams during objective games. It has also been noted to be slightly faster than its normal counterpart, probably to make up for the slow rate of firepower.
The best way to counter this type of Hornet is with the Warthog's turret, which completely overpowers the Hornet.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[Image:Glassinglaz0r.jpg|thumb|A Hornet near a Prophet "Cleansing Beam". Note the lack of an under-slung machine gun.]]
*Director James Cameron's new sci-fi action movie AVATAR features a rotary style VTOL craft that resembles the Hornet.  
*If you want to get better at piloting Hornets in ''Halo 3'' [[Multiplayer]], a good practice  approach is to play the level "The Covenant" on [[Legendary]] from Rally Point Alpha, and strictly use your twin-machine gun turrets, not your homing missiles. This really helps if you want to improve your dog fighting skills.
*The Hornet is mentioned in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', and it used by the Marines of Alpha and Bravo company's to take down [[Insurrectionist]]s on [[Tribute]]. it is the last time [[Avery J. Johnson]] kills another human being.
*The Hornet was mentioned in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', [[Sergeant Johnson]] was in one of the jump-seats whilst trying to snipe an [[Insurrectionist]].
*The Hornet bears a slight resemblance to its namesake insect with the "wings" growing slightly wider towards the end (like a real hornet's wing) and with the personnel jump seats mimicking the long back legs that often trail behind the posterior of the insect.
*The Hornet bears a slight resemblance to its namesake insect with the "wings" growing slightly wider towards the end (like a real hornet's wing) and with the personnel jump seats mimicking the long back legs that often trail behind the posterior of the insect.
*Not including the pilot, the Hornet is capable of fitting two Spartans or Marines in ''Halo 3'', but in the book "Halo: Contact Harvest," Hornets can carry four [[UNSC]] Marines for insertion operations, much like contemporary MH-6 "Little Birds." <ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', page 9</ref>
*Not including the pilot, the Hornet is capable of carrying two Spartans, or Marines in ''Halo 3'', however in the novel "Halo: Contact Harvest," Hornets can carry four [[UNSC]] Marines for insertion operations, much like contemporary MH-6 "Little Birds." <ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', page 9</ref>
*[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]] is the only level in the Halo 3 Campaign in which the Hornet is available, but is usable twice during the mission.
*[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]] is the only level in the Halo 3 Campaign in which the Hornet is available, but is usable twice during the mission.
*Due to the presence of a winch at the rear of the aircraft, it has been suggested that a [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]] could be carried under the hull of the Hornet. This, however, is not possible in-game.
*Unlike [[Spartans]], [[Elites]] will not hold onto the handle bars when they get into the passenger seat.
*A funny glitch that can be seen in [[Campaign]] is when the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] sits in a hornet, his feet stick out on the bottom.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', it seems the Hornet doesn't use it's twin chain guns, but rather a chin-mounted Gatling gun, but this may simply be a different, or earlier variant, as ''Halo Wars'' is set over 20 years prior to Halo 3
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', it seems the Hornet doesn't use it's twin chain guns, but rather a chin-mounted Gatling gun, but this may simply be a different, or earlier variant, as ''Halo Wars'' is set over 20 years prior to Halo 3
*Sometimes in Halo Wars, a selected Hornet will say "AV-14 reporting". A rare occurrence to a vehicle in a Halo game being called by it's model name instead of the nickname.
*In Halo Wars, when the "Wingmen" upgrade is unlocked for the Hornet, the Marines sit on the wings instead of stand like they do in Halo 3 because they are much larger.
*In Halo Wars, when the "Wingmen" upgrade is unlocked for the Hornet, the Marines sit on the wings instead of stand (like they do in Halo 3) because they are much larger. This is because all units in Halo Wars are not to scale with each other.
*Elites cannot throw equipment off of a hornet.
*It is possible to snipe a Hornet pilot by shooting once or twice to shatter the cockpit and then again to get the kill.
*Four or six people can actually fit on a Hornet if the walk on to the wings and balance. They also can zoom in, but are usually prone to falling while zoomed in though.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Hornet war.jpg|A Squadron of Hornets supported by a Sparrowhawk attempt to protect a number of Pelican dropships from a Scarab.
Image:HornetConcept.jpg|A early Hornet concept, with a gunner being placed on the back, this idea was later abandoned.
Image:Snowhornet.jpg|The snow-camouflaged Hornet for [[Avalanche]].
Image:Hornetboom.JPG|A Hornet in the verge of destruction.
Image:Hornetboom.JPG|A Hornet in the verge of destruction.
Image:HornetConcept.jpg|Concept art of a Hornet.
Image:Hornetthruster.jpg|A close up of a Hornet's propulsion system while active.
Image:1226300089 Hornet 3render.jpg|The Hornet in Halo Wars. Note the large chin-mounted gun.
Image:Hornet war.jpg|A Squadron of Hornets supported by a Sparrowhawk.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Revision as of 18:35, June 21, 2009

Template:Ratings Template:Ship The AV-14 Attack VTOL, colloquially known as the "Hornet", is a United Nations Space Command airborne assault vehicle.

Overview

File:Halo-3-20070923023521817.jpg
A Hornet carrying Marines.

The Hornet is a vertical take off and landing vehicle (VTOL) that has been in service for over 28 years, and serves as the UNSCs rapid assault and reconnaissance vehicle. The Hornet is an atmospheric craft and as such cannot be deployed by orbital cruisers; unless a ship rated for atmospheric entry, can deliver Hornets to the battlefield; however it is easier for Hornets to be deployed from an air base located on the surface then a ship.

The Hornet consists of a one-man cockpit, and a rear section extending approximately one meter backward. From the top of this rear section are a set of wings with what appear to be an advanced Turboprop Engine on gyro rotators at the ends, providing the Hornet's main source of propulsion. the front of the Hornet contains a Target Acquisition and Designation System, along with cameras and sensors. On each side of the cockpit is a jump-seat extending backward that doubles as a landing skid. These skids allow up to four passengers [1]. The Hornet features both anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon systems, increasing the vehicle's battlefield utility. The anti-infantry system in composed of two triple-barrel fire-linked rotary cannons. These are located on either side above the cockpit on the leading edge of the wing. The guns fire synchronously and can be elevated and depressed to a small degree without affecting the flight pattern of the Hornet. The anti-vehicle system is composed of two Class-2 Guided Munition Launch System belly-mounted under the port and starboard skids. Upon activation, each pod fires a single missile. Like the Missile Pod support weapon, this system is capable of achieving a target lock, although the tracking system in the Hornet's missiles is slightly inferior. Given the Hornet's maneuvering characteristics and loitering capability, it is an excellent anti-vehicle unit. The Hornet is slightly larger as than the Covenant Banshee.[2] Unlike the Banshee, the Hornet can remain stationary in the air, but it lacks the evasive maneuvers of the Banshee.

The controls for the Hornet appears to be similar to those of a helicopter, suggesting that as turbine-driven VTOL craft became more practical, they replaced helicopters. Although the Hornet primary serves as an attack craft, like most UNSC hardware it is flexible able to serve a support role or to escort larger UNSC crafts if needed. The Hornet is very resistant to small arms fire. However, the M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun on the Warthog is capable of doing heavy damage to it. A Gauss cannon can destroy a Hornet in three consecutive hits. Wraith mortars and Scorpion rounds are both one hit kills if they hit.

Advantages

The AV-14 Hornet is known for its efficiency in combat situations, its multi purpose role provides a wide amount of tasks the AV-14 can perform without any major problems. In its role as an attack craft the AV-14 is very effective at hunting down and destroying armor with relative ease; the Class-II GMLS can take down the toughest Covenant armor in only a few strikes, making it the UNSC's prime choice for hunting down Tanks. Its ability to engage infantry, also makes the AV-14 both an attack and defensive craft, the triple-barrel rotary cannons can take down heavy armored and shielded targets with relative ease, and its ability to place itself in a stationary position to lay down cover fire while a larger craft retrieves fellow infantry also fulfills its role as a support craft. The firepower on the craft also is an added bonus when escorting other aircraft into dangerous territory that could be susceptible to ground fire, its role as a support craft is also bolstered by its ability to insert small strike teams into combat situations with ease.

Disadvantages

While the AV-14 Hornet has a wide variety of roles and advantages its greatest weakness is its small size and armor. Because the AV-14 is so small its armor is light, and the craft can easily be taken down by Light Anti-Aircraft Guns, high viscosity cannons can shred the AV-14 to pieces with only one strike. Passengers on the AV-14 have no protection at all and must be tired down to the vehicle or risking falling to their deaths, should a major problem arise, because of this the AV-14 is mostly used for inserting strike teams, and not extracting them, the vulnerability of the AV-14 and the high risk of casualties mandates that larger more well armored crafts like the Pelican be placed in combat situations for extracting UNSC personnel.

Transport Hornet

The Transport Hornet, is exclusive to Avalanche and Sandbox. this variant of the Hornet is camouflaged grayish-white. Its missile pods have been removed and its cannons' rates of fire has been decreased, shifting the Hornet from an aggressive assault vehicle to a more conservative air support/transport unit.[3] The Snow Hornet on Avalanche has been used as a very effective transport vehicle for teams during objective games. It has also been noted to be slightly faster than its normal counterpart, probably to make up for the slow rate of firepower.

Tactics

The Hornet is extremely effective in Halo 3 if used correctly. In Campaign, the Hornet dominates all battles it enters with its accurate and effective rotary cannons, as well as its guided missiles. While in Matchmaking on Avalanche, however, the Hornet has no missiles, the rotary cannons have a slower rate of fire, is Snow-camouflaged, and moves slightly faster. Thus, it remains a great transport and support vehicle, and can change the face of a battle if used properly. Here are a list of tips for both pilots and troops riding on the jump seats of Hornets.

Campaign

  • In Campaign, it is best to give your Marine allies a heavy weapon like a Rocket Launcher, they can assist in destroying nearby infantry/vehicles that are often not in your sight.
  • When engaging the Scarabs on The Covenant (Level) using a Hornet, be sure to continuously circle around the heavy attack platforms, as their weapons will take you down pretty quick on higher difficulty's.
  • Another handy way of taking on the Scarabs is to fly underneath them and attack their weak spot from behind, until the Scarab is destroyed, be cautious of the other scarab trying to attack you though.

Multiplayer

  • The Hornet can only take so much damage before going down. Three missiles from a Missile Pod will take one out. If the Hornet is being tracked by someone with a Spartan Laser, it is best advised for you and your passengers to drop out of the vehicle or bring the vehicle to ground as quickly as possible.
  • One discharge of a Spartan Laser is sufficient to either bring the vehicle down, or inflict critical damage and seriously injure the pilot on a near-hit. If a hit is landed on your aircraft, it is advisable to retreat immediately and recharge your shielding before re-engaging.
  • Passengers that are armed with Rocket Launchers or Spartan Lasers can help compensate for the lack of missile pods on the transport variant, although passengers can be hindered due to their limited field of view, restricted firing angles, and vulnerability to heavy weapons and small arms fire while riding on the skids. When this tactic is properly employed by a skilled crew on a standard variant, it creates a heavy weapons platform that is exceptionally difficult for the opposing team to engage without absorbing serious casualties.
  • Like the Mongoose, the Hornet can be used for rapid relocation of a sniper or platform to fire from as it can go as high as some unreachable structures, and also serves an excellent objective item-holding carrier, being a more durable and harder to hit target than a Mongoose or a Warthog.
  • Do not engage Warthogs with the Hornet unless you have a range advantage, or the element of surprise, or teammates providing sufficient supporting fire. The Warthog's turret can easily rip an overzealous Hornet to shreds. However, attacking a Wraith while in a Hornet is recommended, as the Wraith's arcing shot make it difficult to line up with a flying target and hit. Wraith mortars rarely hit a Hornet, but if there is someone on the Wraith's secondary turret, try to fight and fall back if your shields get low, as it can rip up a Hornet like a Warthog's turret, if you are not careful. And also, try to watch your back as the Hornet can be clumsy and easily bump into a tree or rock formation, giving the Wraith a chance at hitting.
  • Skilled pilots may decide to use the Hornet much like the Pelican, in that you could use the Hornet to drop off teammates near strategic locations. Be wary if using this tactic near enemy bases, as you are more than guaranteed to get shot at by explosives.
  • In a match where the Hornet is available, get two people riding jumpseat, and have the passengers equipped with a Bubble Shield. When someone attacks the Hornet with a heavy weapon, get one person to deploy the bubble shield. If done right the bubble shield will block the blast and then fall to the ground.

Trivia

  • Director James Cameron's new sci-fi action movie AVATAR features a rotary style VTOL craft that resembles the Hornet.
  • The Hornet is mentioned in Halo: Contact Harvest, and it used by the Marines of Alpha and Bravo company's to take down Insurrectionists on Tribute. it is the last time Avery J. Johnson kills another human being.
  • The Hornet bears a slight resemblance to its namesake insect with the "wings" growing slightly wider towards the end (like a real hornet's wing) and with the personnel jump seats mimicking the long back legs that often trail behind the posterior of the insect.
  • Not including the pilot, the Hornet is capable of carrying two Spartans, or Marines in Halo 3, however in the novel "Halo: Contact Harvest," Hornets can carry four UNSC Marines for insertion operations, much like contemporary MH-6 "Little Birds." [4]
  • The Covenant is the only level in the Halo 3 Campaign in which the Hornet is available, but is usable twice during the mission.
  • In Halo Wars, it seems the Hornet doesn't use it's twin chain guns, but rather a chin-mounted Gatling gun, but this may simply be a different, or earlier variant, as Halo Wars is set over 20 years prior to Halo 3
  • In Halo Wars, when the "Wingmen" upgrade is unlocked for the Hornet, the Marines sit on the wings instead of stand like they do in Halo 3 because they are much larger.

Gallery

  • HornetConcept.jpg

    A early Hornet concept, with a gunner being placed on the back, this idea was later abandoned.

  • Snowhornet.jpg

    The snow-camouflaged Hornet for Avalanche.

  • Hornetboom.JPG

    A Hornet in the verge of destruction.

  • Hornetthruster.jpg

    A close up of a Hornet's propulsion system while active.

  • 1226300089 Hornet 3render.jpg

    The Hornet in Halo Wars. Note the large chin-mounted gun.

  • A Squadron of Hornets supported by a Sparrowhawk.

    A Squadron of Hornets supported by a Sparrowhawk.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  2. ^ September 2007 Issue of EGM's vehicle scale chart.
  3. ^ Bungie Podcast, 8-27-07
  4. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 9

Related Links

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External Links

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