Is'belox-pattern Banshee
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| Is'belox-pattern Attack Flyer | |
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| Production information | |
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Manufacturer: |
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Product line: |
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Model: |
Type-26B |
| Technical specifications | |
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Length: |
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Width: |
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Height: |
3.6 meters (12 ft)[2] |
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Mass: |
1.3 metric tons (2,900 lb)[3] |
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Maximum speed: |
67 miles per hour (108 km/h) (in tactical flight mode)[3] |
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Engine(s): |
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Armament: |
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Crew: |
One pilot[5] |
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Role(s): |
Ground support aircraft |
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The Is'belox-pattern Attack Flyer[6] (UNSC Type classification: Type-26B Ground Support Aircraft, T-26B GSA), more commonly known as the Banshee, is a variant of the Banshee commonly employed in Covenant service as a standard aircraft.[1]
Specifications[edit]
Design details[edit]
- Main article: Banshee
The Is'belox-pattern is a newer model of Banshee employed by the Covenant, and one of the sleekest. Unlike its Oghal-pattern and Irdnekt-pattern brothers, the Is'belox-pattern features an enclosed canopy with a very different shape to the original models. The canopy has a sweeping form, curving upwards toward the back. Additionally, the standard Is'belox-pattern's wings are split, not retaining the signature antigravity pod of the Oghal and Irdnekt models. The back of the craft features two control valences which turn to allow the craft to make extremely rapid turns.[2] Though, the modularity of the Is'belox-pattern allows for anti-gravity pods to replace its standard wings.[7]
The Banshee is capable of performing complex maneuvers such as aileron rolls and flips. The Banshee is also capable of hovering, though this ability is not often used.[Note 1] The Is'belox-pattern is capable of operating in planetary atmospheres, typically operating around 300 metres (980 ft) or less from the surface to maximise the effectiveness of its drive systems and evade enemy air defences.[3] It is additionally capable of flying at least as high as around 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) with little observable drop in effectiveness[8] and is capable of reaching orbit, albeit slowly.[3] Although not equipped with any form of life support system, it is capable of being used in a vacuum as a space fighter in some capacity.[9] However, its performance in space is considered adequate at best, particularly when compared to more specialised craft such as the Elsedda-pattern Banshee.[3] Some post-war modifications to the craft have allowed for an improvement in its capabilities as a scout in space environments[2], though independent life support systems such as those found in the Ranger harness are still required.[3]
Armament[edit]
The Banshee sports two weapon pods attached underneath the fuselage; each pod contains a Class-2 plasma cannon capable of firing in the 100-250 kilowatt range and a Class-2 fuel rod cannon.[5] The plasma cannons are deadly to infantry; one bolt can instantly kill a lightly armored target. Armored targets such as the M808 Scorpion MBT can withstand only a few bolts before being destroyed.
Operational history[edit]
The Is'belox-pattern was seen in limited use by the Covenant, but until its war with humanity due to high attrition rates seen with older peacetime stocks of Banshees. They were deployed against the UNSC for the first time as early as December 3, 2525 during the final stages of the Battle of Alpha Corvi II, alongside many Irdnekt-pattern Banshees, notably when the United Rebel Front forces led by Captain Whitaker were making their last stand against the overwhelming Covenant ground forces.[10]
By 2550, the Is'belox-pattern Banshee was a commonplace vehicle in the Covenant's armed forces.[1] It was deployed in an extensive use over course of the Fall of Reach and Battle of Installation 04.[11][12] Again, numerous of these Banshees were later used during the Battle for Earth, notably by the Fleet of Sacred Consecration during the Battle of Mombasa.[13]
A large number of new commissioned Is'belox-pattern Banshees was later extensively employed by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in the Post-