Halcyon-class light cruiser: Difference between revisions
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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"/> | 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. | 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]]. Later, in orbit above the Foreunner construct known as Halo, the ''Autumn'' destroyed four additional CCS-class cruisers under the guidance of the AI Cortana. While much of this success 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. Unfortunately, the ship and nearly all of its original crew were destroyed in an attempt to prevent the firing of the Halo array, and to prevent the release of the parasitic life-form known as the Flood. The detonation of the ''Autumn's'' fusion reactors destroyed not only the ring, but the majority of the Covenant flotilla which had pursued it from Reach. | |||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
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*Scrapped hulls and frames of several Halcyon-class cruisers can be seen on the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' multiplayer map, [[Boneyard]]. | *Scrapped hulls and frames of several Halcyon-class cruisers can be seen on the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' multiplayer map, [[Boneyard]]. | ||
*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 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 ''Autumn'' held the highest capital ship kill count of any | *The ''Autumn'' held the highest capital ship kill-count of any vessel in the UNSC Navy. Excluding suicide attacks and massed nuclear barrages, the ''Autumn'' destroyed at least four CCS-class cruisers above Installation 04 using conventional weapons. This was after a prolonged engagement at Reach in which the ''Autumn'' also destroyed numerous, and superior warships. Much like John-117, the ship was extraordinarily lucky in its brief service. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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- "A dozen Covenant superior battleships against a single Halcyon-class cruiser. Given those odds, I'm content with three... make that four kills."
- — Cortana
The Halcyon-class light cruiser,[1] known as Human Attack Ship class C-II by the Covenant,[2] was a United Nations Space Command cruiser starship classification designed by 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 Marathon-class cruiser. Despite the disadvantages of the original design, the heavily modified Template:UNSCship proved to be one of the most effective, and costly, ships deployed in the war.
History
At just over 1.17 kilometers in length and one-third the tonnage of the succeeding Marathon class, the Halcyons were the smallest of vessels to be designated and structured as cruisers. Compared to later ships, the original Halcyons 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 MAC gun. According to the AI Cortana, these ships were considered laughable within the UNSC fleet.[3]
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 Template:UNSCship was able to inflict damage far beyond its tonnage, engaging and destroying Covenant frigates, a DDS-class carrier and a Covenant supercruiser. Later, in orbit above the Foreunner construct known as Halo, the Autumn destroyed four additional CCS-class cruisers under the guidance of the AI Cortana. While much of this success 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. Unfortunately, the ship and nearly all of its original crew were destroyed in an attempt to prevent the firing of the Halo array, and to prevent the release of the parasitic life-form known as the Flood. The detonation of the Autumn's fusion reactors destroyed not only the ring, but the majority of the Covenant flotilla which had pursued it from Reach.
Design
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 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.[3] The durability of the design was demonstrated by the UNSC Pillar of Autumn when she survived a crash-landing on 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.[4] 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.
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.
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, Longsword Interceptors, Warthogs and Scorpion Tanks to be carried.[5]
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.
Halcyon-class cruisers are constructed in space and are not rated for atmospheric deployment;[6] however, R7 thrust couplings 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.[7]
Armament
Known elements of the Halcyon-classes' original armament consisted of the following;
- One Magnetic Accelerator Cannon
- Six Archer missile pods which were far below standards at the time. Each pod would have contained several individual missiles.
- Four Shiva-class nuclear missiles
- Numerous 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.[8]
- 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
- Main article: 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.[9] There are six exhausts visible, two large and four small. These engines are powered by reactions between hydrogen isotopes, including deuterium.[10] The main engine core consists of a three underpowered Mark II Hanley-Messer reactors which provided 10% of modern engine output as of 2552.[3]
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.[11]
The class was also equipped with a standard Slipspace drive for translight speeds.
Ships of the line
- UNSC Constantinople
- UNSC Dawn Under Heaven
- UNSC Pillar of Autumn - After refitting, the Autumn was selected as the SPARTAN-IIs' 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.
- Numerous Halcyon cruisers were part of Admiral Preston Cole's fleet.
Trivia
- Halcyon is derived from the Greek word Alcyone, which means golden or marked by peace and prosperity.
- Scrapped hulls and frames of several Halcyon-class cruisers can be seen on the Halo: Reach multiplayer map, Boneyard.
- 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 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 Autumn held the highest capital ship kill-count of any vessel in the UNSC Navy. Excluding suicide attacks and massed nuclear barrages, the Autumn destroyed at least four CCS-class cruisers above Installation 04 using conventional weapons. This was after a prolonged engagement at Reach in which the Autumn also destroyed numerous, and superior warships. Much like John-117, the ship was extraordinarily lucky in its brief service.
Gallery
The Pillar of Autumn in space in Halo: Reach.
Profile view of the Halcyon-class light cruiser Pillar of Autumn in Halo: Combat Evolved.
A vertical cross-section of a Halcyon-class ship, showing the honeycombed internal layout.
- POA-MAC Schematic.jpg
An overlay of the Pillar of Autumn and its MAC.
A docking bay.
A typical internal corridor.
An armory.
A Halcyon-class using its 50mm PDG against Covenant boarding craft.
Halcyon cruisers sitting in a decommissioning yard on Reach.
- Holdout.jpg
A Halcyon Class cruiser on the surface of Reach.
- Reach 3889544 Full.jpg
Another view of a Halcyon class cruiser on Reach.
List of appearances
- Halo: The Fall of Reach (First appearance)
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- Halo: The Flood
- Halo 2
- Halo: Contact Harvest
- Halo Wars (Mentioned only)
- Halo Wars: Genesis (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
- Halo Legends
- Origins
- Odd One Out (Non-canonical appearance)
- Halo: Reach
- Halo: Fall of Reach
Sources
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 42
- ^ Halo: The Flood, page 4
- ^ a b c Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 238
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
- ^ 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.
- ^ Halo: The Flood, page 40
- ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
- ^ 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.)
- ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 275
- ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 174
