Morsam-pattern Seraph

Seraph Starfighter The Seraph-class Starfighter is assumed to be the Covenant main starfighter, and is hypothesized to be the Covenant's counterpart to the UNSC Longsword. Each Seraph has a teardrop and piscine like design. It may also be a pleasing aesthetic design to Covenant eyes since such carapace-like curves are prevalent throughout Covenant design. They are stored in Covenant capital ships (both CCS-class Battlecruisers and Assault Carriers) when they are not in battle or escorting a ship.

Seraphs have demonstrated that they can compete with, and have proved a troublesome foe for Human Longsword pilots. They usually attack in formations of ten, with their assaults on enemy ships ranging from simple harassment, to full out strafing attacks. Unlike the Banshee, Seraphs are equipped with energy shields, but these are only a fraction of the strength of those on larger ships and are easily dispersed.

The Seraph has been known to be utilized as an air superiority fighter, but was noted as clumsy and sluggish in an atmosphere, indicating that such a capability is only a secondary role. Faster and harder hitting than the Banshee, the Seraph poses a significant aerial threat.

Appearances
Seraphs are a common adversary of UNSC starfighter pilots, however prior to Halo 2 they were only mentioned in the expanded universe and novels. The Seraph made its first in game appearance dog-fighting with Longsword fighters outside Cairo Station during the First Battle of Earth.

A Seraph can also be viewed in intricate detail on the levels The Arbiter and The Oracle. One of these vessels is seen in a hangar within a Heretic occupied Forerunner facility suspended within the atmosphere of the gas giant Threshold .Sesa 'Refumee, the Heretic leader, attempts to escape the giant storms of Threshold in this Seraph, but is successfully stopped by the Arbiter, who slays him in personal combat.

The Seraph Starfighters are also seen in Halo 3 during the cutscene of the Ark level where they are escorting the Brute capital ships as they engage the Sangheili battle group. Miranda Keyes' strategy in the Battle of The Ark was engaging the Seraphs while the Elites handled the Brute Cruisers.

Armament
As the Covenant's main space attack fighter the Seraph is armed with a pulse laser and plasma charges for bombing runs. It is about 3 times the size and mass of the Banshee attack craft and represents a greater threat to UNSC ground and air forces.

The Seraph fighter is both powerful and fast. When the Heretic stronghold was hit by an immense storm Banshees proved useless as an escape option. Only the Seraph fighter and the Phantom were sturdy enough and fast enough to brave the fearsome force of the wind.

It is assumed that the Seraph fighter is crewed by Elite pilots, and probably Brutes after the Great Schism

Trivia

 * On the level, The Ark, if you listen closely to the conversation between Commander keys and the cruiser pilot in the pelican radio, Seraphs are mentioned several times

Related links

 * Longsword - The UNSC equivalent of the Seraph