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AV-49 Wasp: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=AV-49 Wasp
|name=AV-49 Wasp
|image=[[File:H5G-AV49Wasp-VTOL-Alt.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:HINF AV49 Render.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=156}}
|line=
|line=[[Wasp]]
|model=AV-49<ref name="tales">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-tales-stingers ''Halo Waypoint'': Canon Fodder - Tales & Stingers]</ref><ref name="polygon">[http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/21/11989318/meet-halo-5-s-new-boss-then-kill-it-with-this-new-vehicle?utm_campaign=polygon&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter ''Polygon'': MEET HALO 5’S NEW BOSS, THEN KILL IT WITH THIS NEW VEHICLE]</ref>
|model=AV-49{{Ref/Site|Id=tales|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-tales-stingers|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Tales & Stingers|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}}
|cost=
|cost=
|length=7.62 meters (25 ft)<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|length={{Convert|25|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|width=6.4008 meters (21 ft)<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|width={{Convert|21|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|height=2.225 meters (7.3 ft)<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|height={{Convert|7.3|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|mass={{Convert|1360.7|kg|lb}}<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|mass={{Convert|1360.7|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|max speed={{Convert|500|km/h|mph|sp=us}}<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|max speed={{Convert|500|km/h|mph|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|engine=
|engine=Air cooled, vector-driven [[Nuclear fusion|fusion]] thrusters{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|hull=Light armor<ref name="polygon"/>
|hull=Light armor
*Equipped with [[energy shielding]]<ref name="polygon"/>
*Equipped with [[energy shielding]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H5|H5G|[[Wasp]] in-game vehicle}} {{C|select models-only}}{{Ref/Game|Id=HI|HINF|[[Wasp]] in-game vehicle}}
|armament=*Twin 7.62mm heavy machine gun<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|armament=*2 [[7.62x51mm|7.62]] [[M199 heavy machine gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
*Twin 50mm missile launchers<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
*2 50mm [[M400 missile launcher]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|crew=1 pilot<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
|crew=1 pilot{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
|complement=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=[[2553]]<ref name="HOSFM204">''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'', p.204</ref>
|firstuse=[[2553]]{{Ref/Book|Id=HOSFM204|OSFM|Page=204}}
|service=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|service=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|role=
|role=
*Gunship escort for troop transports<ref name="HOSFM204"/>
*Gunship escort for troop transports{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
*Close air support<ref name="polygon"/><ref name="HOSFM204"/>
*Close air support{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]<ref name="polygon"/>
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|The AV-49 Wasp supplements existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in Marine service. Close air support VTOL armed with heavy machine guns and twin rocket launchers.|REQ card description<ref name="REQ"/>}}
<choose>
The '''AV-49 Wasp''' is a [[VTOL]] aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]]<ref name="tales"/> , with specialised variants employed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]].
<option>{{Article quote|Single-seat ground support [[VTOL]]. Armed with [[M199 heavy machine gun|heavy machineguns]] and [[M400 missile launcher|rocket launchers]]. Best used for quick hit-and-run attacks.{{Ref/Game|HI|Id=forge|[[Forge]] - Wasp description|Quote=Single-seat ground support VTOL. Armed with heavy machineguns and rocket launchers. Best used for quick hit-and-run attacks.}}}}</option>
<option>{{Article quote|The AV-49 Wasp supplements existing stocks of [[AV-14 Hornet|AV-14]] and [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk|AV-22 aircraft]] in [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] service. Close air support [[VTOL]] armed with [[M199 heavy machine gun|heavy machine guns]] and twin [[M400 missile launcher|rocket launchers]].{{Ref/Reuse|REQ}}}}</option>
</choose>
The '''AV-49 Wasp''' is a [[VTOL]] aircraft in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]],{{Ref/Reuse|tales}} with specialized variants employed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]].


== Specifications ==
==Overview==
The AV-49 shares several similarities with its fellow aerodynes, the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], and [[AV-30 Kestrel]].<ref name="local units">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units ''Halo Waypoint'': Canon Fodder - Local Units]</ref> The aircraft features an integrated VTOL propulsion system that combines dual lift ducted fan engines pioneered by the AV-30, with air-cooled vectored-thrust fusion thrusters for forward movement. The AV-49 also features twin 7.62 heavy machine guns autocannons and twin 50mm missile launchers<ref name="HOSFM204"/>, [[energy shielding]], and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.<ref name="local units"/>
===Design details===
Considered fast to produce and easy to maintain and optimise,{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShowcase|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/showcase-sensitive|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive|D=16|M=6|Y=2021}} the AV-49 shares several similarities with its fellow aerodynes, the [[AV-14 Hornet]], [[AV-19 SkyHawk]], [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], and [[AV-30 Kestrel]].{{Ref/Site|Id=local units|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-local-units|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Local Units|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}} The aircraft features an integrated VTOL propulsion system that combines dual lift ducted fan engines used by the AV-30 (though these engines were largely patterned off of the earlier [[JOV-99 Kestrel]]),{{Ref/Reuse|CRL}} with air-cooled vectored-thrust fusion thrusters for forward movement.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The AV-49 also features twin [[7.62x51mm|7.62]] [[M199 heavy machine gun]]s and twin 50mm [[M400 missile launcher]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}, and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.{{Ref/Reuse|local units}} During its prototype testing phase, [[energy shielding]] was also implemented into the aircraft.{{Ref/Reuse|H5}}


Designed for expeditionary usage, the Wasp can be easily prepped and deployed with minimal tools, and their hardened storage containers have identical dimensions to [[NAVLOGCOM]]-standard flat containers, simplifying interstellar transport logistics.<ref name="buzz">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-buzz-generating ''Halo Waypoint'': Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating]</ref><ref name="HOSFM204"/>
Designed for expeditionary usage, the Wasp can be easily prepped and deployed with minimal tools, and their hardened storage containers have identical dimensions to UNSC [[Naval Logistical Operations Command]] (NAVLOGCOM)-standard flat containers, simplifying interstellar transport logistics.{{Ref/Site|Id=buzz|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-buzz-generating|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}


The Wasp was developed alongside the [[STINGER-class Mjolnir]], which has two neural interface controllers to allow the operator to switch from flight to ground combat modes at the speed of thought.<ref name="tales"/>
===Development history===
The Wasp was developed by [[Misriah Armory]] alongside the [[STINGER-class Mjolnir]], which has two neural interface controllers to allow the operator to switch from flight to ground combat modes at the speed of thought.{{Ref/Reuse|tales}} Sometime following the dissolution of the [[Colonial Military Authority]], the UNSC was considering the widespread adoption of [[Vestol Corporation]]'s [[JOV-99 Kestrel]]. However, strong lobbying by Misriah Armory saw the Wasp selected to replace the Kestrels that would find service in the [[UNSC Army]] and [[Colonial Militia]]s.{{Ref/Site|Id=CRL|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-cutting-room-lore|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder, Cutting Room Lore|D=26|M=07|Y=22}}


==Usage==
Although in use by [[2553]], the Wasp was still undergoing field trials with the UNSC as of [[2558]]. By this time, the [[Spartan Operations]] branch was asked to assess its tactical utility for their specific needs, with [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTANs]] able to test the vehicle in [[War Games]] simulations or review prototypes manufactured aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} in [[Hangar A-6]]. Due to their ease of assembly, [[Sarah Palmer|Spartan Commander Palmer]] recommended that all SPARTANs aboard ''Infinity'' become familiar with this process.{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}}
The Wasp augments existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] service.<ref name="buzz"/><ref name="REQ">''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', Hannibal Wasp [[List of REQ cards/Vehicles|REQ card]]</ref> UNSC doctrine sees the Wasp employed as a gunship escort for troop transports or on-call close air support for [[UNSC Special Forces|special forces]] teams.<ref name="HOSFM204"/> The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] employs their own variant of Wasp, using it for night sorties and stealth surveillance missions.<ref name="CFBH">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters ''Halo Waypoint'': Canon Fodder - Bounty Hunters]</ref>


==Operational history==
The Wasp's flight systems and the materials were later used in the development of Misriah Armory's [[OQ-45 Honeybee]] surveillance drone.{{Ref/Site|Id=OD|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/outpost-discoveries|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Outpost Discoveries|D=05|M=11|Y=2019}}
Although in use by [[2553]], the Wasp was still undergoing field trials with the UNSC as of [[2558]]. By this time, the [[Spartan Operations]] branch was asked to assess its tactical utility for their specific needs, with [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTANs]] able to test the vehicle in [[War Games]] simulations or review protypes manufactured aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} in [[Hangar A-6]]. Due to their ease of assembly, [[Sarah Palmer]] recomemnded that all SPARTANs aboard ''Infinity'' become familiar with this process.<ref name="HOSFM204"/>


== Variations ==
==Operational History==
*'''[[ONI Wasp]]''': a specialised Wasp variant employed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], used for stealth surveillance and night sorties.<ref name="CFBH"/>
The Wasp augments existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] service.{{Ref/Reuse|buzz}}{{Ref/Game|Id=REQ|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[Wasp]] Description|Quote=The AV-49 Wasp supplements existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in Marine service. Close air support VTOL armed with heavy machine guns and twin rocket launchers.}} UNSC doctrine sees the Wasp employed as a gunship escort for troop transports or on-call close air support for [[UNSC Special Forces|special forces]] teams.{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM204}} The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] employs their own variant of Wasp, using it for night sorties and stealth surveillance missions.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFBH|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Bounty Hunters|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}} While the Wasp is a capable aircraft, many UNSC Army garrisons, local defense forces, and militia groups have little reason to transition to an airframe that requires constant off-world maintenance inputs, still favoring the JOV-99 Kestrel.{{Ref/Reuse|CRL}}
*'''[[AV-49H Wasp]]''': Also known as the '''Hannibal Wasp''', the AV-49H was a collaboration between [[Misriah Armory]] and [[Hannibal Weapon Systems]] on initiatives to evolve their existing offerings of weapon systems and vehicles.<ref>[https://twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne/status/1174706574784221189 ''Twitter'' - GrimbrotherOne, "Yes to both" (In response to a question asking if the AV-49H was the Hannibal Wasp)]</ref><ref name="CFBH"/>
 
By the time of the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]] in [[2560]], the Wasp was still in use by the UNSC. However, the models [[Battle for Zeta Halo|deployed]] on [[Installation 07]] lacked the energy shielding present in earlier test iterations.{{Ref/Reuse|HI}}
 
== Variants ==
*'''[[AV-49H Wasp]]''': Also known as the '''Hannibal Wasp''', the AV-49H was a collaboration between [[Misriah Armory]] and [[Hannibal Weapon Systems]] on initiatives to evolve their existing offerings of weapon systems and vehicles.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[Hannibal Wasp]] Description|Quote=Misriah Armory and Hannibal Weapon Systems collaborate on initiatives to evolve their existing offerings of weapon systems and vehicles. Advanced Wasp with heavy armor, gauss repeaters, and experimental ion field bomb launchers.}}{{Ref/Twitter|GrimBrotherOne|1174706574784221189|Jeff Easterling|Quote=Q: This is the AV-49H Wasp and the Colossus Mark II [J] ADS respectively right.<br>Yes to both.|D=24|M=11|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|CFBH}}
*'''[[ONI Wasp]]''': a specialised Wasp variant employed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], used for stealth surveillance and night sorties.{{Ref/Reuse|CFBH}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[ONI Wasp]] Description|Quote=The size and mobility of the Wasp makes it a favorite of ONI Security teams in high-threat environments. ONI Wasps are loaded with all-environment homing missiles and HEDP machine gun rounds. Advanced Wasp with heavy armor and upgraded weapons.}}


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5G - Hannibal Wasp.png|AV-49H "Hannibal Wasp"
File:H5G - ONI Wasp.png|ONI Wasp
File:H5G - ONI Wasp.png|ONI Wasp
File:H5G - Hannibal Wasp.png|Hannibal Wasp
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Production notes ==
== Production notes ==
A vehicle called the Wasp was cut from ''[[Halo 4]]'' early in development.<ref name="gamecheat">[https://youtu.be/KXzYKQZDrpM?t=2m35s '''YouTube''' - ''Gamecheat13: Halo 4 - The Revenant and Disintegrator'']</ref> Whether it had any relation to the AV-49 Wasp is unclear. The Wasp vehicle was first teased in a [[Canon Fodder]] article on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'', listed as the <code>AV-49 [DATA CORRUPTION! REBUILD IN PROGRESS . . .]</code> alongside several other UNSC aerodynes.<ref name="local units"/> It was later formally revealed to be included in the [[Warzone Firefight]] update.<ref name="buzz"/>
A vehicle called the Wasp was [[Cut Halo 4 vehicles|one of several]] cut from ''[[Halo 4]]'' early in development.{{Ref/YouTube|KXzYKQZDrpM|Time=155|Gamecheat13|Halo 4 - The Revenant and Disintegrator|D=24|M=11|Y=2021}} Whether it had any relation to the AV-49 Wasp is unclear. The Wasp vehicle was first teased in a [[Canon Fodder]] article on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'', listed as the <code>AV-49 [DATA CORRUPTION! REBUILD IN PROGRESS . . .]</code> alongside several other UNSC aerodynes.{{Ref/Reuse|local units}} It was later formally revealed to be included in the [[Warzone Firefight]] update.{{Ref/Reuse|buzz}} The AV-49 Wasp was designed by [[:Category:Images by Darren Bacon|Darren Bacon]], [[:Category:Images by David Heidhoff|David Heidhoff]], and [[Nicolas Bouvier]] circa [[2015]].{{Ref/Twitter|Id=twitter|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|_darrenbacon|1363948194032353283|Darren Bacon|Quote=@Halo 5 Wasp details... This vehicle all-up was a design collab w/ David Heidhoff and @nbsparth -piloting-~piloting~, c. 2015... #Halo #conceptart}}
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
Line 61: Line 68:
* The cockpit features a handle that rests between the legs of the operator, nearly identical to the ejection seat trigger handles of many modern aircraft.
* The cockpit features a handle that rests between the legs of the operator, nearly identical to the ejection seat trigger handles of many modern aircraft.
* The Wasp's model in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' features a decal bearing the label of the [[MK71 emergency food preparation station]].
* The Wasp's model in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' features a decal bearing the label of the [[MK71 emergency food preparation station]].
* The Wasp bears a striking resemblance in design to the [[Kestrel (deleted aircraft)|cut Kestrel]] from [[Halo 2]]. Whether this was intentional or not is unknown.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5G-AV49WaspVTOL-HannibalSkin-Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Hannibal Wasp.
File:H5G - Wasp concept art.jpg|Concept art of the Wasp for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G - Wasp concept art.jpg|Concept art of the Wasp for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G Wasp Cockpit Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Wasp's cockpit.
File:H5G Wasp Concept Sketch 1.jpg|A concept sketch for the Wasp.
File:H5G Wasp Concept Sketch 2.jpg|A concept sketch for the Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49Wasp-VTOL-Alt.png|A render of the Wasp, as it appears in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G - Wasp firing on Sanctum.jpg|A close-up of the Wasp on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G - Wasp firing on Sanctum.jpg|A close-up of the Wasp on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G - Two Wasps on Urban.jpg|Two Wasps on [[Urban]].
File:H5G - Two Wasps on Urban.jpg|Two Wasps on [[Urban]].
Line 71: Line 83:
File:H5G-AV49HUD.png|HUD of the Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49HUD.png|HUD of the Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49missiles.png|The Wasp's missiles.
File:H5G-AV49missiles.png|The Wasp's missiles.
File:H5G-AV49s&T54Banshee.png|Two Wasps and a [[Type-54 Banshee]] in Warzone Firefight.
File:H5G-AV49s&T54Banshee.png|Two Wasps and a {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}} in Warzone Firefight.
File:H5G-AV49shielding.png|The energy shielding on a Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49shielding.png|The energy shielding on a Wasp.
File:H5G-AV49trio.png|A trio of Wasps in Warzone.
File:H5G-AV49trio.png|A trio of Wasps in Warzone.
File:H5G-Wasps.png|An ONI Wasp, Hannibal Wasp, and Wasp (from left to right) on [[Battle of Noctus]].
File:H5G-Wasps.png|An ONI Wasp, Hannibal Wasp, and Wasp (from left to right) on [[Battle of Noctus]].
File:HINF CanyonMap2.png|The Wasp on [[Fragmentation]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF BeeOnAString.png|A Spartan-IV using the [[Grappleshot]] to board a Wasp on [[Behemoth]].
File:HINF-WaspMGHUD.png|HUD of the machine guns.
File:HINF-WaspMissileHUD.png|HUD of the missile launcher.
File:HINF - Emblem icon - Wasp Streak.png|The Wasp Streak emblem in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 94: Line 111:
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{UNSC Aircraft}}
{{Human aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 03:17, November 17, 2023

AV-49 Wasp
The Wasp in Halo Infinite
Production information

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Product line:

Wasp

Model:

AV-49[2]

Technical specifications

Length:

7.6 meters (25 ft)[1][3]

Width:

6.4 meters (21 ft)[1][3]

Height:

2.2 meters (7.3 ft)[1][3]

Mass:

1,360.7 kilograms (3,000 lb)[1][3]

Maximum speed:

500 kilometers per hour (310 mph)[1][3]

Engine(s):

Air cooled, vector-driven fusion thrusters[1]

Hull:

Light armor

Armament:

Crew:

1 pilot[3][1]

Usage

Year introduced:

2553[3]

In service:

Post-Covenant War conflicts

Role(s):

  • Gunship escort for troop transports[3]
  • Close air support[3]

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 
“ Single-seat ground support VTOL. Armed with heavy machineguns and rocket launchers. Best used for quick hit-and-run attacks.[6] ”

The AV-49 Wasp is a VTOL aircraft in service with the United Nations Space Command,[2] with specialized variants employed by the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Considered fast to produce and easy to maintain and optimise,[7] the AV-49 shares several similarities with its fellow aerodynes, the AV-14 Hornet, AV-19 SkyHawk, AV-22 Sparrowhawk, and AV-30 Kestrel.[8] The aircraft features an integrated VTOL propulsion system that combines dual lift ducted fan engines used by the AV-30 (though these engines were largely patterned off of the earlier JOV-99 Kestrel),[9] with air-cooled vectored-thrust fusion thrusters for forward movement.[1] The AV-49 also features twin 7.62 M199 heavy machine guns and twin 50mm M400 missile launchers,[1][3], and cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.[8] During its prototype testing phase, energy shielding was also implemented into the aircraft.[4]

Designed for expeditionary usage, the Wasp can be easily prepped and deployed with minimal tools, and their hardened storage containers have identical dimensions to UNSC Naval Logistical Operations Command (NAVLOGCOM)-standard flat containers, simplifying interstellar transport logistics.[10][3]

Development history[edit]

The Wasp was developed by Misriah Armory alongside the STINGER-class Mjolnir, which has two neural interface controllers to allow the operator to switch from flight to ground combat modes at the speed of thought.[2] Sometime following the dissolution of the Colonial Military Authority, the UNSC was considering the widespread adoption of Vestol Corporation's JOV-99 Kestrel. However, strong lobbying by Misriah Armory saw the Wasp selected to replace the Kestrels that would find service in the UNSC Army and Colonial Militias.[9]

Although in use by 2553, the Wasp was still undergoing field trials with the UNSC as of 2558. By this time, the Spartan Operations branch was asked to assess its tactical utility for their specific needs, with SPARTANs able to test the vehicle in War Games simulations or review prototypes manufactured aboard UNSC Infinity in Hangar A-6. Due to their ease of assembly, Spartan Commander Palmer recommended that all SPARTANs aboard Infinity become familiar with this process.[3]

The Wasp's flight systems and the materials were later used in the development of Misriah Armory's OQ-45 Honeybee surveillance drone.[11]

Operational History[edit]

The Wasp augments existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in Marine service.[10][12] UNSC doctrine sees the Wasp employed as a gunship escort for troop transports or on-call close air support for special forces teams.[3] The Office of Naval Intelligence employs their own variant of Wasp, using it for night sorties and stealth surveillance missions.[13] While the Wasp is a capable aircraft, many UNSC Army garrisons, local defense forces, and militia groups have little reason to transition to an airframe that requires constant off-world maintenance inputs, still favoring the JOV-99 Kestrel.[9]

By the time of the Battle for Zeta Halo in 2560, the Wasp was still in use by the UNSC. However, the models deployed on Installation 07 lacked the energy shielding present in earlier test iterations.[5]

Variants[edit]

  • AV-49H "Hannibal Wasp"

    AV-49H "Hannibal Wasp"

  • ONI Wasp

    ONI Wasp

Production notes[edit]

A vehicle called the Wasp was one of several cut from Halo 4 early in development.[17] Whether it had any relation to the AV-49 Wasp is unclear. The Wasp vehicle was first teased in a Canon Fodder article on Halo Waypoint, listed as the AV-49 [DATA CORRUPTION! REBUILD IN PROGRESS . . .] alongside several other UNSC aerodynes.[8] It was later formally revealed to be included in the Warzone Firefight update.[10] The AV-49 Wasp was designed by Darren Bacon, David Heidhoff, and Nicolas Bouvier circa 2015.[18]

Trivia[edit]

  • Like the Hornet, the Wasp's numerical designation is a derivative of 7 (7x7, or 7 squared, is 49).
  • The cockpit features a handle that rests between the legs of the operator, nearly identical to the ejection seat trigger handles of many modern aircraft.
  • The Wasp's model in Halo 5: Guardians features a decal bearing the label of the MK71 emergency food preparation station.
  • The Wasp bears a striking resemblance in design to the cut Kestrel from Halo 2. Whether this was intentional or not is unknown.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to AV-49 Wasp on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Halo 5: Guardians REQ cards[edit]

  • Wasp.

    Wasp.

  • ONI Wasp.

    ONI Wasp.

  • Hannibal Wasp.

    Hannibal Wasp.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 156
  2. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Tales & Stingers (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2021) [archive]
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 204
  4. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, Wasp in-game vehicle
  5. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Wasp in-game vehicle
  6. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - Wasp description: "Single-seat ground support VTOL. Armed with heavy machineguns and rocket launchers. Best used for quick hit-and-run attacks."
  7. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive (Retrieved on Jun 16, 2021) [archive]
  8. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Local Units (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2021) [archive]
  9. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder, Cutting Room Lore (Retrieved on Jul 26, 2022) [archive]
  10. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2021) [archive]
  11. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Outpost Discoveries (Retrieved on Nov 5, 2019) [archive]
  12. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ Card: Wasp Description "The AV-49 Wasp supplements existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft in Marine service. Close air support VTOL armed with heavy machine guns and twin rocket launchers."
  13. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Bounty Hunters (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2021) [archive]
  14. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ Card: Hannibal Wasp Description "Misriah Armory and Hannibal Weapon Systems collaborate on initiatives to evolve their existing offerings of weapon systems and vehicles. Advanced Wasp with heavy armor, gauss repeaters, and experimental ion field bomb launchers."
  15. ^ Twitter, Jeff Easterling (@GrimBrotherOne): "Q: This is the AV-49H Wasp and the Colossus Mark II [J] ADS respectively right.
    Yes to both."     (Retrieved on Nov 24, 2021) [archive]
  16. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ Card: ONI Wasp Description "The size and mobility of the Wasp makes it a favorite of ONI Security teams in high-threat environments. ONI Wasps are loaded with all-environment homing missiles and HEDP machine gun rounds. Advanced Wasp with heavy armor and upgraded weapons."
  17. ^ YouTube - Gamecheat13, Halo 4 - The Revenant and Disintegrator (Retrieved on Nov 24, 2021)
  18. ^ Twitter, Darren Bacon (@_darrenbacon): "@Halo 5 Wasp details... This vehicle all-up was a design collab w/ David Heidhoff and @nbsparth -piloting-~piloting~, c. 2015... #Halo #conceptart" (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]

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