Type-25 Chopper
The Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle (T-25 RAV),[1][2] commonly known as the Brute Chopper or simply Chopper by UNSC personnel, is a Covenant ground assault vehicle used exclusively by the Jiralhanae. ContentsBackground[edit]Ironically, the first prototype of the Brute Chopper was built in 2525 by a Huragok named Lighter Than Some, as a well-intentioned peace offering towards the human population of Harvest. The pacifistic Huragok built them in imitation of the colonists' mechanized JOTUN plows, intending them to be used in the same way as their human-made counterparts. These vehicles were built from parts taken from a damaged Type-25 Spirit dropship, which the Huragok had been ordered to repair. The Jiralhanae, oblivious to the Huragok's peaceful intentions, instantly took a liking to the vehicles and decided to outfit them with pairs of Type-25 Spikers for battle. As time progressed, the armament mounted on the vehicle was replaced with four 35mm autocannons, and the replacement of blades with grinding wheels. Afterwards, the Jiralhanae continued to occasionally manufactured Choppers, until Sacred Promissory took over production in 2552.[4] Overview[edit]The Brute Chopper is a heavily armored, one-man assault vehicle, kept aloft by a repulsor array on its rear seating and propelled by a massive pair of wheels in the front. The Chopper is designed for a variety of roles, from reconnaissance to anti-armor assaults. Its powerful 35mm autocannons can take down most light ground vehicles with ease, and the large blades on the front can instantly destroy any light armored vehicle by ramming into it. It is capable of short bursts of increased speed up to 120 kph, thanks to a pair of booster vents located on either side of the wheel. Design[edit]The Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle is both heavily armored and surprisingly fast. In the front is a massive cyclical engine, which drives the vehicle's wheels and other propulsion systems. Directly connected to it at the back is a small, exposed cockpit that provides the rider little protection. The only defense is offered by the sheer bulk of the wheels, which are large enough to protect a pilot from frontal fire. The wheels are protected by bladed cowlings, which can withstand high-speed collisions with other vehicles. The blades on the wheel are strong enough to take down and cut through any vehicle with the boost except large ones like the Type-26 Wraith and M808 Scorpion. Even if it does not destroy the vehicle, a boosted impact may inflict severe damage. When activated, the vehicle moves around by the use of two massive wheels on the front of the vehicle. To turn, the whole frontal portion of the vehicle rotates to the left or right. However, the pilot's seat is kept aloft by anti-gravity technology similar to those of the Type-54 and Type-32 Ghosts. Gameplay[edit]Advantages[edit]The Chopper is frequently described as an "anti-anything" vehicle; its powerful autocannons can destroy most vehicles (except for heavily armored targets) with relative ease, and their projectiles explode with enough force to send targets reeling. The Chopper's heavily armored chassis and boost ability allow it to ram and obliterate other vehicles of equal size or smaller, including other Choppers. A correctly timed boost will destroy light ground vehicles or Banshees with a single hit and a Hornet with four hits. It works wonders against Wraiths on Halo 3: ODST provided the player has already eliminated a squad of infantry in that area. The Chopper is also compact enough to fit through tight spaces, including most doors. Disadvantages[edit]Choppers lack the ability to strafe; they can only turn while moving forward or backward. Other factors, like a wide turn radius add to their overall relative lack of maneuverability, as compared with Type-32 Ghosts and even M12 Warthogs, among others. The rounds of the cannons fly at a relatively slow velocity and have a tendency to arc; at longer ranges it is necessary to lead targets and aim high to compensate. The auto-cannons shoot nearly straight out of the front of the vehicle, so it can become difficult to destroy more maneuverable vehicle targets or fast moving opponents. Chopper drivers are extremely vulnerable from the back, which offers almost no shielding from enemy fire. The lack of maneuverability and low speed make the Chopper a hard vehicle to drive for inexperienced players. The boost function on a Chopper is also limited in the amount of time it can be used, and requires a rest period before it can be used again. Lastly, the Chopper has a very slow reverse speed, making it difficult to retreat. A disadvantage which does not appear in-game is the vehicle's travel range. The Chopper can drive a total of 271 km (169 miles) before it needs to refuel, which is just over a third of the range of the Warthog and Scorpion, and close to a quarter of the range of a Ghost.[3] Halo Wars[edit]The Chopper makes an appearance in Halo Wars as a unique unit for the Thrallslayer, replacing the Ghost. It can be built at the Factory for 100 resources, a tech level of 0, and 2 population. It also has three upgrades:
Operational history[edit]The Type-25 Chopper was first deployed by the Covenant during the First Battle of Harvest in 2525. In 2531 Jiralhanae would use Choppers against the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire during the Battle of the Etran Harborage. Towards the end of the Human-Covenant War in 2552 Choppers were used extensively during the Battle of Earth. ODST Taylor "Dutch" Miles, with the help of other Marines, destroyed multiple Choppers at the Uplift Nature Reserve near New Mombasa. Spartan Choppers composed a large portion of the extensive array of Covenant defences on the Tsavo Highway. These were destroyed during John-117's push to Voi. Several Choppers defending a pair of Anti-Aircraft Wraiths were destroyed by a UNSC anti-tank unit led by John-117 during the Battle of Voi. The Covenant deployed multiple Choppers during the Battle of Installation 00 first in front of the Ark's Cartographer and later in front of the Citadel. With the end of the war Choppers continued to be used by various Jiralhanae. Choppers were used during War Games matches aboard Anvil Station. UNSC remarks[edit]
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