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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
<center>''This article describes the Halo 2 version of the plasma cannon. For the version from later games, see [[Type-52 plasma cannon]].''</center>
{{Title|''Shepsu''-pattern plasma cannon}}
{{Weapon
{{Disambig header|the plasma turret introduced in [[Halo 2]]|other models of plasma cannon|plasma cannon}}
| image= [[File:H2 - T42 DESW_profile.png|300px]]
{{Weapon infobox
| name=Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon
|name=''Shepsu''-pattern Sweeping Turret
| manufacturer=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]
|image=[[File:H2A T42DESW.png|300px]]
| model=Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=300}}
| type=Portable plasma turret
|series=
| cost=
|type=[[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Light plasma cannon]]
| length = 131.7 centimeters
|cost=
| feed=Unlimited (mounted)
|variant=
| ammotype=[[Plasma|Superheated plasma]]
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
| operation=
|length={{Convert|51.8|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| rate=Average, ~600 RPM
|width=
| range=Medium to medium-long range
|height=
| service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Great Schism]]
|weight=
| counterpart=
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Superheated plasma]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]<br>[[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction]]
|capacity=
*Unlimited {{C|mounted}}
*300 units {{C|dismounted}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|feed=
|operation=
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
}}
}}
The '''''Shepsu''-pattern Sweeping Turret'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|42|Directed Energy Support Weapon|DESW}}{{Ref/Anthology|Id=Hotel|Evo|Palace Hotel}} is a model of a [[Class-1 directed energy cannon|light plasma cannon]] utilised by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Site|Id=WP09|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/plasma-cannon/7e7f4e70-db67-4477-9ee9-3956d2155fcc|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Plasma Cannon|D=24|M=04|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Plasma Cannon}}{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=140}}


The '''Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon'''<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', ''page 362''</ref> otherwise known as the '''Plasma Cannon''', is a manned automatic [[Class-1 directed energy cannon|Class-1]] [[plasma]] turret in use by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. Though frequently observed earlier in the [[Human-Covenant War]], the T-42 was later phased out of widespread use in favor of its newer manifestation, the [[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon|Type-52 DESW]], due to the latter's better overall performance.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/plasma-cannon/7e7f4e70-db67-4477-9ee9-3956d2155fcc '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Plasma Cannon'']</ref><ref name="vis">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 140''</ref>
==Overview==
===Design details===
The ''Shepsu'' is one of the most compact models of plasma cannons, with an elongated body resembling that of the {{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}.{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}} The weapon is carried and operated in a similar fashion to the [[M247 machine gun|M247 GPMG]] of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. In the portable form, it includes a two-part foldable mount that contacts the ground in the shape of a "V"—with the weapon's lightweight nature allowing it to be easily carried even by diminutive [[Unggoy]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


== Operation ==
A plasma generator, developed by the [[San'Shyuum]], is built into the tripod which allows the gun to fire indefinitely. These generators were considered so efficient they were deemed borderline heretical centuries before the Covenant War, as they encroached too closely on the "divine perfection" of [[Forerunner]] technology.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-cannon|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Plasma Cannon|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}} When detached from the tripod mount, the weapon has a capacity of 300 battery units.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
Used as a heavy support [[weapon]] in ground based combat, it provides a rapid stream of powerful plasma rounds, to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. The cannon is basically a mobile support weapon and as such offers no protection for the operator which is usually a [[Heavy Grunt]], although it can occasionally be used by an [[Elite Major]] or a [[Sangheili Ranger]]. The gunner is completely exposed to enemy fire, so a well covered emplacement position would be desired for prolonged use, especially if under fire. This separates it from the [[Shade]] turrets, as Shades offer some measure of protection for their operator but are, however, not man-portable. Unlike the similar [[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon]], the Type-42 does not include the shield-like protrusions on the crest of the barrel and appears very much like an elongated [[Plasma Rifle]].  


It is carried and operated in a similar fashion to the [[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun|M247 GPMG]] made by the [[UNSC]]. In the portable form, it includes a two-part foldable mount that contacts the ground in the shape of a "V". It has an approximate 65 degree turn radius and 50 degree pitch. It fires plasma bolts similar to those of the Covenant [[Plasma Rifle]], but at a much higher rate. A battery or plasma core is built into the tripod which allows the gun to fire indefinitely.
===Usage===
Used as a support weapon in ground combat, the ''Shepsu'' is used to provide a rapid stream of powerful plasma rounds to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. They are generally operated by an [[Unggoy Heavy]], although it can occasionally be used by a [[Sangheili Major]] or a [[Sangheili Ranger]]. Its lightweight nature makes it a favourite of Covenant strike teams deployed within excavation fleets{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}—during the [[Battle of Installation 04|Alpha Halo campaign]] in [[2552]], one such group led by Third Commander [[Sesa 'Refumee]] were equipped with a number of ''Shepsu''s when they [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|defected from the Covenant]].{{Ref/Level|H2|The Arbiter}}{{Ref/Level|H2|The Oracle}}


=== Combat Usage ===
Within the [[Covenant military]], the ''Shepsu'' served as the most common model of plasma cannon used throughout the majority of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}} Towards the war's end, the weapon began to be replaced by the more advanced {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}, due to the ''Pek''{{'}}s better performance.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} The weapon was [[Type classification system|type-classified]] by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] in [[2542]], leading to its designation of Type-42. However, analysis of the weapon continued into the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] era, by which time ONI were beginning to become aware that the internal mechanisms of the weapon were much more advanced than initially assumed.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
Since the operator is completely exposed, it is logical to kill the gunner, and not attempt to destroy the gun itself. The gunners are usually positioned low to the ground and as such can be difficult targets to hit. It's advised to attempt this from cover, since the sheer volume of fire the cannon can lay down is not to be underestimated. Once the operator is down, a well placed grenade or some other explosive should be used to put the cannon out of action temporarily (although fairly rare, another Grunt will operate the turret if the original gunner is killed).


The Halo 2-era Plasma Turret can't be detached but can be meleed or shot off using [[UNSC]] or Covenant firearms. Also, the turret can be manned after it has been mounted by a [[Gunner Grunt]].
==In-game information==
===''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
The ''Shepsu''-pattern plasma cannon appears in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and its [[Halo 2: Anniversary|Anniversary remaster]]. On several missions, Gunner Grunts can sometimes be seen carrying a plasma turret over their shoulders as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] do with the cut-down version of the M247 GPMG. The first time this is seen is on the mission ''[[Cairo Station]]'' when the players get to [[Hangar A-02]]. This behavior can also be witnessed in [[Commons B-01]], and again by a Sangheili Ranger outside the station. On ''[[Outskirts]]'' and ''[[Metropolis]]'', Heavy Grunts are found manning plasma cannons in and around the tunnel, and on ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]'', two Gunners are deployed near the start of the level to take out the [[John-117|Master Chief]]. While on ''[[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]]'', a [[Special Operations Unggoy]] is seen carrying a plasma turret over his shoulder, then deploying it and firing on the [[Heretics]].  


On several missions, [[Gunner Grunts]] can sometimes be seen carrying a plasma turret over their shoulders as [[UNSC Marines|Marines]] do with the cut-down version of the [[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun|M247 GP]]. The first time this is seen is on the mission [[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]] when you get to [[Hangar A-02]]. This behavior can also be witnessed in [[Commons B-01]], and again by a Sangheili Ranger outside the station. On [[Outskirts]] and [[Metropolis]], Heavy Grunts are found manning plasma cannons in and around the tunnel, and on [[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]], two Gunners are deployed near the start of the level to take out the [[John-117|Master Chief]]. While on [[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]], a [[Special Ops Grunt]] is seen carrying a plasma turret over his shoulder, then deploying it and firing on the [[Heretics]]. This behavior is also mentioned in [[Halo:Ghosts of Onyx]], at the beginning of the battle of the Core Room.
In ''Halo 2'', the Plasma Turret cannot be detached, but can be meleed or shot off using UNSC or Covenant firearms. Also, the turret can be manned after it has been mounted by an [[Unggoy Heavy]].


==Trivia==
==Production notes==
*In early builds of ''[[Halo 3]]'', the Halo 2-era Plasma Turret was used as a placeholder before the [[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon|Halo 3-era Plasma Turret]] was finalized into the game.<ref>'''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]]'''</ref>
An early take on the {{Pattern|Kez'katu|Phantom}} dropship in ''Halo 2'' originally featured door-mounted ''Shepsu'' plasma cannons, in a fashion similar to the {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} configuration featured from ''[[Halo 3]]'' onward. This early Phantom was used in the [[Halo 2 E3 demo|''Halo 2'' E3 demo]] and later restored by the [[Digsite]] team for use in [[Modding|modded content]].{{Ref/Site|Id=Discoveries|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/digsite-discoveries|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Digsite Discoveries|D=17|M=07|Y=2023}}
*During the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]], the T52 DESW featured in the game was erroneously labeled as "Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon" in [[Bungie.net]] game stats reports. This was not fixed for the final game.
 
In early builds of ''[[Halo 3]]'', the ''Halo 2'' Plasma Turret was used as a placeholder before the ''Halo 3'' Plasma Turret was finalized into the game.{{Ref/Marketing|H3|Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?}} During the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]'', the {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}} (T-52 DESW) featured in the game was erroneously labeled as "Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon" in [[Bungie.net]] game stats reports. This was not fixed for the final game.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===''Halo 2''===
<gallery>
File:H2_TheArbiter_V3_Storyboard_Intro_27.jpg|An early [[Halo 2 storyboards|storyboard]] featuring a Sangheili door gunner manning an early take on the ''Shepsu'' design.
File:H2 Digsite E3Phantom.jpg|A screenshot of the early cut Phantom, with ''Shepsu'' cannons in its door bays.
File:H2 - T42 DESW front.png|Forward view of the ''Shepsu''-pattern plasma cannon.
File:H2 - T42 DESW rear.png|Rear view of the ''Shepsu''.
File:H2-T42DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|Another profile view of the ''Shepsu''-pattern plasma cannon.
File:Turret Grunt.jpg|An Unggoy Heavy carrying a ''Shepsu'' in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Halo2 Weapons Pack.jpg|The ''Shepsu''-pattern plasma cannon alongside other weapons in the [[Joyride Studios]] [[Joyride Studios/Halo 2 Exclusives#Heavy Weapons Battle Pack|''Halo 2'' Heavy Weapons Pack]].
File:T42plasmacannon.png|Enhanced profile view of an action figure depiction of the ''Shepsu''.
File:H3_EarlyChieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] in an early ''Halo 3'' build carrying a ''Shepsu'' during the [[ViDoc]] ''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|Et Tu, Brute?]]''
</gallery>
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H2 - T42 DESW front.png|Forward view of the Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon.
File:H2A-pavel-belov-wpn-plasma-cannon.jpg|Concept art of the ''Shepsu'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2 - T42 DESW rear.png|Rear view of the T-42 DESW.
File:H2A PlasmaCannon HiPoly Render 1.jpg|A model of the ''Shepsu'' for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2-T42DESW-PlasmaCannon.png|Another profile view of the Type-42 DESW.
File:H2A PlasmaCannon HiPoly Render 2.jpg|A model of the ''Shepsu'' for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:Halo2 Weapons Pack.jpg|The T-42 DESW alongside other weapons in the [[Joyride Studios]] [[Joyride Studios/Halo 2 Exclusives#Heavy Weapons Battle Pack|''Halo 2'' Heavy Weapons Pack]].
File:H2A PlasmaCannon HiPoly Render 3.jpg|A model of the ''Shepsu'' for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:T42plasmacannon.png|Enhanced profile view of an action figure depiction of the T-42 DESW.
File:H2A PlasmaCannon HiPoly Render 4.jpg|A model of the ''Shepsu'' for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:Turret Grunt.jpg|An Unggoy Heavy carrying a Type-42 DESW Plasma Cannon in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2ACP-T42.png|A ''Shepsu'' during the Battle of Earth.
File:H2ACP-T42HUD.png|HUD of the ''Shepsu'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2AMP-T42PlasmaCannonHUD.png|HUD of the ''Shepsu'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2AMP-T42PlasmaCannon.png|A Sangheili using a ''Shepsu'' on [[Skyward]].
File:H2A OmegaTeam BreachArmour.jpg|A screenshot of [[Robert-025]] utilising a ''Shepsu''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel (short story)|Palace Hotel]]'' <small>(Formal designation revealed)</small>
**''[[Palace Hotel]]'' {{C|Formal designation revealed}}
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''


== Sources ==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


==See also==
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
*[[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon]]
*[[Shade]]


{{Covenant Weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Plasma weapons]]
[[Category:Plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 07:40, January 17, 2024

This article is about the plasma turret introduced in Halo 2. For other models of plasma cannon, see plasma cannon.
Shepsu-pattern Sweeping Turret
A cropped screenshot of the Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon from Halo 2: Anniversary's campaign.
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1]

Type:

Light plasma cannon

Specifications

Length:

132 centimeters (51.8 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

Superheated plasma[1]

Capacity:

  • Unlimited (mounted)
  • 300 units (dismounted)[1]
Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

The Shepsu-pattern Sweeping Turret[1] (UNSC Type classification: Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon, T-42 DESW)[2] is a model of a light plasma cannon utilised by the Covenant.[3][4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Shepsu is one of the most compact models of plasma cannons, with an elongated body resembling that of the Nakata'vho-pattern plasma repeater.[3] The weapon is carried and operated in a similar fashion to the M247 GPMG of the United Nations Space Command. In the portable form, it includes a two-part foldable mount that contacts the ground in the shape of a "V"—with the weapon's lightweight nature allowing it to be easily carried even by diminutive Unggoy.[1]

A plasma generator, developed by the San'Shyuum, is built into the tripod which allows the gun to fire indefinitely. These generators were considered so efficient they were deemed borderline heretical centuries before the Covenant War, as they encroached too closely on the "divine perfection" of Forerunner technology.[5] When detached from the tripod mount, the weapon has a capacity of 300 battery units.[1]

Usage[edit]

Used as a support weapon in ground combat, the Shepsu is used to provide a rapid stream of powerful plasma rounds to suppress enemy movements and offensive actions. They are generally operated by an Unggoy Heavy, although it can occasionally be used by a Sangheili Major or a Sangheili Ranger. Its lightweight nature makes it a favourite of Covenant strike teams deployed within excavation fleets[1]—during the Alpha Halo campaign in 2552, one such group led by Third Commander Sesa 'Refumee were equipped with a number of Shepsus when they defected from the Covenant.[6][7]

Within the Covenant military, the Shepsu served as the most common model of plasma cannon used throughout the majority of the Human-Covenant War.[3] Towards the war's end, the weapon began to be replaced by the more advanced Pek-pattern plasma cannon, due to the Pek's better performance.[4] The weapon was type-classified by the Office of Naval Intelligence in 2542, leading to its designation of Type-42. However, analysis of the weapon continued into the post-war era, by which time ONI were beginning to become aware that the internal mechanisms of the weapon were much more advanced than initially assumed.[5]

In-game information[edit]

Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

The Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon appears in Halo 2 and its Anniversary remaster. On several missions, Gunner Grunts can sometimes be seen carrying a plasma turret over their shoulders as Marines do with the cut-down version of the M247 GPMG. The first time this is seen is on the mission Cairo Station when the players get to Hangar A-02. This behavior can also be witnessed in Commons B-01, and again by a Sangheili Ranger outside the station. On Outskirts and Metropolis, Heavy Grunts are found manning plasma cannons in and around the tunnel, and on Gravemind, two Gunners are deployed near the start of the level to take out the Master Chief. While on The Arbiter, a Special Operations Unggoy is seen carrying a plasma turret over his shoulder, then deploying it and firing on the Heretics.

In Halo 2, the Plasma Turret cannot be detached, but can be meleed or shot off using UNSC or Covenant firearms. Also, the turret can be manned after it has been mounted by an Unggoy Heavy.

Production notes[edit]

An early take on the Kez'katu-pattern Phantom dropship in Halo 2 originally featured door-mounted Shepsu plasma cannons, in a fashion similar to the Ru'swum-pattern Phantom configuration featured from Halo 3 onward. This early Phantom was used in the Halo 2 E3 demo and later restored by the Digsite team for use in modded content.[8]

In early builds of Halo 3, the Halo 2 Plasma Turret was used as a placeholder before the Halo 3 Plasma Turret was finalized into the game.[9] During the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, the Pek-pattern plasma cannon (T-52 DESW) featured in the game was erroneously labeled as "Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon" in Bungie.net game stats reports. This was not fixed for the final game.

Gallery[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]