M12 Chaingun Warthog

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"The Warthog is as much a part of the UNSC as boots, guns, and tasteless coffee."

— Halo Encyclopedia

The M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle^[1], more commonly known as the Warthog or simply the Hog, is a United Nations Space Command ground vehicle.

Overview

Warthog wireframe

The M12 LRV Warthog is the UNSC's Force Application Vehicle,^[2] used for its scouting and reconnaissance capacity, or as an integral part of a mechanized infantry unit; the M12 has been a part of the UNSC's armored vehicle fleet for fifty years, and is the most recognizable vehicle in their arsenal. It is a highly mobile, all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering, ICE-powered vehicle equipped with a manual transmission.^[2]

The M12 is a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle capable of going over any obstacle without difficulty; under the hood the M12's power is generated by a forward-housed low-profile liquid-cooled hydrogen-injected ICE I/C plant, coupled with an automatic infinitely variable transmission (IVT). The hydrogen fuel is burned at very high temperature with a synthetic carbon/silicon catalyst to achieve even better fuel consumption. This hydrogen engine is the standard among all UNSC ground based vehicles, replacing fossil fuel-based engines some 400 years ago. The M12 features a Graf/Hauptman solar/saline actuator, and will convert up to twelve liters of fresh, brackish or salt water into hydrogen on the fly, detritus is compacted on board, this allows the Warthog to travel 790 kilometers or 490 miles before it needs to be refueled. The M12 is a huge, unwieldy, difficult to steer vehicle – until a user learns how to drive it properly. With proper application of the hand, or "e-brake" the M12 can actually turn on a dime. Massive disc brakes and its automatic braking systems allow the vehicle to come to a near immediate, but controlled stop should the driver be ejected, or choose to leave the vehicle. The Warthog's tires have moved away from previous inert-gas pocket inflation with equally burst-proof single unit nanotube skeletons. They provide the buoyancy and ride of gas-pocket tires, but are almost indestructible. The relatively massive tires are a joint project between Michelin-Vance and AMG.^[3]

The M12's design places it into the jeep family of vehicles; it has no doors and has a total seating of two or three. The M12's description as a reconnaissance vehicle is, at best, an understatement; the M12 has both offensive and defensive capabilities. The M12 can be configured to become a troop carrier, armament carrier, ambulance, reconnaissance vehicle, or communications vehicle. All M12-based vehicles are designed to travel both on and off-road, in all weather conditions.^[2] The M12 can be armed with a wide variety of equipment, however, its main armament is the M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun, the mounted weapon includes a battery for short term operation separated from the vehicle, but normally operates on the vehicle’s power supply. An M68 Gauss Cannon can be mounted on the back of the M12, making it capable of taking on light armor.

Advantages

The M12 is the workhorse of light infantry ground vehicles, is adaptable to almost any situation, and is arguably the most customizable vehicle in the military's fleet, similar to the older jeeps used in the 20th century. It is able to reach top speeds of 125km/h (78 MPH) and, more importantly, swings around rapidly to allow the gunner a better angle on a prospective target. The mounted M41 chain gun can cut down heavily armored infantry within seconds, this also applies to shielded infantry as well. With enough controlled fire from the 12.7X99mm armor-piercing rounds, the M41 can easily rip through the armor of a Covenant Ghost and destroy it. The Warthog's titanium armor, though light, is tough enough to take at least one fragmentation grenade and keep rolling and can withstand small amounts of energy weapon fire. It also makes for an impervious scout and transportation vehicle, able to make a smooth getaway or rapid infiltration if needed.

Disadvantages

Due in part to its speed, the M12 is prone to roll over. It is vital that the driver can get in and out of dangerous situations without flipping the hard-to-right vehicle. The open nature of the Warthog always puts its driver and passengers at risk as a good marksman can easily take down the driver or passengers of the M12. A well thrown frag grenade can flip a Warthog, which will knock the driver and passenger out of the vehicle. Although the armor of the M12 is tough, a couple of direct hits from grenades or a well placed rocket will destroy it immediately. Covenant energy weapons are the biggest threat to the Warthog; a short burst from a Banshee's light plasma cannons is deadly. The Hog is also vulnerable to Banshee Bombs; a direct hit from a Fuel Rod Gun would damage it and reduce its occupant's shields, making them vulnerable to other light projectiles. Infantry plasma weapons can inflict moderate damage, and, like all vehicles, is rendered temporarily inoperable by a hit from an overcharged Plasma Pistol. The M41 LAAG is prone to overheating, which requires the person operating the weapon to use it in short bursts. Failing to operate the weapon carefully will leave the operator vulnerable as they wait for the chaingun to cool down.^[4]

Variants

The M12 Warthog can be configured for various roles including the M831 TT which eliminates the support weapon in favor of four side-facing passenger seats, the M864A with an enclosed passenger compartment and treads in place of wheels, the M914 RV equipped with a towing winch and a heavy duty motor and gear system, armament carrier, ambulance, or communications vehicle. All M12-based vehicles in service with the UNSC are designed to travel both on and off-road, in all weather conditions.

M12A1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle

Main article: M12A1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle

The M12A1 Warthog LAAV (Light Anti-Armor Vehicle) is a rare Warthog identified by black paint with yellow stripes and matching seats. This Warthog sports a rear-mounted 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret^[5] which allows it to take out heavily armored targets. This Warthog variant is available in both Halo PC and Halo Mac.

M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle

Main article: M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle

The M12G1 Warthog LAAV serves as a light-anti-armor version of the M12A1 and is mounted with a M68 Gauss Cannon.

M831 Troop Transport

Main article: M831 Troop Transport

The M831 TT is the UNSC's Marine transport carrier. It is able to hold up to seven Marines and is able to transport them to safety or to the battlefield. It can hold up to two SPARTANs or Elites, and five Marines.

M864 Arctic

The M864 A is camouflaged and outfitted specifically for expeditions in the Arctic.^[5] It can be found exclusively on the Halo 3 Legendary map, Avalanche.

M868 Tropic

The M868 T is camouflaged and equipped specifically for tropical expeditions.^[5]

M914 Recovery Vehicle

The M914 RV is a faster, stripped down version of the Warthog, built for troop and equipment recovery.^[5]

Civilian Warthog

Main article: Civilian Warthog

Due to the success of the Warthog in battle situations, a civilian variant, also known as the Hog, was mass-produced for public use. It can be seen in Halo 2, advertised on a billboard on the map, Headlong.

Flatbed Warthog

The Flatbed Warthog features a flatbed design with no seating or weaponry in the rear.^[5]

Warthog APC

Main article: Warthog APC

The Warthog Armored Personnel Carrier^[6] is a United Rebel Front ground vehicle. It is essentially an M12 Warthog modified by the URF to include a heavily armored passenger section capable of carrying troops and supplies.

Missile Hog

Main article: Missile Warthog

A specialised variant with a guided-missile turret.^[7]

Tactics

Campaign

In Halo: Combat Evolved, a Warthog accompanied by a Marine gunner is the most effective way to take out the first Wraith in "Assault on the Control Room", making sure to avoid the ice and using hit and run tactics. Mow down Covenant infantry simultaneously if possible.
When making the final run in "The Maw" be sure to slow down when approaching the large down slopes, as you will risk losing control of the Hog and wasting precious seconds.
In Halo 2 the Warthog is one of the best vehicles to use on the level "Delta Halo" as it will allow you to take on Ghosts and not risk losing your Marine allies.
In Halo 2 and Halo 3, you can take out enemy Ghosts by ramming them head on at full speed as long as you are not going uphill. If done right, the hapless Ghost will explode as if it was rammed by a Chopper. In Halo: Combat Evolved, this tactic can be used to flip a Ghost, freeing it for use by you or your Marines.
In Halo 3, keep an eye on your motion tracker when Marines are driving Warthogs around you. They will hit you if you are not alert, usually lowering your shields, sometimes killing you. Be especially careful on "Tsavo Highway".
Take care when the Warthog against the other vehicles in legendary if you don't have a heavily armed passenger, as they will kill you easily. Use weapons such as the Missile Pod or the Spartan Laser or in Halo 2, the Rocket launcher, if you have no other vehicular option. However, having a passenger with a weapon like the Rocket Launcher in your Warthog can destroy the vehicles or flip them and boot their occupants, making them easy kills.

Multiplayer

Always drive the Warthog at top speed or you may die rather quickly. Tell your gunner or if you are the gunner and are facing an enemy Warthog, shoot at the enemy gunner, not the Warthog itself.
Unless absolutely necessary, do NOT use the turret without a driver. You are just asking the other team to grenade you or snipe you. It is reasonable in a Gauss turret due to its lethal power, but change positions often or you could be easily overwhelmed.
Watch for grenades when driving the Warthog. A well timed grenade can flip you over or even kill you, so it is best to drive at a steady pace. However, a steady or slow pace means you are an easy target for rockets and plasma grenades.
It is very tempting to splatter enemies with the Warthog, try not to do this because it can get you hijacked or make you much more vulnerable to a Plasma Grenade stick. Instead, back away and let the gunner rip them to pieces!
If you turn your camera ninety degrees clockwise from the front of your Warthog before being hijacked, you have a one second chance to assassinate them and take back what's yours. Use this to get a nice, easy kill, assuming the hijack damage doesn't kill you. Likewise, the hijacker can turn their camera ninety degrees counter-clockwise from the front of the Warthog and quickly melee when the hijacking animation is done. This prevents them from being assassinated and will instantly kill the hijacked player.
Warthogs can be used as effective entrance jammers. This is especially useful in CTF, meaning they will have to either remove it or destroy it, giving you time to find out and eliminate them.
If you are driving a Warthog with your friend and hear the bleeping which means you're being targeted by a Missile Pod, do NOT get out! Find the nearest available cover and hide behind it. With any luck, the pod user will have used all of his missiles on you. Get back in the Warthog with your friend and take him out. If you can't find any cover, bail out!
If you see an enemy Warthog on the horizon and you only have a sniper rifle and a close range weapon, a good idea is to throw a couple of frag grenades and overturn the Warthog. The occupants will be forced to exit and while they are running around helplessly, you can snipe them. You should only try this tactic if you are a confident sniper. A good map to try this tactic on is "Valhalla".
In Halo: CE and Halo 3, one of the best tactics to take down a rampant Warthog is to get as close to it as possible and stick it with a plasma grenade, the tactic is very difficult and has the greatest possible risk of killing you as well, however if the stick is successful, and destroys the vehicle, the sacrifice is worth it.
The Warthog is not the best vehicle to take out heavy tanks directly. The tank shots will easily blow up an overconfident Warthog. Flank the massive vehicle and pick off the tank's weak spot.
Surprisingly, a Warthog is vulnerable to a turret. The turret can sometimes be the best weapon to bring down a distracted Warthog.
If you have to go up against a Warthog with a gunner, with no power weapons, the grenade tactic becomes even harder, it can still be done, but you will have to place yourself as close to the warthog as you can.
When circling an enemy base with your Warthog, it is usually best to drive clockwise around it. This puts more of the Warthog in between you and the enemy base, making it harder to be killed by light weaponry.
In most maps, for example "Blood Gulch", the map has some road like trenches in it, driving on these is highly recommended as this makes flipping less likely and the sides give you some cover from enemy attack. The only weakness is the length which is a lot longer as you are zig-zagging.
Be aware that the Rocket Hog in Halo: CE have a limited range below the turret, so unlike other variants using it as a turret on a high place is unpractical, this also leads to a weak spot easily used by a crouching enemy.
If you find yourself dodging a Warthog, one strategy is to board the passengers seat. While in the the passengers seat, it is possible to melee the driver and beat him/her to death.
It is a good idea for the player in the passenger seat to wield a Rocket Launcher, Spartan Laser or Shotgun, due to said weapons being effective against vehicles and also to keep enemy players from hijacking or grenading the Warthog.

Halo Wars

Main article: Halo Wars

In Halo Wars, Warthogs are lightly armored, fast and nimble scout units. They are your first unit and do not have any damage capability other than running things over. Along with infantry units, they can be used to collect discovered resource crates. The turret can be bought at Tech Level I and at II, a grenadier rides passenger, and finally at Level III you may purchase the Gauss cannon. They cost 150 resources and are trained at the command center. They take up one population.

Gunner: 250 resources and requires a tech level of one. Adds a M41 Vulcan Light Anti-Aircraft Gun, giving them combat capabilities.
Grenadier : 500 resources and requires a tech level of two. Adds a marine riding shotgun with a XM510 Multishot Grenade Launcher.
Gauss Cannon: 800 resources and requires a tech level of three.

UNSC Remarks

"It's [the M12] sort of a bear to wheel around, but that's something you gotta expect – the thing is twice the size of my granddad's car – but it's something you get used to pretty damned quick."
"On the battlefield speed is life and the M12 has that in spades – having a great big damn gun don’t hurt, either."
"One word: handbrake."
"I have yet to come up against an obstacle that the Warthog couldn't go right over."
"The Sarge hates it when we ram stuff, says the 'Hog ain't indestructible. But it sure feels like it when you're plowing through a crowd of startled Grunts, though."
"The seats are unreal! I was thinking of pulling a set out of a parts vehicle and shipping them home...but the wife shut it down – says everyone would be able to tell where they came from."
"Look at these legs – pretty nice, huh? It’s totally from getting in and out'a the 'Hog's thirty-six inch damn step height."

Trivia

WETA Workshop, based in New Zealand, built a full-scale, operating, accurate Warthog. It has several numbers on it, some possibly pertaining to that specific model or maybe even that specific Warthog, including, but not limited to, 5c8611, N/AAV-20, and others. WETA's Warthog is accurate in every function, including a "working" minigun, four-wheel steering, digital displays, air bags, and the ability to "crab crawl".^[8] If you look at the driver's side of the windscreen, there are stamps portraying the number and type of Covenant troops killed. It can be seen in the short film Halo: Arms Race. Some of the team members of Bungie were given the chance to drive the WETA Workshop's Warthog. Three members of the Bungie team were driving the Warthog around a parking lot when they scraped the side of it on a small wooden structure built onto the side of a wall.
The concept of the Hummer HX SUV by General Motors resembles the Warthog in the Halo games. If it were to be produced, it would be the closest vehicle to a Halo Warthog with the exception of the WETA Workshop Warthog.
A remote control toy Warthog was one of the first Xbox 360 Avatar accessories available after the August 11, 2009 dashboard update that introduced Avatar accessories. It is available from the Xbox Live Avatar shop for 320 Microsoft Points, under Halo 3: ODST-themed accessories. It appears to be the standard M12 recon variant with a LAAG on the back.
The ODSTs and Marines can quickly and effortlessly flip Warthogs all by themselves in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, despite not possessing the super-human strength of SPARTAN-IIs, Brutes or Elites, though this is admittedly just for gameplay reasons and is likely not canon.
The Warthog was originally going to be a Humvee-like vehicle in the early stages of development of Halo
During Halo 2's development Bungie considered more specialized warthog variants including a "Snow", "Jungle" and "Transport" Warthog. Eventually, the "Snow" and "Transport" variants are featured in Halo 3, although with major design changes.
In the Halo 2 level "Outskirts", it is possible to get an invincible Warthog. The 'Hog will show damage but cannot be destroyed.
The passenger seat aiming system was changed from Halo: Combat Evolved to the one in Halo 2. In Halo: Combat Evolved, the passenger views everything in first-person, but in Halo 2, it was changed to third-person and remains unchanged from the Halo 2 version in Halo 3.
In Halo: Combat Evolved, the windshield of the Warthog will deflect plasma grenades thrown at it from the front.
In the Halo 3 introduction cutscene for 'The Covenant' the Warthog that falls of the back of the second Pelican comes to rest intact, but is later found destroyed in gameplay.
In the original game, Warthogs were decently powerful units, but their easy-to-build nature made them likely candidates for rushing, which plagued the Halo Wars online multiplayer after its release. To address this in an update Robot made them easier to kill and weaker.
In Halo: Reach, if you look carefully at the rims of the Warthogs, you'll notice that they say "Puma". This is a reference to Red vs. Blue's scene where Simmons and Grif argued with Sarge about whether to call the vehicle a Puma or Warthog.
The Warthog's chaingun only overheats in Halo: Reach.
In Halo: Reach, drivers now hold on to the wheel and gears instead of both hands on the wheel.

Gallery

H2 Warthog Concepts.jpg

Early Halo 2 Warthog concepts.
The Warthog as it appears in Halo 3, crewed by three Spartans.
Snow Warthog.jpg

Snow Warthog with ice-crusted treads for use in the Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack, "Avalanche".
The three SPARTANs in Halo Wars riding a Warthog with a four barreled LAAG.
Hw Hog.jpg

A Spartan driving a Warthog in Halo Wars.
Various incarnations of the Warthog. Halo: Reach version seen to the bottom right.
Halo RC Warthog Xbox 360 Avatar Accessory.
Warthog01USE.jpg

1:1 Scale Warthog built by WETA Studios for the Halo: Landfall short films.
WarthogsBungieday2010.jpg

Two variants of the Warthog for Halo: Reach, as seen in the Red vs Blue Bungie Day 2010 Video.