Holotank

Holotank displaying Cortana.

Holotank, also referred to as a holo-projector, is a device used to project to a hologram. A variety of different sizes and shapes of holotank exist, and the term is used to refer to both UNSC^[1] and Covenant^[2] devices. Small holotanks commonly used by AIs are often referred to as holo-pedestals.

UNSC

Holotanks are used to project a hologram of information and are sometimes reserved for AIs, though other information can be displayed, such as mission recordings and holo-vids. UNSC Holotanks vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from small cylindrical pedestals reserved for AI avatars to large tables used to display tactical information.

Covenant

The Covenant commonly use holotanks on their starships, and they are plentiful in High Charity as well. AIs can also access the map data from the holotank's link to the Covenant information network and give directions verbally to anyone near the holotank. In Halo 2, Cortana enters one to gain access to info in High Charity during the Battle for High Charity, remaining there for a long, long time. The Covenant also utilize portable holo-pedestals, to communicate over distance or in the battlefield. The Luminaries mounted on Covenant ships are typically linked to the bridge's holotank, which can display the information detected by the Luminary.^[2]

Gallery

Cortana displayed on the Pillar of Autumn's holotank.
A holotank in Dr. Halsey's lab.
A large UNSC holographic table.
A UNSC holotank displaying a diagram of Shield 0459.
A portable Covenant holo-pedestal displaying the hologram of the Prophet of Truth.
The Spirit of Fire's holo-tank displaying the Covenant shield on Arcadia.
A Covenant holotank displaying the planet Reach.
Carter-A259 using another type of holographic display during a mission briefing.