AV-22 Sparrowhawk
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| AV-22 Attack VTOL | |
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  The AV-22 (top) and AV-22B (bottom) variants of the Sparrowhawk. | |
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| Technical specifications | |
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Length: |
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Height: |
4.4 meters (14.3 ft)[1] |
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Mass: |
18.6 metric tons (18.3 LT; 20.5 ST)[1] |
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Maximum speed: |
611 kilometers per hour (380 mph)[3] |
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Engine(s): |
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Other system(s): |
Cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics[4] |
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Armament: |
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Crew: |
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Year introduced: |
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The AV-22 Attack VTOL, colloquially known as the Sparrowhawk or simply Hawk,[2] is a VTOL attack gunship produced by Misriah Armory in service with the United Nations Space Command.[1] In some branches of the UNSC, the Sparrowhawk is officially designated the AV-22 Gunship due to its heavy armament.[2]
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
The Sparrowhawk is a VTOL aerodyne used to hunt tanks and support ground operations.[7] It is broadly similar to other attack VTOLs in the UNSC fleet including the AV-14 Hornet, AV-19 SkyHawk, AV-30 Kestrel, and AV-49 Wasp; like these other craft the Sparrowhawk operates using a turbojet combined with dual-ducted lift fans.[4] This system allows the vehicle to hover in place and manoeuvre in an agile fashion,[1] achieving a maximum airspeed of 611 kilometers per hour (380 mph).[3] The cockpit is located at the front of the craft and features tandem seating for a pilot and a gunner,[1][2] who operate the craft via cyberlink-compatible fly-by-light avionics.[4]
In the UNSC order of battle, the Sparrowhawk occupies a role similar to 21st century attack helicopters. It is effective in a close air support role aiding ground forces in advances, alongside serving as an adept anti-armour gunship.[5][6] It is also capable of being used in an armed reconnaissance role or even as a platform for engaging and fending off enemy air assets, without requiring escort craft or complete air dominance.[1]
Armaments[edit]
The VTOL's primary weapon is a pair of twin-linked, rotary long-barrelled GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannons installed on weapon armatures on either side of the fuselage.[1] These autocannons can fire the full range of 20mm aircraft ammunition, though the standard loadout on the Sparrowhawk is either M718 SAPHEI, or PGU-42/B API with a depleted uranium core, and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.[2][