Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifle

The Type-55 Directed Energy Rifle/Advanced (T55 DER/A), commonly known as the Storm rifle, is a Sangheili directed energy weapon.

History
Designed by Lodam Armory in the wake of the Great Schism, the T55 was in use by 2553 and saw use during Sangheili civil conflicts following the Human-Covenant War's conclusion. The T55 DER/A is considered to be a successor to the widely used Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle; however, it is more similar to the Type-51 Directed Energy Rifle/Improved, itself an upgrade of the T25, in both form and function. The weapon features such modifications as a modular coil set, a high-mounted cooling shroud, and an extended barrel.

Speculation
The "Storm" in the weapon's name suggests that it was created for, or is used predominantly by the Storm, a remnant faction loyal to the ideals of the Covenant. However, "storm" might instead refer to the weapon's function; "Sturmgewehr", the German word for assault rifle, literally means "storm rifle". This may allude to the weapon's role as an analog to human assault rifles.

Trivia

 * It was confirmed by 343 Industries that the Storm Rifle will replace the Plasma Rifle in Halo 4.
 * It has a strong resemblance to the Type-51 Carbine, with a different stock and blue coloring.
 * The Rifle has a heat display similar in location and appearance to the ammo counter on the MA5 family of firearms.

List of appearances

 * Halo: The Thursday War
 * Halo 4