XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer
| XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer | |
|---|---|
 A Zeus cannon equipped on an M145D Rhino. | |
| Production overview | |
|
Type: |
|
| Specifications | |
|
Ammunition type: |
|
|
Effective range: |
100 kilometers[3] |
| Service history | |
|
In service: |
|
The XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer is a human mortar weapon capable of focusing and directing plasma as a projectile like most Covenant weapons.[1][2]
OverviewEdit
Design detailsEdit
On the M145D Rhino the Zeus cannon is mounted to a large turret, the weapon is capable of traversing upward at a roughly forty-five degree angle.[4] The Zeus 320mm plasma cannon has a range of 100 kilometers,[3] and as with all plasma-based weapons, the Zeus is potent against energy shielding.[4] The weapon operates via use of reverse-engineered fuel rods placed inside a modified artillery shell, fired from a custom-built howitzer.[2]
The Zeus has a bore of 320mm.[2][3]
Development historyEdit
During the Harvest campaign the Office of Naval Intelligence procured numerous specimens of Covenant fuel rods[2], and made quick work beginning to reverse engineer it. One project resulted in the M145D Rhino, a basis for the Zeus 320mm plasma cannon, a cannon which could make use and direct plasma energy.[1]
UsageEdit
By February 2531, the Rhinos and their plasma cannons were being field-tested and the UNSC Pillar of Autumn carried some prototypes on board.[4]
During the Battle for Arcadia, the cannons of five Rhinos in conjunction were used to take down a portion of a giant energy shield, allowing the UNSC Spirit of Fire to take down the Covenant shield generators and air defenses below, exposing the Covenant operation on Arcadia.[4]
GalleryEdit
A Rhino firing its main Zeus in the Battle for Arcadia.
List of appearancesEdit
- Halo Wars (First appearance)
SourcesEdit