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Marathon-class heavy cruiser: Difference between revisions

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(→‎Gallery: It's really about time that this image be added to this page.)
(The UNSC Navy had plenty of larger vessels even during the war.)
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The '''''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser''' is a [[cruiser]] classification in service with the [[UNSC Navy]].<ref name="EVG"/> Ships of the ''Marathon'' class are designated with a [[hull classification symbol]] of '''CA''',<ref name="h2a"/> indicating that vessels of the class are heavy cruisers. ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers are commonly reserved for use as [[Flagship|command ships]] due to their durability and firepower,<ref name="universe"/> and are often given attack and defense roles.<ref name="EVG"/> Rarely, these cruisers are deployed to assist forces of the [[United Nations Space Command]] in planetary invasion [[operation]]s.<ref name="ENC"/>
The '''''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser''' is a [[cruiser]] classification in service with the [[UNSC Navy]].<ref name="EVG"/> Ships of the ''Marathon'' class are designated with a [[hull classification symbol]] of '''CA''',<ref name="h2a"/> indicating that vessels of the class are heavy cruisers. ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers are commonly reserved for use as [[Flagship|command ships]] due to their durability and firepower,<ref name="universe"/> and are often given attack and defense roles.<ref name="EVG"/> Rarely, these cruisers are deployed to assist forces of the [[United Nations Space Command]] in planetary invasion [[operation]]s.<ref name="ENC"/>


Built as a replacement for the aging {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}},<ref name="universe"/> the ''Marathon'' class is nearly 1.2 kilometers in length, making it one of the largest [[warship]]s used by the UNSC and often served as the backbone of a fleet. Due to their limited numbers, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers are typically commanded by officers of the [[Rear Admiral|rear admiral]] rate or higher.<ref name="ENC"/>
Built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}, the ''Marathon'' class is nearly 1.2 kilometers long. ''Marathon'' generally serve as the backbone of fleets, though due to their limited numbers they are typically commanded by officers of the [[Rear Admiral|rear admiral]] rate or higher.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="universe"/>


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
===Superstructure and hull===
===Superstructure and hull===
[[File:HFB-UNSCLeviathan.png|thumb|250px|left|{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}, [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]]]]
[[File:HFB-UNSCLeviathan.png|thumb|250px|left|{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}, [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]]]]
At {{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}} long,<ref name="EVG"/> ''Marathon''-class heavy [[cruiser]]s are approximately three times the length of a typical [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]. Cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class were large vessels within the [[UNSC fleet]], though they were dwarfed by their [[Covenant]] [[Covenant cruiser|counterparts]].<ref name="ENC"/> At 100,000 tons,<ref name="goo53"/> ships of the ''Marathon'' class have approximately three times the tonnage of their predecessors—the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}s.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 270'' (2010)</ref> ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers have a similar profile to most cruisers within the [[UNSC Navy]]. Unlike the ''Halcyon'' class, the ventral surfaces of a ''Marathon'' class are concave rather than flat. ''Marathon''s have 191 centimeter-thick layers of [[Titanium-A armor]], allowing them to sustain far greater damage than any frigate or [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]].<ref name="ENC"/> Vessels of the ''Marathon'' class are renowned for their durability and extraordinary resilience.<ref name="universe"/> Their ability to withstand massive amounts of damage, even from numerous blasts from [[plasma]] weaponry, made the ''Marathon'' class popular among [[UNSC]] officers.<ref name="ENC"/> By [[2552]], ''Marathon''s were considered to be the most powerful [[warship]] ever built by [[human]]ity.<ref name="for188">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 188'' (2010)</ref>
At {{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}} long,<ref name="EVG"/> ''Marathon''-class heavy [[cruiser]]s are approximately three times the length of a typical [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]. Despite their size, ''Marathon''-class cruisers are dwarfed by most [[Covenant cruiser]] classes.<ref name="ENC"/> At 100,000 tons,<ref name="goo53"/> ships of the ''Marathon'' class have approximately three times the tonnage of their predecessors—the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}s.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 270'' (2010)</ref> ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers have a similar profile to most cruisers within the [[UNSC Navy]]. Unlike the ''Halcyon'' class, the ventral surfaces of a ''Marathon'' class are concave rather than flat. ''Marathon''s have 191 centimeter-thick layers of [[Titanium-A armor]], allowing them to sustain far greater damage than any frigate or [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]].<ref name="ENC"/> Vessels of the ''Marathon'' class are renowned for their durability and extraordinary resilience.<ref name="universe"/> Their ability to withstand massive amounts of damage, even from numerous blasts from [[plasma]] weaponry, made the ''Marathon'' class popular among UNSC Navy officers.<ref name="ENC"/> By [[2552]], ''Marathon''s were considered to be the most powerful [[warship]] ever built by [[human]]ity.<ref name="for188">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 188'' (2010)</ref>


Like all warships of the UNSC Navy, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers have a degree of operational flexibility through the use of modular mission packages and reconfigurable [[hangar bay]]s. Though a rare configuration, cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class could be modified and equipped to function as a [[Carrier|light carrier]], sacrificing [[missile]] reloads and all of its cargo bays for additional hangar capacity.<ref name="fb125">'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rulebook - page 125''</ref>
Like all warships of the UNSC Navy, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers have a degree of operational flexibility through the use of modular mission packages and reconfigurable [[hangar bay]]s. Though a rare configuration, cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class could be modified and equipped to function as a [[Carrier|light carrier]], sacrificing [[missile]] reloads and all of its cargo bays for additional hangar capacity.<ref name="fb125">'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rulebook - page 125''</ref>


===Crew and complement===
===Crew and complement===
''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers feature a standard complement of one thousand personnel. Due to their durability and firepower, ships of the ''Marathon'' class are often reserved for [[admiral]]s to use as [[Flagship|command ship]]s. Although, they are occasionally commanded by a [[captain]] or a [[Rear Admiral|rear admiral]].<ref name="ENC"/> Vessels of the class can also carry large [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marine]] complements.<ref name="for242"/>
''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers feature a standard complement of one thousand personnel. Due to their durability and firepower, ships of the ''Marathon'' class are often reserved for [[admiral]]s to use as [[Flagship|command ship]]s. Although, they are occasionally commanded by a [[captain]] or a [[Rear Admiral|rear admiral]].<ref name="ENC"/> Vessels of the class can also carry large [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] complements.<ref name="for242"/>


Cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class are fitted with at least two hangar bays.<ref name="Genesis">'''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'''</ref><ref name="fb">'''Halo: Fleet Battles''', ''Stats''</ref> A large deployment bay containing numerous [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]s, referred to by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] as "Hell's waiting room", is located amidships.<ref name="ODST"/> ''Marathon''s can carry two dozen [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s; space aboard a ''Marathon'' is optimized to maximize the amount of heavy weapons and armor equipped on each ship, preventing the cruisers from carrying more [[space fighter]]s.<ref name="ENC"/> In addition, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers can carry several [[D77-TC Pelican]] [[dropship]]s and other ground and air vehicles.<ref name="for242"/>
Cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class are fitted with at least two hangar bays.<ref name="Genesis">'''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'''</ref><ref name="fb">'''Halo: Fleet Battles''', ''Stats''</ref> A large deployment bay containing numerous [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]s, referred to by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] as "Hell's waiting room", is located amidships.<ref name="ODST"/> ''Marathon''s can carry two dozen [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s; space aboard a ''Marathon'' is optimized to maximize the amount of heavy weapons and armor equipped on each ship, preventing the cruisers from carrying more [[space fighter]]s.<ref name="ENC"/> In addition, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers can carry several [[D77-TC Pelican]] [[dropship]]s and other ground and air vehicles.<ref name="for242"/>
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==Operational history==
==Operational history==
[[File:Outcome of Second Battle of Harvest.png|thumb|250px|Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers engaging the [[Covenant super-destroyer|super-destroyer]] at Harvest]]
[[File:Outcome of Second Battle of Harvest.png|thumb|250px|Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers engaging the [[Covenant super-destroyer]] at Harvest]]
The ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser was commissioned and built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}},<ref name="ENC"/> a smaller and lighter armed cruiser with excessive production costs.<ref name="EVG"/> After a brief era of service,<ref name="universe"/> most ships of the ''Halcyon'' class were decommissioned, which led to the ''Marathon'' class rising to prominence. By [[2525]], the ''Marathon'' class was the most popular line of [[cruiser]] in service with the Navy.<ref name="EVG"/> Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers served in [[Battle Group X-Ray]] under [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] during the [[Battle of Harvest|Battle]] of [[Harvest]]. Throughout the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], Cole continued to command ''Marathon''s as part of his [[Third Fleet]]. Several ''Marathon''s from the fleet, including {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}}, participated in the [[Harvest campaign]].<ref name="Genesis"/><ref name="Timeline">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref> At least one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser, {{UNSCShip|Dresden}}, participated in the [[Battle of Biko|Battle]] of [[Biko]], where it was destroyed by the [[Covenant]].<ref name="tug"/>
The ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser was commissioned and built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}},<ref name="ENC"/> a smaller and more lightly armed cruiser with excessive production costs.<ref name="EVG"/> After a brief era of service,<ref name="universe"/> most ships of the ''Halcyon'' class were decommissioned, which led to the ''Marathon'' class rising to prominence. By [[2525]], the ''Marathon'' class was the most popular line of [[cruiser]] in service with the Navy.<ref name="EVG"/> Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers served in [[Battle Group X-Ray]] under [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] during the [[Battle of Harvest]]. Throughout the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ''Marathon''s continued to serve in Cole's [[Third Fleet]]. Several ''Marathon''s from the fleet, including {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}}, participated in the [[Harvest campaign]].<ref name="Genesis"/><ref name="Timeline">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref> At least one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser, {{UNSCShip|Dresden}}, participated in the [[Battle of Biko|Battle]] of [[Biko]], where it was destroyed by the [[Covenant]].<ref name="tug"/>


[[File:Fifth Fleet - H2A.png|thumb|250px|left|Numerous ''Marathon''s hold position over Earth]]
[[File:Fifth Fleet - H2A.png|thumb|250px|left|Numerous ''Marathon''s hold position over Earth.]]
As their numbers were diminished by the onslaught of the Covenant, many ''Marathon''s were reassigned to the defense of the [[Inner Colonies]] and [[Earth]] during the later years of the Human-Covenant War.<ref name="page162">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 162''</ref><ref group="note">According to ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', as of July 2552, UNSC ''Leviathan'' was one of twenty cruisers left in the Fleet, presumably referring to the entire Navy. Even if one assumes that this refers only to [[FLEETCOM Sector One]], this number is clearly retconned in later media.</ref> ''Marathon''s were present at the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV|Battle]] of [[Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]], including [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]] [[UNSC Leviathan|''Leviathan'']],<ref name="for188"/> which was severely damaged during the battle.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 224'' (2010)</ref> Numerous ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Fall of Reach|Fall]] of [[Reach]], many of which were destroyed, including Stanforth's ''Leviathan''.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="fb"/><ref name="fs206">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 168'' (2003), ''page 206'' (2010)</ref>
As their numbers were diminished by the onslaught of the Covenant, many ''Marathon''s were reassigned to the defense of the [[Inner Colonies]] and [[Earth]] during the later years of the Human-Covenant War.<ref name="page162">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 162''</ref><ref group="note">According to ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', as of July 2552, UNSC ''Leviathan'' was one of twenty cruisers left in the Fleet, presumably referring to the entire Navy. Even if one assumes that this refers only to [[FLEETCOM Sector One]], this number is clearly retconned in later media.</ref> ''Marathon''s were present at the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]], including [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]] [[UNSC Leviathan|''Leviathan'']],<ref name="for188"/> which was severely damaged during the battle.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 224'' (2010)</ref> Numerous ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Fall of Reach]], many of which were destroyed, including ''Leviathan''.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="fb"/><ref name="fs206">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 168'' (2003), ''page 206'' (2010)</ref>


At least eight ''Marathon''-class cruisers—including {{UNSCShip|Canberra}}<ref name="h2a"/> and [[UNSC Say My Name|''Say My Name'']]<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Say My Name''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110424040357/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44 Archive.org])</ref>—assigned to the [[Fifth Fleet]], a part of the [[UNSC Home Fleet]], were present at the onset of the [[Battle of Earth|Battle]] of [[Earth]]. Led by [[J. Harper|Fleet Admiral J. Harper]] aboard ''Canberra'' and supported by sixty-seven {{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}s, these ships formed a defensive perimeter around the [[orbital defense platform]] cluster over the Mediterranean to prevent the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] from reaching Earth's surface.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]]''</ref> [[Carl Patterson|Admiral Carl Patterson's]] [[Patterson's battle group|battle group]], drawn from the Home Fleet, contained one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser that participated at the [[Battle of Onyx|Battle]] of [[Onyx]], where it was destroyed with the rest of its [[battle group]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 292, 333''</ref> Several ''Marathon''-class cruisers of the Home Fleet were supposedly destroyed over the course of the battle for Earth, particularly after the final wave of Covenant reinforcements arrived.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Crow's Nest (level)|Crow's Nest]]''</ref>
At least eight ''Marathon''-class cruisers (including {{UNSCShip|Canberra}}<ref name="h2a"/> and [[UNSC Say My Name|''Say My Name'']],<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Say My Name''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110424040357/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44 Archive.org])</ref> assigned to the [[Fifth Fleet]], a part of the [[UNSC Home Fleet]]) were present at the onset of the [[Battle for Earth]]. Led by [[Joseph Harper|Fleet Admiral Joseph Harper]] aboard ''Canberra'' and supported by 67 {{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}s, these ships formed a defensive perimeter around the [[orbital defense platform]] cluster over the Mediterranean to prevent the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] from reaching Earth's surface.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]]''</ref> [[Carl Patterson|Admiral Carl Patterson's]] [[Patterson's battle group|battle group]], drawn from the Home Fleet, contained one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser, {{UNSCship|Stalingrad}}, that participated at the [[Battle of Onyx]], where she was destroyed with the rest of her [[battle group]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 292, 333''</ref> Several ''Marathon''-class cruisers of the Home Fleet were presumably destroyed over the course of the Battle for Earth, particularly after the final wave of Covenant reinforcements arrived.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Crow's Nest (level)|Crow's Nest]]''</ref>


Most remaining ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers were decommissioned after the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} was introduced, with only a handful staying in service.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 191''</ref> The ''Autumn'' class became slated to serve as the core of the reconstituted UNSC Navy's fleet, a role that the ''Marathon'' class had previously fulfilled.<ref name="universe"/> A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser served as the flagship of Admiral [[Tuwa]] during [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|an operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]]. The presence of the cruiser prevented [[Minister of Protection]] [[Arlo Casille]] from taking naval action against the UNSC, realizing that the cruiser could easily decimate his entire fleet of [[patrol corvette]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Last Light]]''', ''page 71''</ref>
Most remaining ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers were decommissioned after the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} was introduced, with only a handful staying in service.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 191''</ref> The ''Autumn'' class became slated to serve as the core of the reconstituted UNSC Navy's fleet, a role the ''Marathon'' class had previously fulfilled.<ref name="universe"/> A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser served as the flagship of Admiral [[Tuwa]] during [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|an operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]]. The presence of the cruiser prevented [[Minister of Protection]] [[Arlo Casille]] from taking naval action against the UNSC, realizing that the cruiser could easily decimate his entire fleet of [[patrol corvette]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Last Light]]''', ''page 71''</ref>


==Ships of the line==
==Ships of the line==
*{{UNSCShip|Canberra}} – Fleet Admiral [[J. Harper]]'s [[flagship]]; led the [[Fifth Fleet]] against the [[Covenant]] during the [[Battle of Earth|Battle]] of [[Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]].<ref name="h2a"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Canberra}} – Fleet Admiral [[Joseph Harper]]'s [[flagship]]; led the [[Fifth Fleet]] against the [[Covenant]] during the [[Battle for Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]].<ref name="h2a"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Dresden}} – Equipped with a [[saddle box]] drive. Destroyed during the [[Battle of Biko|Battle]] of [[Biko]] in [[2526]].<ref name="tug"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Dresden}} – Equipped with a [[saddle box]] drive. Destroyed during the [[Battle of Biko]] in [[2526]].<ref name="tug"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}} – Part of the Fifth Fleet; destroyed during the Battle of Earth on October 20, 2552.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fifty-caliber '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber'']</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}} – Part of the Fifth Fleet; destroyed during the Battle of Earth on October 20, 2552.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fifty-caliber '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber'']</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Hannibal}} – Destroyed during the [[Fall of Reach|Fall]] of [[Reach]].<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="fs206"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Hannibal}} – Destroyed during the [[Fall of Reach]].<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="fs206"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}} – Vice Admiral [[Michael Stanforth]]'s flagship. Severely damaged during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV|Battle]] of [[Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] and destroyed during the Fall of Reach.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/michael-stanforth '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Michael Stanforth'']</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}} – Vice Admiral [[Michael Stanforth]]'s flagship. Severely damaged during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] and destroyed during the Fall of Reach.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/michael-stanforth '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Michael Stanforth'']</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Marathon}} – The [[Wikipedia:Lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.<ref>[[Stephen Loftus]] on the [[Talk:Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn'' class' talk page]]</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Marathon}} – The [[Wikipedia:Lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.<ref>[[Stephen Loftus]] on the [[Talk:Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn'' class' talk page]]</ref>
*{{UNSCShip|Prophecy}} – Destroyed during the [[Harvest]] [[Harvest campaign|campaign]] in [[2531|February 2531]].<ref name="Genesis"/><ref name="Timeline"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Prophecy}} – Destroyed during the [[Harvest campaign]] in [[2531#February|February 2531]].<ref name="Genesis"/><ref name="Timeline"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} – Deployed [[ODSTs]] to board ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' during the [[Battle of Mombasa|Battle]] of [[Mombasa]] on October 20, 2552.<ref name="ODST"/><ref name="waypoint"/>
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} – Deployed [[ODSTs]] to board ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] on October 20, 2552.<ref name="ODST"/><ref name="waypoint"/>


==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==

Revision as of 12:59, November 3, 2016

Marathon-class heavy cruiser
H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser.png
Production information

Class:

Cruiser[1]

Role:

Attack, command, defense[1][2]

Technical specifications

Length:

1,192 meters (3,910 ft)[2]

Width:

293 meters (960 ft)[2][3]

Height:

375 meters (1,230 ft)[3]

Mass:

100,000 tons[4][note 1]

Engine(s):

Fusion drives[5]

Slipspace drive:

Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine[6]

Hull:

191 cm of Titanium-A battle plate[7]

Armament:

Complement:

Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Affiliation:

UNSC Navy

 

The Marathon-class heavy cruiser is a cruiser classification in service with the UNSC Navy.[2] Ships of the Marathon class are designated with a hull classification symbol of CA,[5] indicating that vessels of the class are heavy cruisers. Marathon-class heavy cruisers are commonly reserved for use as command ships due to their durability and firepower,[1] and are often given attack and defense roles.[2] Rarely, these cruisers are deployed to assist forces of the United Nations Space Command in planetary invasion operations.[7]

Built as a replacement for the Halcyon-class light cruiser, the Marathon class is nearly 1.2 kilometers long. Marathon generally serve as the backbone of fleets, though due to their limited numbers they are typically commanded by officers of the rear admiral rate or higher.[7][1]

Specifications

Superstructure and hull

At 1,192 meters (3,910 ft) long,[2] Marathon-class heavy cruisers are approximately three times the length of a typical frigate. Despite their size, Marathon-class cruisers are dwarfed by most Covenant cruiser classes.[7] At 100,000 tons,[4] ships of the Marathon class have approximately three times the tonnage of their predecessors—the Halcyon-class light cruisers.[10] Marathon-class heavy cruisers have a similar profile to most cruisers within the UNSC Navy. Unlike the Halcyon class, the ventral surfaces of a Marathon class are concave rather than flat. Marathons have 191 centimeter-thick layers of Titanium-A armor, allowing them to sustain far greater damage than any frigate or destroyer.[7] Vessels of the Marathon class are renowned for their durability and extraordinary resilience.[1] Their ability to withstand massive amounts of damage, even from numerous blasts from plasma weaponry, made the Marathon class popular among UNSC Navy officers.[7] By 2552, Marathons were considered to be the most powerful warship ever built by humanity.[11]

Like all warships of the UNSC Navy, Marathon-class heavy cruisers have a degree of operational flexibility through the use of modular mission packages and reconfigurable hangar bays. Though a rare configuration, cruisers of the Marathon class could be modified and equipped to function as a light carrier, sacrificing missile reloads and all of its cargo bays for additional hangar capacity.[12]

Crew and complement

Marathon-class heavy cruisers feature a standard complement of one thousand personnel. Due to their durability and firepower, ships of the Marathon class are often reserved for admirals to use as command ships. Although, they are occasionally commanded by a captain or a rear admiral.[7] Vessels of the class can also carry large Marine complements.[9]

Cruisers of the Marathon class are fitted with at least two hangar bays.[13][14] A large deployment bay containing numerous Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicles, referred to by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers as "Hell's waiting room", is located amidships.[8] Marathons can carry two dozen GA-TL1 Longswords; space aboard a Marathon is optimized to maximize the amount of heavy weapons and armor equipped on each ship, preventing the cruisers from carrying more space fighters.[7] In addition, Marathon-class heavy cruisers can carry several D77-TC Pelican dropships and other ground and air vehicles.[9]

Armaments

Marathon-class heavy cruisers are equipped with two heavy Magnetic Accelerator Cannons as the primary armament of the class.[1][2] In addition to the class' MAC weaponry, these heavy cruisers are armed with a variety of other weapons that were once considered to outmatch the armaments of any other ship in service with the UNSC Navy.[2] The secondary armament of a Marathon-class heavy cruiser is its missile delivery system[1] which consists of 1,800 Archer missiles, as well as five fusion rockets.[7] The tertiary armament of the heavy cruiser class is a network of point-defense guns.[1] The Marathon class' vastly superior and larger armaments allowed it to outclass the Halcyon class in every way in terms of weaponry.[7]

Operational history

File:Outcome of Second Battle of Harvest.png
Several Marathon-class heavy cruisers engaging the Covenant super-destroyer at Harvest

The Marathon-class heavy cruiser was commissioned and built as a replacement for the Halcyon-class light cruiser,[7] a smaller and more lightly armed cruiser with excessive production costs.[2] After a brief era of service,[1] most ships of the Halcyon class were decommissioned, which led to the Marathon class rising to prominence. By 2525, the Marathon class was the most popular line of cruiser in service with the Navy.[2] Several Marathon-class heavy cruisers served in Battle Group X-Ray under Vice Admiral Preston Cole during the Battle of Harvest. Throughout the early years of the Human-Covenant War, Marathons continued to serve in Cole's Third Fleet. Several Marathons from the fleet, including UNSC Prophecy, participated in the Harvest campaign.[13][15] At least one Marathon-class heavy cruiser, UNSC Dresden, participated in the Battle of Biko, where it was destroyed by the Covenant.[6]

Numerous Marathons hold position over Earth.

As their numbers were diminished by the onslaught of the Covenant, many Marathons were reassigned to the defense of the Inner Colonies and Earth during the later years of the Human-Covenant War.[16][note 2] Marathons were present at the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV in July 2552, including Vice Admiral Michael Stanforth's flagship Leviathan,[11] which was severely damaged during the battle.[17] Numerous Marathon-class heavy cruisers participated in the Fall of Reach, many of which were destroyed, including Leviathan.[7][14][18]

At least eight Marathon-class cruisers (including UNSC Canberra[5] and Say My Name,[19] assigned to the Fifth Fleet, a part of the UNSC Home Fleet) were present at the onset of the Battle for Earth. Led by Fleet Admiral Joseph Harper aboard Canberra and supported by 67 Stalwart-class light frigates, these ships formed a defensive perimeter around the orbital defense platform cluster over the Mediterranean to prevent the Fleet of Sacred Consecration from reaching Earth's surface.[20] Admiral Carl Patterson's battle group, drawn from the Home Fleet, contained one Marathon-class heavy cruiser, Template:UNSCship, that participated at the Battle of Onyx, where she was destroyed with the rest of her battle group.[21] Several Marathon-class cruisers of the Home Fleet were presumably destroyed over the course of the Battle for Earth, particularly after the final wave of Covenant reinforcements arrived.[22]

Most remaining Marathon-class heavy cruisers were decommissioned after the Autumn-class heavy cruiser was introduced, with only a handful staying in service.[23] The Autumn class became slated to serve as the core of the reconstituted UNSC Navy's fleet, a role the Marathon class had previously fulfilled.[1] A Marathon-class heavy cruiser served as the flagship of Admiral Tuwa during an operation on Gao in 2553. The presence of the cruiser prevented Minister of Protection Arlo Casille from taking naval action against the UNSC, realizing that the cruiser could easily decimate his entire fleet of patrol corvettes.[24]

Ships of the line

Halo: Fleet Battles

UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser

This element includes a single Marathon-class heavy cruiser.

  • Cost: 95 points
  • Movement: 8"
  • Damage Track: 6 • 6 • 3
  • Build rating: 2
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 2
  • Security detail: 3
  • System loadouts:
    • Hard Burn (2")
    • Missile barrage
    • Point defense (4)
    • Titanium armor (3)
  • Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
    • Range: 16/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: MAC (2)
    • Firing arc: Forward
    • Dice: 8
  • Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles
    • Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 7

UNSC Supported Marathon Heavy Cruiser

This element includes a Marathon-class heavy cruiser and one Paris-class heavy frigate.

  • Cost: 110 points
  • Movement: 8"
  • Damage Track: 7 • 6 • 3
  • Build rating: 3
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 2
  • Security detail: 4
  • System loadouts:
    • Hard Burn (2")
    • Missile barrage
    • Point defense (4)
    • Titanium armor (4)
  • Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
    • Range: 16/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: MAC (2)
    • Firing arc: Forward
    • Dice: 10
  • Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles
    • Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 8

UNSC Reinforced Marathon Heavy Cruiser

This element includes a Marathon-class heavy cruiser and two Paris-class heavy frigates.

  • Cost: 120 points
  • Movement: 8"
  • Damage Track: 8 • 7 • 4
  • Build rating: 4
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 2
  • Security detail: 4
  • System loadouts:
    • Hard Burn (2")
    • Missile barrage
    • Point defense (5)
    • Titanium armor (5)
  • Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
    • Range: 16/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: MAC (3)
    • Firing arc: Forward
    • Dice: 12
  • Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles
    • Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 10

UNSC Paired Marathon Heavy Cruisers

This element features two Marathon-class heavy cruisers.

  • Cost: 220 points
  • Movement: 8"
  • Damage Track: 10 • 10 • 5
  • Build rating: 6
  • Hangars: 4
  • Boarding Craft: 4
  • Security detail: 6
  • System loadouts:
    • Hard Burn (2")
    • Missile barrage
    • Point defense (8)
    • Titanium armor (6)
  • Primary weapon: Heavy MAC
    • Range: 16/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: MAC (4)
    • Firing arc: Forward
    • Dice: 18
  • Secondary Weapon: Missile batteries
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles
    • Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 14

Trivia

Gallery

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx states that the Marathon-class cruiser has a mass of 100,000 tons. However, given that the Marathon class is over 3.5 times longer than a modern Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, which also has a mass of 100,000 tons, as well as being nearly four times wider and many times taller, this tonnage seems unrealistic. Though this mass figure is perhaps a result of future construction materials or weight-saving design, it is more likely an oversight by author Eric Nylund.
  2. ^ According to Halo: The Fall of Reach, as of July 2552, UNSC Leviathan was one of twenty cruisers left in the Fleet, presumably referring to the entire Navy. Even if one assumes that this refers only to FLEETCOM Sector One, this number is clearly retconned in later media.

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Waypoint: UNSC Cruiser
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 42
  3. ^ a b 3D model data from Halo 2
  4. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 53
  5. ^ a b c d Halo 2: Anniversary, campaign level Cairo Station
  6. ^ a b c Halo: First Strike, "Tug o' War", page 413 (2010)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Halo Encyclopedia, page 251 (2011)
  8. ^ a b c Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Prepare to Drop
  9. ^ a b c Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 242 (2010)
  10. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 270 (2010)
  11. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 188 (2010)
  12. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles, Core Rulebook - page 125
  13. ^ a b c Halo Wars: Genesis
  14. ^ a b Halo: Fleet Battles, Stats
  15. ^ a b Halo Wars, Timeline
  16. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 162
  17. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 224 (2010)
  18. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, page 168 (2003), page 206 (2010)
  19. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: UNSC Say My Name (defunct, backup on Archive.org)
  20. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Cairo Station
  21. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 292, 333
  22. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Crow's Nest
  23. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 191
  24. ^ Halo: Last Light, page 71
  25. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber
  26. ^ Halo Waypoint: Michael Stanforth
  27. ^ Stephen Loftus on the Autumn class' talk page
  28. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder: In the Loop

Template:UNSC Ships