Elsedda-pattern Banshee

This article is about the space fighter variant. For the ground support variant, see Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft.

Template:Ship Class Infobox The Type-27 Exoatmospheric Multirole Fighter,^[1] informally known as the Space Banshee,^[2] the Banshee Fighter,^[3] and the Banshee Interceptor,^[2] is the Covenant Navy's standard space interceptor support craft.^[2] It is a vacuum-sealed variant of the Type-26 Banshee ground support aircraft that is designed exclusively for exoatmospheric operations.^[4]^[3]

Specifications

Design details

The Type-27 XMF is similar in appearance and design to the Type-26 Banshee ground support aircraft, although it boasts several unique features. The Type-27 XMF's canards are swept forward, with the impulse engine placement making the craft more maneuverable in zero-G space. The craft sports two heavy plasma cannons, which are elongated in comparison with those of the Type-26's standard model, providing greatly increased range and firepower. A fuel rod cannon is mounted at the front of the fuselage.^[5] The craft features an extended tail stabilizer, which helps dampen turbulence during transitions in and out of atmosphere while docking. Unlike the standard Banshee model, the Type-27 XMF sports an enclosed vacuum-sealed cockpit.^[3] These craft can be mounted on the hangar bay walls of Covenant warships^[6] and on the undersides of vessels' hulls.^[4]

The Type-27 XMF is effective against stationary weapon emplacement and EVA-equipped infantry, as well as in reconnaissance pickets. However, the craft is most effective when used in high-volume deployments. Deployment in great numbers can allow the Type-27 XMF to overwhelm heavier fighters such as the GA-TL1 Longsword interceptor, as well as escort ships, such as cruisers and frigates. Though the Seraph is used as the Covenant's primary fighter in single ship combat, the Type-27 Banshee provides invaluable screens and support, tipping many battles in the Covenant's favor.^[3]

Operational history

The Type-27 XMF was first observed by United Nations Space Command personnel in 2527.^[3] Numerous Type-27 XMFs assisted the Covenant in attacking the UNSC Epsilon Eridani Fleet and orbital stations over Reach during the invasion, particularly during Operation: UPPER CUT. During this engagement, numerous squadrons of Type-27 XMFs were used in conjunction with many of the Covenant's more powerful Type-31 Seraph to attack the UNSC refit station Anchor 9 and later to defend the corvette Ardent Prayer from UNSC boarders.^[4]