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{{Era|H2|H3|H3R|HW|TF|GOO|CH|TCP|HE|HELL|LE|FA}}
{{Status|Canon}}
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{{disambig header|the UNSC drop pod|other articles on insertion vehicles|drop pod}}
<center>''Were you looking for the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] equivalent used by [[Elite]]s, the [[Orbital Insertion Pod]]?''</center>
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Individual ship infobox
|name=Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle
|name=Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle
|image=[[Image:HEV-ODST-scaled.jpg|300px]]
|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Human-Covenant war era|content1=[[File:H3ODST DropPod Concept 3.jpg|300px]]|title2=Post-war era|content2=[[File:H5G - post-war SOEIV.png|300px]]}}
|class=Insertion Vehicle (Human Entry Vehicle)
|manufacturer=[[Ushuaia Armory]]<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 52''</ref><ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/unsc-droppods '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Drop Pods'']</ref>
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|role=Individual transorbital support interdiction/troop deployment
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A '''Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle''',<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx</ref> also referred to as a '''Human Entry Vehicle''' or '''HEV''', is a small pod used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] to deploy an individual from high orbit to the ground.


== Operation ==
The '''Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle''' ('''SOEIV'''), informally known as the '''[[drop pod]]''' or '''egg''',<ref name="htf53">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''pages 53-55'' (2010)</ref> is a class of Human Entry Vehicle used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] to deploy an individual from high orbit to the surface.<ref name="bungie.net">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 3 ODST : Field Guide - SOEIV "DROP POD"'']</ref><ref name="HtF">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 35'' (2003); ''pages 38-49'' (2010)</ref><ref name="oldwaypoint">'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''': ''Drop Pod'' (defunct, backup link on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110325090504/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/drop-pod/a37c6831-12e9-4a63-b546-08aeff5bfdc8 Archive.org])</ref> Manufactured by [[Ushuaia Armory]],{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} SOEIVs are deployed from orbiting naval vessels and are launched at near or right onto a particular objective, a method known as "transorbital support interdiction", often behind enemy lines. Their smaller profile makes them more difficult to destroy by defensive fire than conventional dropships. Upon entering a world's atmosphere, a SOEIV employs brakes to slow itself down just short of impact. SOEIVs are often operated by the [[UNSC Marine Corps]]' [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]],<ref name="wp odst">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/odst '''Halo Waypoint''': ''ODST'']</ref> though some have seen use by the Corps' [[Hellbringers]].<ref name="Kinsano">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''' - ''Helldrop leader ability for Morgan Kinsano''</ref>
The SOEIV is an angular pod, approximately nine feet in length, a span of 8.5 feet and a height of 18 feet. Within it is a crash seat, communications gear, numerous equipment racks, and a rudimentary control system and a single entry and escape hatch. In spite of the size of the pod, there is not much room to move around, as the space given over to equipment storage lines the interior attached to the frame.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx</ref>


=== Doctrine ===
==Overview==
In use for nearly three decades,<ref name = "Xbox">''Xbox 360'' #35, pages 34-37</ref> SOEIVs allowed for the rapid deployment of ground assault troops near or right onto an objective. Their smaller profiles made them more difficult to destroy by defensive fire than conventional [[dropships]]. Each pod bore the name of the soldier inside; amongst other things this identification could be used to identify the unfortunate occupant of a destroyed pod.
===Design details===
[[File:H2A-IAC HEV bay.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A SOEIV bay of a {{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}.]]
The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle is an angular pod which varies in size. Within the pod is a crash seat, communications gear, numerous equipment and weapon racks and lockers, and a rudimentary control system{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} that allows for pod maneuvering.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} A "blunt carriage", a SOEIV has a single entry and escape hatch on one side. There is a braking chute system on the pod's top to slow it down and a reinforced impact plating on the bottom of it to absorb crash impact.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} The hardened and shielded communications systems within a SOEIV is built directly into the pod's hatch{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} and enables its operator to synchronize deployment with others.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} In spite of the pod's apparent size, there is not much room for its occupant to move around, as most of the bulk is reserved for heat shielding, electronics, the safety harness, and equipment storage.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} A SOEIV is coated with ceramic plating, with an alloy crash cage underneath.{{Ref/Reuse|htf53}} To allow safe re-entry from high orbit or insertion from deep space, the top of the SOEIV possesses a rocket thruster that also serves as a maneuvering aid during the drop.<ref name="odstptd">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', campaign level ''[[Prepare to Drop]]''</ref> The top of a SOEIV houses the pod's automated braking chute system, which itself is an extended cable attached to four petal-like flaps. The back of a SOEIV is entirely sealed off and the front often includes a variety of windows—though the latter feature is not present in every model of the pod. A gas-bolt–operated hatch system is incorporated into the pod's front half.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


[[UNSC Insertion Protocols]] call for the command unit of an SOEIV-facilitated assault to land first to minimize the period of disorder that might occur as pods landed and soldiers deployed. The reasons for this rule include the strongly held belief that officers should lead rather than follow, should be willing to do anything their troops are asked to do, and should expose themselves to the same level of danger as their subordinates. The commander’s pod is equipped with a lot of gear that the regular “eggs” are not, including high-powered imaging gear, tactical sensors, and a 4th generation, Class C Military "dumb" [[AI]]. SOEIV usage is popularly associated with the soldiers of the elite [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]] divisions, although [[UNSC Special Forces]] operators and [[SPARTAN-II]] supersoldiers are known to use these as one of their primary infiltration methods as well <ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', page 350</ref><ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', level ''[[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]]''</ref>.
The average SOEIV can vary dramatically in size from pod to pod. Typically, a SOEIV is 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) in length, 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) in width, and 5 meters (16 feet) tall.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} However, some SOEIVs are approximately 2.74 meters (9.0 feet) in length, 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) wide, and 5.5 meters (18 feet) in height,{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} or taller.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}<ref name="enc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''pages 60-61'' (2011)</ref> The average pod weighs 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms).{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


=== Re-entry ===
===Capacity===
[[Image:hevstohalo05.jpg|200px|thumb|right|SOEIVs carrying troopers from the [[7th Orbital Drop Shock Trooper Battalion|7th ODST Battalion]] over [[Installation 05]].]]
As the name implies, a Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle is only capable of safely holding a single occupant.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} Each SOEIV contains a variable number of weapons, ammunition, [[ration]]s, a radio, and can be used as a shelter if need be.<ref name="Xbox">'''Xbox 360 Magazine''', "Issue 35", ''pages 34-37''</ref> Dedicated SOEIV variants exist to deliver supply caches to ground forces, ranging from weapons and ammunition, to small light vehicles such as an [[M274 Mongoose|M274 ULATV Mongoose]], and even a [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]. These SOEIVs are slightly larger in size.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 315''</ref>
The trooper enters the SOEIV and straps in facing the hatch. The hardened and shielded communications gear, which is built directly into the hatch, feeds the soldier information relevant to the current operation as well as providing a link between all members of the unit during the drop. While within the SOEIV a soldier's helmet integrated comm units are redundant and are normally only used if the pod's comm gear malfunctions.


A 30-second countdown begins on the commander’s mark, and the SOEIVs fire quickly down through the ship’s belly. The SOEIV is balanced to stabilize in a feet-down position. The pod has limited maneuvering capability, used primarily to coordinate landings, but may be used to avoid defensive anti-aircraft fire. However, if defensive anti-aircraft is present it is almost a mathematical certainty that some pods will be lost. A SOEIV is made of [[Titanium-A]], [[Lead Foil]], and a ceramic skin. The skin burns away during atmospheric reentry, protecting the rest of the pod and its occupant from the worst of the considerable heat. The Lead Foil is there to keep the Armor from ripping away and to replace the ceramic skin once it burns away. However, as the ceramic skin burns away the air inside the pods comes unbelievably hot,<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 35</ref> and if the armored skin that covers a pod is damaged before or during its entry into atmosphere it has a tendency to fail spectacularly. And this is the reason for the SOEIV's small size — each hit only results in one death rather than the deaths of the entire unit.
The SOEIV also stores an extra tank of rocket fuel which is not used up in the landing but is rather used for moving to a different location if the vehicle has somehow been knocked off target or is in a currently undesirable location; however, the pod needs must be in the proper upright landing position in order for the booster to be usable.<ref name="htcp319">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 319''</ref>


After the SOEIV has penetrated the atmosphere, at an altitude of 3,000ft,<ref name = "Xbox"/> the upper exterior panels separate acting as a drag-type chute, slowing its descent some and keep the pod on course. At about 50 meters, the pod’s computer controlled breaking rockets engage, slowing the pod further; allowing for a safe though somewhat abrupt landing. Drag chutes on SOEIVs do fail on rare occasions, leaving the pod’s occupant to die on impact. It’s the death that every ODST fears, and is referred to in hushed tones as "digging your own grave."
==Operation==
===Doctrine===
In use for nearly a century,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} SOEIVs allow for the rapid deployment of ground assault troops near or right onto an objective, a method known as "transorbital support interdiction".{{Ref/Reuse|wp odst}} Their smaller profiles make them more difficult to destroy by defensive fire than conventional [[dropship]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|HtF}} Despite the dangers related to SOEIV deployment, these drop pods have a lower overall casualty rate in combat than conventional dropship deployment. This is largely due to its occupants being conveyed separately, rather than together in one ship. SOEIVs can also be utilized by a spacecraft making a quick pass over a world, allowing for the deployment of hundreds of soldiers in quick succession.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} Drop pods have also seen use as ballistic projectiles, capable of destroying [[Gydrozka Workshop Blisterback]] artillery platforms.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjN1eWhzPeA '''Youtube''': ''Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer'']</ref> Each pod bears the name of the soldier inside; amongst other things this identification could be used to identify the unfortunate occupant of a destroyed pod.{{Ref/Reuse|HtF}}


SOEIVs are capable of smashing through almost any surface during re-entry, including buildings.<ref name = "Xbox"/> However, a reinforced roof should be able to withstand the impact, allowing an ODST to begin his mission with a distinct vertical advantage.<ref>''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', page 132</ref>
[[UNSC Insertion Protocols]] call for the [[commanding officer]] of an SOEIV-facilitated assault unit to land first to minimize the period of disorder that might occur as pods land and troopers deploy. The reasons for this rule include the strongly held belief that officers should lead rather than follow, should be willing to do anything their troops are asked to do, and should expose themselves to the same level of danger as their subordinates.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} The commander's pod is equipped with a great deal of equipment that the regular SOEIVs do not possess, including high-powered imaging gear, tactical sensors, and a fourth generation, Class-C military [[Dumb AI|"dumb"]] [[artificial intelligence]] that serves to operate the aforementioned gear.{{Ref/Reuse|htf53}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} SOEIV usage is popularly associated with the soldiers of the elite [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]] [[division]]s, although [[UNSC Special Forces]] operators and [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] supersoldiers are known to use these as one of their primary infiltration methods as well.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 350''</ref><ref name="h2dh">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Delta Halo]]''</ref>  


Upon landing, each ODST is responsible for stripping their pod of its store of extra weapons, ammo, and other supplies, which are then hauled to the unit’s temporary base camp. ODSTs are used to operating without resupply for extended periods, and they are well known to be at their best when under difficult conditions.
===Deployment===
[[File:H2A - HEVs over Delta Halo.jpg|thumb|250px|SOEIVs being deployed to [[Installation 05]].]]
The drop pod's operator enters the Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle and straps in facing the hatch.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} The SOEIVs are located in a long, narrow compartment on a ship, colloquially referred to as "Hell's Waiting Room". The room is typically lined with two rows of drop pods. Each SOEIV is poised over a tube that extends downward through the spacecraft's belly. The preparation chambers are often stacked on multiple decks to allow several pods to be deployed via the same tube in rapid succession.{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} To initiate deployment, a pod's operator must run an obligatory systems check, remove a series of safeties, and arm their ejection tube. Generally, the ship's fire control computer is responsible for ejecting the SOEIV at a trajectory that allowed it to drop into the correct entry path.{{Ref/Reuse|HtF}} The communications gear built into the SOEIV's hatch feeds the pod's occupant information relevant to the current operation and provides a link between all members of the unit during deployment,{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} in addition to delivering a live video feed of other members of the unit to the pod's operator.{{Ref/Reuse|odstptd}} A soldier's helmet-integrated communications units are redundant while within a SOEIV, and are normally only used if the pod's own communications gear malfunctions.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} Their integral helmet-comm gear will not function until the pod has cleared the interference of a world's upper atmosphere.{{Ref/Reuse|enc}}


[[Image:Halo3-ODST PodConcept-03.jpg|thumb|right|An illustration of the layout of a SOEIV.]]
A 30-second deployment countdown begins on the mark of the [[commanding officer]] of the unit. Afterwards, the SOEIVs fire quickly through the tube that runs down ship's belly.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} The drop pods are typically deployed from either a high altitude or from an exoatmospheric location. They are either fired out of the spacecraft or soft-ejected towards a world's surface until the pod breaches the atmosphere.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The SOEIV is balanced to maintain flight stability in a feet-down position. The pod has limited maneuvering capability which is primarily used to coordinate landings, but may be used to avoid defensive anti-aircraft fire. However, if defensive anti-aircraft weaponry is present near the deployment point, it is nearly a mathematical certainty that some pods will be lost.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} It is not uncommon for SOEIVs to be deployed in meteor and other debris showers on a world, as it provides a significant degree of stealth to a unit's deployment.{{Ref/Reuse|oldwaypoint}}<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Babysitter]]''</ref>
=== Capacity ===
Each SOEIV contains a variable number of weapons, ammunition, rations, a radio, and can be used as a shelter if need be.<ref name = "Xbox"/> Dedicated SOEIV variants exist to deliver supply caches to ground forces, ranging from weapons and ammunition, to small light&nbsp;vehicles such an&nbsp;[[M274 Mongoose ULATV]], and even a [[Shiva-class Nuclear Missile]].&nbsp;<ref>''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', page 315</ref>


The SOEIV's also store an extra tank of rocket fuel, which is not used up in the landing, but is rather used for moving to a different location if the vehicle has somehow been knocked off target or is in a currently undesirable position. The pod, however, must be stood up in the position designed to land in.
===Atmospheric entry===
[[File:H2A-SOEIV entry.png|250px|thumb|left|SOEIVs carrying troopers from the [[7th Shock Troops Battalion|7th ODST Battalion]] entering Installation 05's upper atmosphere.]]
The SOEIV's ceramic skin burns away during atmospheric re-entry, protecting the rest of the pod and its occupant from the worst of the considerable heat.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} An alloy crash cage is there to keep the armor from ripping away and to replace the ceramic skin once it burns away.{{Ref/Reuse|htf53}} If the ceramic skin that covers a SOEIV is damaged before or during the pod's entry into atmosphere, it has a tendency to fail spectacularly; this often results in the air inside the pod becomes unbelievably hot, sometimes fatally so.{{Ref/Reuse|HtF}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} This is one of largest contributors for the SOEIV's relatively small size—the destruction of a single pod loss only results in one casualty rather than the deaths of the entire unit.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} As the pod's ceramic skin strips off, the interior of a SOEIV can reach temperatures as high as 37&nbsp;°C (98&nbsp;°F).{{Ref/Reuse|htf53}} At this point in the re-entry procedure, the pod is free-falling at terminal velocity.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} After the SOEIV has penetrated the atmosphere, at an altitude of 3,000 feet,{{Ref/Reuse|Xbox}} the upper exterior panels separate acting as a drag-type chute, slowing its descent some and helping to keep the pod on course. At approximately 50 meters, the SOEIV's computer-controlled braking rockets engage. The pod is significantly slowed down as its momentum is reduced, allowing for a safe though somewhat abrupt landing.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} Braking rockets and drag chutes on SOEIVs do fail on rare occasions, resulting in the pod's occupant's death upon impact. This cause of death is feared by every Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, and is referred to in hushed tones as "digging your own grave." For this reason, the pods are equipped with at least one backup drag chute that automatically deploys in case of primary failure.{{Ref/Reuse|htf53}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}}


SOEIVs are capable of smashing through almost any surface during re-entry, including buildings.{{Ref/Reuse|Xbox}} However, a reinforced roof should be able to withstand the impact, allowing an ODST to begin their mission with a distinct vertical advantage.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 132''</ref>
[[File:Ariel drop.png|thumb|250px|SOEIV pods in [[Ariel]]'s lower atmosphere.]]
Aside from the distinct speed and shock value advantage that the SOEIV has, it also has another advantage over conventional systems. Since an SOEIV is dropped from high orbit, this allows it to enter much tighter spaces like an urban area where a [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] dropship might have trouble maneuvering. SOEIVs can also be deployed to hazardous terrain, where the long length of a Pelican or another class of dropship would make landing a greater challenge.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Outskirts]]''</ref> Along with the quick deployment speed of a SOEIV comes the responsibility of being the first ones in, this means the first wave of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers' primary objective will be securing a [[landing zone]] for Pelican and [[Albatross]] dropships in order to get a more concentrated force on the ground and to bring in heavier equipment like [[M12 Warthog|Warthogs]] and additional heavy weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|h2dh}}
Upon landing, the hatch of the SOEIV is removed by an explosive gas-bolt system triggered by the occupant.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} Then, each ODST is responsible for stripping their pod of its store of extra weapons, ammunition, and other supplies, which are then hauled to the unit's temporary encampment. Afterwards, the ODSTs regroup and—as experience demonstrates—whatever the unit accomplishes during the first “golden hour” on the ground will have a disproportionate effect on the outcome of the mission.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie.net}} If a SOEIV is properly functioning after impact, an emergency burst feature can be utilized by its occupant to propel the pod off the ground to a new location. However, the limited amount of fuel in a SOEIV only allows the burst feature to be used for a short duration of time.{{Ref/Reuse|htcp319}}
==Variants==
===M8823 Single-Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle===
{{Main|M8823 drop pod}}
This variant is made by [[Ushuaia Armory]] and weighs 870&nbsp;kg.<ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo]]''', pages 50-51''</ref>
<gallery>
File:HEV-ODST-scaled.jpg|A scaling of this drop pod.
</gallery>
===M9407 Single-Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle===
{{Main|M9407 drop pod}}
Following the end of the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC partnered with a number of military contractors to introduce an improved version of the venerable design. Aside from some minor aesthetic changes, the M9407 post-war pods include more reliable in-flight communications, more powerful maneuvering thrusters and limited inertial compensators, a new brake design, significantly improved structural integrity using new metal matrix composites, and thermal superconducting elements in the heatshield to protect occupants. The internal harness of post-war pods is also highly configurable, and compatible with ODST battledress and MJOLNIR-equipped Spartans.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-fighting-words '''Canon Fodder:''' ''Fighting Words'']</ref> This variant was used by the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.<ref>'''Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo''', page 42''</ref><ref>[[User talk:ScaleMaster117#Warfleet SOIEV designation|Steven Loftus clarifying the M9407 on his talk page]]</ref>
<gallery>
File:H5G - post-war SOEIV.png|The post war variant.
</gallery>


== Other Versions ==
===Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod===
===Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod===
{{Main|Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod}}
{{Main|Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod}}
An improvement on the SOEIV was the Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod which came into service around [[2545]]. The long range pods featured a [[Stealth Ablative Coating]] and could be launched from [[Slipspace]]. This pod was used to transport an entire battalion of SPARTAN III's to a Covenant controlled planet in [[Operation TORPEDO]] in [[Ghosts of Onyx]].
An improvement on the SOEIV was the Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod which was in service with the UNSC by [[2545]]. The pods could be launched from [[slipstream space]] by a starship. The long range pods were composed of [[lead foil]], [[titanium]], and [[stealth ablative coating]], which allowed them to survive in slipspace. These pod were used to transport [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company]] to the surface of [[Pegasi Delta]] during [[Operation: TORPEDO]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 14-16''</ref>


== Appearances ==
===M8900 Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle===
The HEVs makes its first appearance in ''[[Halo 2]]''. They're also briefly seen in ''[[Halo 3]]'', where they resemble their ''Halo 2'' counterparts. In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the HEV is one of the special abilities usable by [[Captain Cutter]] to drop down squads of ODST's into battle. However, the complete ODST upgrade is required in order to use this special power. The HEV does not make an appearance in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', but is mentioned in [[Halo: The Flood]] and has been mentioned through out the fiction. The HEV plays its most prominent role in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', where its design has been completely reimagined.
This variant was used by the {{UNSCShip|Say My Name}}<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST'''</ref> and {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]'''</ref>
<gallery>
File:SOEIV-HEV-Drop-Pods.png|A look at this drop pod.
</gallery>


== Trivia ==
==="Escape pod" variant===
*In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the UNSC intended to use SOEIV pods to board the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[Regret's Carrier|Assault Carrier]] by breaching its hull, before it jumped into [[Slipspace]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].<ref>''[[Halo Waypoint]], "[[UNSC Say My Name]]" entry''</ref>
{{Main|UNSC escape pod}}
*SOEIV's are featured prominently in ''Halo 3: ODST'', including a first-person experience of a combat drop.
This variant was used by the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} in [[2559]],<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> alongside the variants seen above<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]'''</ref> to deploy ODSTs and Hellbringers.{{Ref/Reuse|Kinsano}} It bears resemblance to escape pods equipped on the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}},<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''' level, ''[[Dawn]]''</ref> though it is unknown if the two share more than superficial similarities.
*In our present time, the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is currently working on [[wikipedia:SUSTAIN (military)|project SUSTAIN]], codenamed Hot Eagle. The basic thought is to have heavily armed [[United States Marine Corps|United States Marines]] launched into suborbital space and then reenter anywhere on earth in less then a total of four hours. Specifications have not yet been revealed to the public.
<gallery>
*Popularly, the concept of dropping individual soldiers onto a planet from orbit in pods is attributed to [[Wikipedia:Robert A. Heinlein|Robert A. Heinlein]]'s novel ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers|Starship Troopers]]''. HEVs in the Halo universe act similarly to those described in the book. ODST doctrine of 'command unit first' also resembles Mobile Infantry doctrine of 'officers first'. Additionally, the ODST tradition of playing the [[ODST]] Anthem prior to a drop is similar to Mobile Infantry traditions in Starship Troopers, with the anthem of the unit's respective troop ship played on their radios during mid drop.
File:H4-EscapePod-Model.png|This style of pod found in use aboard the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' as an escape pod.
*In ''Halo Wars'', [[Captain Cutter]]'s special ability allows you to drop an entire squad of ODSTs in a single pod. This inconsistency shouldn't be regarded as canon, as it is undoubtedly applied to enhance gameplay, as the individual arrival of every single SOEIV would cause the feature to be much too slow for practical application. Also, the ability drops the ODST squad into battle much too quickly, with pods arriving on the surface seconds after the order is given. This, too, is acceptable as a gameplay conceit. It is possible, however, that ''Spirit of Fire'' used special pods that were used to deploy the entire squad in a single location.&nbsp;This of course, is merely speculation and has yet to be confirmed.
File:HW2B ODST Droppod.png|A look at this drop pod.
*The shockingly high variety and rate of failures within SOEIVs can possibly be explained by simple financial problems. HEV's seem to be built to be disposable, therefore need to be built in large numbers, and therefore can't possibly be thoroughly checked for defects before being approved for service. In addition, increasing the survivability of the pod would increase the expense of creating the pod, slow the rate of production down, and result in the UNSC expending more valuable resources on equipment designed not to be recovered, negating the point of the pods. It should be noted, however, that the most deaths that occur are thanks to environmental problems, such as landing in a lake, or collision with an astroid.
File:HW2-BlitzODSTs.jpg|The drop pod on the ODST Blitz card.
*In ''Halo: The Flood'', as Major Silva and his ODSTs leave ''Pillar of Autumn'' through SOEIVs, Private Marie Postly's SOEIV's parachute snaps off, and she plummets to her death. Although her emergency chute did deploy, she still fell with enough force to cause death. This defect in the SOEIV Pods are one of the more dangerous failures caused by mass production.
File:HW2-Odsts-1.jpg|This style of pod being employed during [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]].
*There are a few modifications to the drop pods between ''Halo 2'' and ''3'' and their prominent feature in ''Halo 3: ODST'', such as two interior screens displaying the faces of squad leaders, or the windows in the pod's hatch.
File:HW2-ODSH.jpg|A "Helldrop", deploying Hellbringers as opposed to the typical ODST complement.
</gallery>
 
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of SOEIV}}
*The United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is currently working on [[Wikipedia:SUSTAIN (military)|project SUSTAIN]], codenamed "Hot Eagle". The project's aim is to have heavily armed [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marines]] launched into suborbital space and then re-enter anywhere on Earth in less than a total of two hours. Specifications have not yet been revealed to the public.
*The concept of dropping individual soldiers onto a planet from orbit in pods was popularized by [[Wikipedia:Robert A. Heinlein|Robert A. Heinlein]]'s novel ''[[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers|Starship Troopers]]''. SOEIVs in the ''Halo'' universe act similarly to those described in the book. The ODST and the book's Mobile Infantry share the doctrine that officers should be into combat deployed ahead of enlisted personnel. Additionally, the ODST tradition of playing the [[Helljumpers' anthem|ODST anthem]] prior to a drop is similar to Mobile Infantry traditions in ''Starship Troopers'', with the anthem of the unit's respective troop ship played on their radios during mid drop.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]]'s special ability allows the player to drop an entire squad of ODSTs in a single pod.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref> While it is possible that {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} uses larger drop pods that can deploy multiple troopers, the requisitioned troopers arrive within about a second and land exactly on target. Indeed, it is possible to land dozens of squads within mere meters of each other over the span of a few seconds; this is merely a gameplay conceit, as realistically representing the logistics of ODST deployment would severely disrupt the flow of gameplay.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:50105991-Full.jpg|External view of SOEIV launching tubes at the bottom of the [[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn]].
File:HEV-ODST-scaled.jpg|A scaled drawing of the SOEIV from ''[[Halo 2]]''.
Image:Halo3-ODST PodConcept-01.jpg|Concept Art from [[Halo 3:ODST]] of a variety of different SOEIV variants.
File:H2_SOEIVLaunchBay_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a SOEIV drop bay for ''Halo 2''.
Image:SOEIV Interface.png|View from inside a SOEIV, with various screens and monitors.
File:H2ADroppod.jpg|Models of the drop pod for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:Concept_dropbay.png|SOEIVs inside a ship's drop bay.
File:H3ODST_DropPod_Concept_1.jpg|Exploration concept art of SOEIV variants for ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:ODST_PodConcept-03.jpg|Concept art of a SOEIV
File:H3ODST_DropPod_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of a SOEIV drop pod for ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:H3ODST_DropBay_Concept.png|Concept art of a cruiser's drop bay for ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HEV Deployment.jpg|SOEIVs being deployed from the UNSC ''In Amber Clad'' from ''Halo 2''.
File:Hev_insertion.png|SOEIVs are deployed to Installation 05 in ''Halo 2''.
File:Crashed HEV.jpg|A crashed SOEIV on [[Installation 00]].
File:H3 Forward Unto Dawn Drop bay hanger.jpg|External view of SOEIV launching tubes at the bottom of {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} from ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:SOEIV-HEV-Drop-Pods.png|In-game models of the SOEIV from ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3_ODST_SOEIV.jpg|The [[Rookie]]'s SOEIV seen in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:SOEIV Interface.png|View from inside a SOEIV, with various screens and monitors.
File:Say My Name dropbay.png|The UNSC ''Say My Name''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s SOEIV drop bay in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Orbit Descend.png|The violent re-entry of SOEIV drop pods bound for [[New Mombasa]] in the [[Keep It Clean (trailer)|Keep It Clean trailer]].
File:HEVs Dropping.png|Dozens of SOEIVs enter the airspace of New Mombasa just before the EMP blast from the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' strikes in the Keep It Clean trailer.
File:Helljumpers One-Cropped.png|Two [[UNSC frigate]]s deploy their drop pods during the [[Battle of Ariel]].
File:H4-Concept-Dawn-SOEIV.jpg|A drop pod of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:InitiationDrop.jpg|Drop pods in ''Halo: Initiation''.
File:HW2-Trailer-Ballistic SOEIV.png|SOEIVs being used to destroy Blisterbacks in ''[[Know Your Enemy]]''.
File:HW2-Trailer-ODST deployed.png|An ODST exiting their drop pod.
File:HW2B ODST Droppod.png|Drop pod in ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2-Droppods.png|Drop pods being used during the [[Second Ark Conflict]] in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HINF Rainbow Hour Emblem Icon.png|Rainbow Hour emblem in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Sources ==
==List of appearances==
<references/>
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[The Life]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST Pre-mission Evaluation]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Emblem only}}
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
{{Col-end}}
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


==See Also==
[[Category:UNSC vehicles]]
*[[Orbital Insertion Pod|Covenant Orbital Insertion Pod]]
*[[Flood Dispersal Pod]]
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Latest revision as of 17:27, June 4, 2023

This article is about the UNSC drop pod. For other articles on insertion vehicles, see drop pod.
Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle
Human-Covenant war era
H3ODST DropPod Concept 3.jpg
Post-war era
H5G - post-war SOEIV.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Ushuaia Armory[1][2]

Technical specifications

Length:

2.3 meters (7.5 ft)[1][2]

Width:

2.7 meters (8.9 ft)[1][2]

Height:

5 meters (16 ft)[1][2]

Mass:

1,100 pounds (500 kg)[2]

Other system(s):

Braking chute system[2]

Hull:

Reinforced impact plating[1]

Crew:

One operator[1][2]

Usage

Year introduced:

2461[2]

Role(s):

Individual transorbital support interdiction/troop deployment

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle (SOEIV), informally known as the drop pod or egg,[3] is a class of Human Entry Vehicle used by the United Nations Space Command to deploy an individual from high orbit to the surface.[4][5][6] Manufactured by Ushuaia Armory,[1] SOEIVs are deployed from orbiting naval vessels and are launched at near or right onto a particular objective, a method known as "transorbital support interdiction", often behind enemy lines. Their smaller profile makes them more difficult to destroy by defensive fire than conventional dropships. Upon entering a world's atmosphere, a SOEIV employs brakes to slow itself down just short of impact. SOEIVs are often operated by the UNSC Marine Corps' Orbital Drop Shock Troopers,[7] though some have seen use by the Corps' Hellbringers.[8]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

A SOEIV bay of a Stalwart-class light frigate.

The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle is an angular pod which varies in size. Within the pod is a crash seat, communications gear, numerous equipment and weapon racks and lockers, and a rudimentary control system[1] that allows for pod maneuvering.[2] A "blunt carriage", a SOEIV has a single entry and escape hatch on one side. There is a braking chute system on the pod's top to slow it down and a reinforced impact plating on the bottom of it to absorb crash impact.[1] The hardened and shielded communications systems within a SOEIV is built directly into the pod's hatch[4] and enables its operator to synchronize deployment with others.[2] In spite of the pod's apparent size, there is not much room for its occupant to move around, as most of the bulk is reserved for heat shielding, electronics, the safety harness, and equipment storage.[4] A SOEIV is coated with ceramic plating, with an alloy crash cage underneath.[3] To allow safe re-entry from high orbit or insertion from deep space, the top of the SOEIV possesses a rocket thruster that also serves as a maneuvering aid during the drop.[9] The top of a SOEIV houses the pod's automated braking chute system, which itself is an extended cable attached to four petal-like flaps. The back of a SOEIV is entirely sealed off and the front often includes a variety of windows—though the latter feature is not present in every model of the pod. A gas-bolt–operated hatch system is incorporated into the pod's front half.[2]

The average SOEIV can vary dramatically in size from pod to pod. Typically, a SOEIV is 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) in length, 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) in width, and 5 meters (16 feet) tall.[1][2] However, some SOEIVs are approximately 2.74 meters (9.0 feet) in length, 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) wide, and 5.5 meters (18 feet) in height,[4] or taller.[1][10] The average pod weighs 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms).[2]

Capacity[edit]

As the name implies, a Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle is only capable of safely holding a single occupant.[1] Each SOEIV contains a variable number of weapons, ammunition, rations, a radio, and can be used as a shelter if need be.[11] Dedicated SOEIV variants exist to deliver supply caches to ground forces, ranging from weapons and ammunition, to small light vehicles such as an M274 ULATV Mongoose, and even a Shiva-class nuclear missile. These SOEIVs are slightly larger in size.[12]

The SOEIV also stores an extra tank of rocket fuel which is not used up in the landing but is rather used for moving to a different location if the vehicle has somehow been knocked off target or is in a currently undesirable location; however, the pod needs must be in the proper upright landing position in order for the booster to be usable.[13]

Operation[edit]

Doctrine[edit]

In use for nearly a century,[2] SOEIVs allow for the rapid deployment of ground assault troops near or right onto an objective, a method known as "transorbital support interdiction".[7] Their smaller profiles make them more difficult to destroy by defensive fire than conventional dropships.[5] Despite the dangers related to SOEIV deployment, these drop pods have a lower overall casualty rate in combat than conventional dropship deployment. This is largely due to its occupants being conveyed separately, rather than together in one ship. SOEIVs can also be utilized by a spacecraft making a quick pass over a world, allowing for the deployment of hundreds of soldiers in quick succession.[2][10] Drop pods have also seen use as ballistic projectiles, capable of destroying Gydrozka Workshop Blisterback artillery platforms.[14] Each pod bears the name of the soldier inside; amongst other things this identification could be used to identify the unfortunate occupant of a destroyed pod.[5]

UNSC Insertion Protocols call for the commanding officer of an SOEIV-facilitated assault unit to land first to minimize the period of disorder that might occur as pods land and troopers deploy. The reasons for this rule include the strongly held belief that officers should lead rather than follow, should be willing to do anything their troops are asked to do, and should expose themselves to the same level of danger as their subordinates.[4][10] The commander's pod is equipped with a great deal of equipment that the regular SOEIVs do not possess, including high-powered imaging gear, tactical sensors, and a fourth generation, Class-C military "dumb" artificial intelligence that serves to operate the aforementioned gear.[3][4] SOEIV usage is popularly associated with the soldiers of the elite Orbital Drop Shock Trooper divisions, although UNSC Special Forces operators and SPARTAN-II supersoldiers are known to use these as one of their primary infiltration methods as well.[15][16]

Deployment[edit]

SOEIVs being deployed to Installation 05.

The drop pod's operator enters the Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle and straps in facing the hatch.[4] The SOEIVs are located in a long, narrow compartment on a ship, colloquially referred to as "Hell's Waiting Room". The room is typically lined with two rows of drop pods. Each SOEIV is poised over a tube that extends downward through the spacecraft's belly. The preparation chambers are often stacked on multiple decks to allow several pods to be deployed via the same tube in rapid succession.[10] To initiate deployment, a pod's operator must run an obligatory systems check, remove a series of safeties, and arm their ejection tube. Generally, the ship's fire control computer is responsible for ejecting the SOEIV at a trajectory that allowed it to drop into the correct entry path.[5] The communications gear built into the SOEIV's hatch feeds the pod's occupant information relevant to the current operation and provides a link between all members of the unit during deployment,[4] in addition to delivering a live video feed of other members of the unit to the pod's operator.[9] A soldier's helmet-integrated communications units are redundant while within a SOEIV, and are normally only used if the pod's own communications gear malfunctions.[4] Their integral helmet-comm gear will not function until the pod has cleared the interference of a world's upper atmosphere.[10]

A 30-second deployment countdown begins on the mark of the commanding officer of the unit. Afterwards, the SOEIVs fire quickly through the tube that runs down ship's belly.[4] The drop pods are typically deployed from either a high altitude or from an exoatmospheric location. They are either fired out of the spacecraft or soft-ejected towards a world's surface until the pod breaches the atmosphere.[2] The SOEIV is balanced to maintain flight stability in a feet-down position. The pod has limited maneuvering capability which is primarily used to coordinate landings, but may be used to avoid defensive anti-aircraft fire. However, if defensive anti-aircraft weaponry is present near the deployment point, it is nearly a mathematical certainty that some pods will be lost.[4] It is not uncommon for SOEIVs to be deployed in meteor and other debris showers on a world, as it provides a significant degree of stealth to a unit's deployment.[6][17]

Atmospheric entry[edit]

SOEIVs carrying troopers from the 7th ODST Battalion entering Installation 05's upper atmosphere.

The SOEIV's ceramic skin burns away during atmospheric re-entry, protecting the rest of the pod and its occupant from the worst of the considerable heat.[4] An alloy crash cage is there to keep the armor from ripping away and to replace the ceramic skin once it burns away.[3] If the ceramic skin that covers a SOEIV is damaged before or during the pod's entry into atmosphere, it has a tendency to fail spectacularly; this often results in the air inside the pod becomes unbelievably hot, sometimes fatally so.[5][10] This is one of largest contributors for the SOEIV's relatively small size—the destruction of a single pod loss only results in one casualty rather than the deaths of the entire unit.[4] As the pod's ceramic skin strips off, the interior of a SOEIV can reach temperatures as high as 37 °C (98 °F).[3] At this point in the re-entry procedure, the pod is free-falling at terminal velocity.[2] After the SOEIV has penetrated the atmosphere, at an altitude of 3,000 feet,[11] the upper exterior panels separate acting as a drag-type chute, slowing its descent some and helping to keep the pod on course. At approximately 50 meters, the SOEIV's computer-controlled braking rockets engage. The pod is significantly slowed down as its momentum is reduced, allowing for a safe though somewhat abrupt landing.[4] Braking rockets and drag chutes on SOEIVs do fail on rare occasions, resulting in the pod's occupant's death upon impact. This cause of death is feared by every Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, and is referred to in hushed tones as "digging your own grave." For this reason, the pods are equipped with at least one backup drag chute that automatically deploys in case of primary failure.[3][4]

SOEIVs are capable of smashing through almost any surface during re-entry, including buildings.[11] However, a reinforced roof should be able to withstand the impact, allowing an ODST to begin their mission with a distinct vertical advantage.[18]

SOEIV pods in Ariel's lower atmosphere.

Aside from the distinct speed and shock value advantage that the SOEIV has, it also has another advantage over conventional systems. Since an SOEIV is dropped from high orbit, this allows it to enter much tighter spaces like an urban area where a Pelican dropship might have trouble maneuvering. SOEIVs can also be deployed to hazardous terrain, where the long length of a Pelican or another class of dropship would make landing a greater challenge.[19] Along with the quick deployment speed of a SOEIV comes the responsibility of being the first ones in, this means the first wave of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers' primary objective will be securing a landing zone for Pelican and Albatross dropships in order to get a more concentrated force on the ground and to bring in heavier equipment like Warthogs and additional heavy weapons.[16]

Upon landing, the hatch of the SOEIV is removed by an explosive gas-bolt system triggered by the occupant.[1] Then, each ODST is responsible for stripping their pod of its store of extra weapons, ammunition, and other supplies, which are then hauled to the unit's temporary encampment. Afterwards, the ODSTs regroup and—as experience demonstrates—whatever the unit accomplishes during the first “golden hour” on the ground will have a disproportionate effect on the outcome of the mission.[4] If a SOEIV is properly functioning after impact, an emergency burst feature can be utilized by its occupant to propel the pod off the ground to a new location. However, the limited amount of fuel in a SOEIV only allows the burst feature to be used for a short duration of time.[13]

Variants[edit]

M8823 Single-Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle[edit]

Main article: M8823 drop pod

This variant is made by Ushuaia Armory and weighs 870 kg.[20]

  • A scaling of this drop pod.

    A scaling of this drop pod.

M9407 Single-Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle[edit]

Main article: M9407 drop pod

Following the end of the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC partnered with a number of military contractors to introduce an improved version of the venerable design. Aside from some minor aesthetic changes, the M9407 post-war pods include more reliable in-flight communications, more powerful maneuvering thrusters and limited inertial compensators, a new brake design, significantly improved structural integrity using new metal matrix composites, and thermal superconducting elements in the heatshield to protect occupants. The internal harness of post-war pods is also highly configurable, and compatible with ODST battledress and MJOLNIR-equipped Spartans.[21] This variant was used by the UNSC Infinity.[22][23]

  • The post war variant.

    The post war variant.

Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod[edit]

Main article: Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod

An improvement on the SOEIV was the Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod which was in service with the UNSC by 2545. The pods could be launched from slipstream space by a starship. The long range pods were composed of lead foil, titanium, and stealth ablative coating, which allowed them to survive in slipspace. These pod were used to transport SPARTAN-III Beta Company to the surface of Pegasi Delta during Operation: TORPEDO.[24]

M8900 Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle[edit]

This variant was used by the UNSC Say My Name[25] and UNSC Pillar of Autumn.[26]

  • A look at this drop pod.

    A look at this drop pod.

"Escape pod" variant[edit]

Main article: UNSC escape pod

This variant was used by the UNSC Spirit of Fire in 2559,[27] alongside the variants seen above[28] to deploy ODSTs and Hellbringers.[8] It bears resemblance to escape pods equipped on the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn,[29] though it is unknown if the two share more than superficial similarities.

  • This style of pod found in use aboard the Forward Unto Dawn as an escape pod.

    This style of pod found in use aboard the Forward Unto Dawn as an escape pod.

  • A look at this drop pod.

    A look at this drop pod.

  • The drop pod on the ODST Blitz card.

    The drop pod on the ODST Blitz card.

  • This style of pod being employed during Operation: SPEARBREAKER.

    This style of pod being employed during Operation: SPEARBREAKER.

  • A "Helldrop", deploying Hellbringers as opposed to the typical ODST complement.

    A "Helldrop", deploying Hellbringers as opposed to the typical ODST complement.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is currently working on project SUSTAIN, codenamed "Hot Eagle". The project's aim is to have heavily armed United States Marines launched into suborbital space and then re-enter anywhere on Earth in less than a total of two hours. Specifications have not yet been revealed to the public.
  • The concept of dropping individual soldiers onto a planet from orbit in pods was popularized by Robert A. Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers. SOEIVs in the Halo universe act similarly to those described in the book. The ODST and the book's Mobile Infantry share the doctrine that officers should be into combat deployed ahead of enlisted personnel. Additionally, the ODST tradition of playing the ODST anthem prior to a drop is similar to Mobile Infantry traditions in Starship Troopers, with the anthem of the unit's respective troop ship played on their radios during mid drop.
  • In Halo Wars, Captain Cutter's special ability allows the player to drop an entire squad of ODSTs in a single pod.[30] While it is possible that UNSC Spirit of Fire uses larger drop pods that can deploy multiple troopers, the requisitioned troopers arrive within about a second and land exactly on target. Indeed, it is possible to land dozens of squads within mere meters of each other over the span of a few seconds; this is merely a gameplay conceit, as realistically representing the logistics of ODST deployment would severely disrupt the flow of gameplay.

Gallery[edit]

  • A scaled drawing of the SOEIV from Halo 2.

    A scaled drawing of the SOEIV from Halo 2.

  • Concept art of a SOEIV drop bay for Halo 2.

    Concept art of a SOEIV drop bay for Halo 2.

  • Models of the drop pod for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Models of the drop pod for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Exploration concept art of SOEIV variants for Halo 3: ODST.

    Exploration concept art of SOEIV variants for Halo 3: ODST.

  • Concept art of a SOEIV drop pod for Halo 3: ODST.

    Concept art of a SOEIV drop pod for Halo 3: ODST.

  • Concept art of a cruiser's drop bay for Halo 3: ODST.

    Concept art of a cruiser's drop bay for Halo 3: ODST.

  • SOEIVs being deployed from the UNSC In Amber Clad from Halo 2.

    SOEIVs being deployed from the UNSC In Amber Clad from Halo 2.

  • SOEIVs are deployed to Installation 05 in Halo 2.

    SOEIVs are deployed to Installation 05 in Halo 2.

  • A crashed SOEIV on Installation 00.

    A crashed SOEIV on Installation 00.

  • External view of SOEIV launching tubes at the bottom of UNSC Forward Unto Dawn from Halo 3.

    External view of SOEIV launching tubes at the bottom of UNSC Forward Unto Dawn from Halo 3.

  • In-game models of the SOEIV from Halo 3: ODST.

    In-game models of the SOEIV from Halo 3: ODST.

  • The Rookie's SOEIV seen in Halo 3: ODST.

    The Rookie's SOEIV seen in Halo 3: ODST.

  • View from inside a SOEIV, with various screens and monitors.

    View from inside a SOEIV, with various screens and monitors.

  • The UNSC Say My Name's SOEIV drop bay in Halo 3: ODST.

    The UNSC Say My Name's SOEIV drop bay in Halo 3: ODST.

  • The violent re-entry of SOEIV drop pods bound for New Mombasa in the Keep It Clean trailer.

    The violent re-entry of SOEIV drop pods bound for New Mombasa in the Keep It Clean trailer.

  • Dozens of SOEIVs enter the airspace of New Mombasa just before the EMP blast from the Solemn Penance strikes in the Keep It Clean trailer.

    Dozens of SOEIVs enter the airspace of New Mombasa just before the EMP blast from the Solemn Penance strikes in the Keep It Clean trailer.

  • Two UNSC frigates deploy their drop pods during the Battle of Ariel.

    Two UNSC frigates deploy their drop pods during the Battle of Ariel.

  • A drop pod of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn in Halo 4.

    A drop pod of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn in Halo 4.

  • Drop pods in Halo: Initiation.

    Drop pods in Halo: Initiation.

  • SOEIVs being used to destroy Blisterbacks in Know Your Enemy.

    SOEIVs being used to destroy Blisterbacks in Know Your Enemy.

  • An ODST exiting their drop pod.

    An ODST exiting their drop pod.

  • Drop pod in Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

    Drop pod in Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

  • Drop pods being used during the Second Ark Conflict in Halo Wars 2.

    Drop pods being used during the Second Ark Conflict in Halo Wars 2.

  • Rainbow Hour emblem in Halo Infinite.

    Rainbow Hour emblem in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 52
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Halo Waypoint: UNSC Drop Pods
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Flood, pages 53-55 (2010)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Bungie.net: Halo 3 ODST : Field Guide - SOEIV "DROP POD"
  5. ^ a b c d e Halo: The Flood, page 35 (2003); pages 38-49 (2010)
  6. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Drop Pod (defunct, backup link on Archive.org)
  7. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: ODST
  8. ^ a b Halo Wars 2 - Helldrop leader ability for Morgan Kinsano
  9. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Prepare to Drop
  10. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), pages 60-61 (2011)
  11. ^ a b c Xbox 360 Magazine, "Issue 35", pages 34-37
  12. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 315
  13. ^ a b Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 319
  14. ^ Youtube: Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer
  15. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 350
  16. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Delta Halo
  17. ^ Halo Legends, The Babysitter
  18. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 132
  19. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Outskirts
  20. ^ Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo, pages 50-51
  21. ^ Canon Fodder: Fighting Words
  22. ^ Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo, page 42
  23. ^ Steven Loftus clarifying the M9407 on his talk page
  24. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 14-16
  25. ^ Halo 3: ODST
  26. ^ Halo: Fireteam Raven
  27. ^ Halo Wars 2
  28. ^ Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER
  29. ^ Halo 4 level, Dawn
  30. ^ Halo Wars
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