AV-19 SkyHawk

The Skyhawk Fighter is a United Nations Space Command Strike Fighter.

Background

The SkyHawk is equipped with four 50mm cannons as well as Scorpion Anti-Tank missiles. Several of these craft were located at Fairchild Field on Reach, and one was dispatched by Colonel James Ackerson to attack SPARTAN-117 and Cortana during their test of the MJOLNIR Mark V Battle Armor and its new shield technology in 2552. Despite all expectations, the Spartan-II and Cortana managed to endure its cannons' strafing run and avoid its guided anti-tank missiles by simply deflecting it at the last moment, proving the Spartan-AI team far more successful than ever expected.

These aircraft are capable of ultrasonic flight, and can execute quick turns at maximum speed.

Trivia

• It has only been referenced in one of the Halo novels, and does not appear in any of the games. - Note: this may not be true, as when you look out to the air craft carrier(s) in Longshore, you can see Pelicans, and a fighter that is assuredly not the C709 Longsword; in my opinion, were you to say anything about it, it somewhat resembles a Wolfen from Star Fox .
• It shares its name with a real life fighter jet, named the A-4 Skyhawk, and may be its spiritual successor, since both have a similar role in their respective military. Its name, like very many other vehicles in the Halo universe, is based off an animal.