The CRS-class light cruiser is a Covenant capital warship classification.[1]
Specifications
Resembling a luminous manta ray,[2] the CRS is essentially a smaller, weaker version of the CCS-class battlecruiser.[1] The two classes are virtually identical in outward appearance apart from being built on different scales. As one notable difference, the CRS class bears green-glowing lights, as opposed to the white-blue lighting on the CCS-class; however, this may be due to the post-Schism Covenant's overall preference for green lights on most of their equipment.[note 1] This is akin to the CAS-class assault carrier and the CSO-class supercarrier, which are likewise identical despite the latter being over five times larger than the former.
The "R", for Reverence, in the cruiser's three-letter classification code indicates that the cruiser is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and is capable of excavating Forerunner artifacts. The "S", for Salvation, denotes that the CRS-class light cruiser is a dedicated warship equipped with a ventral energy projector.[3]
Operational history
Several CRS-class cruisers were used over Reach during the Covenant's invasion of the planet in 2552.[4] In the wake of the Human-Covenant War, the CRS class forms the backbone of the modern Covenant's fleet, which deployed numerous CRS-class cruisers to Requiem prior to and during the First Battle of Requiem.[5] After finding the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn, one approached the ship with its shields down, not expecting a threat, intending to open fire on the Dawn. However, Spartan John-117 destroyed the cruiser with one of the Forward Unto Dawn's Hyperion nuclear missiles. Several were destroyed moments later when the gravity well of Requiem pulled them in.[6] More CRS-class cruisers were used to deploy troops within Requiem's core.[7] Numerous light cruisers were later sent to attack the Template:UNSCship after it crashed into Requiem, but at least two were destroyed by Infinity's 70mm autocannons and surface-to-air-missile launchers.[8]
Several CRS-class cruiser were present during the Requiem campaign in February 2558. Many provided escort for an RCS-class armored cruiser that was destroyed immediately after Infinity's emergence from slipspace. They immediately engaged Infinity's Strident-class heavy frigates, though they were quickly destroyed or routed.[9] Later, a CRS was deployed to Two Giants in a desperate attempt to keep the UNSC from activating the Forerunner portal technology there. Despite deploying numerous Phantoms and Banshees, it was destroyed by a large anti-ship HE missile launched by Infinity's Sub-vessel 3 and the UNSC's operation was a success.[10] Another light cruiser attacked the UNSC base at "The Refuge", but was destroyed when Fireteam Shadow boarded and overloaded its power core. [11] Later, several light cruisers participated in the Covenant-Promethean attack on Infinity. At least one was destroyed when Fireteam Crimson brought the Infinity's weapons back online. [12] Several CRS-class cruisers fled Requiem after Jul 'Mdama set the planet on a collision course with its parent star.
Ships of the line
Gallery
Renders of the CRS-class light cruiser.
Alternate extraction of a CRS-class light cruiser.
In-game screenshot of a CRS-class light cruiser.
CRS-class cruisers swarm the remains of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn.
The reformed Covenant's light cruiser fleet.
CRS-class cruisers escorting an RCS-class armored cruiser during the Requiem Campaign.
CRS-class cruisers attacking the UNSC Infinity during the Battle of Aktis IV.
Size comparison between the CRS-class cruiser and the SDV-class heavy corvette.
List of appearances
Note
- ^ In the multiplayer map Landfall, set during the Battle of Tribute in 2552, CRS-class cruisers are depicted with green lighting, suggesting that this may be standard for ships of this class as opposed to a postwar adjustment to fit the new Covenant's aesthetic style. However, given that there are a number of chronological discrepancies in War Games maps, specifically relating to the use of post-war designs over Covenant War-era ones, it is not certain if the ships in the background of Landfall are entirely representative of the appearance of the CRS class during the war.
Sources
- ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 41
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 205
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder: Have S'moa
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 167 -- "Two exceptions to this patrol pattern were a pair of light cruisers hovering over Menachite Mountain"
- ^ Halo 4
- ^ Halo 4, campaign level Dawn
- ^ Halo 4, campaign level Forerunner
- ^ Halo 4, campaign level Infinity
- ^ Spartan Ops, S1E1 - Departure
- ^ Spartan Ops, S1E3 - Catherine
- ^ Spartan Ops, S1E5 - Memento_Mori
- ^ S1E7 - Invasion