Editing Zanar-pattern light cruiser

|class in service    = [[Ages of Conflict|Sixth Age of Conflict]] - present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|complement      = Multiple {{Pattern|Gloto'kef|Assault Carapace}}s{{Ref/Reuse|Umbrage}}{{Ref/Reuse|WPUmbrage}}

|troops          = None{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}}{{Ref/Note|Id=Troops|While ''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|Halo: Warfleet]]'' states that the ''Zanar''-pattern light cruiser does not feature a troop compliment, the [[Spartan Ops]] mission [[Memento Mori/Everything Has Gone Wrong|Everything Has Gone Wrong]] depicts ''[[Panom's Canticle]]'' deploying Covenant forces to [[The Refuge (Requiem location)|The Refuge]] with {{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace}}s. This account is further validated in the short story ''[[Vertical Umbrage]]'', which shows ''Panom's Canticle'' as having a sizeable defense force and also establishes that the vessel is equipped with {{Pattern|Gloto'kef|Assault Carapace}}s. It is possible that the ''Zanar''-pattern did not typically feature a troop complement while in the Covenant's service, while those serving within [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] did.}}

*Two ''Erex''-pattern [[Energy projector|plasma beam emitter]]s{{Ref/Book|Id=Warfleet72|HWF|Page=72-73}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

*Four ''Pok''-pattern [[Laser|beam lasers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

|air facilities  = At least one [[hangar bay]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=Umbrage|Vertical Umbrage}}{{Ref/Site|Id=WPUmbrage|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-4-vertical-umbrage|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 - Vertical Umbrage|D=07|M=11|Y=2022|LocalArchive=Archive:Vertical Umbrage}}

[[File:FoR_TAS_-_Unrelenting_fires.png|thumb|250px|left|''[[Unrelenting]]'' firing its ''Sintra''-pattern plasma torpedoes.{{Ref/Reuse|AS}}]]

Described by UNSC personnel as resembling a "luminous manta ray",{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|WPCruiser}} the ''Zanar'' is essentially a smaller, weaker version of the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The design originated as a mutation (albeit a stable one) in the [[design pattern]] of the larger {{Pattern|Elefen|battlecruiser|}} and {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s used in a more general role by the Covenant military - resulting in a vessel several times smaller than its forebears though retaining similar proportions and silhouette.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}}

Unlike the blue-purple lighting used on Covenant military vessels, the light cruisers used in [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] fleet exhibited green lighting - though whether this was an intentional design choice or a facet of the ''Zanar''-pattern as a whole is unknown.{{Ref/Reuse|H4Zanar}}

The ''Zanar''-pattern is fitted with a relatively modest armament compared to its larger cousins. Despite ostensibly appearing to be a weaker form of its forebears, it is still considered more than a match for most [[UNSC starship]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Its primary weapon systems are a pair of [[Plasma beam|''Erex''-pattern plasma beam emitters]] and six top-mounted [[Plasma torpedo|''Sintra''-pattern plasma torpedo]] silos. The torpedoes are swift in flight but difficult to control, resulting in them being used primarily for [[Orbital bombardment|surface bombardment]]. On the ship's underside lie four [[Pulse laser turret|''Pok''-pattern beam lasers]], with two dedicated [[augur array]]s allowing the weapons to target dozens of targets in rapid succession. Unlike the bombardment-focused plasma torpedoes, the high-energy lasers are primarily used for picking off targets of opportunity when minimal collateral damage is required - primarily a function of the vessel's policing usage among [[Covenant colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

The small size of a ''Zanar''-pattern cruiser means that they have minimal crew facilities - including a total lack of permanent crew quarters. Instead, ''Zanar''-pattern ships are intended to rotate fresh crew members aboard between missions. They are crewed by a single [[Superior]] who holds the title of [[Shipmaster]], and eight [[Menial]]s. They additionally typically hold no on-board troop complement due to their intended function as policing vessels.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}}

The ''Zanar'' is fitted with a [[hangar bay]] capable of hosting at least a handful of [[Phantom]] dropships or other aircraft, alongside an escape pod bay stocking {{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace|}} and {{Pattern|Gloto'kef|Assault Carapace}}s. Some ships used by the Covenant's remnants in the post-war era, such as ''[[Panom's Canticle]]'', have additionally demonstrated the capability to host a small on-board troop complement - likely a result of the cruiser's converted use as a mainline warship.{{Ref/SpOps|Memento Mori|Everything Has Gone Wrong}}{{Ref/Reuse|Umbrage}}{{Ref/Reuse|WPUmbrage}}

[[File:H4_Landfall_Corvette.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A ''Zanar''-pattern light cruiser and a {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} over Casbah City in 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|Landfall}}]]

Within the [[Three-letter ship classification system|hull classifications]] of Covenant ships undertaken by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], the ''Zanar'' is designated the CRS-class light cruiser - owing to the vessel's similar shape to the larger battlecruiser classes more commonly seen during the [[Human-Covenant War]] and its origins as a pattern mutation thereof.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} Despite this, the ''Zanar'' was never used in the Covenant military in a role analogous to a cruiser, and the term is simply one applied by [[human]]ity.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}} The "R", for ''Reverence'', in the cruiser's three-letter classification code indicates that the cruiser is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and is capable of excavating [[Forerunner]] artifacts. The "S", for ''Salvation'', denotes that the ''CRS''-class light cruiser is a dedicated [[warship]].{{Ref/Site|Id=Have S'moa|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Have S'moa|D=30|M=10|Y=2021}} ''Zanar''-pattern ships are considered effective when used in interference, attack,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} interdiction and support roles.{{Ref/Reuse|WPCruiser}}

Within the Covenant, the ''Zanar'' is considered to be an [[attack ship]] - something beneath the notice of most [[fleetmaster]]s or [[Supreme Commander]]s and rarely considered in the wider schema of naval warfare. They were used to fill a role similar to that of a [[police cutter]] - used for internal patrols and security throughout Covenant space and rarely considered to be a mainline warship. During the empire's reign, ''Zanar''s could be found conducting routine inspections and enforcing travel laws,{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}} alongside enforcing the policies and edicts of [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Their status as an attack ship means that ''Zanar''-pattern ships do not merit a [[shipmaster]]'s chair and associated honours - and they were generally considered unpopular assignments for [[Sangheili]] crews and thus most frequently assigned as vessels for lower-caste species such as the [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Jiralhanae]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}} Serving aboard a ''Zanar''-pattern cruiser was most often seen as a stepping stone to serving aboard more important ships such as the [[examiner]]s, leading to their crews being highly aggressive in combat in order to prove their worth for reassignment to more notable [[capital ship]]s.{{Ref/Book|HWF|Page=64-65}}

During the [[Human-Covenant War]], ''Zanar''s proved themselves surprisingly effective against the [[UNSC Navy]] early in the war, leading to some Covenant commanders reconsidering their status and beginning to add them to their fleets throughout the conflict. These vessels most often served as internal fleet security, or as escorts for larger warships.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Despite the lowly status of a ''Zanar''-pattern cruiser, their crews still believed themselves above the "distasteful" assignment of escort of - [[executor]]-type ships such as the {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}. As such, they could rarely be counted on to do little more than basic duties.{{Ref/Book|HWF|Page=60-61}}

[[File:H4_SO_S01E10_Palmer_watching_Covenant_fleet.jpg|thumb|250px|''Zanar''-pattern cruisers escorting a ''Maugen''-pattern armored cruiser away from Requiem during the final stages of the Requiem Campaign in 2558.{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}}]]

The ''Zanar''-pattern emerged during the [[Ages of Conflict|Sixth Age of Conflict]] as a stable mutation of the larger battlecruisers of Covenant usage.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}} It continued to see use internally throughout the Covenant's imperial fiefdoms until the emergence of the [[Human-Covenant War]], during which they saw action in some of the war's first engagements such as the [[Battle of Chi Ceti]]{{Ref/Film|Id=AS|TFoRAS}} - though were ultimately rarely seen by human forces.{{Ref/Reuse|WPCruiser}} Their nonetheless successful combat record against humanity during the war did mean that some officers began to consider adding them to their own fleets, if for no other reason than serving as internal policing roles - freeing up other ships for more important assignments.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} As such for the majority of the war, ''Zanar''-pattern ships were assigned in rear echelon assignments to ensure Covenant supply lines were well protected. This made them a prime target for opportunistic warlords during and after the Great Schism to expand their fleets, using them in more combat focused roles than they were intended for.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet72}} Light cruisers were later employed during the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]] in [[2543]]{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|The Impossible Life and Possible Death of Preston J. Cole}} and the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=18|Quote=Two exceptions to this patrol pattern were a pair of light cruisers hovering over Menachite Mountain}} Simultaneously with the Fall of Reach, multiple ''Zanar''-pattern ships participated in the [[Battle for Tribute]], besieging [[Casbah City]] alongside a number of {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}s{{Ref/Map|Id=Landfall|H4|Landfall}} Later during the [[2552|same year]], they were deployed during the [[Battle for Earth|occupation]] of [[Earth]].{{Ref/Generic|Id=Crate|[[Halo Legendary Crate]]|Series 1, Crate 2 artwork ([[:File:HLC_battle_for_earth.png|File link]])}}

 

Perhaps the most excessive usage of the ''Zanar'' was that of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]. After raiding an old imperial moon once-orbited by High Charity, Jul 'Mdama was able to obtain a large stockpile of light cruisers which were used to form the backbone of his fleet as began to consolidate power.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Numerous examples accompanied him to [[Requiem]] prior to and during the [[Battle of Requiem]] - during which they were dispatched in [[2557]] to investigate the wreckage of {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, before subsequently being destroyed by the firing of one of the ship's [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system|Hyperion missiles]].{{Ref/Level|H4|Dawn}} Three cruisers made a slipspace jump into [[Core of Requiem|Requiem's core]] to deploy troops around the satellite containing the Didact's [[Cryptum]]. At least one of these cruisers, was sucked into the [[gravity well]] created by the Didact's Cryptum entering slipspace and was destroyed.<{{Ref/Level|H4|Forerunner (level)|Forerunner}} Numerous light cruisers were later sent to attack the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} after it crashed into Requiem, but at least two were destroyed by ''Infinity''{{'}}s defensive turrets and surface-to-air-missile launchers.{{Ref/Level|H4|Infinity (Halo 4 level)|Infinity}} At least three cruisers were present during the Didact's [[Raid on Ivanoff Station]], deploying Phantoms to stop the station's evacuation efforts.{{Ref/Level|H4|Composer (level)|Composer}}

 

''Zanar''-pattern light cruisers continued their occupation of Requiem throughout the remiander of 2557, with ''[[Panom's Canticle]]'' being specifically tasked with overwatch of [[The Refuge (Requiem location)|the Refuge]] site.{{Ref/Reuse|Umbrage}}{{Ref/Reuse|WPUmbrage}} during the [[Requiem Campaign]] in [[2558#February|February 2558]]. Many provided escort for an {{Pattern|Maugen|armored cruiser}} that was destroyed immediately after ''Infinity's'' emergence from slipspace. They immediately engaged ''Infinity's'' {{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}s, though they were quickly destroyed or routed.{{Ref/SpOps|Departure}} Light cruisers would proceed to be the bane of ''Infinity'' throughout the campaign, with deployments at [[Two Giants]] resulting in one such vessel being eliminated via MAC strike by [[Infinity Sub-Vessel 3]]{{Ref/SpOps|Catherine|Shootout in Valhalla}} and ''Panom's Canticle'' being destroyed via [[Boarding|boarding action]] by [[Fireteam Shadow]] during [[Operation: VERTICAL UMBRAGE]].{{Ref/Reuse|Umbrage}}{{Ref/Reuse|WPUmbrage}} Another ''Zanar'' was later used to reinforce the capture of [[Fireteam Crimson]]{{Ref/SpOps|Memento Mori|Spartan Thorne}} and remained in station over the "[[Lockup]]",{{Ref/SpOps|Scattered|Escape Plan}} with a further trio later deployed to the "[[Warrens]]" in response to [[Raid on the Warrens|another raid]] by UNSC forces there.{{Ref/SpOps|Scattered|Need To Know}} Several ships were later used as a part of the [[Invasion of the UNSC Infinity|boarding attempt]] on ''Infinity'', with one being destroyed by the supercarrier's weapons.{{Ref/SpOps|Invasion}} During the campaign's final moments, many ''Zanar''-pattern vessels were able to escape the planet before it was destroyed, escorting {{Pattern|Maugen|armored cruiser}}s to safety.{{Ref/SpOps|Id=Exodus|Exodus}}

The CRS light cruiser featured in the [[Axis Studios]] cutscenes for ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' was modelled by contract artist Steve "Coolhand" Tyler - a 3D artist specialising in hard surface design and spacecraft modelling. Throughout 2013, Tyler released a series of blog posts on his personal website titled "Big Spaceships", which detailed the creation of the Covenant CRS-class light cruiser and the {{Pattern|Maugen|armored cruiser}}. Throughout the blogs, Tyler refers to the latter RCS-class armored cruiser as a [[CCS-class battlecruiser]] and the ''Zanar''-pattern as simply the "cruiser".{{Ref/Site|Id=Tyler1|URL=http://coolhandgraphics.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-spaceships-003-covenant-ccs-battle.html|Site=Coolhand Graphics|Page=Big Spaceships 003 - Covenant CCS Battle Cruiser - part 1|D=13|M=11|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Tyler2|URL=http://coolhandgraphics.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-spaceships-003-covenant-ccs-battle_26.html|Site=Coolhand Graphics|Page=Big Spaceships 003 - Covenant CCS Battle Cruiser - part 2|D=13|M=11|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Tyler3|URL=http://coolhandgraphics.blogspot.com/2013/05/big-spaceships-003-covenant-ccs-battle.html|Site=Coolhand Graphics|Page=Big Spaceships 003 - Covenant CCS Battle Cruiser - part 3|D=13|M=11|Y=2022}}

During the production of the models for Axis' cutscenes, Tyler was given four weeks to produce the two models - described as "the largest, most complex" models he had built to that point in his career. The light cruiser was the first of the two models to be produced, and used a low-detail model from the game as a base to work from. The bow section of the model was the first to be completed due to being relatively self-contained, allowing Tyler the ability to estimate how much work would be needed for the rest of the model - while using a previous model from another unrelated project as reference for scale and complexity. For detailing, Tyler followed the designs on the in-game models for reference to hull style and guidelines, with reference additionally taken from H.R. Giger's work on ''[[List of references to Aliens in the Halo series|Aliens]]'' for additional detail. Ultimately, Tyler's model proved ''too'' detailed for a ship on a small scale such as the ''Zanar'' and his work was instead used as the basis for the larger ''Maugen''-pattern ship. The final ''Zanar'' made by Tyler was relatively stripped back compared to the earlier renders (shown below).{{Ref/Reuse|Tyler1}}{{Ref/Reuse|Tyler2}}{{Ref/Reuse|Tyler3}}

File:H4 SpOps LightCruiser EarlyModel 6.jpg|A more finished look at the ''Zanar''{{'}}s plasma torpedo launchers - heavily inspired by Giger.

File:H4 SpOps LightCruiser EarlyModel 9.jpg|A look at the ''Zanar''{{'}}s top section - imagined by Tyler to be the ship's [[bridge]].

File:H4 SpOps LightCruiser EarlyModel 11.jpg|The ''Zanar''{{'}}s underside - the "landing leg"-esque structure was geometry taken directly from Tyler's previous model work.

File:H4-Render-CRS.jpg|Renders of the ''CRS''-class light cruiser for ''[[Halo 4]]''.

File:H4-CRSLightCruiser-ScanRender.png|Alternate extraction of a ''CRS''-class light cruiser.

File:H4-CRSLightCruiser-ScanScreen.jpg|In-game screenshot of a ''CRS''-class light cruiser.

File:H4 campaign dawn.jpeg|''CRS''-class cruisers swarm the remains of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}.

File:CRS-Corvette size comparison.jpg|Size comparison between the ''CRS''-class cruiser and the {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}.

File:HM-CRS.png|''CRS''-class light cruisers attacking the ''Infinity'' during the Battle of Aktis IV in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.

*''[[Vertical Umbrage]]''