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{{Status|Canon}}<!-- | {{Status|Canon}}<!-- | ||
{{ | {{New content|[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]}}--> | ||
{{Redirect|Assault carrier|the UNSC carrier|Orion-class assault carrier}} | {{Redirect|Assault carrier|the UNSC carrier|Orion-class assault carrier}} | ||
[[File:HR CAS assaultcarrier Render2.png|350px|thumb|A Covenant assault carrier]] | [[File:HR CAS assaultcarrier Render2.png|350px|thumb|A Covenant assault carrier]] | ||
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
===Design details=== | ===Design details=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:MDT.png|300px|thumb|left|Concept art for ''[[Halo: Legends]]'': ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]'' of an assault carrier's fore and aft sections separated by Modular Dispersal Technology.]] | ||
The class' hull is comprised of nanolaminate plating; however, its greatest assets are its [[energy shielding|energy shields]], which are amongst the strongest in the [[Covenant fleet]]. During the opening hours of the [[Battle for Earth]], the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[flagship]] ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' was able to penetrate Earth's orbital defense grid in spite of ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' focusing fire on it.{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} Furthermore, [[Rtas 'Vadum]] employed the tactic of ramming {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s during the [[Battle of Installation 00]] with no visible damage being inflicted upon [[Shadow of Intent|his flagship]].{{Ref/Reuse|Ark}} A further testament to this vessel's survivability is that it was selected by the Covenant alongside the much larger {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} to serve as the [[Hierarchs]]' personal flagships when they were not aboard the also heavily shielded [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Reuse|DD4}} Like most Covenant vessels, the command deck of the ''CAS'' is buried deep within the vessel's deck, allowing it to function even with the vessel taking tremendous damage. | The class' hull is comprised of nanolaminate plating; however, its greatest assets are its [[energy shielding|energy shields]], which are amongst the strongest in the [[Covenant fleet]]. During the opening hours of the [[Battle for Earth]], the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[flagship]] ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' was able to penetrate Earth's orbital defense grid in spite of ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' focusing fire on it.{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} Furthermore, [[Rtas 'Vadum]] employed the tactic of ramming {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s during the [[Battle of Installation 00]] with no visible damage being inflicted upon [[Shadow of Intent|his flagship]].{{Ref/Reuse|Ark}} A further testament to this vessel's survivability is that it was selected by the Covenant alongside the much larger {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} to serve as the [[Hierarchs]]' personal flagships when they were not aboard the also heavily shielded [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Reuse|DD4}} Like most Covenant vessels, the command deck of the ''CAS'' is buried deep within the vessel's deck, allowing it to function even with the vessel taking tremendous damage. | ||
[[File:Shadow of Intent bridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The bridge of an assault carrier.]] | [[File:Shadow of Intent bridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The bridge of an assault carrier.]] | ||
Assault carriers, like the majority of Covenant ships, are characterized by their bulbous, whale-like front, sleek silhouette and pale white-blue hull. However, they also tend to be characterized by their unique swollen and bulbous "hooked" bow section that is frequently characterized to be similar to the head of a whale and would (theoretically) be a massive weakness as the ship could be blown in half comparatively easily, given its shields were down. Rather than possessing multiple smaller hangar bays, like smaller cruisers, assault carriers use a single, gargantuan hangar bay for storage of fighters, dropships, boarding craft and small capital ships, at least 500 meters long, 320 meters wide and 120 meters high | Assault carriers, like the majority of Covenant ships, are characterized by their bulbous, whale-like front, sleek silhouette and pale white-blue hull. However, they also tend to be characterized by their unique swollen and bulbous "hooked" bow section that is frequently characterized to be similar to the head of a whale and would (theoretically) be a massive weakness as the ship could be blown in half comparatively easily, given its shields were down. Rather than possessing multiple smaller hangar bays, like smaller cruisers, assault carriers use a single, gargantuan hangar bay for storage of fighters, dropships, boarding craft and small capital ships, at least 500 meters long, 320 meters wide and 120 meters high.{{Citation needed}} | ||
The assault carrier is also fitted with [[Modular Dispersal Technology]], giving it the ability to completely detach sections of its outer hull as well as whole corridors, as seen during [[Operation: WARM BLANKET]]. They can also separate into two distinct sections which leaves the rear section (with the main engines) behind and allows the fore-section to move away with previously hidden engines, the fore section, and likely the rear, are still slipspace-capable. Unlike its unorthodox means of use by [[Luro 'Taralumee|the Fleetmaster]] in an attempt to disperse the advancing SPARTAN forces, the dispersal feature is actually intended to be used in order to detach sections of the carrier that sustained extensive damage in order to increase the chances of saving what is left of the ship and its crew for future use. | The assault carrier is also fitted with [[Modular Dispersal Technology]], giving it the ability to completely detach sections of its outer hull as well as whole corridors, as seen during [[Operation: WARM BLANKET]]. They can also separate into two distinct sections which leaves the rear section (with the main engines) behind and allows the fore-section to move away with previously hidden engines, the fore section, and likely the rear, are still slipspace-capable. Unlike its unorthodox means of use by [[Luro 'Taralumee|the Fleetmaster]] in an attempt to disperse the advancing SPARTAN forces, the dispersal feature is actually intended to be used in order to detach sections of the carrier that sustained extensive damage in order to increase the chances of saving what is left of the ship and its crew for future use. | ||
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===Propulsion=== | ===Propulsion=== | ||
For propulsion, assault carriers rely on large [[deuterium]]-[[tritium]] [[pinch fusion reactor]]s, housed in cavernous chambers,{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} which power the ship's vital systems, as well as the three aft-mounted [[repulsor engine]]s that propel the ship, capable of operating in a vacuum or in an atmospheric environment. They also employ non-reactive gravity drives for standard maneuvering and hovering above the surface of a planet, resisting its gravity. | For propulsion, assault carriers rely on large [[deuterium]]-[[tritium]] [[pinch fusion reactor]]s, housed in cavernous chambers,{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} which power the ship's vital systems, as well as the three aft-mounted [[repulsor engine]]s that propel the ship, capable of operating in a vacuum or in an atmospheric environment. They also employ non-reactive gravity drives for standard maneuvering and hovering above the surface of a planet, resisting its gravity.{{Citation needed}} | ||
The vessel is propelled by three massive engine units, and possess, like all Covenant vessels, the ability to make pinpoint slipspace jumps in atmosphere. As shown in the Battle of Earth, such slipspace jumps cause massive discharges of [[EMP]], rivaling those set off by nuclear devices.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref> | The vessel is propelled by three massive engine units, and possess, like all Covenant vessels, the ability to make pinpoint slipspace jumps in atmosphere. As shown in the Battle of Earth, such slipspace jumps cause massive discharges of [[EMP]], rivaling those set off by nuclear devices.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref> | ||
===Crew and complement=== | ===Crew and complement=== | ||
The ship's living quarters which consisted of habitat domes, hunting grounds, and places of repose for the ship's permanent crew, is located in the lower bow section behind the [[energy projector]].<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 151''</ref> A single ''CAS''-class assault carrier is capable of deploying a military force sizable enough to secure an entire 26th century city.{{Ref/Reuse|Metropolis}} The class' cavernous main hangar has the capacity of carrying hundreds of [[Seraph|Seraph multirole fighters]], [[Banshee|Banshee attack craft]], [[Phantom]] and [[Spirit]] dropships, and [[R'sisho-pattern Tick|boarding craft]]. | |||
Supplementing their considerable infantry detachments, each assault carrier holds large fleets of [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] and [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraiths]], along with a number of [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarabs]]. In [[2552#November|November 2552]], the UNSC frigate {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} docked inside the launch bay of ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', an assault carrier, demonstrating the immense size of the class.<ref name="Floodgate">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> The class is also fitted with [[Covenant escape pod]]s. | Supplementing their considerable infantry detachments, each assault carrier holds large fleets of [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] and [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraiths]], along with a number of [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarabs]]. In [[2552#November|November 2552]], the UNSC frigate {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} docked inside the launch bay of ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', an assault carrier, demonstrating the immense size of the class.<ref name="Floodgate">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> The class is also fitted with [[Covenant escape pod]]s. | ||
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===Armament=== | ===Armament=== | ||
[[File:Mombasa Glassing.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A carrier glassing [[New Mombasa]].]] | |||
As some of the largest ships in the Covenant fleet, the ''CAS''-class are favored as flagships by both Sangheili commanders and Prophet Hierarchs. As well as their exemplary shielding the vessel is also presumably amongst the most heavily armed in the Covenant. Assault carriers possess multiple [[energy projector]]s on its ventral and dorsal surfaces which are powerful enough to cut through UNSC capital ships.{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} They also possess multiple [[pulse laser turret]]s, which are used for intercepting enemy missiles and fighters, and [[plasma turret|plasma torpedoes]] for engaging in ship-to-ship combat and assaulting planetary defenses.{{Ref/Reuse|Ark}} There is also some variety within the assault carrier class; individual assault carriers sometimes possess differing capabilities in terms of defenses and armament.<ref>[https://twitter.com/HaloArchive/status/420738117885112321 '''Twitter''': ''@HaloWaypoint It's been said that...'']</ref> | As some of the largest ships in the Covenant fleet, the ''CAS''-class are favored as flagships by both Sangheili commanders and Prophet Hierarchs. As well as their exemplary shielding the vessel is also presumably amongst the most heavily armed in the Covenant. Assault carriers possess multiple [[energy projector]]s on its ventral and dorsal surfaces which are powerful enough to cut through UNSC capital ships.{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} They also possess multiple [[pulse laser turret]]s, which are used for intercepting enemy missiles and fighters, and [[plasma turret|plasma torpedoes]] for engaging in ship-to-ship combat and assaulting planetary defenses.{{Ref/Reuse|Ark}} There is also some variety within the assault carrier class; individual assault carriers sometimes possess differing capabilities in terms of defenses and armament.<ref>[https://twitter.com/HaloArchive/status/420738117885112321 '''Twitter''': ''@HaloWaypoint It's been said that...'']</ref> | ||
Throughout the war the ''CAS'' proved to be superior to human vessels in both durability and firepower, with the vessel being capable of easily destroying the much vaunted {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} with a single blast of its dorsal energy projector. | Throughout the war the ''CAS'' proved to be superior to human vessels in both durability and firepower, with the vessel being capable of easily destroying the much vaunted {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} with a single blast of its dorsal energy projector.{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} | ||
==Classes== | ==Classes== | ||
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==Operational history== | ==Operational history== | ||
[[File:AC Cargobay.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The massive launch bay of the assault carrier.]] | [[File:AC Cargobay.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The massive launch bay of the assault carrier.]] | ||
The [[Battle of Bliss|Battle of]] [[Bliss]] saw the first known deployment of the ''CAS''-class assault carrier during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Five of these vessels alongside the smaller but more numerous {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s and {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}s attacked and [[glassing|glassed]] the world.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref> Subsequently, the assault carrier ''[[Pious Rampage]]'' was the flagship of the [[Fleet of Inexorable Obedience]] which glassed at least seven [[human]] worlds.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'''</ref> The ''Pious Rampage'' was one of the few vessels to survive the [[ | The [[Battle of Bliss|Battle of]] [[Bliss]] saw the first known deployment of the ''CAS''-class assault carrier during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Five of these vessels alongside the smaller but more numerous {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s and {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}s attacked and [[glassing|glassed]] the world.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref> Subsequently, the assault carrier ''[[Pious Rampage]]'' was the flagship of the [[Fleet of Inexorable Obedience]] which glassed at least seven [[human]] worlds.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'''</ref> The ''Pious Rampage'' was one of the few vessels to survive the [[Battle of Zhoist]] which decimated the Fleet of Inexorable Obedience.<ref>'''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'''</ref> Over the next two decades of conflict the assault carrier would grow to be known as one of the most fearful inspiring vessels in the Covenant armada.{{citation needed}} | ||
Following the destruction of the {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' at least three such vessels led the Covenant reinforcement fleet sent by the [[Ministry of Resolution]] to assault the planet [[Reach]]. During the ensuing [[Fall of Reach]] these vessels alongside many others and hundreds of other warships that arrived later at the end of the campaign would lead to the destruction of humanity's largest and most well defended colony. At least one assault carrier was present at the [[Battle of Tribute]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', multiplayer map, ''[[Landfall (level)|Landfall]]'' - evacuation alert messages</ref> | Following the destruction of the {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' at least three such vessels led the Covenant reinforcement fleet sent by the [[Ministry of Resolution]] to assault the planet [[Reach]]. During the ensuing [[Fall of Reach]] these vessels alongside many others and hundreds of other warships that arrived later at the end of the campaign would lead to the destruction of humanity's largest and most well defended colony. At least one assault carrier was present at the [[Battle of Tribute]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', multiplayer map, ''[[Landfall (level)|Landfall]]'' - evacuation alert messages</ref> | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:H2-CAS-AssaultCarrier-Side.png|A render of a ''CAS''-class assault carrier from ''[[Halo 2]]''. | File:H2-CAS-AssaultCarrier-Side.png|A render of a ''CAS''-class assault carrier from ''[[Halo 2]]''. | ||
File:Covenant Pinch Fusion reactor.jpg|An assault carrier's [[pinch fusion reactor]] in ''Halo 2''. | File:Covenant Pinch Fusion reactor.jpg|An assault carrier's [[pinch fusion reactor]] in ''Halo 2''. | ||
File:AssaultCarrierOverNewMombasa.jpg|Numerous assault carriers around [[Portal at Voi|portal]] to the [[Installation 00|Ark]] in the [[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer|''Halo 3'' announcement trailer]]. | File:AssaultCarrierOverNewMombasa.jpg|Numerous assault carriers around [[Portal at Voi|portal]] to the [[Installation 00|Ark]] in the [[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer|''Halo 3'' announcement trailer]]. | ||
File:ThePackage Corridor Concept.png|''The Package'' concept art for a CAS' interior corridors. | File:ThePackage Corridor Concept.png|''The Package'' concept art for a CAS' interior corridors. | ||
File:ThePackage Confrontation Concept.png|''The Package'' concept art for a chamber on the CAS' interior. | File:ThePackage Confrontation Concept.png|''The Package'' concept art for a chamber on the CAS' interior. | ||
File:CapitalShips-scale.gif|Assault carrier scale. | File:CapitalShips-scale.gif|Assault carrier scale. | ||
File:HR-CAS-Assaultcarrier-Render.png|A render of the assault carrier. | File:HR-CAS-Assaultcarrier-Render.png|A render of the assault carrier. | ||
File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy on Balaho.jpg|A ''CAS''-class assault carrier's [[gravity lift]] active on [[Balaho]] in [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals]]. | File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy on Balaho.jpg|A ''CAS''-class assault carrier's [[gravity lift]] active on [[Balaho]] in [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals]]. | ||
File:H2A Terminals - BattleofMeridian.jpg|A triad of ''CAS''-class assault carriers fly in formation after the [[Battle of Meridian]]; leading them is the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' | File:H2A Terminals - BattleofMeridian.jpg|A triad of ''CAS''-class assault carriers fly in formation after the [[Battle of Meridian]]; leading them is the ''[[Solemn Penance]]''. | ||
File:HINF Concept AssaultCarrier.jpg|Early concept art for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' of a ''CAS''-class assault carrier. | File:HINF Concept AssaultCarrier.jpg|Early concept art for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' of a ''CAS''-class assault carrier. | ||
File:HTV-Unbound-HighCharity.jpg|''CAS''-class assault carriers protecting High Charity in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''. | File:HTV-Unbound-HighCharity.jpg|''CAS''-class assault carriers protecting High Charity in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||