Elo'Nakada-pattern concussion rifle

The Type-50 Directed Energy Rifle/Heavy or T50 DER/H, otherwise known as the Concussion Rifle, is a Covenant infantry weapon.

History

Engineered by the Merchants of Qikost, the Concussion Rifle’s overall design predates the Writ of Union and the formation of the Covenant, one of many examples of technology introduced into the alliance's armament by the Sangheili, by way of their pre-existing military dominance. Though its physical configuration has evolved since its first inception, its core purpose and functionality remains unchanged.

Design details

Unlike much of the Covenant weaponry, the T-50 uses magazine cells rather than a battery system, and thus requires the kind of reload usually experienced with traditional ballistic weaponry. In the case of the Concussion Rifle, the cell allows the semi-automatic firing of six bolts of explosive plasma. The energy and its delivery system are strikingly similar in design to that of the Covenant’s heavier mortar vehicles, though the aliens themselves are reticent to include the rifle in the same category. When the plasma bolt hits a surface, it produces area-of-effect damage and a small "kick" to users and objects. It also has a slight downward arc to its shots. The weapon has only seen limited use, its most notable combat use being in the Fall of Reach. Because of its relative rarity, the UNSC has theorized that its use is restricted either by branch or unit. The Concussion Rifle’s size and power dictate that it be used only by higher-ranking infantry and officers, namely Sangheili, and more specifically those with leadership roles within Zealot or Special Operation classes. For this reason, those who use the weapon are trained in specific battlefield tactics often associated with it.

The weapon has been described as the Covenant counterpart to the M319 Individual Grenade Launcher. In general, the Concussion Rifle's effects resemble those of the Brute Shot, despite different appearances and modes of operation. Unlike these weapons, however, the Concussion Rifle's bolts do not bounce or ricochet.

This weapon is suitable for clearing out narrow corridors or corners. Because of the weapons splash damage the Concussion Rifle should be fired and treated like a rocket but the power will be significantly less. It will not far well in wide open terrain and should be used as a "corridor sweeper".

Ironically enough, the weapon can sometimes utilize objects around it to a more lethal effect than the bolts it fires. A small crate shot at from close range can be launched fast enough to kill any enemies within a relatively short range (exactly how far depends on its trajectory). The kinetic energy from its blasts can also be used to push an opponent off of a tall structure or cliff to their deaths.

Trivia

• The concussion rifle serves as the in-game counterpart of the Brute Shot, as Elites are encountered much more frequently than Brutes during the campaign. In reference to this, the Halo: Reach strategy guide occasionally identifies the weapon as the "Elite Shot". However, the concussion rifle is wielded by both Elites and Brutes throughout the game.
• It is possible, although extremely difficult, to shoot concussion rifle projectiles out of the air with a precision weapon.
• In Halo: Reach, the turrets mounted on Phantom and Spirit dropships fire projectiles that are identical to and have the same firepower as concussion rifle rounds. This may be a vehicle-mounted variant of the concussion rifle.

Gallery

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  A first-person view of the concussion rifle's targeting reticule in SPARTAN-B312's HUD.

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  A Sangheili Ultra wielding a concussion rifle.

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  A Sangheili Officer wielding a concussion rifle seen in the Halo: Reach E3 Firefight trailer.

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  A pack of Jiralhanae wielding concussion rifles in Firefight.

List of appearances

• Halo: Reach (First appearance)