'Ahtulai Workshop Banshee
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| 'Ahtulai Workshop Attack Flyer | |
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Manufacturer: |
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Model: |
Modified Oghal-pattern Banshee |
| Technical specifications | |
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Length: |
4.6 meters (15 ft)[1] |
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Width: |
6.2 meters (20.3 ft)[1] |
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Height: |
3.5 meters (11.4 ft)[1] |
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Mass: |
2.4 metric tons (2.4 LT; 2.6 ST)[1] |
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Armament: |
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Crew: |
1 pilot[1] |
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In service: |
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The 'Ahtulai Workshop Attack Flyer is a variant of the Banshee ground-attack aircraft employed by the Banished. Built upon the frames of older Oghal-pattern variants, the type differs significantly from the more mainline Kaelum Workshop Banshees employed by Banished forces operating on Installation 07.[1] Designed and initially converted aboard the assault carrier Enduring Conviction, the 'Ahtulai Workshop Banshee became a staple of Banished air power during their campaign on the Ark and saw continued service across later Banished operations in the post-Covenant War era.
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
The 'Ahtulai Workshop Banshee variant was designed by the 'Ahtulai Workshop, a manufacturer unique among clan workshops due to its origin as a Sangheili clan. The 'Ahtulai Workshop's Banshee was designed by the crew of the Syfon-pattern assault carrier Enduring Conviction, and was approved for production by Shipmaster Let 'Volir—using the ship's existing stock of Oghal-pattern Banshees as a basis for conversion into a modified specification fit to augment the goals of the Banished forces campaigning on the Ark.[1] Mainline production of the Banshee was subsequently undertaken by the Armory of Gethrog, allowing the type to be fielded in larger numbers beyond the Enduring Conviction's initial complement.[1]
Accordingly, the aircraft have been up-armoured away from their origins as inspired by the 'sKelln of Sanghelios, the design now taking aesthetic and functional cues from an aerial predator native to the Jiralhanae homeworld Doisac.[3][2] The cockpit and wings have seen the focus of this up-armouring, with the additional plating providing improved survivability over the baseline Oghal pattern. The plasma cannons and fuel rod cannon have been further tuned for increased damage output, making the 'Ahtulai Workshop variant a more lethal platform than its Covenant-era predecessors.[1]
Variants[edit]
A number of mission packages are available for the 'Ahtulai Workshop Banshee, depending on the specifics of the deployment.[1] These mission variants include the following:
- Plasma torpedoes - upgraded plasma torpedo launchers are available for equip aboard the Banshee for specific mission types.[1] These are mainly used for more effective anti-aircraft operations.[3][2]
- Unstable Banshee - A special modification made in keeping with the reckless abandon exhibited by Jiralhanae troops. "Unstable" Banshees see their pilots equip the aircraft with volatile ordnance packs, ensuring that even if the Banshee is shot down they can kamikaze their enemies to deal further damage in death.[1]
Unstable Banshee.
Operational history[edit]
'Ahtulai Workshop Banshees were first deployed in significant numbers during the Banished campaign on the Ark in 2559, where they served as the primary atmospheric aircraft of Atriox's forces against the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire.[4] Produced in part from the stores of the Enduring Conviction—the Banished's flagship and the vessel through which Shipmaster Let 'Volir's Sangheili forces were integrated into Atriox's coalition—the type rapidly became a common sight in Banished strike packages throughout the conflict.[1]
Throughout the Ark campaign, 'Ahtulai Workshop Banshees were fielded by all Banished leaders from Apex airbases, supporting ground operations with close air support and engaging UNSC aircraft in aerial skirmishes. Their upgraded plasma cannons made them effective against infantry and light vehicles, while their fuel rod cannon allowed them to threaten heavier vehicle formations and structures. The optional plasma torpedo upgrade further expanded their utility, granting them a credible anti-aircraft capability that allowed them to contest the airspace against UNSC Sparrowhawks and Wasps.[1][2]
The Unstable Banshee variant was also employed during the campaign, with Jiralhanae pilots volunteering—or being assigned—to fly these volatile craft on suicide missions against high-value UNSC targets.[1] The Blitz wargame simulations developed during the period also made extensive use of both standard and Unstable Banshees as part of Banished tactical deployments.[5]
Following the conclusion of the Ark conflict, the 'Ahtulai Workshop Banshee continued to see service with Banished splinter factions active in the wider Orion Arm and beyond, appearing in engagements chronicled during the installation 07 conflict and subsequent operations. The type remained in use alongside the more modern Kaelum Workshop Banshees, which were favored by Banished forces operating directly on Installation 07.[1]
Gameplay[edit]
Halo Wars 2[edit]
- Info: Core Air, Deadly against air
- Tier: 2
- Cost:
3, 
250, 
0 - Upgrades:
- Plasma Torpedo: Adds a Plasma Torpedo weapon, Effective against air
- Tier: 3
- Cost: 0, 650
Banshees in Halo Wars 2 can be built by all Banished leaders at an Apex. Un-upgraded Banshees perform well against vehicles, but only okay against infantry, aircraft, and structures. Once the Plasma Torpedo upgrade is researched Banshees will perform well against aircraft. In Blitz Banshees cost 50 power and Unstable Banshees cost 90 power. Banshees can be infected by Flood Seeder infectors.
Phoenix Log[edit]
 Multi-role attack aircraft. The Banshee is a versatile attack aircraft armed with anti-aircraft plasma cannons and a ground attack fuel rod cannon. The fuel rod cannon can be upgraded to fire a powerful tracking plasma torpedo that is surprisingly effective against air units. The earliest models of Banshees were modelled after the 'sKelln, a leathery winged flying predator from the Sangheili homeworld, Sanghelios. The Banished have twisted this ancient ancestry to make it look similar to an aerial predator hailing from their own homeworld, Doisac. |
Production notes[edit]
The aesthetic shift from a Sanghelios predator to a Jiralhanae predator reflects the Banished's cross-species composition and the integration of Jiralhanae design sensibilities into formerly Covenant hardware.[3]
Gallery[edit]
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Browse more images in this article's gallery page. |
Concept art of the Banished Banshee for Halo Wars 2.
Early version of the Blitz artwork featuring blue livery.
Final version of the Blitz art.
A render of the Halo Wars 2 Banshee.
A render of the Blur Studio Banshee asset developed for Know Your Enemy.
A member of Red Team hijacking a Banished Banshee in Know Your Enemy.
A Banished Banshee in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.
Banished Banshees on Installation 00 in Halo Wars 2.
Both types of Banished Banshee featured in Halo Wars 2.
List of appearances[edit]
- Halo Wars 2 (First appearance)
- Halo: Shadows of Reach
- Halo: Divine Wind
- Halo: Edge of Dawn
Sources[edit]
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