AV-19 SkyHawk

The AV-19 SkyHawk is a jump-jet strike fighter used by the UNSC Army.

Design details
The SkyHawk is a supersonic VTOL-capable jump-jet that can execute quick turns at high speeds. The fighter bears a very strong resemblance to the AV-22 Sparrowhawk, though it lacks the Sparrowhawk's twin tail. It is armed with four 50mm cannons that flank the cockpit, as well as two fully-customisable weapons pylons capable of fitting - among other munitions - Scorpion anti-tank missiles. As such, the SkyHawk is capable of dealing inordinate damage relative to its small size.

Usage
The SkyHawk's ability to execute tight turns at high speeds makes the aircraft deadly in air-to-air combat against other fighters. It is commonly used in atmospheric interception and close-range anti-infantry and anti-vehicle ground attack roles.

Operational history
Several SkyHawks were located at Fairchild Airfield on Reach during the Fall of Reach in summer 2552. On August 29, a SkyHawk was dispatched by Colonel James Ackerson to attack SPARTAN John-117 and the AI Cortana during a test of AI integration with the Mark V MJOLNIR armor. With Cortana's assistance, the SPARTAN was able to endure the SkyHawk's cannons' strafing run. He then avoided one of its guided anti-tank missile by deflecting it at the last moment. The test showed the Spartan-AI team to be far more successful than expected.

List of appearances

 * Halo: The Fall of Reach
 * ''Halo: Fall of Reach
 * ''Invasion