Strident-class heavy frigate: Difference between revisions

Strident-class heavy frigate
Production information
Manufacturer:	Aerofabrique SA
Class:	Heavy frigate
Role:	Escort; Attack;
Technical specifications
Length:	575 meters (1,887 ft)
Width:	124 meters (407 ft)
Height:	112 meters (368 ft)
Mass:	1.1 million metric tons
Engine(s):	Deuterium fusion engines
Slipspace drive:	Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine
Hull:	Titanium-A battle plate
Shielding:	Equipped
Armament:	1 Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/MAC; 2 M42 Archer missile pods; 6 M870 Rampart point-defense guns; 5 Mark 55 Castor naval coilguns; 6 Mark 57 Arena point defense guns; 1 M4093 Hyperion missile silo;
Complement:	1–4 Pelican dropships; Atleast 10 M8900 SOEIVs;
Crew:	190 sailors
Chronological and affiliation
Era:	Human-Covenant War; Post-Covenant War conflicts;
Introduced:	2549
Affiliation:	UNSC Navy

Latest revision as of 16:20, February 5, 2024

The Strident-class heavy frigate is a type of heavy frigate in service with the UNSC Navy, designated with the hull code FFG. Manufactured over Mars and Tribute by Aerofabrique SA,^[1] these frigates are used as both escort ships and swift-attack vessels. Outfitted with energy shielding and powerful weaponry, the Strident class represents one of the newest generations of warships within the Navy.^[7]

Role[edit]

The Strident class fulfills a number of versatile roles in the UNSC Navy, from convoy escort to troop transport. The multi-purpose Strident-class heavy frigate most often fulfills escort and attack roles in the fleet. In attack roles, they rely on their speed and numbers to engage enemy capital ships. To compensate for their relative fragility, Strident-class frigates maneuver and attack as a synchronized group to minimize exposure to plasma fire.^[1]

Blurring the lines between frigate and destroyer, the lean and lethal Strident class is considered an invaluable asset to the Navy.^[1] Up to ten of these frigates can be stored in the internal hangars and docking clamps of UNSC Infinity.^[8] After an initial assault, they are deployed en masse to deliver a final, crushing blow and mopping up any stragglers in the process.^[2]^[3]

Design details[edit]

Superstructure and hull[edit]

The Strident-class heavy frigate is an incredibly fast and agile warship capable of precise naval combat.^[2] 575 meters in length, the ship is fairly narrow on the port-starboard axis. Relatively fragile, the Strident class is armored with easily replaceable Titanium-A armor panels, with additional plating around the ship's delicate engines.^[1] Like other frigates, the Strident possesses port and starboard "wings" and has a laterally split hull. A blister with several viewports is on the dorsal surface near the bow.^[9] Rather than relying solely on the ship's hull for protection,^[2] the Strident class can be outfitted with energy shielding. Production delays mean most frigates are not equipped with energy shielding, though small generators capable of sealing the hangar and airlocks are standard. Channels for waveguides and bay sockets for emitters are installed, making final integration of shields a straightforward process once modules are available.^[1]

The frigate's bridge features a state-of-the-art combat management system and a datacore capable of hosting a smart AI ship director. The AI and automated systems handle target detection, threat evaluation, tracking, and calculating of firing solutions, though the crew sets target priority and authorizes weapons release. These frigates maintain a low sensor signature.^[1] The ship's SOEIV deployment bays are mounted on the mid-ventral surface.^[10] Like other warships of the UNSC Navy, sublight propulsion is provided by a deuterium fusion engine.^[4]

Crew and complement[edit]

The Strident-class heavy frigate is crewed by 190 sailors. These warships traditionally carry no expeditionary troops,^[1] though may occasionally hold and deploy a handful of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.^[10] Due to the frigate's relatively small size, the Strident class carries little in the way of complement. The class has a single internal hangar bay, capable of housing a single Pelican dropship. However, three more dropships can be carried on exterior hull clamps.^[1]

Additionally, the Strident class may also carry OF92 Booster Frames, heavily armed space fighters specifically designed for use by Spartan operatives.^[1]

Armament[edit]

The Strident-class heavy frigate is described as a lean and lethal warship, capable of carrying incredible firepower.^[2] The frigate's primary armament is its ship-mounted Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.^[2] The 94B1E6 heavy MAC and its twelve massive capacitor banks allow the Strident's firepower to rival the twin MACs on destroyers and light cruisers. However, the Strident class is unable to carry much in the way of ammunition due to its small size; for this reason, most combat operations take place near supply depots. For attacking targets of strategic significance,^[1] these frigates are fitted with a single M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system, armed with three warheads.^[2] It requires several minutes to load and prepare each missile.^[1] The MAC and the Hyperion warheads combined are capable of defeating a variety of Covenant capital ships, as long as their shields are down.^[2]

The secondary armament^[2] of the frigate is two M42 Archer missile pods.^[1] To protect against fighters and missiles, six M870 Rampart point-defense guns are fitted, emplacements combining quad-mount coilguns and a targeting scanner. They evaluate incoming threats and switch the ammunition to either sub-caliber armor-piercing sabots or proximity detonation fragmentation shells on a target-by-target basis. The Strident class is armed with five Mark 55 Castor naval coilguns as its secondary ship-to-ship armaments. The Castors are designed to fire a variety of munitions, including experimental shield-piercing rounds. Three of the Castor turrets are equipped with two smaller Mark 57 Arena point defense guns in a "quickshot" configuration, with one on each side.^[1]

Operational history[edit]

A Strident-class in one of its few deployments during the war.

Human-Covenant War[edit]

The Strident-class heavy frigate was designed late in the Human-Covenant War, implementing hard-earned lessons from previous frigate designs. The Strident class was the testbed for streamlined manufacturing techniques intended to accelerate production.^[1] During the war, at least two such frigates participated in the Defense of Concord in December, 2551; the battle resulted in a rare naval victory for the UNSC, forcing the Covenant to abandon their assault.^[11] Additionally, one of these frigates was used to deploy Orbital Drop Shock Troopers during a battle for an unknown world in October 2552.^[10]

Post-war[edit]

Following the war's conclusion, hundreds of Strident- and Anlace-class light frigates were commissioned and assembled in shipyards above Mars and Tribute to replace the combat losses and engage Covenant remnants occupying the Outer Colonies.^[1] While prominent in the years following the Covenant War,^[2] the Strident class is not a direct replacement for other frigate classes.^[7]

In 2554, several Strident-class heavy frigates participated in the Battle of Draetheus V. One of which was listing in atmosphere, destroyed.^[12]

During the New Phoenix Incident in July 2557, at least three ships of this class escorted UNSC Infinity as part of Battlegroup Dakota. They engaged the Didact's flagship, Mantle's Approach, though they could not prevent him from activating the Composer and killing millions of residents in New Phoenix, URNA.^[9]

At the onset of the Requiem Campaign in 2558, Infinity's embarked Strident class sub-vessels were launched to engage the Covenant fleet around Requiem.^[4] During the battle, Infinity Sub-Vessel 3 destroyed a Zanar-pattern light cruiser that was sending waves of troops and vehicles at Fireteam Crimson over "Two Giants".^[13] Later, as Infinity was stranded and ambushed at the world of Aktis IV by Jul 'Mdama with the aid of Catherine Halsey, the flagship deployed its entire fleet of Strident-class heavy frigates to ward off the attacking Covenant fleet, which they eventually succeeded in doing.^[14]

As the Created began their take over of Earth during The Reclamation, Stridents were in orbit of the planet and subsequently disabled.^[15] A year later, five Strident frigates were deployed by the UNSC Infinity during Operation: WOLFE.^[16]

Ships of the line[edit]

UNSC Strident - The lead ship of the class.
Infinity Sub-Vessel 3 - One of the internally docked frigates with the Infinity.
FFG-427 - Participated in the Defense of Concord.^[11]
FFG-502 - Participated in the Defense of Concord.^[11]

Production notes[edit]

Low-detail models of the Strident-class are seen in the background on the Halo 4 level Midnight.^[17] These ships are intended to appear only in the background, but exploiting a glitch allows the player to examine these vessels up close, along with two other theretofore-unseen classes. Because these ships are intended to appear only as scenery, they are rendered as brushes rather than level geometry; as such, the player can fly the Broadsword through them without harm. This model bears several structural differences to the final model seen in Spartan Ops; it is lighter in coloration, similar to the other ships of Battlegroup Dakota, and the bridge section is sleeker, shorter, and located farther aft.

A Strident-class frigate in Halo: Initiation is depicted in the likeness of the lower-quality in-game model rather than the high-detail one in Spartan Ops. Curiously, a campaign-style Strident is shown alongside two canonically designed Stridents at the end of Halo: Escalation #7. It is possible that these are different models, though they may just have been mistaken for separate ship designs.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art of the redesign of the Charon-class frigate Forward Unto Dawn that would become the design of the Strident-class heavy frigate.
Concept art of the frigate from Awakening: The Art of Halo 4.
Concept art of Stridents docked inside the UNSC Infinity.
Aft view of a Strident-class heavy frigate's engines.
A Strident-class heavy frigate on the map Daybreak.
Two frigates escorting the UNSC Infinity in Spartan Ops Episode 2.
The Infinity's sub-vessels clearing the corridor into Requiem.
Side view of the Strident-class as depicted in Midnight.
Cut-out of the in-game model from Midnight.
A Strident-class frigate being shot down over Draetheus V.
Strident-class frigates alongside the Infinity over Earth. Note the two separate production models.
Infinity's flotilla of Strident-class escorts engage Jul 'Mdama's fleet in the Battle of Aktis IV.
The loading system for the Hyperion nuclear missiles, inspired by the Juliett-class submarine.
A Vindication-class light battleship, three Stridents, and a Poseidon-class light carrier.
Strident-class frigates, and the UNSC Infinity as the subjugation of Earth begins.

Renders[edit]

A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.
A render of the Strident model used in the Halo 4 cutscenes.

List of appearances[edit]

Halo 4 (First appearance)
- Spartan Ops
Halo: Spartan Assault
Halo: Initiation
Halo: Escalation
Halo 5: Guardians
Halo Mythos (Mentioned only)
Halo: Shadows of Reach
Halo: Winter Contention (Mentioned only)

Sources[edit]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x ^y ^z ^aa ^ab ^ac ^ad Halo Warfleet, p. 38-39
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Halo Waypoint: UNSC Frigate
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 192
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Spartan Ops, S1E1 Departure
^ Halo: Initiation Issue 1
^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 123
^ ^a ^b Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace
^ Halo Warfleet, p. 43
^ ^a ^b Halo 4, campaign level, "Midnight"
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo: Initiation, Issue #1
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo: Winter Contention
^ Halo: Spartan Assault
^ Spartan Ops, S103 Shootout in Valhalla
^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #16
^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Guardians
^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 13
^ Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin 5.14.14

[Warfleet-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x ^y ^z ^aa ^ab ^ac ^ad Halo Warfleet, p. 38-39

[universe-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Halo Waypoint: UNSC Frigate

[EVG-3] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 192

[departure-4] Spartan Ops, S1E1 Departure

[5] Halo: Initiation Issue 1

[Enc22-6] Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 123

[clarity-7] Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace

[8] Halo Warfleet, p. 43

[Midnight-9] Halo 4, campaign level, "Midnight"

[Initiation-10] Halo: Initiation, Issue #1

[Contention-11] Halo: Winter Contention

[12] Halo: Spartan Assault

[13] Spartan Ops, S103 Shootout in Valhalla

[14] Halo: Escalation, Issue #16

[15] Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Guardians

[SOR13-16] Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 13

[Bulletin-17] Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin 5.14.14

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Era|HCW|Post}}
 {{Title|''Strident''-class heavy frigate}}
-{{Ship Class Infobox
+{{Status|Canon}}
-|name= ''Strident''-class heavy frigate
+{{Ship class infobox
-|image= [[File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-ScanRender.png|300px]]
+|name=''Strident''-class heavy frigate
-|manufacturer=[[Aerofabrique SA]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|image=[[File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-ScanRender.png|300px]]
-|class=Heavy frigate
+|manufacturer=[[Aerofabrique SA]]<ref name="Warfleet">''[[Halo Warfleet]]'', p. 38-39</ref>
-|mass=1.1 million metric tonnes<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|class=[[Frigate|Heavy frigate]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-|length={{Convert|1887|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}<ref name="EVG"/>
+|role=*Escort{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-frigate '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Frigate'']</ref>
-|width={{Convert|407|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}<ref name="EVG"/>
+*Attack{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
-|height={{Convert|368|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}<ref name="EVG"/>
+|length={{Convert|1887|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}<ref name="EVG">''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 192</ref>
-|engine= [[Fusion drive|Deuterium fusion engines]]
+|width={{Convert|407|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
-|slipspace drive= [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]
+|height={{Convert|368|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
-|hull=*[[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|mass=1.1 million metric tons{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-*[[Energy shielding]] {{c|some vessels}}<ref name="Warfleet">'''[[Halo Warfleet]]''', ''page 38-39''</ref>
+|power=
-|armament=*1 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/MAC]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|engine=[[Fusion drive|Deuterium fusion engines]]<ref name="departure">''[[Spartan Ops]]'', [[Departure|S1E1 ''Departure'']]</ref>
-*2 [[Archer missile#M42 Archer|M42 Archer missile delivery systems]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|slipspace drive=[[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]{{Ref/Reuse|departure}}
-*6 [[M870 Rampart point defense gun|M870 Rampart 50mm point-defense guns]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|navigation=
-*5 [[Mark 55 Castor naval coilgun]]s<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|hull=[[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-*6 [[Mark 57 Arena point defense gun]]s<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|shielding=Equipped{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
-*1 [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system]] (3 missiles)<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+|armament=*1 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/MAC]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
-|complement=190 [[UNSC Navy|naval personnel]]<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+*2 [[Archer missile#M42 Archer|M42 Archer missile]] pods{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-|role=*Escort<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+*6 [[M870 Rampart point defense gun|M870 Rampart point-defense guns]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-*Attack<ref name="Warfleet"/>
+*5 [[Mark 55 Castor naval coilgun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-|affiliation= [[UNSC Navy]]
+*6 [[Mark 57 Arena point defense gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]<br>[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
+*1 [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system|M4093 Hyperion missile silo]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
+|complement=
+*1–4 [[Pelican]] [[dropship]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
+*Atleast 10 [[M8900 drop pod|M8900 SOEIVs]]{{Ref/Comic|[[Halo: Initiation Issue 1]]}}
+|crew=190 [[UNSC Navy|sailors]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
+|othersystems=
+|era=*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
+*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
+|introduced=[[2549]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=123}}
+|affiliation=[[UNSC Navy]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
 }}
+The '''''Strident''-class heavy frigate''' is a type of heavy [[UNSC frigate|frigate]] in service with the [[UNSC Navy]], designated with the hull code '''FFG'''. Manufactured over [[Mars]] and [[Tribute]] by [[Aerofabrique SA]],{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} these frigates are used as both escort ships and swift-attack vessels. Outfitted with [[energy shielding]] and powerful weaponry, the ''Strident'' class represents one of the newest generations of [[warship]]s within the Navy.<ref name="clarity">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-clarity-grace '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace'']</ref>
-The '''''Strident''-class heavy frigate''' is a type of [[UNSC frigate|frigate]] in service with the [[UNSC Navy]], designated with the hull code '''FFG'''.<ref name="Warfleet"/> They are used as both escort ships and swift-attack vessels.<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 192''</ref>
+==Role==
+The ''Strident'' class fulfills a number of versatile roles in the [[UNSC Navy]], from convoy escort to troop transport. The multi-purpose ''Strident''-class heavy frigate most often fulfills escort and attack roles in the [[fleet]]. In attack roles, they rely on their speed and numbers to engage enemy [[capital ship]]s. To compensate for their relative fragility, ''Strident''-class frigates maneuver and attack as a synchronized group to minimize exposure to [[plasma]] fire.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-==Overview==
+Blurring the lines between frigate and [[destroyer]], the lean and lethal ''Strident'' class is considered an invaluable asset to the Navy.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} Up to ten of these frigates can be stored in the internal [[Hangar bay|hangars]] and docking clamps of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.<ref>''Halo Warfleet'', p. 43</ref> After an initial assault, they are deployed ''en masse'' to deliver a final, crushing blow and mopping up any stragglers in the process.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
-The ''Strident''-class is the most recent addition to the Navy's prevailing ship type, having entered service by [[2552#October|October 2552]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Initiation]]''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''</ref> Up to ten of these ships are stored within the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s underslung sub-vessel deployment bay. After an initial assault, they are deployed ''en masse'' to deliver a final, crushing blow and mopping up any stragglers in the process.<ref name="EVG"/> Notably, these vessels can be equipped with [[energy shielding|energy shields]], a significant development over prior UNSC vessels which had to rely on only their [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battleplate]] for protection,<ref name="departure">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Departure|S1E1 Departure]]''</ref> though due to a shortage of shield emitters, many ''Stridents'' lack these shields as they wait for units to become available.<ref name="Warfleet"/>
 ==Design details==
-meters in length, the ship is fairly narrow on the port-starboard axis. Like on other UNSC vessels, propulsion is provided by a [[fusion drive|deuterium fusion engine]]. Like other [[UNSC frigate|frigate]] classes, it possesses port and starboard "wings" and has a laterally split hull. A blister with several viewports is on the dorsal surface near the bow. At least two [[hangar bay]]s are mounted on either side; these bays are sealed with [[energy barrier|energy shield doors]].<ref name="Midnight">'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Midnight]]''</ref> The ship's [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV]] deployment bays are mounted on the mid-ventral surface.<ref name="Initiation">'''Halo: Initiation''', ''Issue 1''</ref>
+===Superstructure and hull===
+The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate is an incredibly fast and agile [[warship]] capable of precise naval combat.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} 575 meters in length, the ship is fairly narrow on the port-starboard axis. Relatively fragile, the ''Strident'' class is armored with easily replaceable [[Titanium-A armor]] panels, with additional plating around the ship's delicate engines.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} Like other [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]s, the ''Strident'' possesses port and starboard "wings" and has a laterally split hull. A blister with several viewports is on the dorsal surface near the bow.<ref name="Midnight">''[[Halo 4]]'', campaign level, "[[Midnight]]"</ref> Rather than relying solely on the ship's hull for protection,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} the ''Strident'' class can be outfitted with [[energy shielding]]. Production delays mean most frigates are not equipped with energy shielding, though [[Energy barrier|small generators]] capable of sealing the [[Hangar bay|hangar]] and [[airlock]]s are standard. Channels for waveguides and bay sockets for emitters are installed, making final integration of shields a straightforward process once modules are available.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-===Armament===
+The frigate's [[bridge]] features a state-of-the-art combat management system and a datacore capable of hosting a [[smart AI]] ship director. The AI and automated systems handle target detection, threat evaluation, tracking, and calculating of firing solutions, though the crew sets target priority and authorizes weapons release. These frigates maintain a low sensor signature.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} The ship's [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV]] deployment bays are mounted on the mid-ventral surface.<ref name="Initiation">''[[Halo: Initiation]]'', [[Halo: Initiation Issue 1|Issue #1]]</ref> Like other warships of the [[UNSC Navy]], sublight propulsion is provided by a [[fusion drive|deuterium fusion engine]].{{Ref/Reuse|departure}}
-The ''Strident''-class frigate's primary armament is its [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]. Rivaling the twin MACs on [[UNSC destroyer|UNSC destroyers]] and light cruisers, the ''Strident''-class is unable to carry much in the way of ammunition due to its small size; for this reason most combat operations take place near supply depots. The frigate is also armed with two [[Archer missile#M42 Archer|M42 Archer missile pods]] and five [[Mark 55 Castor naval coilgun]]s as its secondary ship-to-ship armaments. The Castors are designed to fire a variety of munitions, including experimental shield-piercing rounds. Three of the Castors are paired with [[Mark 57 Arena point defense gun]]s in a 'quickshot' configuration, with one on each side. To protect against fighters and missiles, six [[M870 Rampart point defense gun]]s are fitted. They evaluate incoming threats and switch the ammunition to either sub-caliber armor-piercing sabots or proximity detonation fragmentation shells on a target-by-target basis. Additionally, three [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system]]s are located on the frigate.<ref name="Warfleet"/>
-==Service history==
+===Crew and complement===
-At least one of these frigates was used to deploy [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] during a battle for an unknown world in [[2552#October|October 2552]].<ref name="Initiation"/> Following the conclusion of the [[Human-Covenant War]], hundreds of ''Strident''-class vessels, along with the ''Anlace''-class frigate, have been commissioned and are now being produced for the new [[UNSC Navy]] above [[Mars]]. During the [[New Phoenix Incident]] in [[2557#July|July 2557]], at least three ships of this class escorted the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} as part of [[Battlegroup Dakota]]. They engaged the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', though they could not prevent him from activating the [[Composer]] and killing millions of residents in [[New Phoenix]], [[Unified Republic of North America|URNA]].<ref name="Midnight"/>
+The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate is crewed by 190 [[UNSC Navy|sailors]]. These warships traditionally carry no expeditionary troops,{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} though may occasionally hold and deploy a handful of [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]].{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation}} Due to the frigate's relatively small size, the ''Strident'' class carries little in the way of complement. The class has a single internal hangar bay, capable of housing a single [[Pelican]] [[dropship]]. However, three more dropships can be carried on exterior hull clamps.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
-At the onset of the [[Requiem Campaign]], the ''Infinity'''s embarked ''Strident''-class sub-vessels were launched to engage the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] around Requiem.<ref name="departure"/> During the battle ''Infinity Sub-vessel 3'' destroyed a {{Class|CRS|light cruiser}} that was sending waves of troops and vehicles at [[Fireteam Crimson]] over "[[Two Giants]]".<ref>'''Spartan Ops''' - [[Catherine| ''Catherine'']], Chapter 4: "[[Catherine/Shootout in Valhalla|Shootout in Valhalla]]"</ref> Later, as the ''Infinity'' was stranded and [[Battle of Aktis IV|ambushed]] at the world of [[Aktis IV]] by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] with the aid of [[Catherine Halsey]], the flagship deployed its entire fleet of sub-vessels to ward off the attacking Covenant fleet, which they eventually succeeded in doing.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue 16]]''</ref>
+Additionally, the ''Strident'' class may also carry [[OF92 Booster Frame]]s, heavily armed [[space fighter]]s specifically designed for use by [[Spartan]] operatives.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
+===Armament===
+The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate is described as a lean and lethal warship, capable of carrying incredible firepower.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The frigate's primary armament is its ship-mounted [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mark IV, heavy coil - 94B1E6/Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The 94B1E6 heavy MAC and its twelve massive capacitor banks allow the ''Strident''{{'}}s firepower to rival the twin MACs on [[UNSC destroyer|destroyers]] and light [[cruiser]]s. However, the ''Strident'' class is unable to carry much in the way of ammunition due to its small size; for this reason, most combat operations take place near supply depots. For attacking targets of strategic significance,{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} these frigates are fitted with a single [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system]], armed with three warheads.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} It requires several minutes to load and prepare each [[missile]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} The MAC and the Hyperion warheads combined are capable of defeating a variety of [[Covenant]] [[capital ship]]s, as long as their shields are down.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
+The secondary armament{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} of the frigate is two [[Archer missile#M42 Archer|M42 Archer missile pods]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} To protect against fighters and missiles, six [[M870 Rampart point defense gun|M870 Rampart point-defense guns]] are fitted, emplacements combining quad-mount coilguns and a targeting scanner. They evaluate incoming threats and switch the ammunition to either sub-caliber armor-piercing sabots or proximity detonation fragmentation shells on a target-by-target basis. The ''Strident'' class is armed with five [[Mark 55 Castor naval coilgun]]s as its secondary ship-to-ship armaments. The Castors are designed to fire a variety of munitions, including experimental shield-piercing rounds. Three of the Castor turrets are equipped with two smaller [[Mark 57 Arena point defense gun]]s in a "quickshot" configuration, with one on each side.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
+==Operational history==
+[[File:Halo Initiation unidentified frigate.PNG|thumb|left|250px|A ''Strident''-class in one of its few deployments during the war.]]
+===Human-Covenant War===
+The ''Strident''-class heavy frigate was designed late in the [[Human-Covenant War]], implementing hard-earned lessons from previous [[frigate]] designs. The ''Strident'' class was the testbed for streamlined manufacturing techniques intended to accelerate production.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} During the war, at least two such frigates participated in the [[Defense of Concord]] in December, 2551; the battle resulted in a rare naval victory for the UNSC, forcing the Covenant to abandon their assault.{{Ref/Reuse|Contention}} Additionally, one of these frigates was used to deploy [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] during a battle for an unknown world in [[2552#October|October 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation}}
+===Post-war===
+Following the war's conclusion, hundreds of ''Strident''- and {{Class|Anlace|light frigate}}s were commissioned and assembled in shipyards above [[Mars]] and [[Tribute]] to replace the combat losses and engage [[Covenant remnants]] occupying the [[Outer Colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} While prominent in the years following the Covenant War,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} the ''Strident'' class is not a direct replacement for other frigate classes.{{Ref/Reuse|clarity}}
+In [[2554]], several ''Strident''-class heavy frigates participated in the [[Battle of Draetheus V]]. One of which was listing in atmosphere, destroyed.<ref>''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''</ref>
+During the [[New Phoenix Incident]] in [[2557#July|July 2557]], at least three ships of this class escorted {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} as part of [[Battlegroup Dakota]]. They engaged the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', though they could not prevent him from activating the [[Composer]] and killing millions of residents in [[New Phoenix]], [[Unified Republic of North America|URNA]].{{Ref/Reuse|Midnight}}
+At the onset of the [[Requiem Campaign]] in [[2558]], ''Infinity''{{'}}s embarked ''Strident'' class sub-vessels were launched to engage the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] around Requiem.{{Ref/Reuse|departure}} During the battle, ''[[Infinity Sub-Vessel 3]]'' destroyed a {{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}} that was sending waves of troops and vehicles at [[Fireteam Crimson]] over "[[Two Giants]]".<ref>''Spartan Ops'', [[Catherine/Shootout In Valhalla|S103 Shootout in Valhalla]]</ref> Later, as ''Infinity'' was stranded and [[Battle of Aktis IV|ambushed]] at the world of [[Aktis IV]] by [[Jul 'Mdama]] with the aid of [[Catherine Halsey]], the flagship deployed its entire fleet of ''Strident''-class heavy frigates to ward off the attacking Covenant fleet, which they eventually succeeded in doing.<ref>''Halo: Escalation'', [[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue #16]]</ref>
+As the [[Created]] began their [[Subjugation of Earth|take over]] of [[Earth]] during [[The Reclamation]], ''Strident''s were in orbit of the [[planet]] and subsequently disabled.{{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Guardians]]}} A year later, five ''Strident'' frigates were deployed by the UNSC ''Infinity'' during [[Operation: WOLFE]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR13|HSoR|Chapter=13}}
 ==Ships of the line==
 *{{UNSCShip|Strident}} - The [[Wikipedia:lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.
-*''Infinity Sub-vessel 3'' - One of the internally docked frigates with the ''Infinity''.
+*''[[Infinity Sub-Vessel 3]]'' - One of the internally docked frigates with the ''Infinity''.
+*''[[FFG-427]]'' - Participated in the [[Defense of Concord]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Contention|Halo: Winter Contention}}
+*''[[FFG-502]]'' - Participated in the Defense of Concord.{{Ref/Reuse|Contention}}
 ==Production notes==
 {{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Strident-class heavy frigates}}
-Low-detail models of the ''Strident''-class are seen in the background on the ''Halo 4'' level ''[[Midnight]]''.<ref name="Bulletin">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-5-14-14 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin 5.14.14'']</ref> These ships are intended to appear only in the background, but exploiting a [[Midnight Vacation|glitch]] allows the player to examine these vessels up close, along with two other theretofore-[[Vindication-class light battleship|unseen]] [[Poseidon-class light carrier|classes]]. Because these ships are intended to appear only as scenery, they are rendered as brushes rather than level geometry; as such, the player can fly the [[Broadsword]] through them without harm. This model bears several structural differences to the final model seen in ''Spartan Ops''; it is lighter in coloration, similar to the other ships of [[Battlegroup Dakota]], and the bridge section is sleeker, shorter, and located farther aft. A ''Strident''-class frigate in ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' is depicted in the likeness of the lower-quality in-game model rather than the high-detail one in ''Spartan Ops''. Curiously, a campaign-style ''Strident'' is shown alongside two canonically designed ''Strident''s at the end of ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' #7. It is possible that these are different models, though they may just have been mistaken for seperate ship designs.
+Low-detail models of the ''Strident''-class are seen in the background on the ''Halo 4'' level ''[[Midnight]]''.<ref name="Bulletin">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-5-14-14 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin 5.14.14'']</ref> These ships are intended to appear only in the background, but exploiting a [[Midnight vacation|glitch]] allows the player to examine these vessels up close, along with two other theretofore-[[Vindication-class light battleship|unseen]] [[Poseidon-class light carrier|classes]]. Because these ships are intended to appear only as scenery, they are rendered as brushes rather than level geometry; as such, the player can fly the [[Broadsword]] through them without harm. This model bears several structural differences to the final model seen in ''Spartan Ops''; it is lighter in coloration, similar to the other ships of [[Battlegroup Dakota]], and the bridge section is sleeker, shorter, and located farther aft.
+A ''Strident''-class frigate in ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' is depicted in the likeness of the lower-quality in-game model rather than the high-detail one in ''Spartan Ops''. Curiously, a campaign-style ''Strident'' is shown alongside two canonically designed ''Strident''s at the end of ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' #7. It is possible that these are different models, though they may just have been mistaken for separate ship designs.
 ==Gallery==
 <gallery>
 File:H4-Concept-Charon-Frigate.jpg|Concept art of the redesign of the [[Charon-class light frigate|''Charon''-class frigate]] ''Forward Unto Dawn'' that would become the design of the ''Strident''-class heavy frigate.
+File:AOH4-Frigate-ConceptArt.jpg|Concept art of the frigate from ''[[Awakening: The Art of Halo 4]]''.
+File:H4SO Infinity Stridents Concept.jpg|Concept art of ''Strident''s docked inside the UNSC ''Infinity''.
 File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-AftRender.png|Aft view of a ''Strident''-class heavy frigate's engines.
 File:H4-Daybreak-1.jpg|A ''Strident''-class heavy frigate on the map [[Daybreak]].
 File:Infinity n Frigates.png|Two frigates escorting the UNSC ''Infinity'' in ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' [[Artifact|Episode 2]].
-File:Spartan ops frigates.png|The ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sub-vessels clearing the corridor into [[Requiem]].
+File:Spartan ops frigates.png|The ''Infinity''{{'}}s sub-vessels clearing the corridor into [[Requiem]].
-File:Unidentified frigate 1.jpg|Side view of the ''Strident''-class as depicted in ''Midnight''.
+File:H4 - MidnightStrident.jpg|Side view of the ''Strident''-class as depicted in ''Midnight''.
-File:Unidentified frigate 2.jpg|Top view of the vessel as depicted in ''Midnight''.
+File:H4-StridentHeavyFrigate-LowQuality.png|Cut-out of the in-game model from ''Midnight''.
-File:Dakota_3.jpg|Three ships of this class participating in the Battle of Earth.
+File:HSA-Cinematic-Plummet.jpg|A ''Strident''-class frigate being shot down over [[Draetheus V]].
-File:Halo Initiation unidentified frigate.PNG|A ''Strident''-class in ''Halo: Initiation''.
 File:HE Stridents.jpg|''Strident''-class frigates alongside the ''Infinity'' over Earth. Note the two separate production models.
-File:HE16 Infinity Fleet.jpg|''Infinity'''s flotilla of ''Strident''-class escorts engage Jul 'Mdama's fleet in the [[Battle of Aktis IV]].
+File:HE16 Infinity Fleet.jpg|''Infinity''{{'}}s flotilla of ''Strident''-class escorts engage Jul 'Mdama's fleet in the [[Battle of Aktis IV]].
 File:Strident nukes.png|The loading system for the Hyperion nuclear missiles, inspired by the [[wikipedia:Juliett-class submarine|''Juliett''-class submarine]].
+File:H4 - MidnightShips2.jpg|A {{Class|Vindication|light battleship}}, three ''Strident''s, and a {{Class|Poseidon|light carrier}}.
+File:H5G-Infinity&Guardian.jpg|''Strident''-class frigates, and the UNSC ''Infinity'' as the subjugation of Earth begins.
+</gallery>
+===Renders===
+<gallery>
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 1.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 2.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 3.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 4.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 5.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 6.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 7.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 8.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 9.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 10.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 11.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 12.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 13.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 14.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 15.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 16.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 17.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 18.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 19.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 20.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 21.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 22.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 23.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 24.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 25.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 26.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
+File:H4 SpOps StridentFrigate Render 27.jpg|A render of the ''Strident'' model used in the ''Halo 4'' cutscenes.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 76: / Line 144: @@
 *''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
 *''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}}
+*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
+*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]'' {{Mo}}
 ==Sources==
-<references/>
+{{Ref/Sources}}
 {{Human Ships}}
 [[Category:Frigate classes]]
+[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]