Karo'etba-pattern Ghost

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Ghost The Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle (abbreviated Type-32 RAV) otherwise known as the Ghost, is the Covenant's standard reconnaissance and rapid attack vehicle. It is equipped with two of what are now accepted as the standard light vehicle mounted weapons: a directed energy weapon capable of projecting a bolt of super-heated plasma in the 100-250 kW range.

Overview
Ghosts are one-seater transport and reconnaissance vehicles, polished dark purple in color. They feature a streamlined design to optimize speed and agility, and two wing-like structures on either side for maneuverability. They hover off the ground using Covenant anti-gravity technology, and feature an unlimited boost and two plasma cannons. They can accelerate very rapidly, up to speeds of over 90 kilometers per hour.

Propulsion
A Ghost's propulsion is provided by a form of anti-gravity engine known as a Boosted Gravity Propulsion Drive, causing the Ghost to skim about half a meter above the ground while it is activated. This drive is visible as a bright, fluorescent area of purple energy emanating from the underside of the Ghost. Each stubby "wing" of the Ghost contains a vent that disperses excess heat, most obviously demonstrated by a bright purple glow when the Ghost is boosting.

Later Ghosts have modified engines possessing a 'speed boost' feature that triples its speed allowing for periods of greater velocity but compromised maneuverability. This allows Ghost pilots to enter and leave combat zones rapidly. In this mode a Ghost can easily run down, or "splatter," enemy infantry or evade more durable foes. As a trade-off, a Ghost's energy reserves are drained rapidly in this mode, and its energy weapons are disabled. Judicious use of the speed boost can help prevent a Ghost from flipping over after skipping over a boulder or other obstacle.

The Ghost hovers low above the ground, usually between one and two meters up. In Halo: Combat Evolved, the Ghost floated high enough that it could not be jumped over and low enough that it could not be crouched under. This made it uniquely dangerous to infantry. In Halo 2, this ability was modified, and the Ghost moves lower along the ground, less than a meter up, and by far low enough to jump over. Its ability to kill enemies on impact was also severely reduced; a direct hit with the boost engaged will not always kill the opponent. Indeed, it may send them flying wildly away, saving their life.

The Ghost also has the ability to briefly pull its nose upwards, allowing it to avoid impacting small obstacles, as well as stay level while falling or flipping over. This ability, commonly known as "doing a wheelie," is far more pronounced at higher speeds, especially when the boost is active.

Strengths
The vehicle's light weight and great speed make it one of the most agile (and thus, dangerous) vehicles in the Halo series. Its ability to stop or accelerate with great rapidity, as well as its capacity for lateral motion, make it adept at avoiding all but the fastest-moving projectiles. The boost feature is not only excellent for entering and exiting combat zones in relative safety, but can turn the very vehicle into a weapon due to its ability to crush infantry. Its plasma cannons are extremely effective against light vehicles and infantry, and even if the vehicle is disabled, they can still be used to devastating effect. Ghosts can be transported to and from the battlefield by a variety of craft, such as Spirits, Phantoms, and Shadows. They allow great tactical flexibility for Covenant ground force commanders as fast, hard-hitting vehicles to harass enemy infantry formations within a short time. They are especially effective as infantry support, used to finish off forces scattered by infantry combat.

Weaknesses
The boost systems of the Ghost greatly increase its speed, but strip it of its vaunted maneuverability, including lateral movement. Due to the open-topped design of the Ghost, drivers are often extremely vulnerable to small arms. Because of the Ghost's light weight, it is easily overturned by explosions, heavy fire, and collisions. Ghosts are also easy to board, and such actions commonly result in the death of the pilot. Ghosts also have large, vulnerable fuel cells on the sides of the driver's seat, which explode very easily, invariably destroying the vehicle and killing the pilot. Ghosts are easily susceptible to the disabling effects of the Power Drain or Plasma Pistol overcharge, and once they have been disabled make excellent targets. Unlike other vehicles, the turrets only have a 150° field of fire, and so attackers may approach the vehicle from behind without any fear of retribution. The Ghost is also very ineffective in close quarters, due to its deep blind spot, slow braking action and wide turns.

Equivalents

 * Mongoose - UNSC equivalent
 * Brute Chopper - Covenant Loyalist equivalent

Trivia

 * The Ghost's appearance evolved noticeably between the pre-release and final versions of Halo: Combat Evolved.
 * The Ghost bears a striking resemblance to the large sea creature the manta ray. Its side wings look just like pectoral fins, while the twin plasma cannons take after the large, distinctive cephalic fins.
 * In Halo 3 the Covenant Loyalist Brutes rarely commandeer Ghosts; Grunts pilot the Ghost instead.
 * Another trick with the A button is possible only in Halo 2 and possibly in Halo 3. Holding A while using the boost feature allows the driver to turn more easily, making for speedy getaways with tight cornering. It should be noted the Ghost often flips more easily when this trick is used.
 * The view screen on the Ghost highlights terrain as blue and vehicles or enemies as red-orange, much like thermal vision. However, it is not particularly helpful, as it is nearly impossible for the player to watch while driving.
 * The reticule resembles an Unggoy's head.
 * The Ghost (with boost) is the fastest land vehicle in the Halo franchise. Even without boost, it is still considerably faster than most other vehicles in the game.

Related Links

 * Brute Chopper - Brute equivalent of the Ghost
 * Mongoose - UNSC equivalent of the Ghost