Posu'gelka-pattern needler

The Posu'gelka-pattern shard launcher is a type of needler utilized during the post-Human-Covenant War era. It was fielded by the Banished in 2560.

Design details
This model of needler has an upper cowling where the exposed crystal ammunition sticks out. There is also an ammo counter at the back of the upper cowling. The crystal ammunition is fired out of the channel brace of the weapon. Before the needler fires, shards are broken and then launched forward. The Needler was developed and manufactured by Lodam Armory.

Ammunition
Like all needlers, the weapon makes use of Subanese crystal. When fully loaded, this model can hold 26 shards. After the crystal shards have been launched from needler, the shards home in towards a target if one is present. If a shard hits a target it becomes chemically reactive and, if more than one shard is in a target, the shards detonate and explode in a "supercombine" chain reaction.

Usage
This needler was fielded by Banished forces during the Battle for Zeta Halo in 2560. It was primarily used by Unggoy Conscripts and Ultras, Kig-Yar Freebooters, and Skirmishers.

Variants

 * Pinpoint Needler: Improved version of the needler with an increased mag from 26 to 30. It has been painted white and can lock on and track targets when they are in range and the user is zoomed in. Used by Writh Kul during the Battle for Zeta Halo.

Changes from the Type-56D needler in Halo 5: Guardians

 * Magazine can hold 26 shards.
 * Does not possess the Type-56D's smart scope feature.
 * Has an ammo counter on its back.
 * Supercombines with 12 needles instead of 7.
 * Can supercombine even on a shielded target
 * Spawns with 52 reserve rounds and can hold up to 78 rounds for a maximum of 104 shots.

List of appearances

 * Halo Infinite