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AC-220 Vulture: Difference between revisions

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(Link correction and addition. GUA-23 to GAU-23.)
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|countermeasures=
|countermeasures=
|armament=*[[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher]] (4-6)
|armament=*[[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher]] (4-6)
*[[GUA-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s (4)
*[[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s (4)
*[[Argent V missile|Argent V Missiles]] (18)
*[[Argent V missile]]s (18)
*[[Phoenix missile]]s
*[[Phoenix missile]]s
|complement=
|complement=
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|firstuse=[[2498]]
|firstuse=[[2498]]
|role=
|role=
*Ground-attack/ close air support  
*Ground-attack/close air support  
*[[wikipedia:siegeworks|Siegeworks]]/ artillery assault gunship
*[[wikipedia:Siege|Siegeworks]]/artillery assault gunship
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Reclamation conflict]]
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Reclamation conflict]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
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The '''AC-220 Vulture''' is a heavy gunship used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It is the preferred aerial combat vehicle during prolonged air-and-ground engagements, particularly against heavily fortified enemy strongholds.<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356?filter=all '''Halo Waypoint''': ''AC-220 Vulture gunship''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110325090514/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356 Archive.org])</ref>
The '''AC-220 Vulture''' is a heavy gunship used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It is the preferred aerial combat vehicle during prolonged air-and-ground engagements, particularly against heavily fortified enemy strongholds.<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356?filter=all '''Halo Waypoint''': ''AC-220 Vulture gunship''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110325090514/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356 Archive.org])</ref>


The Vulture is a successor of the older [[wikipedia:AC-47 Spooky|AC-47]], [[wikipedia:Fairchild AC-119|AC-119]], [[wikipedia:Lockheed AC-130|AC-130]], and [[AC-163 Gunship|AC-163 gunships]]. It was designed in [[2498]] to combat the [[Insurrection]] in the [[Outer Colonies]].<ref name="waypoint"/>
The Vulture is a successor of the older [[wikipedia:Douglas AC-47 Spooky|AC-47]], [[wikipedia:Fairchild AC-119|AC-119]], [[wikipedia:Lockheed AC-130|AC-130]], and [[AC-163 Gunship|AC-163]] gunships. It was designed in [[2498]] to combat the [[Insurrection]] in the [[Outer Colonies]].<ref name="waypoint"/>


==Description==
==Description==
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==Operational history==
==Operational history==
The AC-220 Vulture was used during both the [[Insurrection]] and [[Human-Covenant War]]. In [[2531]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} used several Vultures during the [[Battle of Shield World 0459]] against the [[Covenant]], [[Flood]], and [[Sentinel]]s. Following the [[Human-Covenant War]], few Vulture gunships remained in service with the [[UNSC Defense Force]] due to irreplaceable combat losses by [[2545]]. However, by [[2557]], the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]] began considering the possibility of restarting production of the Vulture with the benefit of incorporating new technologies and applying improved materials.<ref name="Bulletin">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/bulletins/the-halo-bulletin-knowledge-drop '''Halo Waypoint''': The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14'']</ref> By [[2553|April 2553]], the [[Insurrectionist]]s on [[Venezia]] had acquired several Vultures and hid them in the old sandstone quarry next to [[Mount Longdon Road]] for use by the [[Venezian militia]].<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 103''</ref> On [[2558|March 11, 2558]] several AC-220 Vultures belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple AV-22 Sparrowhawks, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref>
The AC-220 Vulture was used during both the [[Insurrection]] and [[Human-Covenant War]]. In [[2531]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} used several Vultures during the [[Battle of Shield World 0459]] against the [[Covenant]], [[Flood]], and [[Sentinel]]s. Following the [[Human-Covenant War]], few Vulture gunships remained in service with the [[UNSC Armed Forces]] due to irreplaceable combat losses by [[2545]]. However, by [[2557]], the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]] began considering the possibility of restarting production of the Vulture with the benefit of incorporating new technologies and applying improved materials.<ref name="Bulletin">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/bulletins/the-halo-bulletin-knowledge-drop '''Halo Waypoint''': The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14'']</ref> By [[2553#April|April 2553]], the [[Insurrectionist]]s on [[Venezia]] had acquired several Vultures and hid them in the old sandstone quarry next to [[Mount Longdon Road]] for use by the [[Venezian Militia]].<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 103''</ref> On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]] several AC-220 Vultures belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref>


==Combat==
==Combat==
A slow unit which can take massive amounts of damage before destruction, the Vulture is the largest ground-based aircraft fielded by the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/airpad.aspx#vulture| ''Halo Wars'' Official Site: Information on the Vulture]</ref> It is able to fight against both air and ground units due to its weapon configuration,: [[Argent V missile|Argent V Missile]] pods are used against enemy aircraft, while [[GUA-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GUA-23 autocannons]] are designed for engaging ground targets. It can use its [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 missile launcher]] to deliver massive damage to slow and/or static units. The Vulture's main drawbacks are its cost and the large amount of time it takes to build one; it is also vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and takes a great deal of time to repair. The Vulture should be reserved for buildings and ground units for the greatest effect. Although Vultures possess adequate anti-aircraft ordnance, they should be escorted by [[M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank|Wolverines]] to lessen the threat of aerial attacks.
A slow unit which can take massive amounts of damage before destruction, the Vulture is the largest ground-based aircraft fielded by the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/airpad.aspx#vulture| ''Halo Wars'' Official Site: Information on the Vulture]</ref> It is able to fight against both air and ground units due to its weapon configuration: [[Argent V missile]] pods are used against enemy aircraft, while [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23 autocannons]] are designed for engaging ground targets. It can use its [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 missile launcher]] to deliver massive damage to slow and/or static units. The Vulture's main drawbacks are its cost and the large amount of time it takes to build one; it is also vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and takes a great deal of time to repair. The Vulture should be reserved for buildings and ground units for the greatest effect. Although Vultures possess adequate anti-aircraft ordnance, they should be escorted by [[M9 Wolverine]]s to lessen the threat of aerial attacks.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
===Halo Wars===
===Halo Wars===
In-game, the Vulture is considered an "über unit", and is constructed at the [[UNSC airpad|airpad]], and requires six population, 900 resources, and a tech level of four. It can be upgraded with the ''Mega Barrage'' upgrade, potentially doubling its barrages' power; this upgrade is purchased at the air pad and costs 800 resource points and requires a minimum tech level of 4.
In-game, the Vulture is considered an "über unit", and is constructed at the [[UNSC Airpad|airpad]], and requires six population, 900 resources, and a tech level of four. It can be upgraded with the ''Mega Barrage'' upgrade, potentially doubling its barrages' power; this upgrade is purchased at the air pad and costs 800 resource points and requires a minimum tech level of 4.


===Halo Wars 2 Beta===
===Halo Wars 2 Beta===
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==Behind the scenes==
==Behind the scenes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*For balance, the Vulture is one of only two vehicle units in ''Halo Wars'' that cannot be commandeered by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]], the other being the Covenant [[Type-47 Scarab|Scarab]].  
*For balance, the Vulture is one of only two vehicle units in ''Halo Wars'' that cannot be commandeered by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]], the other being the Covenant [[Type-47 Scarab#Type-47B 'Deutoros' model|Scarab]].  
*The Vulture is the only UNSC unit in ''Halo Wars'' that does not come out of the [[Firebase|firebase]] upon deployment. Instead, it seems to descend from the {{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}}, decelerating just before touching the ground.  
*The Vulture is the only UNSC unit in ''Halo Wars'' that does not come out of the [[Firebase|firebase]] upon deployment. Instead, it seems to descend from the {{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}}, decelerating just before touching the ground.  
*The Vulture is the only air unit that is not immobilized by a single Vampire's stasis drain, though it is still damaged and can be immobilized by multiple synchronous drains.
*The Vulture is the only air unit that is not immobilized by a single [[Type-29 Vampire|Vampire's]] stasis drain, though it is still damaged and can be immobilized by multiple synchronous drains.
*The generic in-game Vulture pilot is voiced by {{plain|[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2498820 Braden Lynch]}}, who later voiced [[Anthony Madsen]] in [[Halo 4]]'s ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
*The generic in-game Vulture pilot is voiced by {{plain|[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2498820 Braden Lynch]}}, who later voiced [[Anthony Madsen]] in [[Halo 4]]'s ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.


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File:Vulture scheme.jpg|A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.
File:Vulture scheme.jpg|A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.
File:UNSC Vulture 1.jpg|Concept art of the final Vulture model.
File:UNSC Vulture 1.jpg|Concept art of the final Vulture model.
File:Vulture Barrage.jpg|Vulture firing a missile barrage at a [[Type-47 Scarab]].
File:Vulture Barrage.jpg|Vulture firing a missile barrage at a [[Type-47 Scarab#Type-47B 'Deutoros' model|Type-47B Deutoros Scarab]].
File:Vulture HW.jpg|The AC-220 Vulture.
File:Vulture HW.jpg|The AC-220 Vulture.
File:Hw-prima-blog-04-03.jpg|A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.
File:Hw-prima-blog-04-03.jpg|A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.
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File:HW-AC220.png|A Vulture on [[Harvest]]
File:HW-AC220.png|A Vulture on [[Harvest]]
File:HW-AC220megabarrage.png|A Vulture with mega barrage
File:HW-AC220megabarrage.png|A Vulture with mega barrage
File:Halo Escalation 4.jpg|A Vulture on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation #4]]''.
File:Halo Escalation 4.jpg|A Vulture on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 4]]''.
File:Vulture Escalation 4.png|A Vulture attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in 2558.
File:Vulture Escalation 4.png|A Vulture attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in 2558.
File:Megabloks-unsc-vulture-gunship-cng71-11781.jpg|A toy Vulture from [[MEGA Brands]].
File:Megabloks-unsc-vulture-gunship-cng71-11781.jpg|A toy Vulture from [[MEGA Brands]].

Revision as of 05:35, September 15, 2016

Template:Vehicle Infobox

"The Vulture is one of the UNSC's most powerful units. Basically a highly armed flying assault tank packed to the brim with weapons, the Vulture is the largest aircraft fielded by the UNSC. It is designed to deliver massive damage to enemy ground troops after air superiority has been achieved. It is slow moving but carries an impressive armament of two twin-autocannons and rocket silos that can be used to deliver a devastating barrage to enemies in a wide area.
Crewed by highly trained UNSC pilot and gunners, the Vulture is an expensive unit and is usually reserved for difficult or lengthy battles. Being slow, it is vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire and enemy aircraft, but it is surprisingly resilient."
— Official Halo Wars website[1]

The AC-220 Vulture is a heavy gunship used by the United Nations Space Command during the Human-Covenant War. It is the preferred aerial combat vehicle during prolonged air-and-ground engagements, particularly against heavily fortified enemy strongholds.[2]

The Vulture is a successor of the older AC-47, AC-119, AC-130, and AC-163 gunships. It was designed in 2498 to combat the Insurrection in the Outer Colonies.[2]

Description

Unlike most smaller UNSC craft, the Vulture is suspended in the air by a series of ducted fans visible near the rear of the aircraft, housing jet engines like the D77-TC Pelican. Due it its much larger mass and cross-section, it is slower than other UNSC aircraft, such as the AV-14 Hornet and the AV-22 Sparrowhawk, but is armed with a number of missile pods for use against air and ground units, as well as a pair of hull-mounted autocannons.[3]

The Vulture requires a large number highly trained UNSC pilots and gunners to operate, making them expensive to deploy in terms of personnel (as opposed to the Sparrowhawk and Hornet, which require a single pilot and possibly a copilot). It lacks radiation shielding, preventing it from traveling in space. These factors, coupled with the amount of time it takes to build one, means that the Vulture is usually only reserved for difficult and lengthy battle situations and eliminating dug-in enemy forces.[4][2]

Operational history

The AC-220 Vulture was used during both the Insurrection and Human-Covenant War. In 2531 the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire used several Vultures during the Battle of Shield World 0459 against the Covenant, Flood, and Sentinels. Following the Human-Covenant War, few Vulture gunships remained in service with the UNSC Armed Forces due to irreplaceable combat losses by 2545. However, by 2557, the Office of Naval Intelligence's Materials Group began considering the possibility of restarting production of the Vulture with the benefit of incorporating new technologies and applying improved materials.[5] By April 2553, the Insurrectionists on Venezia had acquired several Vultures and hid them in the old sandstone quarry next to Mount Longdon Road for use by the Venezian Militia.[6] On March 11, 2558 several AC-220 Vultures belonging to the Spirit of Fire, alongside multiple AV-22 Sparrowhawks, attacked the UNSC Infinity when the Pilgrims' Pride was pulled into the Infinity's docking bay.[7]

Combat

A slow unit which can take massive amounts of damage before destruction, the Vulture is the largest ground-based aircraft fielded by the UNSC.[8] It is able to fight against both air and ground units due to its weapon configuration: Argent V missile pods are used against enemy aircraft, while GAU-23 autocannons are designed for engaging ground targets. It can use its A-74 missile launcher to deliver massive damage to slow and/or static units. The Vulture's main drawbacks are its cost and the large amount of time it takes to build one; it is also vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and takes a great deal of time to repair. The Vulture should be reserved for buildings and ground units for the greatest effect. Although Vultures possess adequate anti-aircraft ordnance, they should be escorted by M9 Wolverines to lessen the threat of aerial attacks.

Gameplay

Halo Wars

In-game, the Vulture is considered an "über unit", and is constructed at the airpad, and requires six population, 900 resources, and a tech level of four. It can be upgraded with the Mega Barrage upgrade, potentially doubling its barrages' power; this upgrade is purchased at the air pad and costs 800 resource points and requires a minimum tech level of 4.

Halo Wars 2 Beta

  • Info: Heavy Air, Can launch devastating PHOENIX missile
  • Tier: 3
  • Cost: Population 9, Supplies 390, Power 170

Behind the scenes

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • For balance, the Vulture is one of only two vehicle units in Halo Wars that cannot be commandeered by Spartans, the other being the Covenant Scarab.
  • The Vulture is the only UNSC unit in Halo Wars that does not come out of the firebase upon deployment. Instead, it seems to descend from the Template:UNSCship, decelerating just before touching the ground.
  • The Vulture is the only air unit that is not immobilized by a single Vampire's stasis drain, though it is still damaged and can be immobilized by multiple synchronous drains.
  • The generic in-game Vulture pilot is voiced by Braden Lynch, who later voiced Anthony Madsen in Halo 4's Spartan Ops.

Gallery

  • Concept art of the Vulture for Halo Wars.

    Concept art of the Vulture for Halo Wars.

  • Early concept art of the Vulture before finalization.

    Early concept art of the Vulture before finalization.

  • Conceptualized orthographic views of the Vulture.

    Conceptualized orthographic views of the Vulture.

  • A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.

    A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.

  • Concept art of the final Vulture model.

    Concept art of the final Vulture model.

  • Vulture firing a missile barrage at a Type-47B Deutoros Scarab.

    Vulture firing a missile barrage at a Type-47B Deutoros Scarab.

  • The AC-220 Vulture.

    The AC-220 Vulture.

  • A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.

    A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.

  • A couple of AC-220 Vultures, AV-22 Sparrowhawks, and a D77-TC Pelican Dropship launch an all-out attack against a Covenant citadel.

    A couple of AC-220 Vultures, AV-22 Sparrowhawks, and a D77-TC Pelican Dropship launch an all-out attack against a Covenant citadel.

  • A Vulture on Harvest

    A Vulture on Harvest

  • A Vulture with mega barrage

    A Vulture with mega barrage

  • A Vulture on the cover of Halo: Escalation Issue 4.

    A Vulture on the cover of Halo: Escalation Issue 4.

  • A Vulture attacking the UNSC Infinity in 2558.

    A Vulture attacking the UNSC Infinity in 2558.

  • A toy Vulture from MEGA Brands.

    A toy Vulture from MEGA Brands.

  • A Vulture in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

    A Vulture in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ Halo Wars official website
  2. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: AC-220 Vulture gunship (defunct, backup on Archive.org)
  3. ^ Gamepro, July 2009 edition
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 250
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14
  6. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 103
  7. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #4
  8. ^ Halo Wars Official Site: Information on the Vulture

Template:UNSCDF Aircraft

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