AV-22 Sparrowhawk: Difference between revisions

{{Era|HCW|Post}}

|image=[[File:AV-22 Sparrowhawk.png|300px]]

|manufacturer=

|model=AV-22

|length={{Convert|16.5|m|ft|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 182''</ref><ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/sloftus_scalecomparison/1280h.html?display=unsca '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Determining the Real Sizes of Objects in Halo - Update'']</ref>

|engine= Dual-ducted air fans

The '''AV-22 Sparrowhawk''', often called simply the '''Hawk''', is a a [[VTOL]] attack aircraft in service with the [[UNSC Defense Force]].  

==Specifications==

===Design details===

The AV-22 is a formidable air-to-ground anti-tank [[Wikipedia:Aircraft#Heavier_than_air.E2.80.94aerodynes|aerodyne]] that is used to hunt tanks and support ground advances.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/45018.aspx '''Halo Wars Official Site''': ''Halo Wars Update 03.12.07'']</ref> Rather than using thrust-vectoring jets like most UNSC aircraft, the AV-22 makes use of two ducted fans to provide lift and thrust. The Sparrowhawk has a maximum airspeed of 611.6 km/h (380 mph)<ref name="airspeed"/> and boasts impressive maneuverability.

The Sparrowhawk is classified as an "Attack VTOL", as evidenced by the "AV-22" designation. However, some branches of the UNSCDF classify the aircraft as a gunship due to its heavy armament.<ref name="EVG"/> The [[SkyHawk]] jumpjet appears to based on the same airframe as the Sparrowhawk, and is indeed almost identical apart from the tail.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion]]''' - ''Issue 3''</ref> This may suggest that the SkyHawk is derived from the AV-22's design or vice versa.

===Armament===

The VTOL's primary armament is a nose-mounted [[M6 Spartan Laser#Vehicle-mounted variants|M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]], an upgraded version of the M6 "Spartan Laser".<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''', ''[[:File:Anders 0002.jpg|Anders leader card]]''</ref><ref name="EVG"/> It is also outfitted with a pair of twin-linked [[GUA-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s on either side of the fuselage; these autocannons fire 30mm rounds and are capable of neutralizing infantry and light vehicles with ease.<ref name="EVG"/><ref>[http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF Halo Wars manual]</ref> This armament, combined with the VTOL's impressive speed and maneuverability, allows the Hawk to engage Covenant [[Type-26 Banshee]]s on more than equal terms and to pursue fleeing dropships or engage them as they approach; even a pair of Sparrowhawks can destroy a [[Type-29 Vampire]] — the bane of the AV-14 — with minimal attrition.<ref name="Repairs"/>

The AV-22 first saw action on [[Harvest]] during the final months of the [[Harvest Campaign]] in early [[2531]].<ref name="EVG"/> Weeks later, several Sparrowhawks attached to the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} defended their parent vessel from a [[Covenant]] {{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}} during the [[Battle of Shield 0459]], proving the VTOL's effectiveness as both a ground-support platform and as an impromptu atmospheric fighter.<ref name="Repairs">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> Although the Sparrowhawk was widely produced during the first decade of the war, problems with its ducted fan propulsion system<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 249''</ref> and the high costs of repair and replacement resulted in limited production after [[2550]].<ref name="EVG"/> Nonetheless, the Sparrowhawk saw use during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref> On [[2558|March 11, 2558]] several AV-22 Sparrowhawks belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AC-220 Vulture]]s and [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref>

Prior to the Sparrowhawk's introduction, the [[AV-14 Hornet]] filled a similar anti-tank and ground support role, and as such is considered the Hawk's predecessor.<ref name="EVG"/>

File:HWunit Sparrowhawk.png|An in-game model of the Sparrowhawk.