Type-56D needler

The Type-56D Guided Munitions Launcher (T-56D GML), more commonly known as the Needler, is a variant of the Needler series of weapons. It was fielded by the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in October 2558.

Design details
The Type-56D needler is one of the many needler variants that fire Subanese crystalline shards capable of homing in on targets. The Type-56D needler notably features a Smart scope projector that project a holographic display behind the weapon.

Usage
This variant of the needler was likely catalogued by the Office of Naval Intelligence in 2556, after the Human-Covenant War, as indicated by its type designation of "Type-56D Guided Munitions Launcher". This needler was later fielded by the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in October 2558.

Variants

 * Hailstorm: The Hailstorm, is based off of a pre-Covenant Sangheili weapon that was used during the volatile early-interstellar period of Sangheili history, is an improved needler that fires blamite shards at high speed, has superior tracking capabilities, and features a larger magazine capacity with 33 needles.

Halo 5: Guardians
The standard needler is ranked a Common REQ in Warzone simulations, and is available at Level 2 energy while giving 50 REQ points if sold.

The Hailstorm needler is ranked an Uncommon REQ in Warzone simulations and is available at Level 3 energy while giving 75 REQ points if sold. It has a 16% faster velocity.

The Talon of the Lost needler is ranked a Rare REQ in Warzone simulations, is available at Level 3 energy while giving 100 REQ points if sold, and can also be found as the first of four special weapons in the mission Reunion.

Changes from the Type-33 needler in Halo 2: Anniversary

 * The normal needler's shards travel at a much faster speed and have better tracking, while the Hailstorm features even faster-moving shards.
 * Can be smart-scoped to increase the weapon's range by 20%. When smart-scoped, it brings up a purple holographic display on the user's HUD.
 * Super-combines with 7 rounds instead of 8, much like the Needlers in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 3.
 * Decreased ammo capacity; the needler now has a 22-round magazine and a maximum of 66 reserve rounds for a total of 88 rounds.
 * The Hailstorm can have up to 99 reserve rounds for a total of 132 rounds.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians