Template:Weapon Infobox

The M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon (M41 SSR MAAW), formally known as the Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon, Bore 102mm, M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Launcher, and commonly known as the Jackhammer or the SPNKR, is a heavy ordnance weapon used by the UNSC Defense Force. It is manufactured by Misriah Armory.[1][2][3]

Design details

Through the various shoulder-launched rocket launchers used by the UNSC Defense Force since its creation, only the M41 rocket launcher has the tactical importance to be heavily manufactured.[4] The M41 SSR has been in service with the UNSCDF for decades, as early as the Insurrection.[2] It fires M19 102mm high-explosive shaped charge missiles. The weapon uses a unique system for loading and firing: rather than using a traditional magazine or single-shot system, it is fed by a pair of detachable barrels, each of which holds a single rocket. When one of the rockets is fired, the other is cycled into place; when both have been fired, the operator removes the barrel unit and inserts another. This allows the operator to quickly reload while in combat and greatly reduces the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away, as with some disposable rocket launchers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.[2]

The launcher has a 2x scope and can fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy, although the rockets' altitude decreases over long distances. The weapon possesses great firepower and, in many cases, is able to destroy even a Covenant Wraith tank with a single missile. Infantry armed with M41 rocket launchers can often turn the tide of a battle after other sources of heavy firepower have been destroyed.[4] Many M41s and their M19 rockets are equipped with target tracking systems;[1] these systems allow the operator to "home" on a target, which often guarantees that the target will be struck, even if it attempts evasive maneuvers. Some launchers are capable of tracking both ground-based and airborne targets,[5][6] while others are capable of tracking only aircraft.[7] Some M41s lack any form of tracking technology, requiring the operator to "dumb fire" the weapon without targeting assistance.[8][9][10]

Some M41s feature a smart-linked sight, a trigger guard, and an ergonomic thumbhole stock, adding the impression of greater bulk.[7][11] However, other versions lack these design features, possessing only a pistol grip and no trigger guard, resulting in a more skeletal overall appearance.[5][9][10][6]

Changes among games

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2

  • The weapon has a different firing sound effect.
  • The weapon's melee attack and reload speeds are faster.
  • Holding the right trigger allows the player to home on vehicles, gun turrets, and Sentinel Enforcers in the campaign.
  • Ammunition is indicated in the scope when zoomed in.
  • The HUD ammunition indicator illustration is changed.
  • The weapon's firepower and splash damage are decreased.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST

  • The weapon's missiles travel faster.
  • The tubing has a metallic silver color rather than a synthetic black finish.
  • It lacks the homing feature from Halo 2.
  • It has a different firing sound effect.
  • The weapon's melee attack and reload speeds are further decreased.
  • The HUD ammunition indicator is again changed.

Changes from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST to Halo: Reach

  • The grips of the weapon are enclosed in a thumbhole design.
  • It can now lock on to aircraft, but not other types of vehicles.
  • It has slightly different firing and rocket detonation sounds.
  • Rockets travel noticeably faster.
  • Splash damage is increased.
  • Rockets are mildly affected by gravity.

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4

  • Rockets' travel speed increased.
  • The sound of the weapon firing has been, akin to the "tube" sound of a grenade launcher.
  • The weapon no longer has an audible indicator to verify that a lock has been achieved.
  • The rocket now leaves a noticeable vapor trail when fired.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians

Trivia

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named EVG
  2. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia, page 314
  3. ^ Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Ordnance Page
  4. ^ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named universe
  5. ^ a b Halo 2
  6. ^ a b Halo Wars
  7. ^ a b Halo: Reach
  8. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  9. ^ a b Halo 3
  10. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST
  11. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  12. ^ Halo Waypoint: How Fans Helped Shape the Multiplayer of Halo 5: Guardians