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{{ | {{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}} | ||
{{Center|''Falcon redirects here. For other uses, see [[Falcon (disambiguation)]].''}} | {{Center|''Falcon redirects here. For other uses, see [[Falcon (disambiguation)]].''}} | ||
{{Vehicle infobox | {{Vehicle infobox | ||
|name=UH-144 Falcon | |name=UH-144 Falcon | ||
|image=[[File: | |image=[[File:HaloReach_-_Falcon.png|300px]] | ||
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/falcon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Falcon'']</ref> | |manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/falcon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Falcon'']</ref> | ||
|line= | |line= | ||
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|role=*Troop transport{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} | |role=*Troop transport{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} | ||
*Air-to-ground support<ref name="manual">''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[MIL-FBS-295937(1)B Field Manual|manual]]</ref> | *Air-to-ground support<ref name="manual">''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[MIL-FBS-295937(1)B Field Manual|manual]]</ref> | ||
|affiliation= | |affiliation=[[UNSC Army]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''UH-144 Falcon''' is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter used by the [[UNSC Army]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]],{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} the Falcon is used for troop transport and deployment, as well as air-to-ground support.{{Ref/Reuse|manual}} The primary utility helicopter within the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s sizable fleet of [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] aircraft, the Falcon is one of the most popular transports within the Army, famed for its effective arsenal and speed.<ref name="old waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38/falcon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UH-144 Falcon''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314221131/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/falcon/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38 Archive.org])</ref> | The '''UH-144 Falcon''' is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter used by the [[UNSC Army]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]],{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} the Falcon is used for troop transport and deployment, as well as air-to-ground support.{{Ref/Reuse|manual}} The primary utility helicopter within the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s sizable fleet of [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] aircraft, the Falcon is one of the most popular transports within the Army, famed for its effective arsenal and speed.<ref name="old waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38/falcon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UH-144 Falcon''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314221131/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/falcon/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38 Archive.org])</ref> | ||
== | ==Specifications== | ||
===Design details=== | ===Design details=== | ||
The UH-144 Falcon is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Unlike the nimble [[AV-14 Hornet]] or the swift [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], the Falcon is exceptionally | The UH-144 Falcon is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Unlike the nimble [[AV-14 Hornet]] or the swift [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], the Falcon is exceptionally discrete, while remaining incredibly effective.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The Falcon gained favor within the [[UNSC Army]] for proving to be an economical alternative to the larger [[Pelican]] [[dropship]]s for short-range troop transportation and deployment.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} A pair of Falcons can easily and quickly transport a fully-equipped infantry [[squad]] faster than any previous helicopter, while providing overwhelming support fire, in most weather conditions.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=24585 '''Bungie.net''': ''UH-144 Falcon'']</ref> The Falcon's hull is sturdy, able to easily shrug off small arms fire and even certain heavier attacks.<ref>''[[Halo: Last Light]]'', p. 238</ref> | ||
The frame of the Falcon is composed of a single elongated fuselage with a narrow, single-man cockpit and a large rear cabin, flanked by small wings.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The [[pilot]] resides in the closed cockpit, while the crew have their choice of two gunner seats in extended buckets, two interior passenger seats, an aft bench, and a limited amount of standing room.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} Gunners secured themselves within the Falcon with a safety harness that hung from the ceiling.<ref name="ll260">''Halo: Last Light'', p. 260</ref> | The frame of the Falcon is composed of a single elongated fuselage with a narrow, single-man cockpit and a large rear cabin, flanked by small wings.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The [[pilot]] resides in the closed cockpit, while the crew have their choice of two gunner seats in extended buckets, two interior passenger seats, an aft bench, and a limited amount of standing room.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} Gunners secured themselves within the Falcon with a safety harness that hung from the ceiling.<ref name="ll260">''Halo: Last Light'', p. 260</ref> | ||
===Propulsion=== | ===Propulsion=== | ||
The Falcon is a [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] aircraft, equipped with a transverse rotor and engine pod on each wing. Although the rotors are powerful and capable of lifting a fully-loaded Falcon on their own, two dorsal-routed jet turbines provide most of the helicopter's thrust during forward flight.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} To take off, the Falcon's rotors are angled so that the rotor blades are | The Falcon is a [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] aircraft, equipped with a transverse rotor and engine pod on each wing. Although the rotors are powerful and capable of lifting a fully-loaded Falcon on their own, two dorsal-routed jet turbines provide most of the helicopter's thrust during forward flight.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} To take off, the Falcon's rotors are angled so that the rotor blades are horizontal. When the Falcon has reached the desired height, the pilot tilts the rotors forward so that the rotor blades are near vertical. In this mode, the wings provide some of the lift, and the rotors provide thrust as a propeller.<ref>''Halo: Reach''</ref> | ||
The twin-turbine system gives the Falcon an extremely agile range of maneuverability.<ref name="enc260">''[[Halo Encyclopedia | The twin-turbine system gives the Falcon an extremely agile range of maneuverability.<ref name="enc260">''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]'', p. 260 (2011)</ref> The Falcon's impressive maneuverability makes the helicopter an ideal aircraft for the tight confines of many battlefield environments, ranging from a narrow gorge, a dense forest, to even a skyscraper-laden cityscape.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The Falcon is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 296 kilometers per hour (184 miles per hour).{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} | ||
===Armaments=== | ===Armaments=== | ||
Distinguished by its unquestionably effective and relatively heavy weaponry,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} the Falcon is capable of being fitted with a wide variety of armaments. The primary armament of the Falcon is an [[M638 autocannon|M638 20mm autocannon]], fixed in a nose turret below the pilot's main cabin. The autocannon provides effective suppressive fire when extracting or deploying personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Flanking the vehicle on both sides are modular weapon emplacements that vary depending on the Falcon variant.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The emplacements are installed on flexible mount [[hardpoint]]s on either side of the open cabin, selected at the discretion of the Falcon's crew.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The UH-144A variant is armed with a pair of [[M460 | Distinguished by its unquestionably effective and relatively heavy weaponry,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} the Falcon is capable of being fitted with a wide variety of armaments. The primary armament of the Falcon is an [[M638 autocannon|M638 20mm autocannon]], fixed in a nose turret below the pilot's main cabin. The autocannon provides effective suppressive fire when extracting or deploying personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Flanking the vehicle on both sides are modular weapon emplacements that vary depending on the Falcon variant.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The emplacements are installed on flexible mount [[hardpoint]]s on either side of the open cabin, selected at the discretion of the Falcon's crew.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The UH-144A variant is armed with a pair of [[M460 Automatic Grenade Launcher]]s, while the UH-144S variant sports standard [[M247H machine gun|M247H 12.7mm heavy machine guns]]. Both have proven incredibly effective against [[Covenant]] aircraft and providing point-to-point suppressive and attack fire on enemy ground emplacements and infantry.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} | ||
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
*'''[[UH-144A Falcon]]''': The "attack" variant of the Falcon, armed with two side-mounted [[M460 | *'''[[UH-144A Falcon]]''': The "attack" variant of the Falcon, armed with two side-mounted [[M460 Automatic Grenade Launcher]]s as secondary armament.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:HR GrenadierFalcon FrontQuarter2.png|The UH-144A Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun. | File:HR GrenadierFalcon FrontQuarter2.png|The UH-144A Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun. | ||
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==Operational history== | ==Operational history== | ||
[[File:HM-UH144.png|thumb|200px|A UH-144 Falcon during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Reuse|mythos}}]] | [[File:HM-UH144.png|thumb|right|200px|A UH-144 Falcon during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Reuse|mythos}}]] | ||
The Falcon was introduced into service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] in [[2497]], though the helicopter only proved truly common with garrison forces of the [[UNSC Army]] on [[Inner Colony]] worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The Falcon was used during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Reuse|mythos}} | The Falcon was introduced into service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] in [[2497]], though the helicopter only proved truly common with garrison forces of the [[UNSC Army]] on [[Inner Colony]] worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The Falcon was used during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Reuse|mythos}} | ||
Falcons were used throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], including during the [[Battle of Fumirole]] in [[2552#April|April 2552]].<ref>''[[Deliver Hope]]''</ref> Falcons were used extensively during the [[Fall of Reach]] throughout the [[2552|summer of 2552]]. Notably, the Falcons [[Kilo 33]] and [[Kilo 34|34]] transported [[NOBLE Team]] to [[ | Falcons were used throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], including during the [[Battle of Fumirole]] in [[2552#April|April 2552]].<ref>''[[Deliver Hope]]''</ref> Falcons were used extensively during the [[Fall of Reach]] throughout the [[2552|summer of 2552]]. Notably, the Falcons [[Kilo 33]] and [[Kilo 34|34]] transported [[NOBLE Team]] to [[Sword Base]] in an effort to end the [[Covenant]] assault on the facility.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]''</ref> Numerous Falcons later participated in the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]].<ref>''Halo: Reach'', campaign level, ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> Falcons would later participate in evacuation efforts and troop movement operations during the [[Siege of New Alexandria]]. One would carry [[SPARTAN-B312]] to [[Caracalla Park]] to disable an {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}} pinning down escaping civilian transport ships.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[Exodus]]''</ref> Later during the siege, B312 piloted a Falcon to aid UNSC forces across the city and take down Covenant jammers.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria]]''</ref> Several Falcons later saw action during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], having survived the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'s initial arrival on the ring in [[2552#September|September 2552]]. These craft aided [[Fireteam Raven]] in various ground actions against the Covenant occupational forces.<ref>''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''</ref> | ||
During their [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]], the [[717th Xeno-Materials Exploitation Battalion]] was equipped with two UH-144S Falcons, used for patrol as well as troop and supply transportation. When the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] attacked the [[battalion]], one of the Falcons was destroyed instantly and crashed into the [[Montero Vitality Center]], while the second shrugged off the attack and fled towards the village of [[Wendosa]].<ref name="LL162">''Halo: Last Light'', p. 162-168</ref> Over the course of the battalion's battle with the Keepers, the remaining Falcon provided troop transport and supply drops for the UNSC forces.<ref>''Halo: Last Light'', p. 235</ref> However, the Falcon was eventually crashed in the [[Montero Jungle]] when the [[pilot]] was killed mid-flight days later.{{Ref/Reuse|ll260}} As of [[2557]], the Falcon remains in active service with the UNSC Army.<ref name="feet first">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-feet-first '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Feet First'']</ref> | During their [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]], the [[717th Xeno-Materials Exploitation Battalion]] was equipped with two UH-144S Falcons, used for patrol as well as troop and supply transportation. When the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] attacked the [[battalion]], one of the Falcons was destroyed instantly and crashed into the [[Montero Vitality Center]], while the second shrugged off the attack and fled towards the village of [[Wendosa]].<ref name="LL162">''Halo: Last Light'', p. 162-168</ref> Over the course of the battalion's battle with the Keepers, the remaining Falcon provided troop transport and supply drops for the UNSC forces.<ref>''Halo: Last Light'', p. 235</ref> However, the Falcon was eventually crashed in the [[Montero Jungle]] when the [[pilot]] was killed mid-flight days later.{{Ref/Reuse|ll260}} As of [[2557]], the Falcon remains in active service with the UNSC Army.<ref name="feet first">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-feet-first '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Feet First'']</ref> | ||
==Production notes== | ==Production notes== | ||
[[File: | [[File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Concept_5.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.]] | ||
===''Halo: Reach''=== | ===''Halo: Reach''=== | ||
[[Marcus Lehto]] had played around with ideas for the Falcon since the release of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', but didn't get a chance to realize it until ''Halo: Reach''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/game_fabricator/status/1145532132011335680 Marcus Lehto on Twitter] - ''Yes! I was playing around with 3D concepts of it right after HaloCE''</ref> One of these early ideas, shown below, bears a striking resemblance to what would become the Hornet. As seen in early concept art, it appears the Falcon would originally have possessed ducted air fans, like those of the [[AV-14 Attack VTOL|AV-14 Hornet]] and [[D77-TC Pelican]], rather than rotors. | [[Marcus Lehto]] had played around with ideas for the Falcon since the release of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', but didn't get a chance to realize it until ''Halo: Reach''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/game_fabricator/status/1145532132011335680 Marcus Lehto on Twitter] - ''Yes! I was playing around with 3D concepts of it right after HaloCE''</ref> One of these early ideas, shown below, bears a striking resemblance to what would become the Hornet. As seen in early concept art, it appears the Falcon would originally have possessed ducted air fans, like those of the [[AV-14 Attack VTOL|AV-14 Hornet]] and [[D77-TC Pelican]], rather than rotors. | ||
Both campaign Falcons and a Transport Falcon capable of transporting five players as passengers was added to the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''Halo: Reach'' [[Forge]] when ''[[Halo 3]]'' was added to PC. | |||
===''Halo 4''=== | ===''Halo 4''=== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}} | {{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}} | ||
*A [[Wikipedia:Falcon|falcon]] is a bird of prey, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming atmospheric vehicles after real animals with the exceptions of the [[ | *A [[Wikipedia:Falcon|falcon]] is a bird of prey, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming atmospheric vehicles after real animals with the exceptions of the [[Longsword]], [[Shortsword]], [[Broadsword]], and [[Sabre]], which are named after bladed weapons. | ||
*The Falcon is nicknamed the "[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] of the skies" by fans and Bungie employees.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=24623 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01.29.10'']</ref> | *The Falcon is nicknamed the "[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] of the skies" by fans and Bungie employees.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=24623 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01.29.10'']</ref> | ||
*Superficially, the Falcon looks rather similar to the [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]]' [[Wikipedia:Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|V-22 Osprey tilt rotor]]. However, the Osprey's rotor blades tilt directly forward in flight. | *Superficially, the Falcon looks rather similar to the [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]]' [[Wikipedia:Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|V-22 Osprey tilt rotor]]. However, the Osprey's rotor blades tilt directly forward in flight. | ||
*Much like UNSC aircraft in ''[[Halo Wars]]'', Falcons that cannot be piloted have yellow windshields. In campaign, if one punches out the windows of these Falcons, they'll notice that there is no character inside piloting the Falcon. | |||
*A Falcon avatar gear is one of the bonus items included with the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions. | *A Falcon avatar gear is one of the bonus items included with the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions. | ||
*Unlike most vehicles in ''Halo: Reach'', the smoke from a badly damaged Falcon blocks a substantial portion of the screen, increasing the difficulty of flying a critically damaged aircraft. | |||
*Unless the player jumps on top of a rotor hub, he or she cannot be killed by the Falcon's rotors. However, touching the rotor hub will kill the player instantly. | |||
*It is possible to fly the Falcon in the first level. The player must hit the Falcon that Jun is not in with an overcharged plasma pistol shot. When it falls, the Falcon has a small chance of flipping on the ground and forcing the pilot out. | |||
*Due to balancing purposes, the Falcon in ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer lacks the chin-mounted autocannon that is normally usable by the pilot.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_080610 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 08.06.10'']</ref> | |||
*Elites can hijack Falcons in the campaign, disrupting the flow of the level and forcing the player to start it over again. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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File:FalconTrans.png|A few of the original renders, note the chin gun. | File:FalconTrans.png|A few of the original renders, note the chin gun. | ||
File:Falcon turnarounds.jpg|Views of the Falcon from ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s development. | File:Falcon turnarounds.jpg|Views of the Falcon from ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s development. | ||
File:FalconfromRvB.jpg|A Falcon lifting off. | |||
File:Falcon - HUD.jpg|The Falcon's [[heads-up display]]. | |||
File:HR Winter Contingency Falcons.jpg|Two Falcons on [[Reach]]. | File:HR Winter Contingency Falcons.jpg|Two Falcons on [[Reach]]. | ||
File:Winter_Contingency.JPG|Two UH-144 Falcons flying over a mountain. | File:Winter_Contingency.JPG|Two UH-144 Falcons flying over a mountain. | ||
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File:FalconPassenger.jpg|A Spartan-III sitting in a Falcon. | File:FalconPassenger.jpg|A Spartan-III sitting in a Falcon. | ||
File:Halo Reach-ToTS Falcon.jpg|A Spartan firing one of the Falcon's grenade launchers. | File:Halo Reach-ToTS Falcon.jpg|A Spartan firing one of the Falcon's grenade launchers. | ||
File:Falcon_Rough.jpg|A rough model of the Falcon, used in background battles. | |||
File:Falconcontrols.JPG|The Falcon's cockpit. | File:Falconcontrols.JPG|The Falcon's cockpit. | ||
File:HR Falcon Variants.png|Four variants of the Falcon available in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' version of ''Halo: Reach''. | |||
File:HR-FullFalcon.png|Five Spartan-IIIs making use of the Transport Falcon on Forge World. | |||
File:H4_Falcon_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon for ''[[Halo 4]]''. | |||
File:H4_Falcon_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon for ''Halo 4''. | |||
File:H4-E3-Campaign-10.jpg|Falcons (near {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}) in an early build of [[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]] | |||
File:HFR_ChopperDown_1.jpg|A downed Falcon in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''. | File:HFR_ChopperDown_1.jpg|A downed Falcon in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''. | ||
File:HOD ConceptArt Pelican Hangar.jpg|Concept art of a UH-144 Falcon in a hangar for ''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''. | File:HOD ConceptArt Pelican Hangar.jpg|Concept art of a UH-144 Falcon in a hangar for ''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' | *''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]'' | *''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]'' | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{Ref/Sources|2}} | {{Ref/Sources|2}} | ||
{{ | {{UNSC Aircraft}} | ||
[[Category:UH-144 Falcons| ]] | [[Category:UH-144 Falcons| ]] | ||
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]] | [[Category:Drivable vehicles]] |