M41 SPNKr: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

(It says in the Halo 2 manual that the model was M41 SSR)
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{{Era|RVB|H3|}}
{{Era|H3|}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Ratings}}
{{HaloWikiLink|Rocket_Launcher}}
{{HaloWikiLink|Rocket_Launcher}}
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| type=Rocket Launcher
| type=Rocket Launcher
| cost=
| cost=
| size=Shoulder-mounted
| size= *Shoulder-mounted *length: 134.9 centimeters (4.426 feet)
| damage per hit=Very High
| damage per hit=Very High
| magazine=2 rockets
| magazine=2 Rockets
| max-ammo=8 'SPNKr' rockets or 4 magazines
| max-ammo=8 Rockets
| fire=semi-automatic
| fire=semi-automatic
| ammotype=[[102mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank|102mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank SPNKr missile]] (Shaped Charge)
| ammotype=[[102mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank|102mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank Shaped Charge]]
| operation=
| operation=
| rate of fire= moderate
| rate of fire=Moderate
| accuracy=*Halo 2: Very High. Perfect when homing to vehicles
| accuracy=Very High.
*Halo 3 Medium.
| range=Short to Medium Range
| range= Short to Medium Range
| era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
| era=[[Human-Covenant war]]
| counterpart=[[Fuel Rod Gun/Cannon]], [[Brute Shot]], [[Spartan Laser]], [[Missile Pod]]
| counterpart=[[Fuel Rod Gun/Cannon]], [[Brute Shot]], [[Spartan Laser]], [[Missile Pod]]
| counterwep=[[Sniper Rifle]], [[Spartan Laser]], [[Flamethrower]], [[Gravity Hammer]], [[Missile Pod]]
| counterwep=[[Sniper Rifle]], [[Spartan Laser]], [[Flamethrower]], [[Gravity Hammer]], [[Missile Pod]]
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}}  
}}  


The '''M41 SSR MAV/AW''' is a heavy ordnance weapon of the [[UNSC]] arsenal used in [[Halo 3]]. It is different from the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]] used in Halo. Both previous launchers had the words "M41 SSR MAV/AW" printed on them, but the game manuals, HUD dialogue, and novels refer to them as "M19 SSM Rocket Launchers".
The '''M41 SSR MAV/AW''' is a heavy ordnance weapon of the [[UNSC]] arsenal used in [[Halo 3]]. It is different from the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]] used in Halo.


==Design details==
==Summary==  
The M41 SSR, alternatively called a "Spanker" (On the [[M19_SSM_Rocket_Launcher|Halo 2 Rocket launcher]] it prints in paint: SPNKr), is a heavy ordnance weapon of the [[UNSC]] arsenal, used in [[Halo 3]]. It fires [[HEAT]] (High Explosive Anti-Tank) rockets. The launcher sports a 2x scope, and, in ''Halo 2'', lock-on capabilities. It can fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy. This rocket launcher's damage has been increased over the Halo version. Some also believe it to be aesthetically superior.
The M41 SSR, alternatively called the ''Jackhammer'', ''Pain'', and ''SPNKr''<ref> Sybex Halo PC Strategy Guide Page 19</ref>  a reference to the rocket launcher in the [[Marathon (Video Game Series)]]. The M41  is a heavy ordnance weapon of the [[UNSC]] arsenal used in [[Halo 3]]. It fires a [[HEAT|102mm Shaped-Charge High-Explosive]] Surface to Surface Missile, as shown on Ammo Box in [[Halo Graphic Novel]]. The launcher sports a 2x scope and can fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy, although it falls in altitude and moves at a very slow rate if fired from a long distance. This is not to be confused with the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]] used in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and [[Halo 2]]. The M41 is, however, directly derived from the M19 SSM models, and is nearly identical to the first variant of the M19 as seen in Halo.


When reloaded, the barrels are removed. Two preloaded barrels are then inserted back into the launcher. With this mechanism, a [[Marine]] can greatly reduce the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away like some contemporary disposable rocket launchers. This setup is very similar to that of the Javelin Anti-Tank System currently used by the U.S. military.
The M41 uses a unique design then any other rocket launchers. When reloaded, the barrels are removed, two preloaded barrels are then inserted back onto the unit. With this mechanism, a [[Marine]] can greatly reduce the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away like some contemporary disposable rocket launchers. This setup is very similar to that of the Javelin Anti-Tank System currently used by the U.S. military.
 
This is not the same rocket launcher as the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]] used in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]. The M41 is, however, directly derived from the M19 SSM models, and is indeed nearly identical to the first variant of the M19 as seen in Halo.
 
{{sectstub}}


===Advantages===
===Advantages===
The rocket launcher spreads a huge amount of damage over a large area, capable of taking out entire groups of targets at any range and can kill all the riders of nearly any vehicle (with the exception of the [[Scorpion Tank]] or [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]]) with one direct hit. It's very useful for killing [[Hunters]] with one shot, which are often the most difficult enemies to kill. It also has moderate rate of fire, as it is able to fire a second rocket almost two seconds after the first, making it useful for an outnumbered player to defeat or frighten multiple enemies. It is also very effective on [[Brute Chopper|Choppers]], as they can't turn sharp corners very fast. Plus if you practice, you can learn to bend rocket trajectories around corners with grenades thrown before hand.
The Rocket Launcher spreads a huge amount of damage over a large area. It is capable of taking out entire groups of targets at any range and can kill both the passengers and crew of nearly any vehicle with the exception of the [[Scorpion Tank]] or [[Wraith]] which takes two to three hits with. It is very useful for killing [[Hunters]], which are often the most difficult enemies to kill. For an anti-tank weapon it is capable of inflicting mass damage to tanks and wraiths because of its ability to quickly launch two consecutive shots, so it is effective in close range assaults against tanks. It was originally possible to kill someone with a single running or jumping version of the Rocket Launcher's melee attack. This has since been corrected. in ''Halo 2'' and ''[[Halo 3|3]]'' it has a nice propulsion alternative for the "[[grenade jump]]" if done correctly. With the Rocket Launcher you do not have to have perfect aim as the blast's splash damage will be enough to kill them. It is also very effective on [[Brute Chopper|Choppers]], as they can't turn sharp corners very fast. Plus if you practice, you can learn to deflect the rockets trajectory with a well placed grenade.


===Disadvantages===
===Disadvantages===
Several things counterbalance the rocket launcher's sheer power:
Several things counterbalance the rocket launcher's sheer power:
*It reloads slowly.
The rocket, though powerful, is implemented in-game as an anti-vehicle weapon, not designed for engaging infantry. Thus its reload time is quite slow, as it takes about three to five seconds for the M19 to be fully reloaded. The rockets leave a trail of smoke in their wake, giving away the operator's position and necessitating a fire-and-displace strategy of engagement. Ammunition is often limited or unavailable, and the player can carry only 6 extra rockets at once, for a total of 8 rounds. The biggest disadvantage to a player is The blast range of a rocket, if fired too close the splash damage can severely injure or kill its operator if fired carelessly into surrounding terrain or at an enemy. An explosion near a rocket in flight will cause it to deflect.  Deflected rockets tumble end over end, and will explode if they strike an object.  However, the damage they do is reduced significantly; a deflected rocket will not kill a player with full shields. An explosion or a well-placed bullet can and will destroy a fired rocket.
*Additional ammunition is often limited or entirely unavailable, and the player can carry only 6 extra rockets at once, for a total of 8 rounds.
*Operators can easily kill or injure themselves if the weapon is fired carelessly into surrounding terrain or when they are extremely close to the targeted hostile. Additionally, the explosion from the rocket can accidentally kill friendly units near the target.
*The lock-on feature from Halo 2 has been disabled in Halo 3 to balance the weapon, though the rockets apparently still track targets automatically in certain cases.
*In Halo 3, an explosion near a rocket in flight will cause it to deflect.  Deflected rockets tumble end over end, and will explode if they strike an object.  However, the damage they do is reduced significantly; a deflected rocket will not kill a player with full shields.  
*In ''Halo 2'', you can lose a missile lock if you are in a [[banshee]] by pointing the nose as high as you can, getting out then back in quickly by pressing the X button rapidly.
*An explosion or a well-placed bullet can and will destroy a fired rocket.
*The rockets travel at slow speeds, allowing the would-be victim to dodge (given that nothing is blocking their escape). This wastes a rocket, which are usually scarce. This escape requires decent timing because the rocket travels faster in [[Halo 3]] than in previous Halo games. To counter this, the Rocket Launcher operator should aim at structures or the environment around the target, so that the hostile is instead caught in the rocket's blast radius.


==[[Halo 2]]==
==Changes From [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]==
In [[Halo 2]], the Rocket Launcher is much weaker than the one from [[Halo:Combat Evolved]], although it still can destroy a small sized vehicle with one shot. Despite how many rockets it takes to take out a vehicle, the Halo 2 rocket launcher has a lock on system that tracks an enemy vehicle and nearly always hits its mark, destroying it. It can also shoot much faster.
In [[Halo 2]], the Rocket Launcher is much weaker than the one from [[Halo:Combat Evolved]], although it still can destroy a small sized vehicle with one shot. Despite how many rockets it takes to take out a vehicle, the Halo 2 rocket launcher has a lock on system that tracks an enemy vehicle and nearly always hits its mark, destroying it. It can also shoot much faster.


===Changes From [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]===
*The M41 HEAT rocket travels faster than its [[M19]] counterpart.
*The M41 HEAT rocket travels faster than its [[M19]] counterpart.
*The tubing is also a metallic silver color rather then a synthetic black.
*The tubing is also a metallic silver color rather then a synthetic black.
*It does not have the homing feature offered in the [[Halo 2]]'s M41 model, and is more similar to [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'s M19 Model.
*No longer has the homing feature offered in the [[Halo 2]]'s M19 model, and is more similar to [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'s Model.
*Maximum ammo 8 rockets instead of 10.
*Maximum ammo 8 rockets instead of 10.
*Different firing sound effect.
*Different firing sound effect.
*Faster reload.
*Faster reload.
*Faster melee.
*Faster melee.
*Locks onto vehicles (Halo 2 only)
*Ammunition indicated in scope when zoomed in.
*Ammunition indicated in scope when zoomed in.
*HUD ammo indicator illustration changed.
*HUD ammo indicator illustration changed.
*Less firepower & splash damage.




===Influences===
===Influences===
The M41 SSR MAV/AW was inspired by the SPNKr rocket launcher from the ''Marathon'' series. The launcher itself is also nicknamed SPNKr (pronounced "spanker") due to the labeling on rockets and rectangular ammunition cases.
On the side of the M19 the labeling on the launcher and the rectangular cases that contain rocket ammunition has the words SPNKr. The M19 SSM is essentially a Halo Universe copy of the SPNKR-X17/18 SSM Launcher (Lazyboy) from the [[Marathon (Video Game Series)]]. The the word "SPNKr" is a short abbreviation of the word ''Spanker'' and the line serves as an inside joke for both fans and [[Bungie]] of their former series. The joke is believed to simply refer to how you would simply get ''spanked'' when hit by the rocket. Alternatively the Marathon launcher was nicknamed the ''lazyboy'' as a possible joke to how if a player was too lazy to aim his weapon, all he had to do was fire a rocket at somebody.  


==Multiplayer Role==
==Multiplayer Role==
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Acquiring the rocket launcher in a [[multiplayer]] game may prove difficult, since by default (on most maps) it spawns in a central, highly-contested area (players who know the level know where the Rocket Launcher is and thus clashes with the enemy for the weapon are quite common, usually when the match first starts). However, once acquired, this weapon can become very effective for all the reasons mentioned above - it can take out a large group of enemies in one shot, and can easily eliminate vehicles. Since direct impacts with the rocket are difficult to achieve, especially in open areas, it is prudent to aim at the ground in front of the enemy or the wall to their side. Though the shot may miss, the blast will often kill or seriously injure the opponent. Bear in mind, there is a short delay of around .25-.5 of a second between the player pulling the trigger and the rocket actually leaving the barrel. It may not sound like much, but it is actually a very important consideration for accurate shooting, particularly when deflection shooting.
Acquiring the rocket launcher in a [[multiplayer]] game may prove difficult, since by default (on most maps) it spawns in a central, highly-contested area (players who know the level know where the Rocket Launcher is and thus clashes with the enemy for the weapon are quite common, usually when the match first starts). However, once acquired, this weapon can become very effective for all the reasons mentioned above - it can take out a large group of enemies in one shot, and can easily eliminate vehicles. Since direct impacts with the rocket are difficult to achieve, especially in open areas, it is prudent to aim at the ground in front of the enemy or the wall to their side. Though the shot may miss, the blast will often kill or seriously injure the opponent. Bear in mind, there is a short delay of around .25-.5 of a second between the player pulling the trigger and the rocket actually leaving the barrel. It may not sound like much, but it is actually a very important consideration for accurate shooting, particularly when deflection shooting.


In Halo 2, the Rocket Launcher was often considered to be a [[Noob|"noobish"]] weapon due to its high power and low talent curve. Furthermore, the weapon would not respawn when it had been picked up, even if it was out of ammo; many players would keep an empty Rocket Launcher just to deny anyone else access it.
In Halo 2, the Rocket Launcher was often considered to be a [[Noob|"noobish"]] weapon due to its high power and low talent curve. Furthermore, the weapon would not respawn when it had been picked up, even if it was out of ammo; many players would keep an empty Rocket Launcher just to deny anyone else access it. With Halo 3's revamped weapon spawn system, this aspect of the weapon is no longer effective, and the Rocket Launcher has, as a rule, taken more skill to use. Due to the large blast radius, many players tend to use this over other weapon types when they attempt to get the multi-kill medals.
 
With Halo 3's revamped weapon spawn system, this aspect of the weapon is no longer effective, and the Rocket Launcher has, as a rule, taken more skill to use. However, many veteran [[Halo 3]] players still consider it to be a [[noob]] weapon because of its destructive power and the fact that it can very easily end a player's killing streak. This is possibly, however, merely a reaction coming from players that feel cheated after being hit by a lucky rocket. Due to the large blast radius, many players tend to use this over other weapon types when they attempt to get the multi-kill medals.
 
==Character Compatibility==
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Marines]]
*[[Elites]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]]


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
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*Though it carries much less ammo, it is often preferred over the [[Fuel Rod Gun]] due to the rocket being stronger, faster, more accurate, possessing larger splash damage, and can't deflect off the terrain like the Fuel Rod Gun can.
*Though it carries much less ammo, it is often preferred over the [[Fuel Rod Gun]] due to the rocket being stronger, faster, more accurate, possessing larger splash damage, and can't deflect off the terrain like the Fuel Rod Gun can.


==Related Pages==
==Sources==
<references/>
 
===Related Pages===
*[[M19-B SAM Missile Launcher]]
*[[M19-B SAM Missile Launcher]]
*[[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]
*[[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]

Revision as of 20:12, May 13, 2009

Template:Ratings Template:HaloWikiLink Template:Weapon

The M41 SSR MAV/AW is a heavy ordnance weapon of the UNSC arsenal used in Halo 3. It is different from the M19 SSM Rocket Launcher used in Halo.

Summary

The M41 SSR, alternatively called the Jackhammer, Pain, and SPNKr[1] a reference to the rocket launcher in the Marathon (Video Game Series). The M41 is a heavy ordnance weapon of the UNSC arsenal used in Halo 3. It fires a 102mm Shaped-Charge High-Explosive Surface to Surface Missile, as shown on Ammo Box in Halo Graphic Novel. The launcher sports a 2x scope and can fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy, although it falls in altitude and moves at a very slow rate if fired from a long distance. This is not to be confused with the M19 SSM Rocket Launcher used in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. The M41 is, however, directly derived from the M19 SSM models, and is nearly identical to the first variant of the M19 as seen in Halo.

The M41 uses a unique design then any other rocket launchers. When reloaded, the barrels are removed, two preloaded barrels are then inserted back onto the unit. With this mechanism, a Marine can greatly reduce the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away like some contemporary disposable rocket launchers. This setup is very similar to that of the Javelin Anti-Tank System currently used by the U.S. military.

Advantages

The Rocket Launcher spreads a huge amount of damage over a large area. It is capable of taking out entire groups of targets at any range and can kill both the passengers and crew of nearly any vehicle with the exception of the Scorpion Tank or Wraith which takes two to three hits with. It is very useful for killing Hunters, which are often the most difficult enemies to kill. For an anti-tank weapon it is capable of inflicting mass damage to tanks and wraiths because of its ability to quickly launch two consecutive shots, so it is effective in close range assaults against tanks. It was originally possible to kill someone with a single running or jumping version of the Rocket Launcher's melee attack. This has since been corrected. in Halo 2 and 3 it has a nice propulsion alternative for the "grenade jump" if done correctly. With the Rocket Launcher you do not have to have perfect aim as the blast's splash damage will be enough to kill them. It is also very effective on Choppers, as they can't turn sharp corners very fast. Plus if you practice, you can learn to deflect the rockets trajectory with a well placed grenade.

Disadvantages

Several things counterbalance the rocket launcher's sheer power: The rocket, though powerful, is implemented in-game as an anti-vehicle weapon, not designed for engaging infantry. Thus its reload time is quite slow, as it takes about three to five seconds for the M19 to be fully reloaded. The rockets leave a trail of smoke in their wake, giving away the operator's position and necessitating a fire-and-displace strategy of engagement. Ammunition is often limited or unavailable, and the player can carry only 6 extra rockets at once, for a total of 8 rounds. The biggest disadvantage to a player is The blast range of a rocket, if fired too close the splash damage can severely injure or kill its operator if fired carelessly into surrounding terrain or at an enemy. An explosion near a rocket in flight will cause it to deflect. Deflected rockets tumble end over end, and will explode if they strike an object. However, the damage they do is reduced significantly; a deflected rocket will not kill a player with full shields. An explosion or a well-placed bullet can and will destroy a fired rocket.

Changes From M19 SSM Rocket Launcher

In Halo 2, the Rocket Launcher is much weaker than the one from Halo:Combat Evolved, although it still can destroy a small sized vehicle with one shot. Despite how many rockets it takes to take out a vehicle, the Halo 2 rocket launcher has a lock on system that tracks an enemy vehicle and nearly always hits its mark, destroying it. It can also shoot much faster.

  • The M41 HEAT rocket travels faster than its M19 counterpart.
  • The tubing is also a metallic silver color rather then a synthetic black.
  • No longer has the homing feature offered in the Halo 2's M19 model, and is more similar to Halo: Combat Evolved's Model.
  • Maximum ammo 8 rockets instead of 10.
  • Different firing sound effect.
  • Faster reload.
  • Faster melee.
  • Ammunition indicated in scope when zoomed in.
  • HUD ammo indicator illustration changed.


Influences

On the side of the M19 the labeling on the launcher and the rectangular cases that contain rocket ammunition has the words SPNKr. The M19 SSM is essentially a Halo Universe copy of the SPNKR-X17/18 SSM Launcher (Lazyboy) from the Marathon (Video Game Series). The the word "SPNKr" is a short abbreviation of the word Spanker and the line serves as an inside joke for both fans and Bungie of their former series. The joke is believed to simply refer to how you would simply get spanked when hit by the rocket. Alternatively the Marathon launcher was nicknamed the lazyboy as a possible joke to how if a player was too lazy to aim his weapon, all he had to do was fire a rocket at somebody.

Multiplayer Role

Acquiring the rocket launcher in a multiplayer game may prove difficult, since by default (on most maps) it spawns in a central, highly-contested area (players who know the level know where the Rocket Launcher is and thus clashes with the enemy for the weapon are quite common, usually when the match first starts). However, once acquired, this weapon can become very effective for all the reasons mentioned above - it can take out a large group of enemies in one shot, and can easily eliminate vehicles. Since direct impacts with the rocket are difficult to achieve, especially in open areas, it is prudent to aim at the ground in front of the enemy or the wall to their side. Though the shot may miss, the blast will often kill or seriously injure the opponent. Bear in mind, there is a short delay of around .25-.5 of a second between the player pulling the trigger and the rocket actually leaving the barrel. It may not sound like much, but it is actually a very important consideration for accurate shooting, particularly when deflection shooting.

In Halo 2, the Rocket Launcher was often considered to be a "noobish" weapon due to its high power and low talent curve. Furthermore, the weapon would not respawn when it had been picked up, even if it was out of ammo; many players would keep an empty Rocket Launcher just to deny anyone else access it. With Halo 3's revamped weapon spawn system, this aspect of the weapon is no longer effective, and the Rocket Launcher has, as a rule, taken more skill to use. Due to the large blast radius, many players tend to use this over other weapon types when they attempt to get the multi-kill medals.

Trivia

  • Rockets was recently made into a Double EXP weekend playlist, which included Splockets (Spartans lasers and Rockets), and also Snockets (Snipers and Rockets). Additionally, the Rocket Launcher is the main weapon used in the retired playlist Rocket Race, which is now a Double Exp Weekend playlist.
  • The Rocket Launcher has a considerable recoil, although the very nature of it's design requires it to be recoilless. When the rocket is fired, the gases generated by its launch is shunted through the back of the barrel. When a rocket is fired in real life, the only sensation is an impulse and a forward shift in the weapon's center of gravity as the projectile leaves the weapon.
  • In Halo 3, it is possible to shoot down the rockets fired from this weapon with a Battle Rifle or a Covenant Carbine as well as a Sniper Rifle or a Particle Beam Rifle. This is probably possible with other head-shot enabled weapons. The SMG, however, will not work. This was tested thoroughly in Theater Mode. There is a slight delay between when the shot hits the rocket and when the rocket explodes, however, which should be taken into consideration.
  • Though it carries much less ammo, it is often preferred over the Fuel Rod Gun due to the rocket being stronger, faster, more accurate, possessing larger splash damage, and can't deflect off the terrain like the Fuel Rod Gun can.

Sources

  1. ^ Sybex Halo PC Strategy Guide Page 19

Related Pages


Template:UNSC Infantry Weapons