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Kerel-pattern assault carrier: Difference between revisions

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|length= {{Convert|5347|m|ft}} <ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 28''</ref><ref name="HBO">[[:File:CapitalShips-scale.gif|HBO image that demonstrates the size and scale of starships in the Halo Universe]]</ref><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 264''</ref>
|length= {{Convert|5347|m|ft}} <ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 28''</ref><ref name="HBO">[[:File:CapitalShips-scale.gif|HBO image that demonstrates the size and scale of starships in the Halo Universe]]</ref><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 264''</ref>
|width= {{Convert|2118|m|ft}}<ref name="shadow">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/shadow-of-intent ''Halo Waypoint'': Shadow of Intent]</ref>
|width= {{Convert|2118|m|ft}}<ref name="shadow">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/shadow-of-intent ''Halo Waypoint'': Shadow of Intent]</ref>
|height= {{Convert|746|m|ft}}<ref name="shadow"/>
|height= {{Convert|746|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|shadow}}
|mass=2.7 billion tonnes<ref name="Warfleet">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''page 70-71''</ref>
|mass=2.7 billion tonnes<ref name="Warfleet">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''page 70-71''</ref>
|power=[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
|power=[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
|engine=3× ''Raphyus''-pattern [[Repulsor engine]]s<ref name="Warfleet"/>
|engine=3× ''Raphyus''-pattern [[Repulsor engine]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|slipspace drive=''Primus''-pattern [[borer]] {{C|CODEN Series VI equivalent}}<ref name="Warfleet"/>
|slipspace drive=''Primus''-pattern [[borer]] {{C|CODEN Series VI equivalent}}{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|navigation=[[Navigation computer]]
|navigation=[[Navigation computer]]
|hull=[[Nanolaminate hull plating]]
|hull=[[Nanolaminate hull plating]]
|shielding=[[Energy shielding|''Tantalus''-pattern dispersal field generators]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
|shielding=[[Energy shielding|''Tantalus''-pattern dispersal field generators]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|armament=''Kerel''-pattern
|armament=''Kerel''-pattern
*1× [[Energy projector|''Infernus''-pattern superheavy excavation beam]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*1× [[Energy projector|''Infernus''-pattern superheavy excavation beam]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*2× [[Energy projector|''Urpeon''-pattern superheavy plasma lances]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*2× [[Energy projector|''Urpeon''-pattern superheavy plasma lances]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*8× [[Energy projector|''Luxor''-pattern heavy plasma beam emitters]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*8× [[Energy projector|''Luxor''-pattern heavy plasma beam emitters]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*24× [[Plasma torpedo|''Mictix''-pattern heavy plasma torpedo silos]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*24× [[Plasma torpedo|''Mictix''-pattern heavy plasma torpedo silos]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*700× [[Pulse laser turret|''Ferriel''-pattern pulse lasers]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*700× [[Pulse laser turret|''Ferriel''-pattern pulse lasers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*Multiple [[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]s<ref name="The Covenant">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant]]''</ref>
*Multiple [[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]s<ref name="The Covenant">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant]]''</ref>
|complement=
|complement=
*40,000× warriors<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*40,000× warriors{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*250× [[Covenant drop pod|Insertion pods]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*250× [[Covenant drop pod|Insertion pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*44× [[Type-25 Spirit|Spirit]]/[[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom dropships]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*44× [[Type-25 Spirit|Spirit]]/[[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom dropships]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*600× [[Banshee|Banshee flyers]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*600× [[Banshee|Banshee flyers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*20× [[Type-28 Tick|Tick boarding craft]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*20× [[Type-28 Tick|Tick boarding craft]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*44× [[Type-29 Shadow|Shadow transports]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*44× [[Type-29 Shadow|Shadow transports]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*64× [[Seraph|Seraph strikecraft]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*64× [[Seraph|Seraph strikecraft]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*192× [[Type-27 Banshee|Banshee Fighter strikecraft]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*192× [[Type-27 Banshee|Banshee Fighter strikecraft]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*3× [[Scarab|Scarab platforms]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*3× [[Scarab|Scarab platforms]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*196× [[Wraith|Wraith mortar tanks]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*196× [[Wraith|Wraith mortar tanks]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*700× [[Ghost|Ghost scouts]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*700× [[Ghost|Ghost scouts]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|crew=*200 [[Sangheili|Superiors]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
|crew=*200 [[Sangheili|Superiors]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*10 [[Huragok|Engineers]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
*10 [[Huragok|Engineers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|passengers=
|passengers=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
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{{Quote|Look at the size of that thing!|[[Edward Buck]] after an assault carrier arrives over [[New Mombasa]].<ref name="Coastal Highway">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', campaign level ''[[Coastal Highway]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Look at the size of that thing!|[[Edward Buck]] after an assault carrier arrives over [[New Mombasa]].<ref name="Coastal Highway">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', campaign level ''[[Coastal Highway]]''</ref>}}


The '''''CAS''-class assault carrier'''<ref name="visual"/> is a large [[capital ship]] used by the [[Covenant]]. The ''CAS'' is designed for ship-to-ship combat, command and control of [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] operations, and close atmospheric support for ground occupation forces. Such vessels are typically deployed during invasions of worlds with high strategic value.<ref name="DD4">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/oni-files/reach-data-drops '''Halo Waypoint''', ''Data Drop Four'']</ref>
The '''''CAS''-class assault carrier'''{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} is a large [[capital ship]] used by the [[Covenant]]. The ''CAS'' is designed for ship-to-ship combat, command and control of [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] operations, and close atmospheric support for ground occupation forces. Such vessels are typically deployed during invasions of worlds with high strategic value.<ref name="DD4">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/oni-files/reach-data-drops '''Halo Waypoint''', ''Data Drop Four'']</ref>


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
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The ''CAS''-class has a length of {{Convert|5347|m|ft}}, a beam of {{Convert|2118|m|ft}}, and a height of {{Convert|746|m|ft}}. This makes it the second largest ship of the line the Covenant navy employed throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Although the ''CAS''-class carrier's keel length is inferior, its width and volume are in the realm of twice as large as even the UNSC's prototype flagship {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, the largest vessel in human history.
The ''CAS''-class has a length of {{Convert|5347|m|ft}}, a beam of {{Convert|2118|m|ft}}, and a height of {{Convert|746|m|ft}}. This makes it the second largest ship of the line the Covenant navy employed throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Although the ''CAS''-class carrier's keel length is inferior, its width and volume are in the realm of twice as large as even the UNSC's prototype flagship {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, the largest vessel in human history.


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 name="Cairo"/> Furthermore, [[Rtas 'Vadum]] employed the tactic of ramming {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}s during the [[Battle of Installation 00]] with no visible damage being inflicted upon [[Shadow of Intent|his flagship]].<ref name="Ark" /> A further testament to this vessel's survivability is that it was selected by the Covenant alongside the much larger {{Class|CSO|supercarrier}} to serve as the [[Hierarchs]]' personal flagships when they were not aboard the also heavily shielded [[High Charity]].<ref name="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 {{Class|CCS|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 {{Class|CSO|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.


Assault carriers can also carry large nature preserves on board. An example of this is the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' which had a large nature preserve like those found on the {{Class|DSC|support ship}}s.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 14]]''</ref>
Assault carriers can also carry large nature preserves on board. An example of this is the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' which had a large nature preserve like those found on the {{Class|DSC|support ship}}s.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 14]]''</ref>


[[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. There is a second hangar bay visible, near the stern of the carrier, above the main engines.<ref name="Ark"/>
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. There is a second hangar bay visible, near the stern of the carrier, above the main engines.{{Ref/Reuse|Ark}}


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 name="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.


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 ''CAS''-class' exact crew size and complement are unknown, however its size and combat records suggest a crew of thousands. 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 name="Metropolis"/> The class' cavernous main hangar has the capacity of carrying hundreds of [[Seraph|Seraph multirole fighters]], [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee attack craft]], [[Type-52 Phantom]] and [[Type-25 Spirit]] dropships, and [[Covenant boarding craft|boarding craft]].
The ''CAS''-class' exact crew size and complement are unknown, however its size and combat records suggest a crew of thousands. 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]], [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee attack craft]], [[Type-52 Phantom]] and [[Type-25 Spirit]] dropships, and [[Covenant boarding craft|boarding craft]].


Supplementing their considerable infantry detachments, each assault carrier holds large fleets of [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] and [[Type-26 Wraith|Wraiths]], along with a number of [[Type-47B 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 [[Type-26 Wraith|Wraiths]], along with a number of [[Type-47B 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.


Assault carriers are often used as [[flagship]]s, leading [[Covenant fleet]]s into battle. Though designed for planetary combat, they also excel at ship-to-ship combat, possessing multiple [[pulse laser turret|pulse laser]] batteries, [[plasma turret]]s, and at least three [[energy projector]]s.<ref name="Cairo">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> Along with the larger ''CSO''-class supercarrier, the ''CAS'' is designated a "''Class-Five'' flagship carrier" by the UNSC due to its common use at the center of fleets.<ref name="DD4"/>
Assault carriers are often used as [[flagship]]s, leading [[Covenant fleet]]s into battle. Though designed for planetary combat, they also excel at ship-to-ship combat, possessing multiple [[pulse laser turret|pulse laser]] batteries, [[plasma turret]]s, and at least three [[energy projector]]s.<ref name="Cairo">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> Along with the larger ''CSO''-class supercarrier, the ''CAS'' is designated a "''Class-Five'' flagship carrier" by the UNSC due to its common use at the center of fleets.{{Ref/Reuse|DD4}}


Given the similar design and purpose of the ''CAS'' to the ''CSO''-class supercarrier it is possible that light cruisers may even be capable of using the ''CAS'' as a refueling depot in the absence of repair and resupply stations like ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''. Like many vessels in the Covenant fleet the vessel was capable of rapidly deploying Covenant soldiers to the front with the use of [[Covenant drop pod|orbital insertion pods]]. Like most Covenant ships, they also possess [[gravity lift]]s, used for ferrying supplies, personnel, and vehicles from the ship and to a planet's surface.<ref name="Metropolis">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Uplift Reserve]]''</ref>
Given the similar design and purpose of the ''CAS'' to the ''CSO''-class supercarrier it is possible that light cruisers may even be capable of using the ''CAS'' as a refueling depot in the absence of repair and resupply stations like ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''. Like many vessels in the Covenant fleet the vessel was capable of rapidly deploying Covenant soldiers to the front with the use of [[Covenant drop pod|orbital insertion pods]]. Like most Covenant ships, they also possess [[gravity lift]]s, used for ferrying supplies, personnel, and vehicles from the ship and to a planet's surface.<ref name="Metropolis">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Uplift Reserve]]''</ref>


===Armament===
===Armament===
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 name="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 name="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.
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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 ''CAS''-class assault carrier had entered production at least by circa [[2135]].<ref name="Warfleet"/> 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 {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}s and {{Class|CPV|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 [[Attack on 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.   
The ''CAS''-class assault carrier had entered production at least by circa [[2135]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} 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 {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}s and {{Class|CPV|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 [[Attack on 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.   


Following the destruction of the {{Class|CSO|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 led by the ''[[Seeker of Truth]]'' of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] 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 {{Class|CSO|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 led by the ''[[Seeker of Truth]]'' of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] 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>


Months later two such vessels led the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] to [[Earth]], where they engaged the [[UNSC Navy|UNSC]] [[UNSC Home Fleet|Home Fleet]], including the [[Fifth Fleet]], in orbit above [[Africa]]. The first one, carrying the [[Prophet of Regret]] himself, managed to penetrate Earth's orbital defenses. The second, ''[[Day of Jubilation]]'', attempted to follow, but was subsequently destroyed by [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]] with one of the Covenant's [[Antimatter charge|own bombs]].<ref name="Cairo" /> After the [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] disabled a [[Type-47A Scarab]], the Prophet of Regret's assault carrier ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' fled to slipspace, as the UNSC forces were likely to recapture the city of [[New Mombasa]] with the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} and four other ships following close behind in its slipspace wake, leading human forces to [[Installation 05]].<ref name="Metropolis" /><ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Delta Halo]]''</ref>
Months later two such vessels led the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] to [[Earth]], where they engaged the [[UNSC Navy|UNSC]] [[UNSC Home Fleet|Home Fleet]], including the [[Fifth Fleet]], in orbit above [[Africa]]. The first one, carrying the [[Prophet of Regret]] himself, managed to penetrate Earth's orbital defenses. The second, ''[[Day of Jubilation]]'', attempted to follow, but was subsequently destroyed by [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]] with one of the Covenant's [[Antimatter charge|own bombs]].{{Ref/Reuse|Cairo}} After the [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] disabled a [[Type-47A Scarab]], the Prophet of Regret's assault carrier ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' fled to slipspace, as the UNSC forces were likely to recapture the city of [[New Mombasa]] with the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} and four other ships following close behind in its slipspace wake, leading human forces to [[Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|Metropolis}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Delta Halo]]''</ref>


During the [[Battle for Earth|deep and bloody siege of Earth]] that was still continuing, numerous assault carriers were assigned within [[Truth's fleet|multiple Covenant reinforcement fleets]] sent by the [[Prophet of Truth]] to complete the destruction of humanity's last and most important and defended stronghold. Near the end of the [[Battle of Mombasa]], at least three assault carriers along with around nine other ships of a [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE|nearly-defunct]] Covenant fleet of five hundred ships led by the massive and command mobile battlestation, ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'', joined the remaining battlecruisers of the Fleet of Sacred Consecration in finishing the glassing of [[Mombasa]] and excavating the [[Portal at Voi]].<ref name="HLC2">''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'', [[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]</ref><ref name="waypoint">'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"Ten Twenty" history entry''</ref> One, having exited slipspace nearby to begin glassing operations, nearly killed [[Alpha-Nine]] as they escaped in a hijacked [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]].<ref name="Coastal Highway" /> Near the end of the Battle for Earth, at least a few of survived carriers retreated with [[Anodyne Spirit|Truth's ship]] and his fleet through the portal to the Ark.<ref name="The Storm">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref>
During the [[Battle for Earth|deep and bloody siege of Earth]] that was still continuing, numerous assault carriers were assigned within [[Truth's fleet|multiple Covenant reinforcement fleets]] sent by the [[Prophet of Truth]] to complete the destruction of humanity's last and most important and defended stronghold. Near the end of the [[Battle of Mombasa]], at least three assault carriers along with around nine other ships of a [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE|nearly-defunct]] Covenant fleet of five hundred ships led by the massive and command mobile battlestation, ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'', joined the remaining battlecruisers of the Fleet of Sacred Consecration in finishing the glassing of [[Mombasa]] and excavating the [[Portal at Voi]].<ref name="HLC2">''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'', [[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]</ref><ref name="waypoint">'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"Ten Twenty" history entry''</ref> One, having exited slipspace nearby to begin glassing operations, nearly killed [[Alpha-Nine]] as they escaped in a hijacked [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]].{{Ref/Reuse|Coastal Highway}} Near the end of the Battle for Earth, at least a few of survived carriers retreated with [[Anodyne Spirit|Truth's ship]] and his fleet through the portal to the Ark.<ref name="The Storm">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref>


The assault carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' later became the flagship of the [[Fleet of Retribution]], which also includes another assault carrier.<ref name=heretic>'''[[Halo 3]]''', multiplayer level ''[[Heretic]]''</ref> The [[Special Operations Commander]] and [[Fleetmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]], in command of the ship, led his fleet to Earth in pursuit of a surviving [[Flood]] [[Indulgence of Conviction|ship]], arriving in time to [[Glassing|glass]] the [[Voi|infected area]] of the planet.<ref name="Floodgate" /> ''Shadow of Intent'' and its escorting cruisers joined the remnants of the UNSC Home Fleet's [[Seventh Fleet]] to launch a joint attack on the Covenant at [[Installation 00]], destroying their fleet and providing a distraction while ground forces engaged Truth's loyalists that had landed on the installation.<ref name="The Covenant" /><ref name="Ark">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref> It later evacuated the UNSC and Sangheili personnel and returned to Earth for a short time before returning to [[Sanghelios]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> The ''Shadow of Intent'' later became embroiled in a conflict with [[Tem'Bhetek's faction]] which was seeking revenge against the Sangheili. After defeating the faction, Rtas decided to seek out the surviving [[San'Shyuum]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'''</ref>
The assault carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' later became the flagship of the [[Fleet of Retribution]], which also includes another assault carrier.<ref name=heretic>'''[[Halo 3]]''', multiplayer level ''[[Heretic]]''</ref> The [[Special Operations Commander]] and [[Fleetmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]], in command of the ship, led his fleet to Earth in pursuit of a surviving [[Flood]] [[Indulgence of Conviction|ship]], arriving in time to [[Glassing|glass]] the [[Voi|infected area]] of the planet.{{Ref/Reuse|Floodgate}} ''Shadow of Intent'' and its escorting cruisers joined the remnants of the UNSC Home Fleet's [[Seventh Fleet]] to launch a joint attack on the Covenant at [[Installation 00]], destroying their fleet and providing a distraction while ground forces engaged Truth's loyalists that had landed on the installation.{{Ref/Reuse|The Covenant}}<ref name="Ark">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref> It later evacuated the UNSC and Sangheili personnel and returned to Earth for a short time before returning to [[Sanghelios]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> The ''Shadow of Intent'' later became embroiled in a conflict with [[Tem'Bhetek's faction]] which was seeking revenge against the Sangheili. After defeating the faction, Rtas decided to seek out the surviving [[San'Shyuum]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'''</ref>


By [[2554]], [[Jul 'Mdama]], a [[shipmaster]] and [[Supreme Leader]] of his [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|self-proclaimed Covenant]] commanded the assault carrier ''[[Song of Retribution]]'' during his attempts to enter the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] [[Requiem]].<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref> [[2557|Three years later]], the ''Song of Retribution'' led a fleet of numerous {{Class|CRS|light cruiser}}s.<ref name="terminal">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/detail/halo-4-terminal-jul-mdama/0f378de5-e0e3-4f31-a1e1-2a363af4094d '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Halo 4 Terminal: Jul 'Mdama'']</ref> After rebelling against Jul, [[Sali 'Nyon]] stole away the assault carrier ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' from him.<ref name="Escalation">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]'''</ref>
By [[2554]], [[Jul 'Mdama]], a [[shipmaster]] and [[Supreme Leader]] of his [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|self-proclaimed Covenant]] commanded the assault carrier ''[[Song of Retribution]]'' during his attempts to enter the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] [[Requiem]].<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref> [[2557|Three years later]], the ''Song of Retribution'' led a fleet of numerous {{Class|CRS|light cruiser}}s.<ref name="terminal">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/detail/halo-4-terminal-jul-mdama/0f378de5-e0e3-4f31-a1e1-2a363af4094d '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Halo 4 Terminal: Jul 'Mdama'']</ref> After rebelling against Jul, [[Sali 'Nyon]] stole away the assault carrier ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' from him.<ref name="Escalation">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]'''</ref>


Numerous assault carriers were present at the peace talks on [[Ealen IV]] under the command of the Arbiter, [[Thel 'Vadam]], and the Elder Jiralhanae Chieftain, [[Lydus]]. Many assault carriers were also used under the command of [[Vata 'Gajat]] during the [[Battle of Ealen IV|battle]] that ensued in an attempt to capture the delegates.<ref name="Escalation" />
Numerous assault carriers were present at the peace talks on [[Ealen IV]] under the command of the Arbiter, [[Thel 'Vadam]], and the Elder Jiralhanae Chieftain, [[Lydus]]. Many assault carriers were also used under the command of [[Vata 'Gajat]] during the [[Battle of Ealen IV|battle]] that ensued in an attempt to capture the delegates.{{Ref/Reuse|Escalation}}


Around [[2553#May|May 6, 2553]], [[Atriox]], leader of the [[Banished]], was able to sway the assault carrier ''[[Enduring Conviction]]'', commanded by [[Shipmaster]] [[Let 'Volir]], to his side with the vessel becoming his [[flagship]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''',  ''[[Phoenix Logs]]'' - ''Rise of Atriox III''</ref> ''Enduring Conviction'' transported the Banished to the Ark in the wake of the beginning of the [[Created conflict]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> During the [[Second Ark Conflict]], after forces from the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} killed his second-in-command [[Decimus]], Atriox had the assault carrier directly attack the ''Spirit of Fire'' with the old {{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}} proving to be no match for the assault carrier. In response, [[smart AI]] [[Isabel]] devised a plan to destroy the assault carrier using the Ark's own defenses.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Lights Out]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Hold the Line]]''</ref> After Isabel boarded the ship alongside [[Spartan-II]] [[Jerome-092]], she fired ''Enduring Conviction's'' ventral [[energy projector]] at the Ark's surface, prompting the Ark's [[Sentinel]] defenses to assault ''Enduring Conviction'', ultimately cutting it in half and destroying the assault carrier. The ship's destruction left the Banished without both their greatest asset and the only ship they had capable of slipspace travel, stranding the Banished upon the Ark.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Under the Dark]]''</ref>
Around [[2553#May|May 6, 2553]], [[Atriox]], leader of the [[Banished]], was able to sway the assault carrier ''[[Enduring Conviction]]'', commanded by [[Shipmaster]] [[Let 'Volir]], to his side with the vessel becoming his [[flagship]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''',  ''[[Phoenix Logs]]'' - ''Rise of Atriox III''</ref> ''Enduring Conviction'' transported the Banished to the Ark in the wake of the beginning of the [[Created conflict]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> During the [[Second Ark Conflict]], after forces from the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} killed his second-in-command [[Decimus]], Atriox had the assault carrier directly attack the ''Spirit of Fire'' with the old {{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}} proving to be no match for the assault carrier. In response, [[smart AI]] [[Isabel]] devised a plan to destroy the assault carrier using the Ark's own defenses.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Lights Out]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Hold the Line]]''</ref> After Isabel boarded the ship alongside [[Spartan-II]] [[Jerome-092]], she fired ''Enduring Conviction's'' ventral [[energy projector]] at the Ark's surface, prompting the Ark's [[Sentinel]] defenses to assault ''Enduring Conviction'', ultimately cutting it in half and destroying the assault carrier. The ship's destruction left the Banished without both their greatest asset and the only ship they had capable of slipspace travel, stranding the Banished upon the Ark.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Under the Dark]]''</ref>

Revision as of 08:50, April 15, 2021

"Assault carrier" redirects here. For the UNSC carrier, see Orion-class assault carrier.
CAS-class assault carrier
Kerel-pattern
H3 Assault Carrier render.png
Syfon-pattern
HFB - CAS carrier top.jpg
Unknown pattern
HR CAS assaultcarrier Render2.png
Production information

Class:

Assault carrier

Role:

  • Ship-to-ship combat
  • Fighter/interceptor deployment
  • Atmospheric fire support
  • Command and control
Technical specifications

Length:

5,347 metres (17,540 ft) [1][2][3]

Width:

2,118 metres (6,950 ft)[4]

Height:

746 metres (2,450 ft)[4]

Mass:

2.7 billion tonnes[5]

Power plant:

Pinch fusion reactor

Engine(s):

3× Raphyus-pattern Repulsor engines[5]

Slipspace drive:

Primus-pattern borer (CODEN Series VI equivalent)[5]

Navigation system(s):

Navigation computer

Hull:

Nanolaminate hull plating

Shielding:

Tantalus-pattern dispersal field generators[5]

Armament:

Kerel-pattern

Complement:

Crew:

Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Affiliation:

 

"Look at the size of that thing!"
— Edward Buck after an assault carrier arrives over New Mombasa.[7]

The CAS-class assault carrier[1] is a large capital ship used by the Covenant. The CAS is designed for ship-to-ship combat, command and control of fleet operations, and close atmospheric support for ground occupation forces. Such vessels are typically deployed during invasions of worlds with high strategic value.[8]

Specifications

Superstructure and hull

A carrier glassing New Mombasa.

The CAS-class has a length of 5,347 metres (17,540 ft), a beam of 2,118 metres (6,950 ft), and a height of 746 metres (2,450 ft). This makes it the second largest ship of the line the Covenant navy employed throughout the Human-Covenant War. Although the CAS-class carrier's keel length is inferior, its width and volume are in the realm of twice as large as even the UNSC's prototype flagship UNSC Infinity, the largest vessel in human history.

The class' hull is comprised of nanolaminate plating; however, its greatest assets are its 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 focusing fire on it.[9] Furthermore, Rtas 'Vadum employed the tactic of ramming CCS-class battlecruisers during the Battle of Installation 00 with no visible damage being inflicted upon his flagship.[10] A further testament to this vessel's survivability is that it was selected by the Covenant alongside the much larger CSO-class supercarrier to serve as the Hierarchs' personal flagships when they were not aboard the also heavily shielded High Charity.[8] 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.

Assault carriers can also carry large nature preserves on board. An example of this is the Solemn Penance which had a large nature preserve like those found on the DSC-class support ships.[11]

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. There is a second hangar bay visible, near the stern of the carrier, above the main engines.[10]

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 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 "S", or Salvation, in the carrier's three-letter classification code, "CAS", indicates that the CAS-class assault carrier is a dedicated warship.[12]

Propulsion

For propulsion, assault carriers rely on large deuterium-tritium pinch fusion reactors, housed in cavernous chambers,[9] which power the ship's vital systems, as well as the three aft-mounted repulsor engines 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.

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.[13]

Crew and complement

The CAS-class' exact crew size and complement are unknown, however its size and combat records suggest a crew of thousands. 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.[14] A single CAS-class assault carrier is capable of deploying a military force sizable enough to secure an entire 26th century city.[15] The class' cavernous main hangar has the capacity of carrying hundreds of Seraph multirole fighters, Banshee attack craft, Type-52 Phantom and Type-25 Spirit dropships, and boarding craft.

Supplementing their considerable infantry detachments, each assault carrier holds large fleets of Ghosts and Wraiths, along with a number of Scarabs. In November 2552, the UNSC frigate UNSC Forward Unto Dawn docked inside the launch bay of Shadow of Intent, an assault carrier, demonstrating the immense size of the class.[16] The class is also fitted with Covenant escape pods.

Assault carriers are often used as flagships, leading Covenant fleets into battle. Though designed for planetary combat, they also excel at ship-to-ship combat, possessing multiple pulse laser batteries, plasma turrets, and at least three energy projectors.[9] Along with the larger CSO-class supercarrier, the CAS is designated a "Class-Five flagship carrier" by the UNSC due to its common use at the center of fleets.[8]

Given the similar design and purpose of the CAS to the CSO-class supercarrier it is possible that light cruisers may even be capable of using the CAS as a refueling depot in the absence of repair and resupply stations like Unyielding Hierophant. Like many vessels in the Covenant fleet the vessel was capable of rapidly deploying Covenant soldiers to the front with the use of orbital insertion pods. Like most Covenant ships, they also possess gravity lifts, used for ferrying supplies, personnel, and vehicles from the ship and to a planet's surface.[15][17]

Armament

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 projectors on its ventral and dorsal surfaces which are powerful enough to cut through UNSC capital ships.[9] They also possess multiple pulse laser turrets, which are used for intercepting enemy missiles and fighters, and plasma torpedoes for engaging in ship-to-ship combat and assaulting planetary defenses.[10] There is also some variety within the assault carrier class; individual assault carriers sometimes possess differing capabilities in terms of defenses and armament.[18]

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 Marathon-class heavy cruiser with a single blast of its dorsal energy projector.

Operational history

The massive launch bay of the assault carrier.

The CAS-class assault carrier had entered production at least by circa 2135.[5] The 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 CCS-class battlecruisers and CPV-class heavy destroyers attacked and glassed the world.[19] Subsequently, the assault carrier Pious Rampage was the flagship of the Fleet of Inexorable Obedience which glassed at least seven human worlds.[20] The Pious Rampage was one of the few vessels to survive the Attack on Zhoist which decimated the Fleet of Inexorable Obedience.[21] 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.

Following the destruction of the CSO-class 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 led by the Seeker of Truth of the Fleet of Particular Justice 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.[22]

Months later two such vessels led the Fleet of Sacred Consecration to Earth, where they engaged the UNSC Home Fleet, including the Fifth Fleet, in orbit above Africa. The first one, carrying the Prophet of Regret himself, managed to penetrate Earth's orbital defenses. The second, Day of Jubilation, attempted to follow, but was subsequently destroyed by SPARTAN John-117 with one of the Covenant's own bombs.[9] After the Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 disabled a Type-47A Scarab, the Prophet of Regret's assault carrier Solemn Penance fled to slipspace, as the UNSC forces were likely to recapture the city of New Mombasa with the UNSC In Amber Clad and four other ships following close behind in its slipspace wake, leading human forces to Installation 05.[15][23][24]

During the deep and bloody siege of Earth that was still continuing, numerous assault carriers were assigned within multiple Covenant reinforcement fleets sent by the Prophet of Truth to complete the destruction of humanity's last and most important and defended stronghold. Near the end of the Battle of Mombasa, at least three assault carriers along with around nine other ships of a nearly-defunct Covenant fleet of five hundred ships led by the massive and command mobile battlestation, Unyielding Hierophant, joined the remaining battlecruisers of the Fleet of Sacred Consecration in finishing the glassing of Mombasa and excavating the Portal at Voi.[25][26] One, having exited slipspace nearby to begin glassing operations, nearly killed Alpha-Nine as they escaped in a hijacked Phantom.[7] Near the end of the Battle for Earth, at least a few of survived carriers retreated with Truth's ship and his fleet through the portal to the Ark.[27]

The assault carrier Shadow of Intent later became the flagship of the Fleet of Retribution, which also includes another assault carrier.[28] The Special Operations Commander and Fleetmaster Rtas 'Vadum, in command of the ship, led his fleet to Earth in pursuit of a surviving Flood ship, arriving in time to glass the infected area of the planet.[16] Shadow of Intent and its escorting cruisers joined the remnants of the UNSC Home Fleet's Seventh Fleet to launch a joint attack on the Covenant at Installation 00, destroying their fleet and providing a distraction while ground forces engaged Truth's loyalists that had landed on the installation.[6][10] It later evacuated the UNSC and Sangheili personnel and returned to Earth for a short time before returning to Sanghelios.[29] The Shadow of Intent later became embroiled in a conflict with Tem'Bhetek's faction which was seeking revenge against the Sangheili. After defeating the faction, Rtas decided to seek out the surviving San'Shyuum.[30]

By 2554, Jul 'Mdama, a shipmaster and Supreme Leader of his self-proclaimed Covenant commanded the assault carrier Song of Retribution during his attempts to enter the Forerunner shield world Requiem.[31] Three years later, the Song of Retribution led a fleet of numerous CRS-class light cruisers.[32] After rebelling against Jul, Sali 'Nyon stole away the assault carrier Breath of Annihilation from him.[33]

Numerous assault carriers were present at the peace talks on Ealen IV under the command of the Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam, and the Elder Jiralhanae Chieftain, Lydus. Many assault carriers were also used under the command of Vata 'Gajat during the battle that ensued in an attempt to capture the delegates.[33]

Around May 6, 2553, Atriox, leader of the Banished, was able to sway the assault carrier Enduring Conviction, commanded by Shipmaster Let 'Volir, to his side with the vessel becoming his flagship.[34] Enduring Conviction transported the Banished to the Ark in the wake of the beginning of the Created conflict.[35] During the Second Ark Conflict, after forces from the UNSC Spirit of Fire killed his second-in-command Decimus, Atriox had the assault carrier directly attack the Spirit of Fire with the old Phoenix-class colony ship proving to be no match for the assault carrier. In response, smart AI Isabel devised a plan to destroy the assault carrier using the Ark's own defenses.[36][37] After Isabel boarded the ship alongside Spartan-II Jerome-092, she fired Enduring Conviction's ventral energy projector at the Ark's surface, prompting the Ark's Sentinel defenses to assault Enduring Conviction, ultimately cutting it in half and destroying the assault carrier. The ship's destruction left the Banished without both their greatest asset and the only ship they had capable of slipspace travel, stranding the Banished upon the Ark.[38]

Known assault carriers

Kerel-pattern

Syfon-pattern

Unknown pattern

The following CAS have no confirmation on what pattern they are:

Halo: Fleet Battles

CAS-class Assault Carrier

  • Cost: 750 Points
  • Movement: 5"

Fore Section

  • Damage Track: 10 • 8 • 7
  • Build rating: 5
  • Hangars: 3
  • Boarding Craft: 3
  • Security Detail: 6
  • System Loadouts:
    • Glide (3")
    • Labyrinthine
    • point Defense (7)
    • Defense Array (8)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
    • Range: 20/40"
    • Weapon Loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 20
  • Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
    • Range: 20/-"
    • Weapon Loadouts: Beam/Plasma
    • Firing arc: Forward or Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 15/15/15
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing arc: Forward
    • Dice: 10

Mid Section

  • Damage Track: 11 • 10 • 5
  • Build rating: 6
  • Hangars: 10
  • Boarding Craft: 5
  • Security Detail: 8
  • System Loadouts:
    • Carrier Action (3)
    • Glide (3")
    • Labyrinthine
    • point Defense (8)
    • Defense Array (9)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma cannon Arrays
    • Range: 10/20"
    • Weapon Loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing arc: Port & Starboard
    • Dice: 15
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon Loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing arc: Port+Starboard
    • Dice: 16

Aft Section

  • Damage Track: 10 • 8 • 7
  • Build rating: 5
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 2
  • Security Detail: 6
  • System Loadouts:
    • Glide (3")
    • Labyrinthine
    • point Defense (7)
    • Defense Array (8)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
    • Range: 10/20"
    • Weapon Loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing arc: aft
    • Dice: 15
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing arc: Aft
    • Dice: 16

Covenant Assault carrier (CAS) Special Rules

  • Cathedral of the Faithful:
    • Each Section on a CAS can replace ONE of its listed boarding Craft with a Zealot for NO POINTS! This bonus is in addition to the standard number of Zealots available to a Fleet.
  • Seraph Hosts:
    • All Seraph Interceptor Wings launched by a CAS increase their maximum size to 6 rather than the normal 5.
  • Limited Resources:
    • All CAS-class Assault carrier exist as individual Battle Groups and are not required to follow the standard rules for Battle group creation. Whilst they are not specialist Battle Groups, they are restricted by the size of Fleet they are attached to. A single CAS-class Assault Carrier can be included in a fleet for every FULL 1250 Points being played.

Trivia

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Gallery

  • The Solemn Penance hangs ominously in the clouds over New Mombasa in Halo 2.

    The Solemn Penance hangs ominously in the clouds over New Mombasa in Halo 2.

  • An assault carrier's pinch fusion reactor in Halo 2.

    An assault carrier's pinch fusion reactor in Halo 2.

  • An assault carrier firing its dorsal energy projector at John-117 during the Battle for Earth.

    An assault carrier firing its dorsal energy projector at John-117 during the Battle for Earth.

  • Numerous assault carriers around portal to the Ark in the Halo 3 announcement trailer.

    Numerous assault carriers around portal to the Ark in the Halo 3 announcement trailer.

  • An assault carrier being accompanied by several CCS-class battlecruisers.

    An assault carrier being accompanied by several CCS-class battlecruisers.

  • A CAS-class assault carrier compared to a CCS-class battlecruiser in Halo 3.

    A CAS-class assault carrier compared to a CCS-class battlecruiser in Halo 3.

  • An overview of the assault carrier.

    An overview of the assault carrier.

  • A forward view of Shadow of Intent.

    A forward view of Shadow of Intent.

  • A UNSC frigate flying under an assault carrier. Note the size of the carrier's hangar.

    A UNSC frigate flying under an assault carrier. Note the size of the carrier's hangar.

  • The interior of an assault carrier's hanger bay. Note the UNSC frigate and dropships of both Covenant and human design in dock.

    The interior of an assault carrier's hanger bay. Note the UNSC frigate and dropships of both Covenant and human design in dock.

  • A side view of the assault carrier Shadow of Intent. Note that there is a second hangar above the engines at the stern of the ship.

    A side view of the assault carrier Shadow of Intent. Note that there is a second hangar above the engines at the stern of the ship.

  • A top-down view of the assault carrier Shadow of Intent. Note that there is a second hangar above the engines at the stern of the ship.

    A top-down view of the assault carrier Shadow of Intent. Note that there is a second hangar above the engines at the stern of the ship.

  • A full view of the carrier's underside.

    A full view of the carrier's underside.

  • The bridge of Shadow of Intent.

    The bridge of Shadow of Intent.

  • An assault carrier's interior.

    An assault carrier's interior.

  • The supposed second hangar bay of an assault carrier.

    The supposed second hangar bay of an assault carrier.

  • An overhead view of an assault carrier and two CCS-class battlecruisers on Heretic.

    An overhead view of an assault carrier and two CCS-class battlecruisers on Heretic.

  • A carrier escorted by two battlecruisers.

    A carrier escorted by two battlecruisers.

  • Solemn Penance over New Mombasa as seen from the Rookie's SOEIV in Halo 3: ODST.

    Solemn Penance over New Mombasa as seen from the Rookie's SOEIV in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Concept art for Halo: Legends: The Package of an assault carrier's fore and aft sections separated by Modular Dispersal Technology.

    Concept art for Halo: Legends: The Package of an assault carrier's fore and aft sections separated by Modular Dispersal Technology.

  • A forward view of Clarity of Faith in Halo: Blood Line.

    A forward view of Clarity of Faith in Halo: Blood Line.

  • Assault carrier scale.

    Assault carrier scale.

  • A render of the assault carrier.

    A render of the assault carrier.

  • A CAS-class carrier in the Halo 4 Prologue.

    A CAS-class carrier in the Halo 4 Prologue.

  • The dorsal energy projector of a CAS-class assault carrier in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer.

    The dorsal energy projector of a CAS-class assault carrier in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer.

  • An assault carrier's energy projector piercing the hull of a Marathon-class heavy cruiser in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    An assault carrier's energy projector piercing the hull of a Marathon-class heavy cruiser in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Solemn Penance performs an in-atmosphere slipspace jump on Earth.

    Solemn Penance performs an in-atmosphere slipspace jump on Earth.

  • The Solemn Penance exiting slipspace.

    The Solemn Penance exiting slipspace.

  • A CAS-class assault carrier's gravity lift active on Balaho in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.

    A CAS-class assault carrier's gravity lift active on Balaho in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.

  • A triad of CAS-class assault carriers fly in formation after the Battle of Meridian; leading them is the Solemn Penance.

    A triad of CAS-class assault carriers fly in formation after the Battle of Meridian; leading them is the Solemn Penance.

  • A detailed view of a CAS-class assault carrier's underside as it files past Cairo Station during the Battle for Earth.

    A detailed view of a CAS-class assault carrier's underside as it files past Cairo Station during the Battle for Earth.

  • Two CAS-class assault carriers battle the UNSC Home Fleet during the disastrous initial assault of the Battle for Earth.

    Two CAS-class assault carriers battle the UNSC Home Fleet during the disastrous initial assault of the Battle for Earth.

  • The internal pinch fusion reactor of an assault carrier in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The internal pinch fusion reactor of an assault carrier in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A CAS-class assault carrier holds position above the great city of High Charity alongside several CCS-class battlecruisers.

    A CAS-class assault carrier holds position above the great city of High Charity alongside several CCS-class battlecruisers.

  • Several CAS-class assault carriers close in on High Charity to join the battle above Installation 05.

    Several CAS-class assault carriers close in on High Charity to join the battle above Installation 05.

  • A CAS-class assault carrier leading a fleet in Halo: Fleet Battles.

    A CAS-class assault carrier leading a fleet in Halo: Fleet Battles.

  • A CAS-class assault carrier and SDV-class heavy corvette.

    A CAS-class assault carrier and SDV-class heavy corvette.

  • Assault carrier to scale with other Covenant and UNSC vessels, outmassed only by the Brigantine and the UNSC Infinity.

    Assault carrier to scale with other Covenant and UNSC vessels, outmassed only by the Brigantine and the UNSC Infinity.

  • The crashed assault carrier Enduring Conviction on Installation 00 in Know Your Enemy.

    The crashed assault carrier Enduring Conviction on Installation 00 in Know Your Enemy.

  • A render of a CAS-class assault carrier from Halo 2.

    A render of a CAS-class assault carrier from Halo 2.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 28
  2. ^ HBO image that demonstrates the size and scale of starships in the Halo Universe
  3. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 264
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Shadow of Intent
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Halo: Warfleet, page 70-71
  6. ^ a b Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  7. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Coastal Highway
  8. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Data Drop Four
  9. ^ a b c d e Halo 2, campaign level Cairo Station
  10. ^ a b c d Halo 3, campaign level The Ark
  11. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Terminal 14
  12. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder: Have S'moa
  13. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Prepare to Drop
  14. ^ Halo Mythos, page 151
  15. ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  16. ^ a b Halo 3, campaign level Floodgate
  17. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Uplift Reserve
  18. ^ Twitter: @HaloWaypoint It's been said that...
  19. ^ Halo: Reach, Dr. Halsey's personal journal
  20. ^ Halo: Silent Storm
  21. ^ Halo: Oblivion
  22. ^ Halo 4, multiplayer map, Landfall - evacuation alert messages
  23. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
  24. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Delta Halo
  25. ^ Halo Legendary Crate, Data Drop #2
  26. ^ Halo Waypoint, "Ten Twenty" history entry
  27. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Storm
  28. ^ Halo 3, multiplayer level Heretic
  29. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Halo
  30. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent
  31. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide
  32. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo 4 Terminal: Jul 'Mdama
  33. ^ a b Halo: Escalation
  34. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Rise of Atriox III
  35. ^ Halo Wars 2
  36. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level Lights Out
  37. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level Hold the Line
  38. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level Under the Dark
  39. ^ Spartan Games: Covenant Assault Carrier
  40. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, Chapter 9
  41. ^ Halo 3 Legendary Edition developer commentary

v • d • e
 
Ship classifications of the Covenant and its remnants
Light warships
Jiralhanae ships
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