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{{Era|HCH|H1|HF|H2|H3}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{ratings}}
{{Center|This article is about the vehicle-mounted weapon. For the infantry-portable, shoulder-mounted weapon, see [[fuel rod gun]]. For the weapon used by the Mgalekgolo, see [[Assault cannon]].}}
<center>''Were you looking for the closely related [[Fuel Rod Gun]] of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]?''</center>
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|name=
| image=[[Image:Fuelrodcannon.jpg|260px]]
|image=[[File:HTMCC-H3 AAWraithFuelRods 1.png|300px]]
| name=Fuel Rod Cannon
An {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} firing its rapid-fire fuel rod cannon
| manufacturer=
|manufacturer=Varies; presumably depends on vehicle
| model=Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon?
;Human-Covenant War
| type=Anti-Personnel/Vehicular Weapon
*[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p287|Enc22|Page=287}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p288|Enc22|Page=288}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p301|Enc22|Page=301}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p302|Enc22|Page=302}}
| size=vehicle mounted
;Post-war
*length: possibly 130.2 cm (51.26 in.)                           
*[[Forge of Raansek]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p470|Enc22|Page=470}}
*Length (barrel):possibly 73.66 cm (29 in.)
*[[Gethrog Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p471|Enc22|Page=471}}
*Weight (empty):NA
*[[Lodam Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p275|Enc22|Page=275}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p286|Enc22|Page=286}}
*Weight (loaded):possibly 23.1 kg (51 lbs)
|series=
| damage per hit=Very high
|type=Anti-personnel, anti-armor, anti-vehicle, anti-aircraft{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11p339|Enc11|Page=339}}
| magazine=varied
|cost=
| maxammo=varied
|variant=
| fire= Semi-Automatic/Single shots
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Great Schism]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| ammotype=3.8cm Fuel Rods
|length={{Convert|51.26|in|cm|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p339}}
| operation=
|width=
| rate of fire=Low(1 shot per 7 seconds) to Average (2 round per second)
|height=
*Muzzle velocity:72 m/s (236 f/s)
|weight={{Convert|23|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p339}}
| accuracy=Medium
|ammotype=[[Fuel rod#Class-3|Class-3 fuel rod]]{{Ref/Book|Id=evg9|EVG|Page=9}}
| range=Medium, 165 meters (541 ft)
|capacity=
| era=
|feed=
| counterpart=90mm High Velocity Gun, , [[Class-2 Guided Munition Launch System]]
|operation=
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
|rate=
| vehicle=[[Banshee]] (1P) [[Anti-Air Wraith]] [[Scarab]]
|velocity=
|optics=
|range={{Convert|168|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p339}}
}}
}}


The '''Fuel Rod Cannon''' is a [[Covenant]] direct-fire energy weapon with anti-vehicle and anti-air applications. It is featured in ''[[Halo]]'' ''[[Halo 2]]'' and in ''[[Halo 3]]'' as part of the arsenal of various Covenant vehicles. It is the secondary weapon of the Covenant Banshee and the primary weapon of the [[Anti-Air Wraith]].
The '''fuel rod cannon''', sometimes known as '''plasma flak cannon''',{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/blitz-coverage|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Community Update - Blitz Coverage|D=28|M=10|Y=2021}} is a vehicle-mounted projectile weapon typically used by the [[Covenant]] and [[Covenant remnant|its remnants]] on a variety of their vehicles, notably including [[Wraith#Covenant AA Wraith|Skyhunter Wraiths]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p275}} [[Banshee]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p287}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p286}} and [[Seraph]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p288}} As its name suggests, the fuel rod cannon fires [[Fuel rod#Class-3|Class-3 fuel rods]], which have a greater range and a capability to track heat signatures when compared to their Class-2 counterparts, which are typically loaded in the infantry-portable [[fuel rod gun]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg9}}
==Description==
The Fuel Rod Cannon is a Covenant heavy weapon used by their vehicles as a heavy weapon. Banshees, [[Anti-Air Wraith]]s, and [[Scarab]]s have all been seen using this weapon. It is a vehicle-mounted version of the infantry issue [[Fuel Rod Gun]]. The Banshee's version of the weapon can only fire one shot before reloading, but it makes up for this with its virtually unlimited ammunition. The Halo 3 Scarab has also been seen firing volleys of Fuel Rod shots as a defense mechanism.


==Appearances==
The [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] the Banshee's fuel rod cannon under the designations of '''Heavy Anti-Armor Weapon/Mounted, Heavy Fuel Rod (Class-3)''' or '''Type-26 Heavy Anti-Armor Weapon/Mounted''' ('''T-26 HAAW/M''').{{Ref/Site|Id=hwbanshee|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/banshee|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Vehicles - Banshee|D=6|M=4|Y=2015}}{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=119}}{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Detail=Glossary}} Nicknames for the fuel rod cannon include '''Big Green Death''' and '''Green Death'''.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p339}}
In [[Halo 2]], the Fuel Rod Cannon has been given a major appearance change, with the body now a shade of yellow and the battery replaced by magazines of 5. This powerful weapon is mostly found on the level [[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]], where the [[Heretic]] [[Grunts]] make extensive use of the weapon. Outside of this level, it is very hard to find, although higher ranked Elites and Grunts will use this weapon against you to great effect. The Fuel Rod Cannon is not available in [[Halo 2]] multiplayer due to frame-rate issues.


In [[Halo 3]], the Fuel Rod Cannon underwent drastic changes. The blasts are weakened to 65% of their previous strength, to compensate for the cannon's large magazine size, fast rate of fire, and the noticeably lessened distance that the rounds fall en route to the target. Also, when fired, projectiles are affected by gravity at a much higher degree and now need time to ignite after being fired from the cannon and failure to give the rounds proper distance to accomplish this will result in a ricochet if a non-enemy surface is struck at an angle. In Halo 3 it has a slight homing feature on vehicles and is devastating when used against slow moving tanks. In Campaign, if given to a AI controlled ally they will also get the bonus of the weapon's rounds homing in on enemy foot soldiers. Shots from an enemy's Fuel Rod Cannon will home on you and your allies to a degree. It becomes increasingly difficult to dodge in higher difficulties. It can still get you if you only try to step to the side.
==Overview==
===Design details===
Fuel rod cannons, though sharing many properties with the [[Mgalekgolo]]'s [[assault cannon]],{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p298|Enc22|Page=298}} fire Class-3 fuel rod caseless projectiles, which contain radioactive, highly explosive material encased in a transparent shell.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p299|Enc22|Page=299}} The Class-3 fuel rods fired by the cannon are larger and more destructive than their Class-2 counterparts, which are intended for armor and infantry on short ranges. For long range or anti-air combat, however, the Class-3 fuel rods are more powerful, have a greater range, and are capable of tracking the heat signatures of vehicles.{{Ref/Reuse|evg9}} They are marginally weaker than a [[plasma mortar]], but travel at a higher velocity with a higher accuracy.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11p339}} Variants exist within the fuel rod cannon classification: for example, whereas the Banshee employs a forward-firing, semi-automatic single cannon, the {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} employs triple-rack rapid-fire fuel rod cannons that fire a barrage of fuel rods.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p288}}{{Ref/Site|Id=hwwraith|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Vehicles - Wraith|D=29|M=10|Y=2020}}


It is also worth noting that the weapon does not appear by default in any multiplayer maps nor in [[Matchmaking]], and thus is only seen if placed on a custom map using [[Forge]].
===Usage===
;Fuel rod cannons
*[['Ahtulai Workshop Banshee]] - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p471}}
*{{Pattern|Drailaac|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p286}}
*{{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p286}}
*{{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p287}}
*{{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p287}}
*{{Pattern|Is'belox|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p287}}
*[[Kaelum Workshop Banshee]] - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p470}}
*{{Pattern|Oghal|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p286}}
*{{Pattern|Te'ved|Banshee}} - 1x fuel rod cannon{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p287}}
*{{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} - 2x fuel rod cannons, as part of an optional modular anti-vehicle upgrade package{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p301}}
*{{Pattern|Preksheda|Shade}} - 1x fuel rod cannon, on fuel rod variant{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p301}}
*[[Spike turret]] - 1x fuel rod cannon, as part of an optional modular anti-vehicle upgrade package{{Ref/Game|Id=HW2|HW2|Banished Turret in-game unit}}{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Turret}}


==Combat Tactics==
;Rapid-fire/heavy fuel rod cannons{{Ref/Reuse|evg9}}
=== Advantages ===
*{{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} - 6x rapid-fire fuel rod cannons{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p275}}
The Fuel Rod Gun fires fairly quickly, and reloads at a slightly faster rate than the [[rocket launcher]] while holding much more ammunition. The Fuel Rod Gun has a limited lock-on ability; its projectile follows targets in the air. While easy to avoid at long range, the 2x scope of the Cannon can allow for an accurate original blast and increased chance to catch the victim in the explosive radius.
*{{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}} - 2x rapid-fire fuel rod cannons{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p275}}


The high ammo capacity, rate of fire, and damage of the Fuel Rod Gun makes it a force to be reckoned with.
;''Novox''-pattern fuel rod cannons
*{{Pattern|Kai|Seraph}} - 2x ''Novox''-pattern fuel rod cannons{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p288}}
*{{Pattern|Morsam|Seraph}} - 4x ''Novox''-pattern fuel rod cannons{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p288}}


In [[Campaign]] mode giving your allies ([[Elites]] especially) the Fuel Rod Cannon gives you a massive advantage over your enemies. On levels like Arbiter and Uprising an Elite with a Fuel Rod Cannon can fire the 5 bolts in quick succession with surprising accuracy. This can easily rip apart a group of foes even on Legendary difficulty. The fact that allies have unlimited ammo makes this valuable as well. This is opposite for giving [[Grunt]] allies the Fuel Rod Cannon, however, due to their lack of shields, if they happen to fire a rod too close to themselves. But however, Grunts holding Fuel Rod Gun tend to fire rods slightly more often and "wilder" than Elites.
==Production notes==
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer, and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', [[fuel rod gun]]s are erroneously called fuel rod cannons. Similarly, the [[Phoenix Logs|Phoenix Log]] [[Phoenix Logs/Banished Units/Heavy Grunts|entry]] for [[Heavy|Heavy Grunt]] in ''Halo Wars 2'' also mistakes the {{Pattern|Korva|fuel rod gun}} for a fuel rod cannon. Furthermore, the [[Halo Waypoint]] article for the fuel rod gun incorrectly named the weapon as the fuel rod cannon,{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fuel-rod-cannon|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapon - Fuel Rod Cannon|D=29|M=10|Y=2015}}, though the article on [[Wraith]]s correctly stated that the anti-air Wraith employs fuel rod cannons.{{Ref/Reuse|hwwraith}} The distinction between the two fuel rod weapons was deliberately established in ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' and the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
*According to the [[Halo 3 manual|''Halo 3'' manual]], the Banshee fires Class-2 fuel rods, though this was later seemingly retconned by Halo Waypoint's article on Banshees.{{Ref/Reuse|hwbanshee}}
*In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', in a similar case to the fuel rod gun, fuel rods fired from an NPC’s fuel rod cannon have an enhanced lock-on ability, which players are unable to access. However, in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', it is possible for the player to use this feature.
*The fuel rod cannon on Banshees have been nicknamed "Banshee bomb" by the developers and the community.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/season-1-outcomes-report|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Season 1 Outcomes Report <nowiki>|</nowiki> Halo Infinite|D=29|M=5|Y=2023}}


Other advantages include a ricochet effect at wide angles, while firing parallel to a wall the shots can "skip" off. To obtain an effect the angle has to be obtuse and the person firing must near parallel to the targeted wall, this however does not cause the shell to explode but instead sends it off in a new predictable trajectory. You will not be affected by it ricocheting off the ground because its arc will extremely diminish the effect
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Fuel rod explosion.JPG|An explosion from a [[Irdnekt-pattern Banshee|Banshee]]'s fuel rod cannon in ''[[Halo: Landfall]]''.
File:HLegend - Fuel Rod Cannon.png|A Banshee prepares to fire its fuel rod cannon in ''[[Halo: Legends]]''{{'}}s [[Prototype]].
File:HTMCC H3 Sandbox AAWraith.png|An {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} fires a barrage of fuel rods in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3 BansheeFuelRod.png|An {{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}} fires its fuel rod cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 AAWraithFuelRods 2.png|An anti-aircraft Wraith and a Banshee fire their fuel rod cannons in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 FRCTracking 1.png|A Banshee's fuel rod displaying tracking capabilities in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 FRCTracking 2.png|A Banshee's fuel rod curving to hit an [[AV-14 Hornet]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3 FRCTracking 3.png|A Banshee's fuel rod displaying tracking capabilities in ''Halo 3''.
File:HWDE-CitadelTurret AV.jpg|The anti-vehicle variants of the ''Kewu Umppi'pa{{'}}''-pattern turrets with mounted fuel rod cannons in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HTMCC-HR BansheeFuelRods.png|Two {{Pattern|Is'belox|Banshee}}s firing their fuel rod cannons in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HTMCC-HR ShadeFRVariant 4.png|A {{Pattern|Preksheda|Shade}} fires its fuel rod cannon at a Falcon in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR Seraph FRGFiring.png|A {{Pattern|Morsam|Seraph}} fires its ''Novox''-pattern fuel rod cannons in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Assault on the Supply Lines.png|An anti-aircraft Wraith firing fuel rod cannons in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:H5G-BansheevsPhaeton.jpg|A {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}} fires its fuel rod cannon at a [[Phaeton]] in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-AAWraithvsWraith.png|A {{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}} fires its fuel rod cannon at a {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF Banshee FuelRodGun 1.png|A [[Kaelum Workshop Banshee]] fires its fuel rod cannon in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>


===Disadvantages===
==List of appearances==
The Fuel Rod Cannon's fiery energy pulses are slow. At long range, aiming has to be high and it normally takes multiple bolts to kill a hostile, as a curtain of fire has to be laid down, and the overheating of the Fuel Rod Gun is not conducive to streams of radioactive fire. At short range, however, a single direct or almost-direct hit cannot kill a shielded Spartan/Elite, but it will take down's one shield partially or entirely, killing an enemy with two hits.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[The Life]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Remember Reach]]''
**''[[Deliver Hope]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
{{Col-end}}


Furthermore, the large size will often obscure one's vision, making it harder to see who's there to kill the wielder of this ungainly weapon.
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


==Usage==
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
The Fuel Rod Cannon is a powerful weapon, and vehicles equipped with it should never be taken lightly. The Covenant Banshee in [[Halo]] and [[Halo 3]] often uses the weapon to soften you up before firing its plasma cannons, especially if you are using a LAAG or [[Shade]]. It is possible and desired to avoid the shot entirely, as they often fire it while they are still far away. This is harder in Halo 3, as the shots now partially home in. In [[Halo 2]], campaign Banshees never use the weapon and the issue does not come up.
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
 
[[Category:Covenant air weapons]]
==UNSC Remarks==
“Those things are scary as hell. Ya hear that weird “whump” sound and even if ya see it comin’ yer transfixed—these big green blobs flying at you throwin’ off sparks!”
 
“It’s so weird. I don’t know who first called it a fuel rod gun, but it’s kind’a funny. I suppose the projectile is reminiscent of how you might expect to see a nuclear fuel rod depicted in a gee eh cartoon—all glowing green and throwing off sparks.”
 
“They’re pretty tricky to handle—first off you gotta get over the fact that there is this glowing, green explosive whatever right next to your head; and it’s not like you can req any more ammo for the damn thing—but you can lay down a whole lot’a hurt in a very short amount of time I’ll tell you what.”
 
“[The Type-33s] have more in common with the ballistic weapon on the Banshee than it does with the weapon that the Hunters carry around—well, not carry around, but you know what I mean.”
 
“I catch a glimpse of green out of the corner of my eye and then there’s this huge “whoomf” and the ‘hog goes end over end burning with Gaz still at the wheel. I was riding shotty with the em forty-one so I just unlatched and pushed off when we started going up into the air—and there went the ‘hog and Gaz and all our gear cart-wheeling into the ravine.”
 
== Trivia ==
*In Halo 3, it takes about 8 shots to take down a [[Phantom]] on Normal difficulty, about 3-4 shots at the Phantom's "eyes".
*When you give a Fuel Rod Cannon to a Marine, their animation is the same as if they were holding a Rocket Launcher. If you look closely, their left hand is at an angle, just like holding the Rocket Launcher.
*In Halo 2 during Campaign mode (most likely on Legendary), the bolts have a slight homing ability. Only enemies have this ability. If you strafe as the wielder fires upon you, it will turn very slowly into your direction. In Halo 3, it also has a slight tracking ability, but this time it is the player and allies only who get this ability.
*Sometimes in Halo 3 Forge, when you put the Fuel Rod Cannon on a map (usually High Ground), the weapon will not appear in game. It is unknown why.
*Most likely due to the [[Halo 3 Skulls|Cowbell Skull]], a [[Phantom]] only takes four shots to kill with a Fuel Rod Cannon, even on Legendary.
*In Halo 3 Forge, the Fuel Rod Cannon is called the "Fuel Rod Gun".
 
== Character Compatibility ==
*[[Elites]]
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Marines]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]] (animation in games but not used)
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]] (animation in games but not used)
*[[Grunts]]
*[[Hunters]] ([[Assault Cannon]])
*[[Brutes]]
 
== See Also ==
*[[Fuel Rod Gun]]
*[[Covenant Weapons]]
*[[Assault Cannon]]

Latest revision as of 03:03, February 11, 2024

This article is about the vehicle-mounted weapon. For the infantry-portable, shoulder-mounted weapon, see fuel rod gun. For the weapon used by the Mgalekgolo, see Assault cannon.
Fuel rod cannon
A Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith firing its fuel rod cannon during the Battle of Installation 00. From Halo 3 campaign level The Covenant.

An Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith firing its rapid-fire fuel rod cannon

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Varies; presumably depends on vehicle

Human-Covenant War
Post-war

Type:

Anti-personnel, anti-armor, anti-vehicle, anti-aircraft[9]

Specifications

Length:

130.2 centimetres (51.26 in)[9]

Weight:

23 kilograms (51 lb)[9]

Ammunition type:

Class-3 fuel rod[10]

Effective range:

168 metres (550 ft)[9]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Great Schism
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

The fuel rod cannon, sometimes known as plasma flak cannon,[11] is a vehicle-mounted projectile weapon typically used by the Covenant and its remnants on a variety of their vehicles, notably including Skyhunter Wraiths,[7] Banshees,[1][8] and Seraphs.[2] As its name suggests, the fuel rod cannon fires Class-3 fuel rods, which have a greater range and a capability to track heat signatures when compared to their Class-2 counterparts, which are typically loaded in the infantry-portable fuel rod gun.[10]

The United Nations Space Command's Office of Naval Intelligence has typically type-classified the Banshee's fuel rod cannon under the designations of Heavy Anti-Armor Weapon/Mounted, Heavy Fuel Rod (Class-3) or Type-26 Heavy Anti-Armor Weapon/Mounted (T-26 HAAW/M).[12][13][14] Nicknames for the fuel rod cannon include Big Green Death and Green Death.[9]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Fuel rod cannons, though sharing many properties with the Mgalekgolo's assault cannon,[15] fire Class-3 fuel rod caseless projectiles, which contain radioactive, highly explosive material encased in a transparent shell.[16] The Class-3 fuel rods fired by the cannon are larger and more destructive than their Class-2 counterparts, which are intended for armor and infantry on short ranges. For long range or anti-air combat, however, the Class-3 fuel rods are more powerful, have a greater range, and are capable of tracking the heat signatures of vehicles.[10] They are marginally weaker than a plasma mortar, but travel at a higher velocity with a higher accuracy.[9] Variants exist within the fuel rod cannon classification: for example, whereas the Banshee employs a forward-firing, semi-automatic single cannon, the Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith employs triple-rack rapid-fire fuel rod cannons that fire a barrage of fuel rods.[2][17]

Usage[edit]

Fuel rod cannons
Rapid-fire/heavy fuel rod cannons[10]
Novox-pattern fuel rod cannons

Production notes[edit]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 287
  2. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 288
  3. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 301
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 302
  5. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 470
  6. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 471
  7. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 275
  8. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 286
  9. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 339
  10. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 9
  11. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo Community Update - Blitz Coverage (Retrieved on Oct 28, 2021) [archive]
  12. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Universe - Vehicles - Banshee (Retrieved on Apr 6, 2015) [archive]
  13. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 119
  14. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide: Glossary
  15. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 298
  16. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 299
  17. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Universe - Vehicles - Wraith (Retrieved on Oct 29, 2020) [archive]
  18. ^ Halo Wars 2, Banished Turret in-game unit
  19. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Turret
  20. ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapon - Fuel Rod Cannon (Retrieved on Oct 29, 2015) [archive]
  21. ^ Halo Waypoint, Season 1 Outcomes Report | Halo Infinite (Retrieved on May 29, 2023) [archive]