Command Mantis

The Command Mantis is one of a number of variants in the Mantis line of bipedal walkers in active service of the United Nations Space Command.

Design details
The Command Mantis variant stands taller than its regular Mark IX counterparts, though retains a similar (albeit bulkier) profile. The Mantis is given additional armour plating alongside the installation of energy shielding to help protect the vehicle. For deployment into combat, the Command Mantis is capable of being orbitally-dropped in a similar manner to a drop pod, without the need for dropship airlift. When absent a pilot, the vehicle can be automatically operated by an on-board artificial intelligence, at the cost of some functionality such as the missile launchers.

A specific Command Mantis operated by Jerome-092 and nicknamed Theseus was fitted with a number of unique enhancements - though it is unknown which of Theseus' properties are unique to that specific vehicle or inherent to the Command Mantis line as a whole. These include the incorporation of a command-and-control nexus relay taken from that allow the vehicle to serve as a backup battlenet hub in the event that contact with Spirit of Fire is lost. Accordingly, the Command Mantis serves as a capable mobile command post for field operations, though its heavier armaments also allow it to work as a siegebreaker vehicle too.

Armaments
Unlike the standard Mantis, which does not have replaceable weapons hardpoints, the Command Mantis has a variable loadout that can be configured by the operator. In its most common configuration, the regular Mantis' M655 machine guns are replaced with two arm-mounted high-precision laser cannons of extreme visual similarity to the Spartan Laser series of handheld infantry lasers, or the laser cannons employed mounted on the G81 Condor gunship. Two shoulder-mounted missile launchers of visual similarity to the M80 MLRS, albeit much larger, are also installed for heavier targets. These missile launchers do, however, have a minimum engagement range, and may be a specific addition unique to Theseus, as they are only able to be operated while Jerome-092 is piloting the vehicle.

Halo Wars 2
The Command Mantis is a hero unit exclusive to Commander Jerome.

List of appearances

 * Halo Wars 2