M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system

"Hyperion" redirects here. For the human-controlled space station, see Hyperion Station.

"That cruiser's shields are down! Assuming they don't raise them, that missile's going to be one heck of a surprise."

The M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system is a nuclear weapon used by the United Nations Space Command.^[1]

Background

The M4093 was developed by Acheron Security. The Charon-class light frigate UNSC Forward Unto Dawn as well as the Strident-class heavy frigate were equipped with at least three M4093 Hyperion nuclear weapons.

Service history

Hyperion nuclear missiles were already in service by 2526. In that year, Christina Rice and James McCann of the Bandusa Insurrectionist group attempted to steal Hyperion-class warheads for a potential attack. Before they could put their plan into action, however, they were arrested by ONI agents in New Harmony, Mars.^[2]

In 2557, the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn was attacked by Covenant remnant forces in orbit above Requiem. During the fight, one of the CRS-class light cruisers moved to intercept the Dawn attempting to destroy it. Cortana had the idea to use one of the ships Hyperion nuclear missiles on the cruiser. While the missile was initially jammed, John-117 managed to release it and fire the missile at the cruiser, destroying it since it had not raised its shields.^[3]

Name

Hyperion is the name of a Titan in Greek mythology, who was the son of Gaia (Mother Earth) and Uranus (the Sky). Hyperion is also the namesake of one of Saturn's moons.

Production notes

The Hyperion's size and armament aboard the Strident-class frigate posed numerous difficulties for the writers of Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo, as the missile's size meant trying to plausibly outfit the frigate with three such weapons was a very tough challenge. Eventually, Kenneth Peters was inspired by the real-world Juliett-class submarine's loading mechanism for nuclear missiles.^[4]

Gallery

Detail view of the M4093 Nuclear Missile.
The M4093 Hyperion Nuclear Missile being launched from Forward Unto Dawn's silos.
The loading system for the Hyperion nuclear missiles on the Strident-class frigate, inspired by the Juliett-class submarine.