Editing AV-22 Sparrowhawk

*[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

The '''AV-22 Sparrowhawk''', formally known as the '''AV-22 Attack VTOL'''{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}, but often simply nicknamed the '''Hawk''', is a [[VTOL]] attack aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]].  

==Overview==

The AV-22 Sparrowhawk is a formidable air-to-ground anti-tank [[Wikipedia:Aircraft#Heavier-than-air – aerodynes|aerodyne]] that is used to hunt tanks and support ground advances.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/45018.aspx '''Halo Wars Official Site''': ''Halo Wars Update 03.12.07'']</ref>  

The Sparrowhawk features a two-seat cockpit with tandem seating for a pilot and gunner, and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} Rather than using thrust-vectoring jets like some aircraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the AV-22 features an integrated [[VTOL]] propulsion system that combines a turbojet with dual-ducted lift fans,{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} which gives it a maximum airspeed of 611 kilometers per hour (380 miles per hour){{Ref/Reuse|airspeed}} and impressive maneuverability.

 

The Sparrowhawk shares a number of design similarities with its fellow aerodyne brethren such as the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-30 Kestrel]], and [[AV-49 Wasp]],{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}} however while classified as an "Attack VTOL", some branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces classify the aircraft as a gunship due to its heavy armament.

The VTOL's primary weapon is a pair of brutally effective, twin-linked [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s installed on weapon armatures on either side of the fuselage. These autocannons can fire the full range of 20mm aircraft ammunition, though the standard loadout on the Sparrowhawk is either [[M718 SAPHEI]], or [[PGU-42/B API]] with a [[depleted uranium]] core, and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}<ref>[http://mktplassets.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF Halo Wars manual]</ref> The secondary weapon of the Sparrowhawk is a nose-mounted [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]], an upgraded version of the [[M6 Spartan Laser]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''', ''[[:File:HWLE Anders Profile Back.jpg|Anders leader card]]''</ref> The cannon allows gunners to conduct devastatingly effective long-range strikes on heavy vehicles such as tanks with pinpoint accuracy. Components of the Sparrowhawk's cannon were later miniaturized and incorporated into the infantry-portable [[M6/E Spartan Laser|M6/E Spartan Laser variant]].{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}

 

These armaments, combined with the VTOL's impressive speed and maneuverability, allows the Sparrowhawk to engage Covenant [[Type-26 Banshee]]s on more than equal terms and to pursue fleeing dropships or engage them as they approach; even a pair of Sparrowhawks can destroy a {{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}}—the bane of the AV-14—with minimal attrition.{{Ref/Reuse|Repairs}}

*'''ODST Hawk''': The ODST Hawk is an upgraded variant of the AV-22B designed exclusively for the [[105th Shock Troops Division|105th Special Forces]] to assist in covert offensives against Covenant armor and infantry units. It is designed with stealth gray armor creating a low RADAR detection signature, that makes it nearly impossible to detect.<ref>[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-gb/worlds/halo/playsets/odst-hawk '''Megabloks''' ''- ODST Hawk'']</ref> It is normally flown by [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Pilots, designated by their brown colored breastplate and helmet stripe.

File:ODST_Hawk.png|ODST Hawk

The Sparrowhawk was employed as early as [[2526]]{{Ref/Novel|Oblv|Chapter=1}}, and later saw action on [[Harvest]] during the final months of the [[Harvest campaign]] in early [[2531]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Weeks later, several Sparrowhawks attached to {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} defended their parent vessel from a [[Covenant]] {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} during the [[Battle of Trove]], proving the VTOL's effectiveness as both a ground-support platform and as an impromptu atmospheric fighter.<ref name="Repairs">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> The Sparrowhawk met with great success in the war against the Covenant, serving as a gunship escort for troop transports, providing aerial security, and operating in hunter-killer squadrons that harassed Covenant landing zones and troop columns. Combat losses were always high, though pilots accumulated enviable kill ratios.{{Ref/Reuse|deep links}}

File:Sparrow_Laser.jpg|An AV-22 Sparrowhawk firing its nose-mounted [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon|M6 Spartan Laser]].