CRS-class light cruiser

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 (at least those used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant) bears green lights, as opposed to the white-blue lighting on the CCS class. 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

Ships of the class participated in the Battle of Psi Serpentis in 2543.^[4] Several CRS-class cruisers were used over Reach during the Covenant's invasion of the planet in 2552.^[5] In the wake of the Human-Covenant War, the CRS class forms the backbone of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant's fleet, which deployed numerous CRS-class cruisers to Requiem prior to and during the First Battle of Requiem.^[6] 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.^[7] More CRS-class cruisers were used to deploy troops within Requiem's core.^[8] 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.^[9]

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.^[10] 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.^[11] Another light cruiser attacked the UNSC base at "The Refuge", but was destroyed when Fireteam Shadow boarded and overloaded its power core. ^[12] 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. ^[13] Several CRS-class cruisers fled Requiem after Jul 'Mdama set the planet on a collision course with its parent star.

Ships of the line

Spear of Light

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.