Sentinel beam
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| Sentinel beam | |
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| Production overview | |
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Manufacturer: |
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Model series: |
Containment/Sterilization Instrument[2] |
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Type: |
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| Specifications | |
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Length: |
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Ammunition type: |
Superheated negative charged ion particle beam[2] |
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Feed system: |
100 battery units housing |
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Automatic | |
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Effective range: |
Infinite |
| Service history | |
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In service: |
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- "You can totally dig the bug-bots' own blasters out of their guts and use 'em yourself!"
- — Otto-031[3]
The sentinel beam, also known as the sterilization beam,[4] is a Forerunner directed energy weapon, most commonly used by Aggressor Sentinels.[1] The weapon is particularly effective against small Flood outbreaks, and is efficient at stripping energy shields. Although typically integrated into the structure of an Aggressor, it can be used as a hand-held weapon if scavenged from a destroyed machine.[3][5][6]
Design details[edit]
The Sentinel Beam was designed to effectively destroy Flood biomatter, and is intended for use against minor Flood outbreaks. Although the weapon is integrated into an Aggressor's structure, a limited internal power supply allows it to function independently if its wielder is destroyed, though it remains unknown how exactly users trigger the beam. However, when it is not hooked up to an Aggressor, its battery life is very short. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of superheated anion particles, which is capable of effectively cutting through flesh, bone and metal.[7] The Sentinel Beam was manufactured and developed by Ferrarius Assembler Vats.[1]
Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing.[5]
There is a battery housing on side of the weapon, which has a calibration dial on it and can be adjusted by the user.[Note 1][2]
The beams used by the Sentinels at Onyx were a golden color, with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin.[8] Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of depleting a fully shielded MJOLNIR Mark V Armor suit. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire Covenant cruisers.
Advantages[edit]
Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating even for armored opponents, and its ability to rapidly drain energy shields makes it an effective weapon against the Aggressors themselves. The weapon can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat in an attempt to counter this.
It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form — including the vaunted pure forms — if aimed properly.
It possesses a decent damage rate, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon will inflict large amounts of damage. The weapon's melee attack is about as strong as that of a Rocket Launcher, and is likewise considerably slow. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a Flood combat form, although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.
Disadvantages[edit]
When compared to the standard silver variant, the golden Sentinel Beam is more powerful, however it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the Covenant's Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle and the Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifle.
Variants[edit]
- Gold Aggressor Sentinel Beam: A Sentinel Beam utilized by the Sentinel Eliminators from Installation 05. It fires a stronger blue beam.
- Safeguard Sentinel Beam: The sterilization beams of Safeguard Sentinels are highly efficient at containing and cauterizing intrusions into their assigned protectorate. Beam projectors stolen from these Forerunner constructs are still extremely effective, but do suffer from overheating and a limited internal power supply.[9]
- Arcane Sentinel Beam: White painted Sentinel Beam with a mag that was decreased from 250 to 80 but has greatly increased damage. Used by Thav 'Sebarim during the Battle for Zeta Halo.
