A navigation computer, sometimes abbreviated NAV computer or NAVCOM, is a device used to coordinate slipstream space jumps and plot courses or steer ships at sublight speeds.[1][2] While ships often have human crews, NAV computers or AIs are essential in making the complex calculations involved in astrogation, the process of coordinating a slipspace jump. They can also control unmanned vessels, such as freighters, entirely by themselves. As they possess only a fraction of the computational capability of an AI, NAV computers are generally inexpensive.[3] To successfully perform jumps, NAV computers require the coordinates of the intended destination and other related data, which is often in the form of a navigation database.

While the Covenant have a ban on more advanced Associated Intelligences, simple navigation AIs are in common use.[4] Sometimes referred to as the ships' "spirits",[5] they lack any form of sentience and are only used to control and pilot the ship,[4] in addition to operating the intricate systems required in glassing operations and presumably make the necessary calculations for Slipspace jumps.[6]

List of appearancesEdit

SourcesEdit

  1. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 96
  2. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", page 438
  3. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 23
  4. ^ a b Halo: Glasslands, page 200
  5. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Return", page 496
  6. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Return", page 494