M8900 drop pod

M8900 Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle
Production information
Manufacturer:	Ushuaia Armory
Product line:	SOIEV
Model:	M8900
Technical specifications
Length:	7.7 feet (2.3 m)
Width:	8.7 feet (2.7 m)
Height:	16.4 feet (5.0 m)
Mass:	500 kilograms (1,100 lb)
Armament:	None
Crew:	One occupant
Usage
In service:	Human-Covenant War
Role(s):	Drop pod
Affiliation:	United Nations Space Command;

The M8900 Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle is a SOIEV variant employed by the ODSTs. It was heavily employed during the Human-Covenant War.^[2]

Overview

Design details

The M8900 is an angular design, featuring an armoured prow and several small armoured windows. The pod was favoured by the ODSTs during the later years of the Human-Covenant War, due to being significantly faster than the older M8823 HEV. This increased maneuverability makes the M8823 ideal for drops into areas heavily defended by anti-air weaponry.^[2] The top of the pod is fitted with an air brake, while the bottom is fitted with reinforced impact plating to endure the landing.^[1]

Operational history

During the Human-Covenant War, M8900s were the most common kind of drop pod favoured by ODSTs in the later war.^[2] In 2544,^[3] they were used to deploy ODSTs from UNSC Kronstadt onto Heian in Operation: GREY VEIL. During the engagement, one pod burnt up on entry, and another suffered a failure after landing in deep water - requiring rescue by Cal-141.^[4] In the war's final years, they were employed by Alpha-Nine during Operation: FIRESIDE and the Battle of Mombasa.^[5]^[6]

Gallery

Exploration concept art of SOEIV variants for Halo 3: ODST.
Concept art of a SOEIV drop pod for Halo 3: ODST.
Concept art of a cruiser's drop bay for Halo 3: ODST.
In-game models of the SOEIV from Halo 3: ODST.
The Rookie's SOEIV seen in Halo 3: ODST.
View from inside a SOEIV, with various screens and monitors.
The UNSC Say My Name's SOEIV drop bay in Halo 3: ODST.
The violent re-entry of SOEIV drop pods bound for New Mombasa in the Keep It Clean trailer.
Dozens of SOEIVs enter the airspace of New Mombasa just before the EMP blast from the Solemn Penance strikes in the Keep It Clean trailer.
Two UNSC frigates deploy their drop pods during the Battle of Ariel.
UNSC Kronstadt deploying its SOIEVs.
Drop pods in Halo: Initiation.

List of appearances

Sources

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 52
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 152
^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - System Shocks (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2023) [archive]
^ Halo Legends, episode The Babysitter
^ Halo: Helljumper
^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Prepare to Drop

[EVG-1] Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 52

[Enc22-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 152

[CFShocks-3] Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - System Shocks (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2023) [archive]

[Babysitter-4] Halo Legends, episode The Babysitter

[5] Halo: Helljumper

[6] Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Prepare to Drop

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