Pelican

"Pelican" is the name applied to a series of tactical aerospace lifters operated by the UNSC Air Force, the UNSC Marine Corps, the UNSC Navy, corporate entities and the civilian security forces.

Summary
The Pelican line entered service in 2392.

The air frame of the Pelican allows them to carry heavy objects underneath their tail booms. Common carry items include an M12 Warthog, M808 Scorpion tank, troop deployment pods or resupply canisters.

Pelicans receive serial numbers to be identified by during radio transmissions, particularly in combat situations. Each serial number consists of a letter from the Phonetic Alphabet followed by a number. Though a few Pelicans have this number inscribed on their cargo bays, most have no distinguishing mark on their exteriors.

D75 Pelican

 * D75-TC Pelican - A type of Pelican seen in 2526.
 * D75-TC/r Pelican - A reconnaissance version of the D75.
 * D75-TC/g Pelican - A version of the D75 equipped with a ground support package.

D77 Pelican

 * D77-TC Pelican - The UNSC's standard dropship variant operated during the Insurrection and the Human-Covenant War.

D78 Pelican

 * D78-TC Pelican - A less common model used after the Covenant War, with improved avionics and thrusters

D79 Pelican

 * D79-TC Pelican - The UNSC's standard dropship as of 2557, replacing the aging D77 models.

Individualized types

 * ONI stealth type - A modification plan used by ONI to retrofit two individual Pelicans (Bogof and Tart-Cart) with numerous upgrades changing their sizes and mission capabilities.

Unidentified Pelican encounters
In May 2560, Pelican Echo 216 found John-117 in a field of detritus near a Halo ring.

Related vehicles

 * Owl - A stealth capable craft, physically resembling a Pelican.
 * Condor - Built on the frames of Pelicans though are considerably larger; earning them the nicknames "Fat Pelican" or "SuperPelican".