LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod

The LAU-65D/SGM-151, also known as the Missile Pod, is a portable United Nations Space Command infantry weapon. It is a missile-launching weapon, and holds up to eight small, highly explosive missiles when released from its tripod. The Missile Pod is capable of locking onto vehicle or turret position targets.

Its extreme size and weight means that only a Spartan, Sangheili, or perhaps a Brute can operate it free of its tripod.

Operation


The mounted version of the Missile Pod can only be seen in one Campaign level, The Storm. When mounted, it has infinite ammo.

The Missile Pod can carry eight rounds, equal to the Rocket Launcher, but without the need for reloading.

In its mounted form, the Missile Pod is used by the Marines as a rocket-powered mortar (by firing its missiles vertically into the sky). This allows the missiles to hit targets from above, by inflicting maximum damage and leaving less time for the target to avoid the strike.

It is the only weapon in Halo 3 that can lock onto and track vehicles, taking the ability away from the M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launcher from Halo 2.

Once the missile is fired, it will travel about five metres before becoming self-propelled.

This, along with the pod's ability to maintain a lock even when there's an obstacle (such as a small hill in Valhalla) between the pod and the target, means the wielder can fire at an upward angle, giving the missile enough vertical clearance to fly over the hill and into the target.

It is also effective against foot-bound stationary targets (such as an enemy sniper); the missile's high speed means that even if the target hears the missile, he or she may not be able to react in time.

This is most effective at short and medium range, mostly because it is harder to see an enemy at long ranges, much less determining if one is moving.

One of the best anti-vehicle tactics is to lock on, aim up in the air, and fire. However, don't forget that you only have 8 shots - make them count!

Also, on Valhalla, a possible tactic is to carry the missile pod into the Man Cannon while firing at an enemy. The enemy will most likely not see you and will die confused.

Tactics
The Missile Pod can be a weak weapon against infantry. It typically takes a direct missle hit to kill an opponent with one shot. Quite unlike the Rocket Launcher, its splash damage is confined to a smaller area, making it challenging to use in a one-on-one close quarters fight. The pod is extremely deadly against vehicles, however, and it can be found on the following maps: Valhalla, Sandtrap, and Construct. Of course, any player can place it into any map using Forge.

On Valhalla, it is capable of destroying Banshees, Mongooses, Warthogs, and turrets.

On Construct. the missile pod becomes a powerful infantry weapon because the map's architechure allows for quick kills, making it especially useful for killing the sword wielders or campers at the Gravity Lifts.

It is noteworthy to use in a Big Team Slayer next to the Spartan Laser as a few short missiles can take out a central threat, such as a Scorpion or Wraith antagonizing your teammates.

Note: When mounted, the missile pod fires into the air. After acquiring a target, it will home in on it. Once detached, the missile pod fires in the direction that the player is aiming.

-Player-1 Hit -Hornet-2 Hits -Banshee-2 Hits -Scorpion-4 Hits -Wraith-4 Hits -Chopper-1 Hit -Ghost-1 Hit -Prowler-2 Hits -Scarab-1 Hit (Required Direct Power Core Hit) -Warthog/Gauss Warthog-2 Hits -Mongoose-1 Hit
 * Destruction Table



Trivia

 * Missile Pods are first seen on the level "The Storm".
 * Hornets fire couples of what appear to be Missile Pod missiles as a secondary weapon.
 * On Heroic difficulty, it takes eight rounds of the LAU-65D/SGM-151 to destroy a Phantom. However, it only takes four missiles to the rear section to destroy it because of the engines going critical are the main reason for the destruction of a Phantom.
 * If you give the Missile Pod to the Arbiter during single player campaign, he'll be able to track infantry with the Missile Pod.
 * In multiplayer, there is no tripod mounted form. It can only be found and fired in its ripped off form.
 * The LAU-65D/SGM-151's missile is considerably stronger than the M41's refinance.
 * For reasons unknown, even though the Missile Pod's clip number can be adjusted via Forge, it has no affect at all, the amount of missiles remaining is eight.
 * The sign on the top of the Missile Pod reads "bare live wires" like the Spartan Laser.
 * The Missile Pod's rocket bares a striking resemblance to the jetpack missile used by bounty hunters Boba Fett and Jango Fett in Star Wars.
 * The long missile fired from an active Missile Pod leaves a streaming trail as easily can be spotted from a Banshee or a Hornet, as its locked on and painted for destruction.
 * In The Storm on Legendary, watch out for the Marines on the tripod Missile Pods. If you go onto the upper work deck with the Sniper Rifle, they might kill you with the missile pod. They also might kill you while on the Scarab.