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{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Vehicle Infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=AC-220 Vulture
|image=[[File:HaloWars-Vulture.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:HaloWars-Vulture.png|300px]]
|name=Vulture
|manufacturer=[[Ushuaia Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG202|EVG|Page=202}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=155}}
|manufacturer=[[Ushuaia Armory]]<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 202''</ref>
|line=
|line=
|model=AC-220
|model=
|class=Heavy gunship
|cost=
|length={{Convert|35.1|m|ft}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/sloftus_scalecomparison/1280h.html?display=unsca '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Determining the Real Sizes of Objects in Halo - Update'']</ref>
|length={{Convert|115.1|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG202}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|width={{Convert|69.5|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG202}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height=
|height={{Convert|32.9|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass=
|mass={{Convert|182|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max accel=
|max speed=
|max speed space=
|max speed air=
|engine=
|engine=
|slipspace drive=
|hull=
|slipspace speed=
|armament=
|poweroutput=
*4 [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power=
*2 [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 Sylver VLS pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|shield gen=None
**[[Anvil-IV air-to-surface missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|hull=Titanium armor plating
**[[Phoenix missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|sensor=
*2 [[Argent V missile]] launchers{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|target=
|crew=6{{Ref/Reuse|unsc}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|navigation=
*1 [[pilot]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|avionics=
*1 co-pilot{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|countermeasures=
*4 systems operators/gunners{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|armament=*[[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher]] (4-6)
*[[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s (4)
*[[Argent V missile]]s (18)
*[[Phoenix missile]]s
|complement=
|complement=
|crew=6
*Pilot (1)
*Co-pilot (1)
*Multiple gunners
|skeleton=
|passengers=
|capacity=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=[[2498]]
|firstuse=[[2498]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Second Ark Conflict]]
|role=
|role=
*Ground-attack/close air support  
*Ground-attack/close air support  
*[[wikipedia:Siege|Siegeworks]]/artillery assault gunship
*[[wikipedia:Siege|Siegeworks]]/artillery assault gunship
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Reclamation conflict]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|The Vulture is one of the UNSC's most powerful units. Basically a highly armed flying assault [[tank]] packed to the brim with weapons, the Vulture is the largest aircraft fielded by the UNSC. It is designed to deliver massive damage to enemy ground troops after air superiority has been achieved. It is slow moving but carries an impressive armament of two twin-autocannons and rocket silos that can be used to deliver a devastating barrage to enemies in a wide area.<br>Crewed by highly trained UNSC pilot and gunners, the Vulture is an expensive unit and is usually reserved for difficult or lengthy battles. Being slow, it is vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire and enemy aircraft, but it is surprisingly resilient.|Official Halo Wars website<ref>Halo Wars official website</ref>}}
{{Quote|Death From Above{{Ref/Reuse|unsc}}}}


The '''AC-220 Vulture''' is a heavy gunship used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It is the preferred aerial combat vehicle during prolonged air-and-ground engagements, particularly against heavily fortified enemy strongholds.<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356?filter=all '''Halo Waypoint''': ''AC-220 Vulture gunship''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110325090514/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356 Archive.org])</ref>
The '''AC-220 Gunship''', colloquially known as the '''Vulture''', is a heavy gunship manufactured by [[Ushuaia Armory]] and fielded by the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} It is the preferred aerial combat vehicle during prolonged air-and-ground engagements, particularly against heavily fortified enemy strongholds.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/vulture/d7c47141-fe31-43ff-8698-3ec01a19b356?filter=all|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=AC-220 Vulture gunship|D=25|M=03|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Vehicles#Vulture}}


The Vulture is a successor of the older [[wikipedia:Douglas AC-47 Spooky|AC-47]], [[wikipedia:Fairchild AC-119|AC-119]], [[wikipedia:Lockheed AC-130|AC-130]], and [[AC-163 Gunship|AC-163]] gunships. It was designed in [[2498]] to combat the [[Insurrection]] in the [[Outer Colonies]].<ref name="waypoint"/>
==Overview==
===Design details===
The Vulture is the largest combat aerodyne currently fielded by the UNSC.{{Ref/Site|Id=unsc|URL=http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/airpad.aspx#vulture|Site=Official Halo Wars Community Site|Page=Vulture|D=18|M=02|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halowars.com/UNSC#Vulture}}{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Vulture}} Unlike most smaller UNSC craft, the Vulture is suspended in the air by a series of ducted fans visible near the rear of the aircraft, housing jet engines like the [[D77-TC Pelican]]. Due to its much larger mass and cross-section, it is slower than other UNSC aircraft, such as the [[AV-14 Hornet]] and the [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]].


==Description==
The Vulture requires a large number of highly trained UNSC pilots and gunners to operate servicing a crew of six.{{Ref/Reuse|unsc}} This makes them expensive to deploy in terms of personnel (as opposed to the Sparrowhawk and Hornet, which require a single pilot and possibly a copilot). It lacks radiation shielding, preventing it from traveling in space.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=250}} Despite this, they have some level of spaceflight capability, and are typically deployed directly from an orbiting warship to the ground.{{Ref/Game|Id=HW|HW|Vulture in-game unit}}
Unlike most smaller UNSC craft, the Vulture is suspended in the air by a series of ducted fans visible near the rear of the aircraft, housing jet engines like the [[D77-TC Pelican]]. Due it its much larger mass and cross-section, it is slower than other UNSC aircraft, such as the [[AV-14 Hornet]] and the [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], but is armed with a number of missile pods for use against air and ground units, as well as a pair of hull-mounted autocannons.<ref>''[[wikipedia:GamePro|Gamepro]]'', July 2009 edition</ref>


The Vulture requires a large number of highly trained UNSC pilots and gunners to operate, making them expensive to deploy in terms of personnel (as opposed to the Sparrowhawk and Hornet, which require a single pilot and possibly a copilot). It lacks radiation shielding, preventing it from traveling in space. These factors, coupled with the amount of time it takes to build one, means that the Vulture is usually only reserved for difficult and lengthy battle situations and eliminating dug-in enemy forces.<ref name="waypoint" /><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 250''</ref>
===Armaments===
The Vulture is intended to act as a "flying tank", and boasts an according level of heavy weaponry. These include two twin medium-[[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon]]s, two top-mounted [[Argent V missile]] launchers and two pods of four internally-reloaded [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher]]s, each boasting a single [[Anvil-IV air-to-surface missile]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Book|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Page=46}} or [[Phoenix missile|Phoenix tactical missile]].{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The combined missile payload are specifically tailored to unleash a unified barrage on a given target, allowing it to overwhelm heavy armor and shielding.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}


==Operational history==
==History==
The AC-220 Vulture was used during both the [[Insurrection]] and [[Human-Covenant War]]. In [[2531]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} used several Vultures during the [[Battle of the Etran Harborage]] against the [[Covenant]], [[Flood]] and [[Sentinel]]s. Following the [[Human-Covenant War]], few Vulture gunships remained in service with the [[UNSC Armed Forces]] due to irreplaceable combat losses by [[2545]]. However, by [[2557]], the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]] began considering the possibility of restarting production of the Vulture with the benefit of incorporating new technologies and applying improved materials.<ref name="Bulletin">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/bulletins/the-halo-bulletin-knowledge-drop '''Halo Waypoint''': The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14'']</ref> By [[2553#April|April 2553]], the [[Insurrectionist]]s on [[Venezia]] had acquired several Vultures and hid them in the old sandstone quarry next to [[Mount Longdon Road]] for use by the [[Venezian Militia]].<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 103''</ref> On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]] several AC-220 Vultures belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #4''</ref>
[[File:UNSC Vulture 2.jpg|thumb|left|An early prototype of the Vulture.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}]]
===Development history===
The Vulture's core attributes of design can be traced back to the older [[wikipedia:Douglas AC-47 Spooky|AC-47]], [[wikipedia:Fairchild AC-119|AC-119]], [[wikipedia:Lockheed AC-130|AC-130]], and [[AC-163 gunship|AC-163]] gunships.{{Ref/Reuse|unsc}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} The Vulture's flying tank-like design was conceived in [[2498]] to curtail the spreading [[Insurrection]] in the [[Outer Colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} By [[2545]], few Vultures remained in service against the Covenant due to irreplaceable combat losses. By [[2557]], the [[Materials Group]] was considering the possibility of restarting production of the Vulture with the benefit of incorporating new technologies and applying improved materials.{{Ref/Reuse|CF}} During the [[Second Ark Conflict]], AI [[Isabel]]'s upgrades and logistical expertise was able to dramatically simplify Vulture production and maintenance.{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}


==Combat==
===Operational history===
A slow unit which can take massive amounts of damage before destruction, the Vulture is the largest ground-based aircraft fielded by the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/airpad.aspx#vulture  ''Halo Wars'' Official Site: Information on the Vulture]</ref> It is able to fight against both air and ground units due to its weapon configuration: [[Argent V missile]] pods are used against enemy aircraft, while [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23 autocannons]] are designed for engaging ground targets. It can use its [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 missile launcher]] to deliver massive damage to slow and/or static units. The Vulture's main drawbacks are its cost and the large amount of time it takes to build one; it is also vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and takes a great deal of time to repair. The Vulture should be reserved for buildings and ground units for the greatest effect. Although Vultures possess adequate anti-aircraft ordnance, they should be escorted by [[M9 Wolverine]]s to lessen the threat of aerial attacks.
The AC-220 Vulture was used during both the [[Insurrection]] and [[Human-Covenant War]]. In [[2531]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} used several Vultures during the [[Battle of Trove]] against the [[Covenant]], [[Flood]] and [[Sentinel]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|HW}} Following the [[Human-Covenant War]], few Vulture gunships remained in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces due to irreplaceable combat losses by 2545.{{Ref/Site|Id=CF|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-feet-first|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Feet First|D=11|M=02|Y=2019}} By [[2553#April|April 2553]], the [[Insurrectionist]]s on [[Venezia]] had acquired several Vultures and hid them in the old sandstone quarry next to [[Mount Longdon Road]] for use by the [[Venezian Militia]].{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Chapter=4}} On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]] several AC-220 Vultures belonging to the ''Spirit of Fire'', alongside multiple [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]s, attacked the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when the ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into the ''Infinity's'' docking bay.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE4|HEsc|Issue=4}}
 
In [[2559]], the ''Spirit of Fire'' continued to employ Vulture gunships in the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HW2|HW2|Vulture in-game unit}} After receiving coordinates for a supposed [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] and [[Dhas Bhasvod's Covenant|Covenant loyalist]] rendezvous point, three Vultures were dispatched from the ''Spirit of Fire''. The Vultures engaged ten landed [[Seraph]]s, with nine being destroyed before they could escape. However, it was quickly discovered that the Seraphs were not Covenant Seraphs, but rather Banished Seraphs. [[Castor]] had simply been using the UNSC to get rid of some of his pursuers.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW11|DW|Chapter=11}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
===''Halo Wars''===
===''Halo Wars''===
In-game, the Vulture is considered an "über unit", and is constructed at the [[UNSC Airpad|airpad]], and requires six population, 900 resources, and a tech level of four. It can be upgraded with the ''Mega Barrage'' upgrade, potentially doubling its barrages' power; this upgrade is purchased at the air pad and costs 800 resource points and requires a minimum tech level of 4. For balance, the Vulture is one of only two vehicle units in ''Halo Wars'' that cannot be [[Boarding (gameplay mechanic)|commandeered]] by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]], the other being the Covenant [[Type-47B Scarab|Scarab]]. The Vulture is the only air unit that is not immobilized by a single [[Type-29 Vampire|Vampire's]] stasis drain, though it is still damaged and can be immobilized by multiple synchronous drains.
In-game, the Vulture is considered an "Uber unit", and is constructed at the [[UNSC Airpad|airpad]], and requires {{HWPop|6}}, {{HWResources|900}}, and a tech level of {{HWTech|4}}. It can be upgraded with the ''Mega Barrage'' upgrade, potentially doubling its barrages' power; this upgrade is purchased at the air pad and costs {{HWResources|800}} resource points and requires a minimum tech level of {{HWTech|4}}. For balance, the Vulture is one of only two vehicle units in ''Halo Wars'' that cannot be [[Boarding (gameplay mechanic)|commandeered]] by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]], the other being the Covenant [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]]. The Vulture is the only air unit that is not immobilized by a single [[Bkowe'nei-pattern Vampire|Vampire's]] stasis drain, though it is still damaged and can be immobilized by multiple synchronous drains.
 
The Vulture is a slow unit which can take massive amounts of damage before destruction. It is able to fight against both air and ground units due to its weapon configuration: [[Argent V missile]] pods are used against enemy aircraft, while [[GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannon|GAU-23 autocannons]] are designed for engaging ground targets. It can use its [[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher|A-74 missile launcher]] to launch several [[Anvil-IV air-to-surface missile]]s and deliver massive damage to slow and/or static units. The Vulture's main drawbacks are its cost and the large amount of time it takes to build one; it is also vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and takes a great deal of time to repair. The Vulture should be reserved for buildings and ground units for the greatest effect. Although Vultures possess adequate anti-aircraft ordnance, they should be escorted by [[M9 Wolverine]]s to lessen the threat of aerial attacks.


===''Halo Wars 2''===
===''Halo Wars 2''===
*'''Info:''' Heavy Air, Can launch devastating PHOENIX missile
*'''Info:''' Heavy Air, Can launch devastating PHOENIX missile
*'''Tier:''' 3
*'''Tier:''' 3
*'''Cost:''' Population 9, Supplies 750, Power 75
*'''Cost:''' {{HW2Pop|9}}, {{HW2Supplies|750}}, {{HW2Power|100}}
The Vulture can be built at the [[Airpad]] by all UNSC leaders. Unlike its ''Halo Wars'' counterpart, the Vultures in ''Halo Wars 2'' can be hijacked by Spartans, as the [[G81 Condor]] is now the UNSC's only Super Unit. Its barrage has been replaced with a "Phoenix missile", a large, powerful thermobaric warhead that does massive damage. It is effective against vehicles, aircraft, and structures, while only being moderately effective against infantry. In [[Blitz]], Vultures costs 140 energy.
The Vulture can be built at the [[Airpad]] by all UNSC leaders. Unlike its ''Halo Wars'' counterpart, the Vultures in ''Halo Wars 2'' can be hijacked by Spartans, as the [[G81 Condor]] is now the UNSC's only Super Unit. Its barrage has been replaced with a "Phoenix missile", a large, powerful thermobaric warhead that does massive damage. It is effective against vehicles, aircraft, and structures, while only being moderately effective against infantry. In [[Blitz]], Vultures costs 140 energy.


In the campaign, the Vulture starts to appear in the mission [[The Foundry]], and is given in [[Last Stand]] as part of the fifth batch of reinforcements.
In the campaign, the Vulture starts to appear in the mission [[The Foundry]], and is given in [[Last Stand (Halo Wars 2 level)|Last Stand]] as part of the fifth batch of reinforcements.
====Phoenix Log====
{| class="wikitable": style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; width: 45%"
|+ '''[[Phoenix Logs|Phoenix Log]] - Vulture'''
|-
|{{:Phoenix Logs/UNSC Units/Vulture}}
|}


==Behind the scenes==
==Production notes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}  
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}  
*The Vulture is the only UNSC unit in ''Halo Wars'' that does not come out of the [[firebase]] upon deployment. Instead, it seems to descend from the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, decelerating just before touching the ground.  
*The Vulture is the only UNSC unit in ''Halo Wars'' that does not come out of the [[firebase]] upon deployment. Instead, it seems to descend from the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, decelerating just before touching the ground.  
Line 82: Line 83:


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="160">
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HW_Vulture_PhilWohr_Blog.jpg|Concept art of the Vulture for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW_Vulture_PhilWohr_Blog.jpg|Concept art of the Vulture for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:UNSC Vulture 2.jpg|Early concept art of the Vulture before finalization.
File:UNSC Vulture 2.jpg|Early concept art of the Vulture before finalization.
Line 88: Line 90:
File:Vulture scheme.jpg|A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.
File:Vulture scheme.jpg|A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.
File:UNSC Vulture 1.jpg|Concept art of the final Vulture model.
File:UNSC Vulture 1.jpg|Concept art of the final Vulture model.
File:Vulture Barrage.jpg|Vulture firing a missile barrage at a [[Type-47B Scarab]].
File:Vulture Barrage.jpg|Vulture firing a missile barrage at a {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}.
File:HW2 Vulture - Nuke.png|Concept art of the Vulture's Phoenix missile for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:Vulture HW.jpg|The AC-220 Vulture.
File:Vulture HW.jpg|The AC-220 Vulture.
File:Hw-prima-blog-04-03.jpg|A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.
File:Hw-prima-blog-04-03.jpg|A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.
Line 98: Line 105:
File:Vulture Escalation 4.png|A Vulture attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in 2558.
File:Vulture Escalation 4.png|A Vulture attacking the ''UNSC Infinity'' in 2558.
File:Megabloks-unsc-vulture-gunship-cng71-11781.jpg|A toy Vulture from [[MEGA Brands]].
File:Megabloks-unsc-vulture-gunship-cng71-11781.jpg|A toy Vulture from [[MEGA Brands]].
File:HW2 Vulture - Nuke.png|Concept art of the Vulture's Phoenix missile for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2B_Vulture.png|A Vulture in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2B_Vulture.png|A Vulture in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2-G81&AC220.png|An AC-220 and G81 Condor defend Ellen Anders during the Battle of Installation 00 in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-G81&AC220.png|An AC-220 and G81 Condor defend Ellen Anders during the Battle of Installation 00 in ''Halo Wars 2''.
Line 113: Line 119:
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{UNSC Aircraft}}
{{Human aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 09:55, January 3, 2024

AC-220 Vulture
HaloWars-Vulture.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Ushuaia Armory[1][2]

Technical specifications

Length:

35.1 meters (115.1 ft)[1][2]

Width:

21.2 meters (69.5 ft)[1][2]

Height:

10.0 meters (32.9 ft)[2]

Mass:

182 metric tons (179 LT; 201 ST)[2]

Armament:

Crew:

6[3][2]

Usage

Year introduced:

2498[4]

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Second Ark Conflict

Role(s):

  • Ground-attack/close air support
  • Siegeworks/artillery assault gunship

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command

 

"Death From Above[3]"

The AC-220 Gunship, colloquially known as the Vulture, is a heavy gunship manufactured by Ushuaia Armory and fielded by the United Nations Space Command.[2] It is the preferred aerial combat vehicle during prolonged air-and-ground engagements, particularly against heavily fortified enemy strongholds.[4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Vulture is the largest combat aerodyne currently fielded by the UNSC.[3][5] Unlike most smaller UNSC craft, the Vulture is suspended in the air by a series of ducted fans visible near the rear of the aircraft, housing jet engines like the D77-TC Pelican. Due to its much larger mass and cross-section, it is slower than other UNSC aircraft, such as the AV-14 Hornet and the AV-22 Sparrowhawk.

The Vulture requires a large number of highly trained UNSC pilots and gunners to operate servicing a crew of six.[3] This makes them expensive to deploy in terms of personnel (as opposed to the Sparrowhawk and Hornet, which require a single pilot and possibly a copilot). It lacks radiation shielding, preventing it from traveling in space.[4][6] Despite this, they have some level of spaceflight capability, and are typically deployed directly from an orbiting warship to the ground.[7]

Armaments[edit]

The Vulture is intended to act as a "flying tank", and boasts an according level of heavy weaponry. These include two twin medium-GAU-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannons, two top-mounted Argent V missile launchers and two pods of four internally-reloaded A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launchers, each boasting a single Anvil-IV air-to-surface missile[4][8] or Phoenix tactical missile.[5][2] The combined missile payload are specifically tailored to unleash a unified barrage on a given target, allowing it to overwhelm heavy armor and shielding.[4]

History[edit]

An early prototype of the Vulture.[4]

Development history[edit]

The Vulture's core attributes of design can be traced back to the older AC-47, AC-119, AC-130, and AC-163 gunships.[3][4] The Vulture's flying tank-like design was conceived in 2498 to curtail the spreading Insurrection in the Outer Colonies.[4] By 2545, few Vultures remained in service against the Covenant due to irreplaceable combat losses. By 2557, the Materials Group was considering the possibility of restarting production of the Vulture with the benefit of incorporating new technologies and applying improved materials.[9] During the Second Ark Conflict, AI Isabel's upgrades and logistical expertise was able to dramatically simplify Vulture production and maintenance.[5]

Operational history[edit]

The AC-220 Vulture was used during both the Insurrection and Human-Covenant War. In 2531 the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire used several Vultures during the Battle of Trove against the Covenant, Flood and Sentinels.[7] Following the Human-Covenant War, few Vulture gunships remained in service with the United Nations Space Command armed forces due to irreplaceable combat losses by 2545.[9] By April 2553, the Insurrectionists on Venezia had acquired several Vultures and hid them in the old sandstone quarry next to Mount Longdon Road for use by the Venezian Militia.[10] On March 11, 2558 several AC-220 Vultures belonging to the Spirit of Fire, alongside multiple AV-22 Sparrowhawks, attacked the UNSC Infinity when the Pilgrims' Pride was pulled into the Infinity's docking bay.[11]

In 2559, the Spirit of Fire continued to employ Vulture gunships in the Second Ark Conflict.[12] After receiving coordinates for a supposed Keepers of the One Freedom and Covenant loyalist rendezvous point, three Vultures were dispatched from the Spirit of Fire. The Vultures engaged ten landed Seraphs, with nine being destroyed before they could escape. However, it was quickly discovered that the Seraphs were not Covenant Seraphs, but rather Banished Seraphs. Castor had simply been using the UNSC to get rid of some of his pursuers.[13]

Gameplay[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

In-game, the Vulture is considered an "Uber unit", and is constructed at the airpad, and requires Population 6, Resources 900, and a tech level of Tech level 4. It can be upgraded with the Mega Barrage upgrade, potentially doubling its barrages' power; this upgrade is purchased at the air pad and costs Resources 800 resource points and requires a minimum tech level of Tech level 4. For balance, the Vulture is one of only two vehicle units in Halo Wars that cannot be commandeered by Spartans, the other being the Covenant Scarab. The Vulture is the only air unit that is not immobilized by a single Vampire's stasis drain, though it is still damaged and can be immobilized by multiple synchronous drains.

The Vulture is a slow unit which can take massive amounts of damage before destruction. It is able to fight against both air and ground units due to its weapon configuration: Argent V missile pods are used against enemy aircraft, while GAU-23 autocannons are designed for engaging ground targets. It can use its A-74 missile launcher to launch several Anvil-IV air-to-surface missiles and deliver massive damage to slow and/or static units. The Vulture's main drawbacks are its cost and the large amount of time it takes to build one; it is also vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and takes a great deal of time to repair. The Vulture should be reserved for buildings and ground units for the greatest effect. Although Vultures possess adequate anti-aircraft ordnance, they should be escorted by M9 Wolverines to lessen the threat of aerial attacks.

Halo Wars 2[edit]

  • Info: Heavy Air, Can launch devastating PHOENIX missile
  • Tier: 3
  • Cost: Population 9, Supplies 750, Power 100

The Vulture can be built at the Airpad by all UNSC leaders. Unlike its Halo Wars counterpart, the Vultures in Halo Wars 2 can be hijacked by Spartans, as the G81 Condor is now the UNSC's only Super Unit. Its barrage has been replaced with a "Phoenix missile", a large, powerful thermobaric warhead that does massive damage. It is effective against vehicles, aircraft, and structures, while only being moderately effective against infantry. In Blitz, Vultures costs 140 energy.

In the campaign, the Vulture starts to appear in the mission The Foundry, and is given in Last Stand as part of the fifth batch of reinforcements.

Phoenix Log[edit]

Phoenix Log - Vulture
Phoenix log artwork

Ground-attack gunship with tactical missile payload.

AC-220 Vulture gunships engage ground vehicles with twin medium autocannons, air vehicles with anti-air missile pods, and enemy bases and staging areas with Phoenix tactical missiles.

The Vulture is the largest combat aerodyne in UNSC service and is essentially a flying tank. The size and cost of deploying such a unit limits its use by the Spirit of Fire, though Isabel's upgrades and logistical expertise has dramatically simplified Vulture production and maintenance.

Production notes[edit]

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

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

  • Concept art of the Vulture for Halo Wars.

    Concept art of the Vulture for Halo Wars.

  • Early concept art of the Vulture before finalization.

    Early concept art of the Vulture before finalization.

  • Conceptualized orthographic views of the Vulture.

    Conceptualized orthographic views of the Vulture.

  • A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.

    A close-up of the Vulture, showing its impressive arsenal.

  • Concept art of the final Vulture model.

    Concept art of the final Vulture model.

  • Vulture firing a missile barrage at a Deutoros-pattern Scarab.

    Vulture firing a missile barrage at a Deutoros-pattern Scarab.

  • Concept art of the Vulture's Phoenix missile for Halo Wars 2.

    Concept art of the Vulture's Phoenix missile for Halo Wars 2.

Screenshots[edit]

  • The AC-220 Vulture.

    The AC-220 Vulture.

  • A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.

    A trio of AC-220 Vultures and a captured Scarab assaulting a Covenant citadel.

  • A couple of AC-220 Vultures, AV-22 Sparrowhawks, and a D77-TC Pelican Dropship launch an all-out attack against a Covenant citadel.

    A couple of AC-220 Vultures, AV-22 Sparrowhawks, and a D77-TC Pelican Dropship launch an all-out attack against a Covenant citadel.

  • A Vulture on Harvest.

    A Vulture on Harvest.

  • A Vulture with mega barrage.

    A Vulture with mega barrage.

  • Vultures using their mega barrage ability.

    Vultures using their mega barrage ability.

  • A Vulture on the cover of Halo: Escalation Issue 4.

    A Vulture on the cover of Halo: Escalation Issue 4.

  • A Vulture attacking the UNSC Infinity in 2558.

    A Vulture attacking the UNSC Infinity in 2558.

  • A toy Vulture from MEGA Brands.

    A toy Vulture from MEGA Brands.

  • A Vulture in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

    A Vulture in the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta.

  • An AC-220 and G81 Condor defend Ellen Anders during the Battle of Installation 00 in Halo Wars 2.

    An AC-220 and G81 Condor defend Ellen Anders during the Battle of Installation 00 in Halo Wars 2.

  • An army of AC-220 Vultures in Halo Wars 2.

    An army of AC-220 Vultures in Halo Wars 2.

  • Marines repairing a Vulture.

    Marines repairing a Vulture.

  • Dark Horse replica of a Vulture.

    Dark Horse replica of a Vulture.

  • External Render of the Vulture from Halo Wars 2.

    External Render of the Vulture from Halo Wars 2.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 202
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 155
  3. ^ a b c d e Official Halo Wars Community Site, Vulture (Retrieved on Feb 18, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint, AC-220 Vulture gunship (Retrieved on Mar 25, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b c Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Vulture
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 250
  7. ^ a b Halo Wars, Vulture in-game unit
  8. ^ Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, page 46
  9. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Feet First (Retrieved on Feb 11, 2019) [archive]
  10. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, chapter 4
  11. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 4
  12. ^ Halo Wars 2, Vulture in-game unit
  13. ^ Halo: Divine Wind, chapter 11

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