View source for Command Mantis

==Overview==
===Design details===
The Command Mantis variant stands taller than its regular Mark IX counterparts, though retains a similar (albeit bulkier) profile. The Mantis is given additional armour plating alongside the installation of [[energy shielding]] to help protect the vehicle. For deployment into combat, the Command Mantis is capable of being orbitally-dropped in a similar manner to a [[drop pod]], without the need for [[dropship]] airlift. When absent a pilot, the vehicle can be automatically operated by an on-board [[artificial intelligence]], at the cost of some functionality such as the missile launchers.{{Ref/Game|Id=HW2|HW2|Command Mantis in-game unit}}{{Ref/Reuse|KnowScope}}{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}

A specific Command Mantis operated by [[Jerome-092]] and nicknamed ''[[Theseus]]'' was fitted with a number of unique enhancements - though it is unknown which of ''Theseus''{{'}} properties are unique to that specific vehicle or inherent to the Command Mantis line as a whole. These include the incorporation of a [[UNSC battle network|command-and-control nexus]] relay taken from {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} that allow the vehicle to serve as a backup battlenet hub in the event that contact with ''Spirit of Fire'' is lost. Accordingly, the Command Mantis serves as a capable mobile command post for field operations, though its heavier armaments also allow it to work as a siegebreaker vehicle too.{{Ref/Reuse|KnowScope}}{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}

===Armaments===
[[File:HW2-Jerome&Mantis.png|thumb|250px|Jerome-092 and ''Theseus''.]]
Unlike the standard Mantis, which does not have replaceable weapons hardpoints,{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/mantis|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Mantis|D=31|M=07|Y=2021}} the Command Mantis has a variable loadout that can be configured by the operator.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} In its most common configuration, the regular Mantis' [[M655 machine gun]]s are replaced with two arm-mounted high-precision [[laser]] cannons of extreme visual similarity to the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]] series of handheld infantry lasers, or the laser cannons employed mounted on the [[G81 Condor]] gunship.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|HW2}} Two shoulder-mounted missile launchers of visual similarity to the [[M80 missile launcher|M80 MLRS]], albeit much larger, are also installed for heavier targets.{{Ref/Reuse|HW2}} These missile launchers do, however, have a minimum engagement range, and may be a specific addition unique to ''Theseus'', as they are only able to be operated while Jerome-092 is piloting the vehicle.{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}