Marathon-class heavy cruiser

Summary
The UNSC Marathon-class cruisers have remained in service for decades as the most modern cruiser yet known in the UNSC, however, due to their diminishing numbers in the face of the Covenant, Marathon-class cruisers are increasingly being pulled back to defend the innermost colonies.

Marathon-class cruisers were the replacement to the similar but vastly more expencive Halcyon-class cruisers. They are more favorable because they are larger (estimated at one and a half kilometers in length) and of their supprisingly low cost to build.

Marathon-class cruisers are the most formitable vessal in the UNSC. Sporting at least three Magnetic Accelerator Cannons, over 1000 Archer Missiles, and three-four meters of Titanium A armour plate. As well as a complement of Pelican dropships, C709 Longsword starfighters, and a detachment of Marines, and ODST troopers.

Several Marathon-class vessels were seen at The Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, The Battle of Reach, and The First Battle of Earth. These include the UNSC Leviathan (Commanded by Admiral Micheal Stanforth) and eight vessels of this type commanded by Fleet Admiral Harper.