M41 SPNKr: Difference between revisions

The '''M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle/Assault Weapon'''<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', page 314</ref>, formally known as the '''Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon, Bore 102mm, M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Launcher and informally known as the Rocket Launcher,''' is a heavy ordnance weapon of the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] arsenal used in ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25440 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Ordnance Page'']</ref>. It is different from the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]] used in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''.

The M41 SSR is a heavy ordnance weapon in the [[UNSC]] arsenal that fires a [[HEAT|102mm Shaped-Charge High-Explosive]] Surface to Surface Missile. The launcher sports a 2x scope and can fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy, although its altitude decreases over longer distances. This model is not to be confused with the [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]. The M41 is, however, markedly similar to the M19 Rocket Launcher variant. The M41(and the M19) uses a design unique among rocket launchers: when reloaded, the barrels are removed and two preloaded barrels are then reinserted into 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. Its functions, uses, and disposable nature make it very similar to the AT4 rocket launcher in use by the U.S. Military.

The Rocket Launcher spreads a huge amount of damage over a large area. It is capable of taking out entire groups of infantry at any range and can kill both the passengers and crew of nearly any vehicle with the exception of the [[Scorpion Tank]] or [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]] which takes two to three hits. For an anti-tank weapon it is capable of inflicting massive damage to tanks because of its ability to quickly launch two consecutive shots.

Several things counterbalance the M41'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 M41 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 operator can carry only 6 extra rockets at once, for a total of 8 rounds. The speed of the rocket itself is slow. A skilled operator can be effective against a moving target at medium to long range. The biggest disadvantage to the operator 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.

On the side of the M41 the labeling on the launcher and the rectangular cases that contain rocket ammunition has the words SPNKr. The M41 SSR is essentially a Halo Universe copy of the SPNKR-X17/18 SSM Launcher (Lazyboy) from [[Marathon (Video Game Series)|Marathon]]. The word "SPNKR" is an abbreviation of the word ''Spanker'' and serves as an inside joke for both fans and [[Bungie]] staff of the older series.

*The M41 HEAT rocket travels faster than its [[M19]] counterpart.

*The tubing is also a metallic silver color rather than 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'' Model.

*Different firing sound effect.

*Faster reload.

*Faster melee.

*Ammunition indicated in scope when zoomed in.

*HUD ammo indicator illustration changed.

*The grips of the weapon are more enclosed into a thumbhole design.

*Slightly different firing and rocket detonation sounds.

*Slightly faster rocket flight speed.

*Increased splash damage.

*It is best to save the Rocket Launcher for the final encounter on [[The Storm (Level)]] as two shots will destroy the anti-air gun and finish the mission quickly. Combined with the Sniper Rifle found near the end (soon after witnessing a Longsword crash in the distance), one can easily end the level without engaging the large group of Covenant on the hill. Using the scope on the Sniper Rifle, one can zoom in on the AA gun's power core, line up a shot, then with proper timing, simply fire off two rockets and destroy the gun, ending the level quickly and (relatively) painlessly. The Chieftain will still be able to fire on you, though, so take caution when aiming.

*Saving several rockets for the final encounter on [[The Ark (Level)]] can save you a lengthy encounter with the [[Brute Chieftain]] at the end; this is even more useful when engaging them on higher difficulties. These can be found by the downed Pelican just after the first Hunter encounter.