M274R Mongoose

M274R Mongoose
Production information
Manufacturer:	AMG Transport Dynamics
Product line:	Mongoose
Model:	M274R
Technical specifications
Length:	3.2 metres (10 ft)
Width:	1.8 metres (5.9 ft)
Height:	1.49 metres (4.9 ft)
Mass:	896 pounds (406 kg)
Maximum speed:	95 kilometres per hour (59 mph)
Engine(s):	1,000cc liquid-cooled, mid-engine mounted, four-stroke, hydrogen-injected ICE
Armament:	None
Crew:	1 driver; 1 passenger;
Usage
In service:	Human-Covenant War ; Post-Covenant War conflicts
Role(s):	Reconnaissance/light scout, infantry transport, cargo transport
Affiliation:	United Nations Space Command

This article is about the Mongoose introduced in Halo: Reach. For other vehicles named "Mongoose", see Mongoose (fiction).

The M274R Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle (abbreviated M274R ULATV)^[1] is a variant in the Mongoose line of military qaud bikes used by the United Nations Space Command. The light ground reconnaissance vehicle is designed and manufactured by AMG Transport Dynamics.^[4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Schematic of the M274R.

The M274R Mongoose is a rugged variant of the M274 Mongoose quad bike, bearing a heavier chassis and more stable suspension than its predecessors.^[4] The Mongoose's heavy suspension can safely handle up to a metric tonne of passengers and cargo, and MJOLNIR-clad Spartans made extensive use of it in the defense of Reach. Though rated for use by UNSC tactical and light armored vehicle units, it is neither armed nor armored. Non-Spartan personnel consider the Mongoose a deathtrap in combat, though there were situations when it was used in anti-tank and raiding roles; most notably with SPNKr-armed passengers providing heavy firepower while expertly trained drivers focused on not rolling over or being struck by Covenant plasma.^[1]

Like the M12 Warthog, the Mongoose is a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle capable of going over any obstacle without any difficulty. The vehicle is powered by a 1,000cc liquid-cooled, mid-engine mounted, four-stroke, hydrogen-injected ICE, allowing it to reach at a maximum speed of 95 kilometres per hour (59 mph).^[5]^[1]

As the vehicle carries no armament of its own, having a passenger is essential if engaging in a combat zone. Due to its smaller profile, the Mongoose is a difficult target for both slow and fast moving enemy weaponry, as opposed to the Warthog, whose size is somewhat substantial. For quick and practical deployment, the Mongoose can be transported by a Pelican dropship.

Variants[edit]

M274-M Gungoose - The M274-M Gungoose is an armed variant of the Mongoose. Colloquially known as the "Gungoose", the M variant is armed with a pair of optional M67 light anti-infantry weapons.^[6]^[7]^[4]

Usage[edit]

Where the standard M274 Mongoose is favored by the UNSC Marine Corps, the M274R variant is favoured by planetary defence forces in the UNSC Army.^[4] The Mongoose served in a variety of roles with the UNSC's ground forces, including as a courier, tow vehicle, and flight line support handler.^[4]

Gameplay[edit]

The M274R is a smaller vehicle similar to the Warthog. It is very light and is prone to flipping on rough terrain. The vehicle can seat two; a driver who controls the vehicle's movement and a passenger who sits on the back and can fire their weapon. While sitting on the back, players cannot manually reload their weapon, use its scope, or carry support weapons. The vehicle does not have a built-in defense system, meaning drivers without a gunner must move quickly to avoid being overwhelmed in the presence of opponents.

In Halo: Reach's campaign, the vehicle is not very plentiful and can only be found in the mission The Pillar of Autumn. There are two Mongooses present, allowing a full fireteam of four players to ride in them. Emile A239 is present as an ally in this level, though he will choose to pilot the unoccupied Mongoose rather than support the player. The player will also be forced to abandon the vehicle before they reach the Marine allies later in the mission.

In Halo 4's campaign, the vehicle is also very rare, only seen briefly in the mission Infinity, despite the game possessing various other vehicle combat missions. Here, the player has Marine allies that can support them. There are again two Mongooses present, allowing four players to use them.

In the multiplayer, Firefight, and Spartan Ops components of these games, Mongooses are more common. They are popular choices as high speed vehicles and can make a tactical alternative to the Ghost, as they can transport more players and the weapons they can use are customizable. They are also available vehicles in Halo 2:Anniversary's multiplayer component. Every games' Forge modes have Mongooses as available assets

Trivia[edit]

A mongoose is used to refer to two types of carnivorous mammals, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming atmospheric vehicles after real animals, with the exceptions of the Cyclops and Gremlin, which are named after mythical creatures.