Canon

Morsam-pattern Seraph

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This article is about the Seraph seen in Halo: Reach, Halo 4 and several other sources. For the Seraph model seen in Halo 2 and Halo 3, see Kai-pattern Seraph.
Morsam-pattern Heavy Strike Fighter
A render of the Morsam-pattern Seraph fighter made for Axis Studios' cutscenes for Spartan Ops.
Production information

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1]

Class:

Seraph

Role:

Combat space fighter

Technical specifications

Length:

31.0 meters (101.8 ft)[1][2]

Width:

15.1 meters (49.5 ft)[1][2]

Height:

5.6 meters (18.4 ft)[3]

Mass:

61.7 metric tons (60.7 LT; 68.0 ST)[2]

Engine(s):

Impulse drive

Hull:

Nanolaminate hull plating

Armament:

Crew:

1 pilot[2][5]

Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Affiliation:

 

The Morsam-pattern Heavy Strike Fighter (UNSC Type classification: Type-31 Exoatmospheric Multirole Fighter),[1] was one of the main production models of the Covenant's Seraph space fighters, alongside the older Kai-pattern Seraph.[2] Formerly manufactured and produced by Assembly Forges, the Seraph is the successor to the older Keljiric-pattern Tarasques. It is a more powerful, though less common counterpart to the unshielded and expendable Elsedda-pattern Banshee.[7]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Seraph features a piscine, teardrop-like shape, fitting with the overall design elegance the Covenant is known for. Seraph fighters are mostly stored in the hangar bays of Covenant ships or stations when they are not in battle or escorting a ship. Morsam-pattern Seraphs have two movable flaps on either side of their hull, and their twin "tails" are articulated to aid with directing exhaust. These features give the Seraph superior turning capabilities in zero-gravity environments. Despite their efficiency and speed in space, Seraph fighters are graceless and sluggish in atmospheric conditions due to their odd teardrop-like shape. Seraphs fill a variety of roles in a Covenant fleet, such as a strike fighter or for ship-to-ship combat in dogfights.[8] Seraphs can also be used for the occasional bombing run.[5]

As the Covenant's main space-based attack fighter, the Seraph is highly maneuverable while in space, and can easily keep pace with the UNSC's GA-TL1 Longsword.[5]

Armaments[edit]

Seraphs have demonstrated that they are a very effective counter-weapon against Longsword interceptors unless the latter attacks from the side or behind. Seraphs usually attack in formations of ten, their assaults on enemy ships range from simple harassment to full-out strafing attacks. They have also been seen patrolling in pairs. It is assumed that Seraph fighters can be piloted by a single Sangheili or Jiralhanae.[5]

The Seraph is armed with a variety of weapons. Seraphs are seen firing multiple heavy plasma cannons and are also armed with fuel rod cannons and plasma charges for strafing and bombing runs.[5] The Seraph's four fuel rod cannons are also capable of locking onto air targets.[4] The plasma charge's flames are 3,000 degrees.[6]

Operational history[edit]

During the Fall of Reach, Seraphs attempted to disable the UNSC ships and orbital stations over the planet Reach, while providing some cover for the Covenant boarding crews. These attempts were subsequently prevented by UNSC FSS-1000 Sabre interceptors, frigates, and Longsword interceptors.[9]

During the opening stages of the Battle of Installation 04, as the UNSC Pillar of Autumn was boarded by