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Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner: Difference between revisions

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|name=''Hekar Taa''-pattern Blockade Runner
|name=''Hekar Taa''-pattern Blockade Runner
|image=[[File:H5G-SangheiliBlockadeRunnerStarship.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H5G-SangheiliBlockadeRunnerStarship.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Vassal Workshops of Clan Makan and Clan Vol]]<ref name="warfleet"/>
|manufacturer=[[Vassal Workshops of Clan Makan and Clan Vol]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|class=[[Corvette]],<ref name="Mythos">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 194''</ref> [[Covenant fleet#Major categories|Vestige]]<ref name="warfleet"/>
|class=[[Corvette]],<ref name="Mythos">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 194''</ref> [[Covenant fleet#Major categories|Vestige]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|role=Blockade runner<ref name="SoI">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-shadow-of-intense '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Shadow of Intense'']</ref>
|role=Blockade runner<ref name="SoI">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-shadow-of-intense '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Shadow of Intense'']</ref>
|length={{Convert|2020|m|ft|sp=us|sigfig=4}}<ref name="canonfodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-holiday-shipping '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Holiday Shipping'']</ref><ref name="warfleet"/>
|length={{Convert|2020|m|ft|sp=us|sigfig=4}}<ref name="canonfodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-holiday-shipping '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Holiday Shipping'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|width=
|width=
|height=
|height=
|mass=80 million metric tons<ref name="warfleet"/>
|mass=80 million metric tons{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|power=
|power=
|engine=[[Repulsor engine]]s
|engine=[[Repulsor engine]]s
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|hull=[[Nanolaminate]] plating
|hull=[[Nanolaminate]] plating
|shielding=Equipped
|shielding=Equipped
|armament=*1x ''Pherex''-pattern [[Energy projector|excavation beam]]<ref name="hot drops">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hot-drops-flag-caps '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Community Update - Hot Drops & Flag Caps'']</ref><ref name="warfleet"/>
|armament=*1x ''Pherex''-pattern [[Energy projector|excavation beam]]<ref name="hot drops">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hot-drops-flag-caps '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Community Update - Hot Drops & Flag Caps'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*3x ''Corven''-pattern plasma beam emitters<ref name="warfleet"/>
*3x ''Corven''-pattern plasma beam emitters{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*24x ''Gaff-Naran''-pattern [[Plasma cannon (starship)|plasma cannon]]s<ref name="fb">''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''</ref><ref name="warfleet"/>
*24x ''Gaff-Naran''-pattern [[Plasma cannon (starship)|plasma cannon]]s<ref name="fb">''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*16x ''Litrex''-pattern [[plasma torpedo]] silos<ref name="fb"/><ref name="warfleet"/>
*16x ''Litrex''-pattern [[plasma torpedo]] silos{{Ref/Reuse|fb}}{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*10x ''Eriu''-pattern [[Pulse laser turret|pulse lasers]]<ref name="warfleet"/>
*10x ''Eriu''-pattern [[Pulse laser turret|pulse lasers]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|complement=*15 Obedientaries<ref name="warfleet"/>
|complement=*15 Obedientaries{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*100 Warriors<ref name="warfleet"/>
*100 Warriors{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*500 Thralls<ref name="warfleet"/>
*500 Thralls{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|crew=*5 Superiors<ref name="warfleet"/>
|crew=*5 Superiors{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*220 Menials<ref name="warfleet"/>
*220 Menials{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|passengers=
|passengers=
|othersystems=*Stealth generators<ref name="hot drops"/>
|othersystems=*Stealth generators{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
*[[Hyperscanner]]<ref name="warfleet"/>
*[[Hyperscanner]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|era=*[[War of Beginnings]]<ref name="canonfodder"/>
|era=*[[War of Beginnings]]{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}
*[[Blooding Years]]<ref name="canonfodder"/>
*[[Blooding Years]]{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}
|introduced=
|introduced=
|affiliation=*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]<ref name="hot drops"/>
|affiliation=*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]<ref name="hot drops"/>
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}
}}
}}
{{Quote|Swift corvette preferred by the boldest and most audacious shipmasters.|[[Curator]]<ref name="Mythos"/>}}
{{Quote|Swift corvette preferred by the boldest and most audacious shipmasters.|[[Curator]]{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos}}}}


The '''''Hekar Taa''-pattern Blockade Runner'''<ref name="hot drops"/> is a vestigial class of [[corvette]] used by the [[Sangheili]] during the [[War of Beginnings]].<ref name="warfleet"/> This class of corvette was later utilized by the [[fleet]]s of [[Covenant remnants]], including the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].<ref name="canonfodder"/><ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level, ''[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]''</ref> While these corvettes lack in armor and protection, Blockade Runners are fast ships with powerful armaments.<ref name="canonfodder"/>
The '''''Hekar Taa''-pattern Blockade Runner'''{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} is a vestigial class of [[corvette]] used by the [[Sangheili]] during the [[War of Beginnings]].{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}} This class of corvette was later utilized by the [[fleet]]s of [[Covenant remnants]], including the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level, ''[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]''</ref> While these corvettes lack in armor and protection, Blockade Runners are fast ships with powerful armaments.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
===Hull and superstructure===
===Hull and superstructure===
[[File:Blockaderunnerblueprint.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Blockade runner blueprint.]]
[[File:Blockaderunnerblueprint.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Blockade runner blueprint.]]
The ''Hekar Taa''-pattern Blockade Runner is a swift class of [[corvette]], abstaining from protection for speed and firepower. As with most older [[Sangheili]] designs, these [[warship]]s were designed for the sole purpose of breaking through enemy formations, as well as flanking around enemy lines to hunt down and destroy damaged vessels.<ref name="canonfodder"/><ref name="reinforcements">[http://www.spartangames.co.uk/halo-fleet-battles-reinforcements '''Spartan Games''': ''Halo: Fleet Battles – Reinforcements'']</ref> Like most Sangheili warships, the aesthetics of the Blockade Runners of the ''Hekar Taa''-pattern have strong biomimetic elements, bearing a resemblance to the [[arkon taa]], a type of carnivorous fish found in the northern waters of [[Sanghelios]]<ref name="warfleet">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''Vestiges'', ''pages 78-79''</ref> and other [[Sangheili colonies]].<ref name="canonfodder"/> The Blockade Runner is comparable to the modern {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}, albeit with less armor.<ref name="reinforcements"/>
The ''Hekar Taa''-pattern Blockade Runner is a swift class of [[corvette]], abstaining from protection for speed and firepower. As with most older [[Sangheili]] designs, these [[warship]]s were designed for the sole purpose of breaking through enemy formations, as well as flanking around enemy lines to hunt down and destroy damaged vessels.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}<ref name="reinforcements">[http://www.spartangames.co.uk/halo-fleet-battles-reinforcements '''Spartan Games''': ''Halo: Fleet Battles – Reinforcements'']</ref> Like most Sangheili warships, the aesthetics of the Blockade Runners of the ''Hekar Taa''-pattern have strong biomimetic elements, bearing a resemblance to the [[arkon taa]], a type of carnivorous fish found in the northern waters of [[Sanghelios]]<ref name="warfleet">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''Vestiges'', ''pages 78-79''</ref> and other [[Sangheili colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}} The Blockade Runner is comparable to the modern {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}, albeit with less armor.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}}


Sleek and nimble, yet a powerful medium-sized warship, Blockade Runners are designed to allow even the boldest [[shipmaster]]s to complete their missions.<ref name="reinforcements"/> Configured with only minor modifications, the ancient stealth generators that these corvettes are outfitted with conceal the vessel's location through brute-force jamming and expenditure of small [[drone]]s, as opposed to the sensor distortion grids utilized by modern [[active camouflage]] systems installed on [[Covenant]] designs.<ref name="hot drops"/> Blockade Runners also host a large complement of crew, for countering [[boarding]] efforts and launching attacks of their own.<ref name="reinforcements"/> However, they are purely Sangheili warships, and modifications made for other species are typically clumsy refits. Even then, many Sangheili still find serving aboard a ''Hekar-Taa'' an uncomfortable experience, due to the ships' scented air and droning subsonic hymnals that were once standard features two millennia ago.<ref name="warfleet"/>
Sleek and nimble, yet a powerful medium-sized warship, Blockade Runners are designed to allow even the boldest [[shipmaster]]s to complete their missions.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}} Configured with only minor modifications, the ancient stealth generators that these corvettes are outfitted with conceal the vessel's location through brute-force jamming and expenditure of small [[drone]]s, as opposed to the sensor distortion grids utilized by modern [[active camouflage]] systems installed on [[Covenant]] designs.{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} Blockade Runners also host a large complement of crew, for countering [[boarding]] efforts and launching attacks of their own.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}} However, they are purely Sangheili warships, and modifications made for other species are typically clumsy refits. Even then, many Sangheili still find serving aboard a ''Hekar-Taa'' an uncomfortable experience, due to the ships' scented air and droning subsonic hymnals that were once standard features two millennia ago.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}


The [[repulsor engine]] found on the ''Hekar Taa'' is a cruder model than those found on more modern Covenant warships, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment to operate at full power in contrast to the longevity of their newer counterparts. While its [[hyperscanner]] panels are still far superior to most human sensors, modern Covenant ships are able to easily avoid being detected.<ref name="warfleet"/>
The [[repulsor engine]] found on the ''Hekar Taa'' is a cruder model than those found on more modern Covenant warships, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment to operate at full power in contrast to the longevity of their newer counterparts. While its [[hyperscanner]] panels are still far superior to most human sensors, modern Covenant ships are able to easily avoid being detected.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}


===Armaments===
===Armaments===
[[File:H5G-Blockaderunnerpew.png|thumb|250px|A Blockade Runner firing a plasma torpedo.]]
[[File:H5G-Blockaderunnerpew.png|thumb|250px|A Blockade Runner firing a plasma torpedo.]]
The Blockade Runner's armaments are antiquated, but not ineffective.<ref name="warfleet"/> The unrefined [[energy projector]]s offended [[San'Shyuum]] bureaucrats of the Covenant, but they are more than capable of disabling the [[energy shielding]] and shattering the hulls of modern warships.<ref name="hot drops"/> The [[plasma torpedo]]es equipped to the Blockade Runner primarily shoot backwards, further aiding the corvette in its breakthrough strategies.<ref name="reinforcements"/> These corvettes are also outfitted with [[Plasma cannon (starship)|plasma cannon]]s.<ref name="fb"/> Often supported by more modern designs, such as the {{Class|ADP|escort}}, a Blockade Runner is still capable of generating enough firepower to threaten even the most powerful warships of the Covenant, [[Swords of Sanghelios]], [[Banished]], or [[UNSC Navy]].<ref name="hot drops"/>
The Blockade Runner's armaments are antiquated, but not ineffective.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}} The unrefined [[energy projector]]s offended [[San'Shyuum]] bureaucrats of the Covenant, but they are more than capable of disabling the [[energy shielding]] and shattering the hulls of modern warships.{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} The [[plasma torpedo]]es equipped to the Blockade Runner primarily shoot backwards, further aiding the corvette in its breakthrough strategies.{{Ref/Reuse|reinforcements}} These corvettes are also outfitted with [[Plasma cannon (starship)|plasma cannon]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|fb}} Often supported by more modern designs, such as the {{Class|ADP|escort}}, a Blockade Runner is still capable of generating enough firepower to threaten even the most powerful warships of the Covenant, [[Swords of Sanghelios]], [[Banished]], or [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}}


The older style of energy projector found equipped on the blockade runner generally lacks range and delicacy, but makes up for these shortcomings in sheer power. These cannons can be further overcharged beyond what the Covenant consider prudent, though this double-edged sword may lead inexperienced crews to run the risk of crippling their weapon systems.<ref name="warfleet"/> The blockade runner additionally contains a centrally-located hangar, with many older models still stocked with ancient designs of the [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee]] and other craft, now discarded or recycled during modern-day refits.<ref name="warfleet"/>
The older style of energy projector found equipped on the blockade runner generally lacks range and delicacy, but makes up for these shortcomings in sheer power. These cannons can be further overcharged beyond what the Covenant consider prudent, though this double-edged sword may lead inexperienced crews to run the risk of crippling their weapon systems.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}} The blockade runner additionally contains a centrally-located hangar, with many older models still stocked with ancient designs of the [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee]] and other craft, now discarded or recycled during modern-day refits.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
The Blockade Runners were first used by the [[Sangheili]] against the [[San'Shyuum]] during the [[War of Beginnings]]. One legendary Blockade Runner, ''[[Joori's Light]]'', succeeded in evading destruction and capture at the hands of the San'Shyuum during the war. When the war came to an end and the [[Covenant]] was established through the [[Writ of Union]], the crew of ''Joori's Light'' refused to join the Covenant and instead escaped to uncharted space.<ref name="canonfodder"/> Many current-surviving blockade runners are vestiges of this time, having originally belonged to a fleet headed by [[Ophon 'Qaram]], with the blockade runners serving as his signature warship. These ships were used to strike at San 'Shyuum fortifications, before vanishing prior to retaliation by enemy forces.<ref name="warfleet"/>
The Blockade Runners were first used by the [[Sangheili]] against the [[San'Shyuum]] during the [[War of Beginnings]]. One legendary Blockade Runner, ''[[Joori's Light]]'', succeeded in evading destruction and capture at the hands of the San'Shyuum during the war. When the war came to an end and the [[Covenant]] was established through the [[Writ of Union]], the crew of ''Joori's Light'' refused to join the Covenant and instead escaped to uncharted space.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}} Many current-surviving blockade runners are vestiges of this time, having originally belonged to a fleet headed by [[Ophon 'Qaram]], with the blockade runners serving as his signature warship. These ships were used to strike at San 'Shyuum fortifications, before vanishing prior to retaliation by enemy forces.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}


Over the course of history the ships received upgrades. As the [[Blooding Years]] embroiled [[Sanghelios]], Blockade Runners were pulled from hidden stocks in the outer edge of the [[Joori]] system by [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] to bolster their fleets.<ref name="warfleet"/><ref name="hot drops"/> Upgraded to modern specifications,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180525024345/http://www.haloarchive.com/forum/topic/9-canon-fodder-and-random-lore-chat/?page=59&tab=comments '''Halo Archive''': ''Canon Fodder thread'']</ref> these corvettes have been used in supporting ground operations during the civil war against the better judgement of their [[shipmaster]]s.<ref name="canonfodder"/> In [[2558#October|October 2558]], some Blockade Runners were present during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]],<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]''</ref> the [[Operation: BIRD IN HAND|attack]] on ''[[Argent Moon]]'',<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team]]''</ref> and the [[Battle of Sunaion]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>
Over the course of history the ships received upgrades. As the [[Blooding Years]] embroiled [[Sanghelios]], Blockade Runners were pulled from hidden stocks in the outer edge of the [[Joori]] system by [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] to bolster their fleets.{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|hot drops}} Upgraded to modern specifications,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180525024345/http://www.haloarchive.com/forum/topic/9-canon-fodder-and-random-lore-chat/?page=59&tab=comments '''Halo Archive''': ''Canon Fodder thread'']</ref> these corvettes have been used in supporting ground operations during the civil war against the better judgement of their [[shipmaster]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}} In [[2558#October|October 2558]], some Blockade Runners were present during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]],<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]''</ref> the [[Operation: BIRD IN HAND|attack]] on ''[[Argent Moon]]'',<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team]]''</ref> and the [[Battle of Sunaion]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>


[[Spartan-IV]]s aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} trained in a [[Truth (level)|simulation]] of [[War Games]] set during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], but with the ships from the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] replaced by these ships.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', multiplayer map, ''[[Truth (level)]]''</ref>
[[Spartan-IV]]s aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} trained in a [[Truth (level)|simulation]] of [[War Games]] set during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], but with the ships from the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] replaced by these ships.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', multiplayer map, ''[[Truth (level)]]''</ref>
Line 64: Line 64:
==Ships of the line==
==Ships of the line==
*''[[Purity of Spirit]]'' {{C|Simulations only}}{{Ref/Note|''Purity of Spirit'' was previously confirmed to be a ''CCS''-class battlecruiser, and only appeared as a Blockade Runner in [[War Games]] simulations.}}<ref name="cannonfodder2">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Cannon Fodder: Beta Late Than Never'']</ref>
*''[[Purity of Spirit]]'' {{C|Simulations only}}{{Ref/Note|''Purity of Spirit'' was previously confirmed to be a ''CCS''-class battlecruiser, and only appeared as a Blockade Runner in [[War Games]] simulations.}}<ref name="cannonfodder2">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Cannon Fodder: Beta Late Than Never'']</ref>
*''[[Undiminished Entelechy]]'' {{C|Simulations only}}{{Ref/Note|It being the [[Wikipedia:Sister ship|sister ship]] of ''Purity of Spirit'', we can deduce that they are both the same class. As such, its representation as a Blockade Runner is simply down to changes in the simulation.}}<ref name="cannonfodder2"/>
*''[[Undiminished Entelechy]]'' {{C|Simulations only}}{{Ref/Note|It being the [[Wikipedia:Sister ship|sister ship]] of ''Purity of Spirit'', we can deduce that they are both the same class. As such, its representation as a Blockade Runner is simply down to changes in the simulation.}}{{Ref/Reuse|cannonfodder2}}
*''[[Joori's Light]]''<ref name="canonfodder"/>
*''[[Joori's Light]]''{{Ref/Reuse|canonfodder}}


==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==

Revision as of 10:45, April 15, 2021

Hekar Taa-pattern Blockade Runner
H5G-SangheiliBlockadeRunnerStarship.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Vassal Workshops of Clan Makan and Clan Vol[1]

Class:

Corvette,[2] Vestige[1]

Role:

Blockade runner[3]

Technical specifications

Length:

2,020 meters (6,627 ft)[4][1]

Mass:

80 million metric tons[1]

Engine(s):

Repulsor engines

Slipspace drive:

Equipped

Other system(s):

Hull:

Nanolaminate plating

Shielding:

Equipped

Armament:

Complement:

  • 15 Obedientaries[1]
  • 100 Warriors[1]
  • 500 Thralls[1]

Crew:

Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Affiliation:

 

"Swift corvette preferred by the boldest and most audacious shipmasters."
Curator[2]

The Hekar Taa-pattern Blockade Runner[5] is a vestigial class of corvette used by the Sangheili during the War of Beginnings.[1] This class of corvette was later utilized by the fleets of Covenant remnants, including the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.[4][7] While these corvettes lack in armor and protection, Blockade Runners are fast ships with powerful armaments.[4]

Specifications

Hull and superstructure

Blockade runner blueprint.

The Hekar Taa-pattern Blockade Runner is a swift class of corvette, abstaining from protection for speed and firepower. As with most older Sangheili designs, these warships were designed for the sole purpose of breaking through enemy formations, as well as flanking around enemy lines to hunt down and destroy damaged vessels.[4][8] Like most Sangheili warships, the aesthetics of the Blockade Runners of the Hekar Taa-pattern have strong biomimetic elements, bearing a resemblance to the arkon taa, a type of carnivorous fish found in the northern waters of Sanghelios[1] and other Sangheili colonies.[4] The Blockade Runner is comparable to the modern CCS-class battlecruiser, albeit with less armor.[8]

Sleek and nimble, yet a powerful medium-sized warship, Blockade Runners are designed to allow even the boldest shipmasters to complete their missions.[8] Configured with only minor modifications, the ancient stealth generators that these corvettes are outfitted with conceal the vessel's location through brute-force jamming and expenditure of small drones, as opposed to the sensor distortion grids utilized by modern active camouflage systems installed on Covenant designs.[5] Blockade Runners also host a large complement of crew, for countering boarding efforts and launching attacks of their own.[8] However, they are purely Sangheili warships, and modifications made for other species are typically clumsy refits. Even then, many Sangheili still find serving aboard a Hekar-Taa an uncomfortable experience, due to the ships' scented air and droning subsonic hymnals that were once standard features two millennia ago.[1]

The repulsor engine found on the Hekar Taa is a cruder model than those found on more modern Covenant warships, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment to operate at full power in contrast to the longevity of their newer counterparts. While its hyperscanner panels are still far superior to most human sensors, modern Covenant ships are able to easily avoid being detected.[1]

Armaments

A Blockade Runner firing a plasma torpedo.

The Blockade Runner's armaments are antiquated, but not ineffective.[1] The unrefined energy projectors offended San'Shyuum bureaucrats of the Covenant, but they are more than capable of disabling the energy shielding and shattering the hulls of modern warships.[5] The plasma torpedoes equipped to the Blockade Runner primarily shoot backwards, further aiding the corvette in its breakthrough strategies.[8] These corvettes are also outfitted with plasma cannons.[6] Often supported by more modern designs, such as the ADP-class escort, a Blockade Runner is still capable of generating enough firepower to threaten even the most powerful warships of the Covenant, Swords of Sanghelios, Banished, or UNSC Navy.[5]

The older style of energy projector found equipped on the blockade runner generally lacks range and delicacy, but makes up for these shortcomings in sheer power. These cannons can be further overcharged beyond what the Covenant consider prudent, though this double-edged sword may lead inexperienced crews to run the risk of crippling their weapon systems.[1] The blockade runner additionally contains a centrally-located hangar, with many older models still stocked with ancient designs of the Banshee and other craft, now discarded or recycled during modern-day refits.[1]

Operational history

The Blockade Runners were first used by the Sangheili against the San'Shyuum during the War of Beginnings. One legendary Blockade Runner, Joori's Light, succeeded in evading destruction and capture at the hands of the San'Shyuum during the war. When the war came to an end and the Covenant was established through the Writ of Union, the crew of Joori's Light refused to join the Covenant and instead escaped to uncharted space.[4] Many current-surviving blockade runners are vestiges of this time, having originally belonged to a fleet headed by Ophon 'Qaram, with the blockade runners serving as his signature warship. These ships were used to strike at San 'Shyuum fortifications, before vanishing prior to retaliation by enemy forces.[1]

Over the course of history the ships received upgrades. As the Blooding Years embroiled Sanghelios, Blockade Runners were pulled from hidden stocks in the outer edge of the Joori system by Thel 'Vadam's Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant to bolster their fleets.[1][5] Upgraded to modern specifications,[9] these corvettes have been used in supporting ground operations during the civil war against the better judgement of their shipmasters.[4] In October 2558, some Blockade Runners were present during the Battle of Kamchatka,[10] the attack on Argent Moon,[11] and the Battle of Sunaion.[12]

Spartan-IVs aboard UNSC Infinity trained in a simulation of War Games set during the Battle of Installation 04, but with the ships from the Fleet of Particular Justice replaced by these ships.[13]

Ships of the line

Halo: Fleet Battles

Covenant Blockade Runner

A Blockade Runner in Halo: Fleet Battles.

This element includes a single Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner.

  • Cost: 170 points
  • Movement: 9"
  • Damage Track: 7 • 6 • 4
  • Built Rating: 3
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 3
  • Security Detail: 4
  • System loadouts:
    • Cloaking System
    • Defence Array (4)
    • Glide (4")
    • Point Defence (3)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
    • Range: 18/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 12
  • Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
    • Range: 12"/-
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 7/7/7
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
    • Range: 10/20"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 14
  • Additional Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard/Aft
    • Dice: 6

Covenant Escorted Blockade Runner

A Blockade Runner with an ADP-class escort from Halo: Fleet Battles.

This element includes a Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner and one ADP-class escort.

  • Cost: 210 points
  • Movement: 9"
  • Damage Track: 8 • 6 • 4
  • Built Rating: 4
  • Hangars: 2
  • Boarding Craft: 3
  • Security Detail: 5
  • System loadouts:
    • Cloaking System
    • Defence Array (4)
    • Glide (4")
    • Point Defence (4)
  • Primary Weapon: Plasma Lance
    • Range: 18/32"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 12
  • Alternative Primary Weapon: Plasma Beam
    • Range: 12"/-
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 7/7/7
  • Secondary Weapon: Plasma Cannon Arrays
    • Range: 10/20"
    • Weapon loadouts: Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard
    • Dice: 14
  • Additional Secondary Weapon: Plasma Torpedoes
    • Range: 12/24"
    • Weapon loadouts: Missiles/Plasma
    • Firing Arc: Forward/Port/Starboard/Aft
    • Dice: 9

Behind the scenes

In the real world, blockade runners were lightly armed and armored warships designed for speed, intended to evade engagement by blockading naval forces, usually to transport cargo or to carry messages or personnel to other ports.

Gallery

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ Purity of Spirit was previously confirmed to be a CCS-class battlecruiser, and only appeared as a Blockade Runner in War Games simulations.
  2. ^ It being the sister ship of Purity of Spirit, we can deduce that they are both the same class. As such, its representation as a Blockade Runner is simply down to changes in the simulation.

Sources