Canon

Is'belox-pattern Banshee

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

This article is about the Banshee introduced in Halo: Reach. For other Banshee variants, see Banshee.
Is'belox-pattern Attack Flyer
Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta press kit image featuring a render of a Is'belox-pattern Banshee.
Production information

Manufacturer:

Product line:

Banshee

Model:

Type-26B

Technical specifications

Length:

7.1 meters (23 ft)[2][3]

Width:

7.5 meters (25 ft)[2][4][3]

Height:

3.6 meters (12 ft)[2]

Mass:

1.3 metric tons (2,900 lb)[3]

Maximum speed:

67 miles per hour (108 km/h) (in tactical flight mode)[3]

Engine(s):

Boosted gravity propulsion drive

Armament:

Crew:

One pilot[5]

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

Ground support aircraft

Affiliation:

 

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]