R'shwupa-pattern Phantom

This article is about the exoatmospheric Phantom introduced in Halo: Reach. For other Phantom models, see Phantom.

The Phantom gunboat is a Covenant exoatmospheric assault ship^[1] and a variant of the Type-52 Phantom. It is used for space-based engagements.^[2]

Specifications

Design details

The Phantom gunboat is similar in design to the standard Type-52 Troop Carrier, but noticeably larger. However, the gunboat is used exclusively as a space combat craft rather than as a troop transport. It is equipped with a chin-mounted heavy plasma cannon, four side-mounted, smaller heavy plasma cannons, (two on either side), and one aft plasma cannon. These weapons fire large plasma rounds similar to those of the normal "concussion" heavy plasma cannon. The gunboat is capable of emitting a powerful energy shield that can deflect missile attacks.^[2]

Operational history

Several Phantom gunboats assaulted the UNSC refit station Anchor 9 in Operation: UPPER CUT during the Fall of Reach. They were escorted by Type-31 Seraphs and Type-27 Banshees. All of the attacking gunboats were destroyed by a combination of Anchor 9's defensive guns, fire support from the UNSC Savannah, and the defending pilots, including SPARTAN-B312, who, along with the other pilots, defended the station in a YSS-1000 Sabre.^[2] Eight Phantom gunboats are carried by the CAS-class assault carrier Shadow of Intent.^[1]

In 2554, Parg Vol used a Phantom gunboat as his personal transport during the Battle of Draetheus V. It was stolen by Spartan Sarah Palmer to reach X50 and kill Merg Vol. She later escaped from the moon on the ship.^[3]

Several Phantom gunboats were utilized by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant during the Battle of Installation 03.^[4]