Energy shielding: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Halo3 Snowbound-3rdperson-01.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The shields on a pair of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI MJOLNIR armor suits]] flare after taking damage.]] | [[File:Halo3 Snowbound-3rdperson-01.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The shields on a pair of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI MJOLNIR armor suits]] flare after taking damage.]] | ||
'''Energy shielding''' is an advanced defensive technology making use of a field of energized particles that wraps around a surface, which deflects objects that attempt to impact the surface. Most energy shields are able to deflect various forms of damage, from material projectiles to [[directed energy weapon|directed energy streams]]. Several [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]], [[Covenant]] and [[Forerunner]] [[:Category:Vehicles|vehicles]], [[:Category:Equipment|devices]], and [[armor]] systems make use of energy shielding to protect users from harm. | '''Energy shielding''' is an advanced defensive technology making use of a field of energized particles that wraps around a surface, which deflects objects that attempt to impact the surface. Most energy shields are able to deflect various forms of damage, from material projectiles to [[directed-energy weapon|directed energy streams]]. Several [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]], [[Covenant]] and [[Forerunner]] [[:Category:Vehicles|vehicles]], [[:Category:Equipment|devices]], and [[armor]] systems make use of energy shielding to protect users from harm. | ||
==Human energy shielding== | ==Human energy shielding== | ||
[[File:HCE_ShieldTest.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Testing the shields on [[John-117]]'s [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark V MJOLNIR armor]].]] | [[File:HCE_ShieldTest.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Testing the shields on [[John-117]]'s [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark V MJOLNIR armor]].]] | ||
[[Human]]s have used energy shield technology for a relatively brief amount of time. The earliest known example is the "[[ | [[Human]]s have used energy shield technology for a relatively brief amount of time. The earliest known example is the "[[Z-4190 bubble shield|bubble shield]]", a protective device developed and deployed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Beta-5 Division]],<ref name="Manual">'''Halo: Reach''' manual</ref> which has been in service since at least [[2544]].<ref name="Package">'''Halo: Legends:''' ''The Package''</ref> The Beta-5 Division also utilizes the "[[drop shield]]", a similar device which, despite being less resilient than the bubble shield, is capable of regenerating organic tissue through unknown means.{{Ref/Reuse|Manual}} | ||
Near the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ONI scientists successfully reverse-engineered the technology used in [[Kig- | Near the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ONI scientists successfully reverse-engineered the technology used in [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]s, leading to the technology's incorporation into the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] and all later iterations of the series. Energy shielding technology had previously been tested with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV(G)|Grenadier variant]] of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV]],<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ''The Armory''</ref> though these tests were not successful.<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]'''</ref> The UNSC also reverse-engineered an [[armor lock|"armor lock" plug-in module]] from functionally identical Covenant technology. In conjunction with the MJOLNIR armor's lock-down system, this device emits an impervious shield barrier that can deflect all small arms fire and can shed attached plasma grenades. The [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]] [[Headhunters]] wear an advanced version of the standard-issue [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] which features energy shields that are similar to those of MJOLNIR, though the shields share power with the suit's [[active camouflage]] module.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Headhunters''</ref> | ||
The UNSC has also developed [[energy barrier]]s which are used to separate pressurized areas, such as [[hangar bay]]s, from the vacuum of space. One of the UNSC's most recent breakthroughs in energy shield development came with the creation of the [[YSS-1000 Sabre]] orbital fighter, which is the first human spacecraft known to use energy shields. The post-war [[Mantis]] is another UNSC vehicle that utilizes energy shields. The post-war successor to the Longsword and Sabres, the [[F-41 Broadsword]], is equipped with energy shields, though not powerful enough to travel through Slipspace.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-US/Universe/detail/halo-4-mantis-trailer/5c5bc6fb-7cb0-4552-be8e-d6f54ed5c417 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Mantis Trailer'']</ref> Some warships also received shields post-war, with at least the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, its embarked [[Strident-class heavy frigate|frigates]], and the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} possessing energy shielding.<ref>[[:File:H4FrigateShields.jpeg|Image showing frigate shields above hull]]</ref> | The UNSC has also developed [[energy barrier]]s which are used to separate pressurized areas, such as [[hangar bay]]s, from the vacuum of space. One of the UNSC's most recent breakthroughs in energy shield development came with the creation of the [[YSS-1000 Sabre]] orbital fighter, which is the first human spacecraft known to use energy shields. The post-war [[Mantis]] is another UNSC vehicle that utilizes energy shields. The post-war successor to the Longsword and Sabres, the [[F-41 Broadsword]], is equipped with energy shields, though not powerful enough to travel through Slipspace.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-US/Universe/detail/halo-4-mantis-trailer/5c5bc6fb-7cb0-4552-be8e-d6f54ed5c417 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Mantis Trailer'']</ref> Some warships also received shields post-war, with at least the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, its embarked [[Strident-class heavy frigate|frigates]], and the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} possessing energy shielding.<ref>[[:File:H4FrigateShields.jpeg|Image showing frigate shields above hull]]</ref> | ||
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===Personal shielding=== | ===Personal shielding=== | ||
Most [[Sangheili]], many [[Jiralhanae]], and some high-ranking [[Yanme'e]] are equipped with [[Sangheili personal energy shield|energy shields that are integrated into the wearer's armor]], or, in the latter case, carapace. [[Kig-yar]] warriors use [[Kig- | Most [[Sangheili]], many [[Jiralhanae]], and some high-ranking [[Yanme'e]] are equipped with [[Sangheili personal energy shield|energy shields that are integrated into the wearer's armor]], or, in the latter case, carapace. [[Kig-yar]] warriors use [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|energy shield gauntlets]] that protect them from most oncoming fire but leaves them vulnerable to flanking attacks and grenades. The Covenant often use [[Huragok]] to provide energy shielding to troops on the battlefield. The Covenant also utilize [[overshield]]s, which provide additional layers of energy shielding to the wearer, and [[Regenerator|energy shield regenerators]]. Sangheili and Jiralhanae warriors sometimes use armor lock systems, from which the UNSC technology was reverse-engineered; Jiralhanae are able to use this technology even without [[Jiralhanae power armor|power armor]]. | ||
Though the [[Hierarchs]] are not meant to encounter combat, their [[gravity | Though the [[Hierarchs]] are not meant to encounter combat, their [[anti-gravity chair]]s emit powerful energy shields. They are able to deflect all forms of projectile, plasma, and explosive weaponry and seemingly never become depleted. However, one can simply walk through the shield. The shield used by [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], was much different and seems to have to be actively turned on. His shield could deflect nearly all attacks save for those of a captured [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|beam rifle]]. A similar, though much less potent, technology is often used by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Jiralhanae chieftains]]; this "[[invincibility]]" device lasts only a matter of seconds, though it renders the user impervious to small arms fire. The device can also be used by personnel who do not otherwise possess energy shielding, such as UNSC [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST'''</ref> | ||
===Spacecraft shielding=== | ===Spacecraft shielding=== | ||
Nearly all Covenant vessels are protected by highly resistant energy shields. These shields can withstand an impressive amount of firepower and can recharge very quickly. Covenant vessels' shields can absorb almost all missile fire, including hundreds of [[Archer missile]]s and even a low-yield {{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}}, although Shiva nukes will usually deplete their shields, making them vulnerable to smaller weapons. The only UNSC weapons capable of penetrating a Covenant starship's shield are the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s. Even then, ship-based MACs take multiple rounds to drop the shields; only a "Super MAC" round from an [[orbital defense platform]] can penetrate a Covenant ship's shields in one hit. | Nearly all Covenant vessels are protected by highly resistant energy shields. These shields can withstand an impressive amount of firepower and can recharge very quickly. Covenant vessels' shields can absorb almost all missile fire, including hundreds of [[Archer missile]]s and even a low-yield {{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}}, although Shiva nukes will usually deplete their shields, making them vulnerable to smaller weapons. The only UNSC weapons capable of penetrating a Covenant starship's shield are the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s. Even then, ship-based MACs take multiple rounds to drop the shields; only a "Super MAC" round from an [[orbital defense platform]] can penetrate a Covenant ship's shields in one hit. | ||
Covenant starship shielding does have a notable flaw, however: Whenever a starship launches a [[ | Covenant starship shielding does have a notable flaw, however: Whenever a starship launches a [[plasma torpedo]] or [[pulse laser turret|pulse laser]], a small section of the energy shield must drop to allow the weapon to fire. Otherwise, the energy released would detonate on the inside of the shields, damaging the ship. | ||
While projectile weaponry is generally ineffective against Covenant starship shielding, [[directed energy weapon]]ry can disable shields with relative ease, in much the same manner as Sangheili energy shields. Another way to disable the shipboard energy shields is through the use of a large-scale electromagnetic pulse.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', page 153</ref> | While projectile weaponry is generally ineffective against Covenant starship shielding, [[directed energy weapon]]ry can disable shields with relative ease, in much the same manner as Sangheili energy shields. Another way to disable the shipboard energy shields is through the use of a large-scale electromagnetic pulse.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', page 153</ref> | ||
The Covenant's [[ | The Covenant's [[Morsam-pattern Seraph|Type-31 "Seraph" fighters]] are typically equipped with energy shields, though this does not seem to always be the case.{{Ref/Reuse|Package}} [[Phantom gunboat]]s are equipped with powerful shields that can deflect cannon fire but are vulnerable to missiles due to their lower velocity.<ref name="LNoS">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''</ref> | ||
The Covenant also use energy shields as [[hangar bay]] doors. These devices prevent the evacuation of atmosphere from the hangar bay and deny unwanted entry and exit. They can be phased in such a manner that atmosphere remains in the hangar bay while single ships can enter the vessel.{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}} | The Covenant also use energy shields as [[hangar bay]] doors. These devices prevent the evacuation of atmosphere from the hangar bay and deny unwanted entry and exit. They can be phased in such a manner that atmosphere remains in the hangar bay while single ships can enter the vessel.{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}} | ||
===Vehicle shielding=== | ===Vehicle shielding=== | ||
Few Covenant ground and air vehicles are equipped with energy shields. The most notable exception is the [[Type-30 Locust]], a repurposed mining platform that is used as a "building killer". The Type-30 Locust emits a spherical shield that can resist most high-impact projectiles. However, this shield is rather weak and will dissipate under concentrated fire, exposing the Type-30 Locust's vulnerable hull. [[Type-32 | Few Covenant ground and air vehicles are equipped with energy shields. The most notable exception is the [[Type-30 Locust]], a repurposed mining platform that is used as a "building killer". The Type-30 Locust emits a spherical shield that can resist most high-impact projectiles. However, this shield is rather weak and will dissipate under concentrated fire, exposing the Type-30 Locust's vulnerable hull. [[Type-32 Ghost|Type-32 "Ghost" assault vehicles]] and [[Type-26 Wraith|Type-26 "Wraith" tanks]], while almost universally unshielded, can be retrofitted with energy shields that deflect most projectiles. The [[Type-54 Banshee]], the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-Covenant War]] successor to the [[Type-26 Banshee]], features numerous improvements, one of which is the implementation of energy shielding.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref> | ||
===Stationary shielding=== | ===Stationary shielding=== | ||
The Covenant make extensive use of stationary energy shield devices. One of the most common is the energy barrier, which is used to cordon off restricted areas and to deny enemy movement within invaded cities.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign levels ''[[Mombasa Streets]]'', ''[[Tayari Plaza]]'', and''[[Kizingo Boulevard]]''</ref> This technology can also be used to form [[anti-vehicle barrier]]s; though vehicles and projectiles are repelled by these barriers, human and Covenant soldiers can pass through them on foot.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Tsavo Highway]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[ | The Covenant make extensive use of stationary energy shield devices. One of the most common is the energy barrier, which is used to cordon off restricted areas and to deny enemy movement within invaded cities.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign levels ''[[Mombasa Streets]]'', ''[[Tayari Plaza]]'', and''[[Kizingo Boulevard]]''</ref> This technology can also be used to form [[anti-vehicle barrier]]s; though vehicles and projectiles are repelled by these barriers, human and Covenant soldiers can pass through them on foot.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Tsavo Highway]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Covenant portable shield|Smaller-scale barriers]], including [[Deployable Cover|man-portable ones]], are often used to provide cover during firefights. | ||
[[Covenant citadel|Pre-fabricated Covenant bases]] are often outfitted with [[Covenant shield generator|shield generators]]; multiple shield generators can be installed at a base to provide incrementally greater protection.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref> The Covenant sometimes use enormous energy shield domes to cover large areas, such as bases. These domes sometimes have no apparent power source,<ref name="Dome">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> though they are also used on [[Covenant spire|teleportation spires]], which are commonly used during invasions.<ref name="ToTS">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> These shield domes are susceptible to high-intensity plasma.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}} While Covenant aircraft can pass through these shields unharmed,{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}} UNSC aircraft that pass through the field receive a powerful [[electromagnetic pulse]] and suffer catastrophic systems failures.{{Ref/Reuse|ToTS}} | [[Covenant citadel|Pre-fabricated Covenant bases]] are often outfitted with [[Covenant shield generator|shield generators]]; multiple shield generators can be installed at a base to provide incrementally greater protection.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref> The Covenant sometimes use enormous energy shield domes to cover large areas, such as bases. These domes sometimes have no apparent power source,<ref name="Dome">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> though they are also used on [[Covenant spire|teleportation spires]], which are commonly used during invasions.<ref name="ToTS">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> These shield domes are susceptible to high-intensity plasma.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}} While Covenant aircraft can pass through these shields unharmed,{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}} UNSC aircraft that pass through the field receive a powerful [[electromagnetic pulse]] and suffer catastrophic systems failures.{{Ref/Reuse|ToTS}} | ||
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The [[Ur-Didact|Didact's]] ship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' possessed powerful energy shields: they were able to withstand Earth's [[Orbital defense platform|super MAC platforms]] with no damage. ''Infinity'''s specialized fore [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC guns]] were able to penetrate them, but only caused minimal hull damage. The Didact also used shields to protect his [[Cryptum]] on [[Requiem]] and the [[Composer]]'s control area on ''Mantle's Approach.'' [[Cortana]] was able to fool the former shield with an override code and overload the latter with her [[Rampancy|rampant]] personalities. | The [[Ur-Didact|Didact's]] ship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' possessed powerful energy shields: they were able to withstand Earth's [[Orbital defense platform|super MAC platforms]] with no damage. ''Infinity'''s specialized fore [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC guns]] were able to penetrate them, but only caused minimal hull damage. The Didact also used shields to protect his [[Cryptum]] on [[Requiem]] and the [[Composer]]'s control area on ''Mantle's Approach.'' [[Cortana]] was able to fool the former shield with an override code and overload the latter with her [[Rampancy|rampant]] personalities. | ||
The Forerunners made ubiquitous use of [[hard light]] technology, consisting of solidified photon-boson fields shaped into any desired form,<ref>[http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8efbd7b88156ac5f6faed8b69&id=4fdccf0da5&e=7be5970a3b '''Mega Bloks''', Special Report: ONI REAP-X]</ref> such as [[light bridge]]s. Hard light was also used to create [[Z-90 | The Forerunners made ubiquitous use of [[hard light]] technology, consisting of solidified photon-boson fields shaped into any desired form,<ref>[http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8efbd7b88156ac5f6faed8b69&id=4fdccf0da5&e=7be5970a3b '''Mega Bloks''', Special Report: ONI REAP-X]</ref> such as [[light bridge]]s. Hard light was also used to create [[Z-90 Z-90 hardlight shield|infantry-issue shields]]. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
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File:HR EliteShield Animation.gif|Animation of a Sangheili's shield. | File:HR EliteShield Animation.gif|Animation of a Sangheili's shield. | ||
File:H4-Raider-Grifball-02.jpg|Traditional golden shield flicker of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR GEN2]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''. | File:H4-Raider-Grifball-02.jpg|Traditional golden shield flicker of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR GEN2]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''. | ||
File:H4 Exile SAWFirstPerson.jpg|Upclose shield flickering of the GEN2, note the teal color signifying [[ | File:H4 Exile SAWFirstPerson.jpg|Upclose shield flickering of the GEN2, note the teal color signifying [[overshield]]s. | ||
File:H4FrigateShields.jpeg|Shielding on a ''Strident''-class frigate. | File:H4FrigateShields.jpeg|Shielding on a ''Strident''-class frigate. | ||
File:H5G-MJOLNIRshielding.png|The shields of a Spartan-IV in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. | File:H5G-MJOLNIRshielding.png|The shields of a Spartan-IV in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. | ||
File:H5G-T54Bansheeshielding.png|The energy shielding on a [[Type-54 Banshee]]. | File:H5G-T54Bansheeshielding.png|The energy shielding on a [[Type-54 Banshee]]. | ||
File:H5G-Mantisshielding.png|The energy shielding on a [[Mantis]] | File:H5G-Mantisshielding.png|The energy shielding on a [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis]] | ||
File:H5G-AV49shielding.png|The energy shielding on an [[AV-49 Wasp]]. | File:H5G-AV49shielding.png|The energy shielding on an [[AV-49 Wasp]]. | ||
File:H5G-UnggoyBodyguardshields.png|An Unggoy Bodyguards shields flaring | File:H5G-UnggoyBodyguardshields.png|An Unggoy Bodyguards shields flaring | ||
