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{{Era|H2|H3}}{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[Image:CovDropPod Full.jpg|thumb|A group of pods land on Earth.]]
{{Vehicle infobox
[[Image:ElitePod.jpg|left|thumb|150px|A [[Minor Elite]] ejecting from a pod.]]
|image=[[File:Covenant drop pod sampling.png|300px]]<br>A series of drop pod models.
The '''Orbital Insertion Pod''' is a ubiquitous, one-man [[Covenant]]-manufactured high-altitude deployment vehicle. It is roughly cylindrical in shape, but with two tapered, slightly angular ends. It is made of burnished cyan-purple metal, but has an opulent, white interior with a contour that conforms to the physique of a Covenant [[Elite]]. Upon impact with the ground, the pod splits into two halves, revealing the interior and allowing the Elite inside to escape and move.
|name=Covenant drop pod
|manufacturer=[[Lodam Armory]] <small>(T-51 IBC and T-54 MDC)</small>
|line=
|model=
|cost=
|length=Variable
|engine=[[Impulse drive]] systems
|hull=Unknown Covenant material
|sensor=
|target=
|armament=
|crew=
|complement=Variable
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|role=High altitude troop deployment  
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]<br>[[Swords of Sanghelios]]<br>[[Covenant remnants]]
}}


[[Image:50829459-Full.jpg|thumb|right|[[SpecOps]] Elite about to emerge out of his Drop Pod and fight against the Flood.]]
The [[Covenant]] and its [[Covenant remnants|splinter factions]] make use of various types of '''drop pods''' for high-altitude troop deployment.<ref name="outskirts">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Outskirts]]''</ref> Much like the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]'s [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|Human Entry Vehicle]], the Covenant's orbital insertion pods are used to drop infantry to the planet's surface as shock troops much faster and more efficiently than by means of a [[dropship]]. Drop pods may also be used as a fast and efficient means of [[Naval boarding|boarding]] enemy spacecraft in lieu of a dedicated [[R'sisho-pattern Tick]]boarding craft.{{Ref/Reuse|evg121}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg122}}
The Orbital Insertion Pod is a mode of transportation currently in use by the [[Covenant]]. When the Covenant decide to capture a planet rather than simply [[glassing]] it from orbit, they use orbital insertion pods to drop Elites to the planet’s surface as shock troops. Use of these pods is very hazardous and is reserved only for critical situations, or when a surprise attack is necessary. It is theorized that the pods are coated with an energy shield to disperse heat and are armored to withstand anti-air flak cannon fire. The vaguely coffin-shaped pods are small and cramped, with barely enough room for one Elite and his weapon and there appear to be no restraints or other devices inside. It is probable that a stasis field holds the Elite safely in place during impact. Upon landing, the front of the pod blows off to allow exit, so the fronts are probably placed on the pod just before the drop.


These pods made their first appearance in [[Outskirts]] and subsequently were evident around [[New Mombasa]] during [[The First Battle of Earth]]. They also appear in the level [[Uprising]] as several allies aid the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]].
== Types ==
They also appeared in the [[Halo 3]] level [[Floodgate]] sent by [[Shadow of Intent]] to aid [[Spartan-117]] and the Arbiter against the [[Flood]] infestation in [[Voi]]. The impact is hard enough to break the occupying Elite's energy shield once it hits the ground.
[[File:HR OrbitalInsertionPod Views.png|thumb|left|150px|Frontal and rear views of a single occupant pod.]]


== Dimensions ==
The drop pods may be the most varied of the transportation methods used by the Covenant, with the types encountered by [[human]]ity representing only a fraction of the gamut of models in Covenant service.{{Ref/Reuse|evg121}} On the most basic level, they can be divided into two main categories: small, single-occupant pods used mainly by [[Sangheili]], and a number of types which allow the simultaneous deployment of multiple Covenant troops.


'''Height''': 4.95 meters (16.2 feet){{fact}}
=== Single-occupant pod ===
These vaguely coffin-shaped, five to six-meter tall pods are small and cramped, with barely enough room for one Sangheili and his weapon. The frontal hatch is equipped with a control panel, which may be used by the occupant to steer the pod. Upon impact with the ground, the pod's hatch blasts open, revealing the interior and allowing the occupant to exit.<ref name="lnos">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''</ref>


==Trivia==
There are several variants of the insertion pod; one is cylindrical, with two tapered, slightly angular ends,{{Ref/Reuse|outskirts}} while the other is bulkier and ovoid-shaped. It is made of burnished cyan-purple metal, but has an opulent, white interior with a contour that conforms to the physique of a Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}
[[Image:51337064-Full.jpg|thumb|right|The Arbiter sitting in a drop pod.]]
*It is possible that these pods sport an shield generator as it is impossible to kill an [[Elite]] while it is exiting the pod, or it may simply be game mechanics.
*Playing [[Halo 2]], on higher difficulties, on the level [[Uprising (Level)|Uprising]] when you are the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]], it has been seen that the occupants in the insertion pods will die on impact immediately after the hatch on the pod blows open and apart, meaning that they are as dangerous and random as [[Human Entry Vehicles]].
*Elites have to brace themselves as they land so they have a better chance of surviving.
*In [[Halo 2]], they only appear in three levels, [[Outskirts (Level)|Outskirts]], [[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]] and [[Uprising (Level)|Uprising]]. In [[Halo 3]], they only appear in [[Floodgate]].
*The first time the [[Covenant]] Orbital Insertion Pods were seen was the [[Halo 2]] Announcement Trailer where [[Elite]]s came down and openly challenged the [[Master Chief]] with lighted [[Energy Swords]]. This can only mean that these were influential warriors sent down from the Carrier overhead to eliminate ''any'' worthy force.
*It appears that Bungie originally was programing something into Halo 3 where you could hop into the pods, as on the level [[Floodgate]] if you are playing on Co-Op and you are either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th player (An Elite) if the pods are not shot at all if you approach them and hold the Right Bumper you can jump into the pod.  
<youtube>=mhN4F8BKusw</youtube>


*The Orbital Insertion Pod may be a reference to the Predator franchise due to its similar behaviour of transportation.
=== Multiple-occupant pod ===
[[File:HR OrbitalDeploymentPod.jpg|thumb|left|150px|A type of multiple-troop drop pod used during the [[Fall of Reach]].]]
Significantly larger than the single-occupant model, the multiple occupant drop pod has the capacity to deploy at least four Covenant warriors into battle. The pod is released from a ship, and freefalls through the atmosphere the same way the single-occupant version. When the pod is nearing the ground, it fires a series of downward-facing engines to slow it down. The hatches on the sides of the pod open some distance above the ground, allowing the infantry inside to exit the craft. Some models of multiple occupant pod remain on the ground like the single-occupant version after the combatants within have been deployed, while others rocket back to orbit, allowing them to be reused. Iterations of this type of pod were in use among [[Reformist]] [[San'Shyuum]] as early as the [[San'Shyuum-Sangheili War]]. These pods likewise had the capability to return to orbit and were equipped with force fields to hold their occupants in place during acceleration.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 7''</ref>


==Sources==
* The most common type of mass-deployment pod in use during the [[Fall of Reach]] is shaped like a smoothly rounded tetrahedron, with a large hatch on each of the three sides. The pod is equipped with three engines in the corners of the bottom of the pod, which slow down its descent until it reaches the ground. There are several glowing emitters on the floor of the pod; it is possible that these produce a [[stasis field]] to protect its occupants.
<references/>


[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|new Covenant]], active following the end of the Human-Covenant War, makes use of at least three different varieties of multiple-troop insertion pod:
[[Category:Technology]]
* The '''{{Pattern|Gloto|Breaching Carapace}}''': developed by [[Lodam Armory]], the T-51 IBC is the modern Covenant's most prominent model of drop pod. It can carry up to five occupants and is similar in size to the variant used by the original Covenant but sleeker and more elongated in design.{{Ref/Book|Id=evg121|H4EVG|Page=121}}
* The '''{{Pattern|Gloto'kef|Assault Carapace}} (SBC)''': slightly different shaped but similar in function and general size to the T-51, the T-53 SBC is likewise used by the new Covenant order to deploy small numbers of troops.{{Ref/Reuse|evg121}}
* The '''{{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace}} (MDC)''': developed by Lodam Armory, the T-54 MDC is a much larger, reusable variant which drops numerous troops from low altitude before flying back to the host vessel. The pod is equipped with capital ship-grade armor and uses a low-range gravity dampening pulse to allow the infantry within to safely drop to the ground.{{Ref/Book|Id=evg122|H4EVG|Page=122}}
* The '''{{Pattern|Kalu'teh|Breaching Carapace}} (IBC)''': developed by Lodam Armory, the T-55 IBC is emblematic of the classic Sangheili design. Aerodynamically streamlined for speed and maneuverability, this variant has seen frequent use in the [[Blooding Years|protracted feud]] between Sangheili [[clan]]s, primarily due to the conflict's wildly territorial nature.<ref name="hwp drop pods">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/covenant-drop-pods '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant Drop Pods'']</ref>
* The '''{{Pattern|Kalu'qeh|Breaching Carapace}} (SBC)''': The T-55 SBC has four bays and is capable of deploying up to the same number of Covenant personnel. The SBC deploys personnel standing upright, locking them into place with gravity-based floor anchors. Upon impact, the carapace's doors slide open and the anchors are released, immediately deploying the troops.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp drop pods}}
 
== Gameplay ==
[[File:H3 CovenantDropPod Exiting.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Special Operations Sangheili|SpecOps Elite]] about to emerge out of his drop pod in ''[[Halo 3]]''.]]
The single-occupant pods were the sole variety of Covenant drop pod featured in the games until ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', which introduced the multiple-troop version. The pods made their first appearance in the [[Halo 2 E3 Demo]], where the Elites came down and openly challenged John-117 with their [[energy sword]]s. In the games, they first appear in the ''Halo 2''<nowiki />'s campaign level [[Outskirts]] and subsequently are present around [[Mombasa]]. They also appear in the campaign levels [[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]], [[Quarantine Zone(level)|Quarantine Zone]], and [[Uprising]], occupied by allies of the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]].
 
They also appear in the ''Halo 3''<nowiki />'s campaign level [[Floodgate]], sent by the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' to aid John-117 and Thel 'Vadam against the [[Flood]] infestation in [[Voi]]. The impact is hard enough to break the occupying Elite's energy shield once it hits the ground. In ''Halo 3'', [[Drop pod glitch|one may enter the pods]] on the level Floodgate when playing on [[cooperative play]] as the second, third, or fourth player (an Elite), provided the pods are not shot at all. If the player approaches one and holds the Right Bumper, he can jump into the pod, as if it were a vehicle.
 
The Covenant drop pods make a return in ''Halo: Reach'', in which they appear more rounded and bulky than the previous versions. The appearance of the drop pod changed dramatically from the [[Halo: Reach E3 Campaign Demo|E3 2010 demo]] to its launch version. In the E3 demo it appeared to be more boxy and angular, while the launch version is smoother, more detailed and is more like a wider version of the one from ''[[Halo 2]]''.
 
In the campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]'', the Covenant {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} ''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' launches dozens of drop pods, which are destructible if the player can reach them in time. Destroying the pods, however, does not award kills or points. The daily [[Challenges/Halo: Reach|challenge]] "Pod Kettle Black" is completed by destroying ten drop pods on the level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''. Interestingly, colliding with or ramming an insertion pod will destroy a fully-shielded [[FSS-1000 Sabre|Sabre]] and kill the player, despite the fact that the Sabre will typically survive a similar collision with a [[Elsedda-pattern Banshee|Banshee]] or [[Morsam-pattern Seraph|Seraph]]. The death will register as "Collision Damage" and the player will receive a "Collision Damage" kill, but will not receive a [[Splatter Medal]]. Additonally near the beginning of the level, drop pods are used to drop Covenant troops near the Sabre base.
 
The multiple-troop variant of the pod is introduced in ''Reach''; along with appearances in the campaign, these pods are frequently used by the Covenant in the game's [[Firefight]] mode. The multiple-occupant pod is referred to as a "teleportation drop pod" in the ''[[Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide]]'', although it does demonstrate teleportation abilities in-game. In ''Halo: Reach'', it is possible to be killed by the multiple-occupant drop pod. It is also possible to get stuck at the top of the pod as the doors open. One can also get [[Trapped in drop pod glitch|trapped inside the pod]] through a glitch.
 
During ''[[Spartan Ops]]'', Covenant drop pods are often used by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] to send reinforcements to the battlefield during the [[Requiem Campaign]].
 
== Gallery ==
=== Single-occupant pods ===
<gallery>
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the drop pod for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H2-CovDropPod-Screen.png|A screenshot of a Covenant drop pod in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-CovDropPod-Extraction.png|A drop pod from ''Halo 2''.
File:H2E3_CovenantDropPod.jpg|A group of pods land in [[New Mombasa]] in the [[Halo 2 E3 demo|''Halo 2'' E3 demo]].
File:H2_CovenantDropPod_Exiting.jpg|A Sangheili about to exit a pod in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3_ArbiterDropPod.jpg|The Arbiter sitting in a drop pod.
File:HRE3_CovenantDropPod.jpg|An orbital insertion pod in the ''Halo: Reach'' E3 2010 demo.
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Overview.png|An overview design of a drop pod from ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_OrbitalInsertionPod_Main.png|The single-occupant drop pod design featured in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_OrbitalInsertionPod_Interior.png|The interior of a drop pod.
File:HR_OrbitalInsertionPod_Hatch.png|The interior of the hatch of a pod.
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Impact.jpg|An orbital insertion pod impacts the ground.
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Exiting.jpg|A Sangheili stepping out of a drop pod.
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Corvette.jpg|Pods being dropped from a [[Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette|Covenant corvette]].
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Launch.jpg|Another view of drop pods being dropped from a Covenant corvette.
File:HR_CovenantDropPod_Attacked.jpg|A [[FSS-1000 Sabre]] attacks Covenant drop pods during [[Operation: UPPER CUT]].
File:H4-T51CovDropPod-ScanRender.png|The Type-51 Individual Breaching Carapace (IBC) drop pod in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A_CovenantDropPod_Closed.png|thumb|A front view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.
File:H2A_CovenantDropPod_Open.png|thumb|An inside view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.
File:H2A_CovenantDropPod_Back.png|thumb|A back view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.
File:H2A_CovenantDropPod_Top.png|thumb|An overhead view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.
File:H5G - T-55 IBC.png|The Type-55 Individual Breaching Carapace (IBC) in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF CovDropPod 1.png|The Covenant drop pod added to ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' [[Forge]].
File:HINF CovDropPod 2.png|The Covenant drop pod and its detached door in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF CovDropPod 3.png|The interior of the Covenant drop pod in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>
 
=== Multiple-occupant pods ===
<gallery>
File:HR-CovHeavyDropPod.png|A Covenant heavy drop pod in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach-HOIP-DropPod-01.jpg|A multiple troop pod touching down.
File:HReach-HOIP-DropPod-02.jpg|Unggoy inside a multi-occupant drop pod.
File:HReach-HOIP-DropPod-03.jpg|An empty drop pod.
File:HR CovenantDropPod Trapped.jpg|A player trapped inside the multiple-occupant pod.
File:H4-T53CovDropPod-ScanScreen.jpg|The Type-53 Squad Breaching Carapace (SBC) in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-T54CovDropPod-ScanRender.png|The Type-54 Mass Deployment Carapace (MDC) in ''Halo 4''.
File:H5G - T-55 SBC.png|The Type-55 Squad Breaching Carapace (SBC) in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:FH4 - More Covenant Props.png|A ''Halo: Reach''-derived Covenant drop pod in ''[[The Halo Experience Showcase]]'' in ''[[wikipedia:Forza Horizon 4|Forza Horizon 4]]''.
</gallery>
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
{{Clear}}
 
== List of appearances ==
* ''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
* ''[[Halo 3]]''
* ''[[Halo: Reach]]''
* ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
** ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
* ''[[Halo 4]]''
** ''[[Spartan Ops]]''
* ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
* ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
* ''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
* ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
** ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
* ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
**''[[Content Update 29]]''
 
== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Covenant Atmospheric/Exoatmospheric Vehicles}}
 
[[Category:Covenant vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 19:13, March 21, 2024

Covenant drop pod
Covenant drop pod sampling.png
A series of drop pod models.
Production information

Manufacturer:

Lodam Armory (T-51 IBC and T-54 MDC)

Technical specifications

Length:

Variable

Engine(s):

Impulse drive systems

Hull:

Unknown Covenant material

Complement:

Variable

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

High altitude troop deployment

Affiliation:

Covenant
Swords of Sanghelios
Covenant remnants

 

The Covenant and its splinter factions make use of various types of drop pods for high-altitude troop deployment.[1] Much like the UNSC's Human Entry Vehicle, the Covenant's orbital insertion pods are used to drop infantry to the planet's surface as shock troops much faster and more efficiently than by means of a dropship. Drop pods may also be used as a fast and efficient means of boarding enemy spacecraft in lieu of a dedicated R'sisho-pattern Tickboarding craft.[2][3]

Types[edit]

Frontal and rear views of a single occupant pod.

The drop pods may be the most varied of the transportation methods used by the Covenant, with the types encountered by humanity representing only a fraction of the gamut of models in Covenant service.[2] On the most basic level, they can be divided into two main categories: small, single-occupant pods used mainly by Sangheili, and a number of types which allow the simultaneous deployment of multiple Covenant troops.

Single-occupant pod[edit]

These vaguely coffin-shaped, five to six-meter tall pods are small and cramped, with barely enough room for one Sangheili and his weapon. The frontal hatch is equipped with a control panel, which may be used by the occupant to steer the pod. Upon impact with the ground, the pod's hatch blasts open, revealing the interior and allowing the occupant to exit.[4]

There are several variants of the insertion pod; one is cylindrical, with two tapered, slightly angular ends,[1] while the other is bulkier and ovoid-shaped. It is made of burnished cyan-purple metal, but has an opulent, white interior with a contour that conforms to the physique of a Sangheili.[4]

Multiple-occupant pod[edit]

A type of multiple-troop drop pod used during the Fall of Reach.

Significantly larger than the single-occupant model, the multiple occupant drop pod has the capacity to deploy at least four Covenant warriors into battle. The pod is released from a ship, and freefalls through the atmosphere the same way the single-occupant version. When the pod is nearing the ground, it fires a series of downward-facing engines to slow it down. The hatches on the sides of the pod open some distance above the ground, allowing the infantry inside to exit the craft. Some models of multiple occupant pod remain on the ground like the single-occupant version after the combatants within have been deployed, while others rocket back to orbit, allowing them to be reused. Iterations of this type of pod were in use among Reformist San'Shyuum as early as the San'Shyuum-Sangheili War. These pods likewise had the capability to return to orbit and were equipped with force fields to hold their occupants in place during acceleration.[5]

  • The most common type of mass-deployment pod in use during the Fall of Reach is shaped like a smoothly rounded tetrahedron, with a large hatch on each of the three sides. The pod is equipped with three engines in the corners of the bottom of the pod, which slow down its descent until it reaches the ground. There are several glowing emitters on the floor of the pod; it is possible that these produce a stasis field to protect its occupants.

Jul 'Mdama's new Covenant, active following the end of the Human-Covenant War, makes use of at least three different varieties of multiple-troop insertion pod:

  • The Gloto-pattern Breaching Carapace: developed by Lodam Armory, the T-51 IBC is the modern Covenant's most prominent model of drop pod. It can carry up to five occupants and is similar in size to the variant used by the original Covenant but sleeker and more elongated in design.[2]
  • The Gloto'kef-pattern Assault Carapace (SBC): slightly different shaped but similar in function and general size to the T-51, the T-53 SBC is likewise used by the new Covenant order to deploy small numbers of troops.[2]
  • The Gloto'kas-pattern Assault Carapace (MDC): developed by Lodam Armory, the T-54 MDC is a much larger, reusable variant which drops numerous troops from low altitude before flying back to the host vessel. The pod is equipped with capital ship-grade armor and uses a low-range gravity dampening pulse to allow the infantry within to safely drop to the ground.[3]
  • The Kalu'teh-pattern Breaching Carapace (IBC): developed by Lodam Armory, the T-55 IBC is emblematic of the classic Sangheili design. Aerodynamically streamlined for speed and maneuverability, this variant has seen frequent use in the protracted feud between Sangheili clans, primarily due to the conflict's wildly territorial nature.[6]
  • The Kalu'qeh-pattern Breaching Carapace (SBC): The T-55 SBC has four bays and is capable of deploying up to the same number of Covenant personnel. The SBC deploys personnel standing upright, locking them into place with gravity-based floor anchors. Upon impact, the carapace's doors slide open and the anchors are released, immediately deploying the troops.[6]

Gameplay[edit]

A SpecOps Elite about to emerge out of his drop pod in Halo 3.

The single-occupant pods were the sole variety of Covenant drop pod featured in the games until Halo: Reach, which introduced the multiple-troop version. The pods made their first appearance in the Halo 2 E3 Demo, where the Elites came down and openly challenged John-117 with their energy swords. In the games, they first appear in the Halo 2's campaign level Outskirts and subsequently are present around Mombasa. They also appear in the campaign levels Sacred Icon, Quarantine Zone, and Uprising, occupied by allies of the Arbiter.

They also appear in the Halo 3's campaign level Floodgate, sent by the Shadow of Intent to aid John-117 and Thel 'Vadam against the Flood infestation in Voi. The impact is hard enough to break the occupying Elite's energy shield once it hits the ground. In Halo 3, one may enter the pods on the level Floodgate when playing on cooperative play as the second, third, or fourth player (an Elite), provided the pods are not shot at all. If the player approaches one and holds the Right Bumper, he can jump into the pod, as if it were a vehicle.

The Covenant drop pods make a return in Halo: Reach, in which they appear more rounded and bulky than the previous versions. The appearance of the drop pod changed dramatically from the E3 2010 demo to its launch version. In the E3 demo it appeared to be more boxy and angular, while the launch version is smoother, more detailed and is more like a wider version of the one from Halo 2.

In the campaign level Long Night of Solace, the Covenant Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette Ardent Prayer launches dozens of drop pods, which are destructible if the player can reach them in time. Destroying the pods, however, does not award kills or points. The daily challenge "Pod Kettle Black" is completed by destroying ten drop pods on the level Long Night of Solace. Interestingly, colliding with or ramming an insertion pod will destroy a fully-shielded Sabre and kill the player, despite the fact that the Sabre will typically survive a similar collision with a Banshee or Seraph. The death will register as "Collision Damage" and the player will receive a "Collision Damage" kill, but will not receive a Splatter Medal. Additonally near the beginning of the level, drop pods are used to drop Covenant troops near the Sabre base.

The multiple-troop variant of the pod is introduced in Reach; along with appearances in the campaign, these pods are frequently used by the Covenant in the game's Firefight mode. The multiple-occupant pod is referred to as a "teleportation drop pod" in the Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide, although it does demonstrate teleportation abilities in-game. In Halo: Reach, it is possible to be killed by the multiple-occupant drop pod. It is also possible to get stuck at the top of the pod as the doors open. One can also get trapped inside the pod through a glitch.

During Spartan Ops, Covenant drop pods are often used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant to send reinforcements to the battlefield during the Requiem Campaign.

Gallery[edit]

Single-occupant pods[edit]

  • Concept art of the drop pod for Halo: Reach.

    Concept art of the drop pod for Halo: Reach.

  • A screenshot of a Covenant drop pod in Halo 2.

    A screenshot of a Covenant drop pod in Halo 2.

  • A drop pod from Halo 2.

    A drop pod from Halo 2.

  • A group of pods land in New Mombasa in the Halo 2 E3 demo.

    A group of pods land in New Mombasa in the Halo 2 E3 demo.

  • A Sangheili about to exit a pod in Halo 2.

    A Sangheili about to exit a pod in Halo 2.

  • The Arbiter sitting in a drop pod.

    The Arbiter sitting in a drop pod.

  • An orbital insertion pod in the Halo: Reach E3 2010 demo.

    An orbital insertion pod in the Halo: Reach E3 2010 demo.

  • An overview design of a drop pod from Halo: Reach.

    An overview design of a drop pod from Halo: Reach.

  • The single-occupant drop pod design featured in Halo: Reach.

    The single-occupant drop pod design featured in Halo: Reach.

  • The interior of a drop pod.

    The interior of a drop pod.

  • The interior of the hatch of a pod.

    The interior of the hatch of a pod.

  • An orbital insertion pod impacts the ground.

    An orbital insertion pod impacts the ground.

  • A Sangheili stepping out of a drop pod.

    A Sangheili stepping out of a drop pod.

  • Pods being dropped from a Covenant corvette.

    Pods being dropped from a Covenant corvette.

  • Another view of drop pods being dropped from a Covenant corvette.

    Another view of drop pods being dropped from a Covenant corvette.

  • A FSS-1000 Sabre attacks Covenant drop pods during Operation: UPPER CUT.

    A FSS-1000 Sabre attacks Covenant drop pods during Operation: UPPER CUT.

  • The Type-51 Individual Breaching Carapace (IBC) drop pod in Halo 4.

    The Type-51 Individual Breaching Carapace (IBC) drop pod in Halo 4.

  • A front view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

    A front view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

  • An inside view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

    An inside view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

  • A back view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

    A back view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

  • An overhead view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

    An overhead view of the Halo 2: Anniversary Covenant drop pod.

  • The Type-55 Individual Breaching Carapace (IBC) in Halo 5: Guardians.

    The Type-55 Individual Breaching Carapace (IBC) in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • The Covenant drop pod added to Halo Infinite Forge.

    The Covenant drop pod added to Halo Infinite Forge.

  • The Covenant drop pod and its detached door in Halo Infinite.

    The Covenant drop pod and its detached door in Halo Infinite.

  • The interior of the Covenant drop pod in Halo Infinite.

    The interior of the Covenant drop pod in Halo Infinite.

Multiple-occupant pods[edit]

  • A Covenant heavy drop pod in Halo: Reach.

    A Covenant heavy drop pod in Halo: Reach.

  • A multiple troop pod touching down.

    A multiple troop pod touching down.

  • Unggoy inside a multi-occupant drop pod.

    Unggoy inside a multi-occupant drop pod.

  • An empty drop pod.

    An empty drop pod.

  • A player trapped inside the multiple-occupant pod.

    A player trapped inside the multiple-occupant pod.

  • The Type-53 Squad Breaching Carapace (SBC) in Halo 4.

    The Type-53 Squad Breaching Carapace (SBC) in Halo 4.

  • The Type-54 Mass Deployment Carapace (MDC) in Halo 4.

    The Type-54 Mass Deployment Carapace (MDC) in Halo 4.

  • The Type-55 Squad Breaching Carapace (SBC) in Halo 5: Guardians.

    The Type-55 Squad Breaching Carapace (SBC) in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A Halo: Reach-derived Covenant drop pod in The Halo Experience Showcase in Forza Horizon 4.

    A Halo: Reach-derived Covenant drop pod in The Halo Experience Showcase in Forza Horizon 4.

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List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level, Outskirts
  2. ^ a b c d Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 121
  3. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 122
  4. ^ a b Halo: Reach, campaign level Long Night of Solace
  5. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 7
  6. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Covenant Drop Pods

v • d • e
 
Atmospheric/Exoatmospheric Craft of the Covenant and its remnants
Combat aircraft
Support aircraft and gunships
Troop carriers
Boarding craft
Exoatmospheric Craft and shuttles
Drop pods and escape pods
Single-occupant Assault carapace: Suspa Al-pattern • Udka-pattern

Breaching carapace: Kalu'teh-pattern • Gloto-pattern
Intrusion carapace: Yado-pattern
Miscellaneous: Gydrozka Workshop Breaching Pod

Multiple-occupant Assault carapace: Gloto'kas-pattern • Gloto'kef-pattern • Yado'kef-pattern

Breaching carapace: Kalu'qeh-pattern

Miscellaneous Escape pod
Civilian transport craft
Pre-Covenant craft
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