MLRS-1 Hydra

Hydra redirects here. For other uses of the word Hydra, see Hydra (disambiguation).

The Multiple Launch Rocket System-1 Hydra Gyroc Launcher (MLRS)^[1]^[2] is a UNSC airburst rapid-fire guided munitions launcher.^[2] It is capable of locking onto enemy targets similar to the Covenant's Type-52 plasma launcher.^[3] The Hydra is capable of killing a fully shielded Spartan-IV with two locked on shots in War Games.^[4]

Design details

The MLRS-1 Hydra Gyroc Launcher is the result of decades of development in refining micro-missile technology to create a highly versatile guided missile launcher that can not only operate in a variety of environmental contexts, but also be used against both infantry and vehicle targets. The Hydra is designed to be as easy to operate as a conventional rifle, albeit one that fires gyroscopically stabilized HEAB (High-Explosive Air Bursting) rockets from a six-chamber, rotating cylinder. Highly effective in both close-quarters combat and medium-range engagements, the Hydra can be used in a direct-fire mode though it is most deadly when using a real-time VISR connection to lock-on and guide missiles to the target. The Hydra’s elegant semi-automatic targeting and tracking system allows the user to target not only individual infantry, but even distinct parts of enemy vehicles to effect a clean and efficient kill.^[5]

Variants

Typhon

The Typhon is a variant produced by the Watershed Division that features upgraded recoil compensation, warhead damage, and reload speed.^[6]

Echidna

The Echidna features experimental warheads capable of generating an electromagnetic pulse.^[6]

Operational history

Though it had entered service in 2556, it had yet to see widespread use outside of the Spartan branch by October, 2558. The Hydra had been used in a number of combat roles, including close-quarters infantry engagements, urban pacification, and ship boarding maneuvers.^[5] Hydras were aboard the UNSC Argent Moon during Blue Team's mission to recover the ship.^[7]

Trivia

In Episode 6 of The Bulletin, fans were given the opportunity to vote for which weapon they wished to be featured in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta: the Hydra or the rocket launcher.^[2] The Hydra won the vote.^[8]
In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a large serpent-like water monster that possessed multiple heads.
The weapon's two variants, Typhon and Echidna, are named after the Lernaean Hydra's father and mother.

Gallery

Normal Gallery

H5-ConceptArt-HydraMLRS.jpg

Concept art of the Hydra for Halo 5: Guardians.
A Spartan-IV wielding the Hydra in a promotional image for the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
The Hydra being used in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
The Hydra being zoomed in.
A Spartan-IV using smart scope with the Hydra.
The Hydra being used on the map Regret.
A Spartan using a Hydra on Escape from ARC.
First-person view of the Hydra in Halo 5: Guardians.
Smart scope with the Hydra.
Jameson Locke using a Hydra on Sanghelios.