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UH-144 Falcon: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Center|''Falcon redirects here. For other uses, see [[Falcon (disambiguation)]].''}}
<center>'''''Falcon''' redirects here. For other uses, see [[Falcon (disambiguation)]].''</center>
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Vehicle Infobox
|image=[[File:HaloReach_-_Falcon.png|300px]]
|name=UH-144 Falcon
|name=UH-144 Falcon
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/images/Games/Reach/images/screenshots/80610/SCREENSHOTS/1920/Reach_TotS_Gunnar.jpg Bungie Weekly Update (08.06.10) image]</ref>
|image=[[File:HaloReach - Falcon.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/falcon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Falcon'']</ref>
|line=
|line=
|model=UH-144
|model=UH-144{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|class=
|cost=
|length=
|length={{Convert|37.5|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}<ref name="EVG">''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 67</ref>
|width=
|width={{Convert|32.8|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height=
|height={{Convert|13.6|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|mass=
|mass={{Convert|13.9|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|max accel=
|max speed={{Convert|296|km/h|mph|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|max speed space=
|engine=Twin jet engines{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|max speed air=
|engine=Twin turboprop engines
|slipspace drive=
|slipspace speed=
|poweroutput=
|power=
|shield gen=None
|hull=
|hull=
|sensor=
|armament=[[M638 autocannon|M638 20mm autocannon]]<ref name="stratguide">''[[Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide]]'', p. 343</ref>
|target=
|crew=One [[pilot]],{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} two door gunners{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|navigation=
|complement=Five passengers,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} including gunners{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|avionics=
|countermeasures=
|armament=
*[[M638 Autocannon]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 343''</ref>
;UH-144A
*Two side-mounted [[M247H Heavy Machine Gun]]s
;UH-144S
*Two side-mounted [[MG460 Automatic Grenade Launcher]]s
|complement=
|crew=
*Pilot (1)
*Door Gunners (2)
|skeleton=One Pilot
|passengers=Four <small>(campaign)</small>, Two <small>(multiplayer)</small>
|capacity=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=
|firstuse=[[2497]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|role=
|service=*[[Insurrection]]<ref name="mythos">''[[Halo Mythos]]'', p. 56</ref>
*Troop Transport
*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Close Air Support
|role=*Troop transport{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
*Air-to-ground support<ref name="manual">''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[MIL-FBS-295937(1)B Field Manual|manual]]</ref>
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|affiliation=
*[[UNSC Army]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
**[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]{{Ref/Level|[[Halo: Reach]]|[[New Alexandria]]}}
}}
}}
The '''UH-144 Falcon'''<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=24585 '''Bungie.net''': ''UH-144 Falcon'']</ref> is the primary air-to-ground support and troop transport aircraft of the [[United Nations Space Command]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref><ref>''[[Halo Reach Video Games Awards Trailer]]''</ref><ref name="manual">'''[[Halo: Reach]] game manual''', ''page 8''</ref>
The '''UH-144 Falcon''' is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter used by the [[UNSC Army]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]],{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} the Falcon is used for troop transport and deployment, as well as air-to-ground support.{{Ref/Reuse|manual}} The primary utility helicopter within the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s sizable fleet of [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] aircraft, the Falcon is one of the most popular transports within the Army, famed for its effective arsenal and speed.<ref name="old waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38/falcon '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UH-144 Falcon''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314221131/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/falcon/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38 Archive.org])</ref>


==Overview==
==Overview==
The UH-144 Falcon is a versatile, tilt- and transverse-rotor, multi-purpose utility helicopter. Two Falcons can transport a fully-equipped [[fireteam]] faster than any other previous system, and can provide overwhelming fire support in most weather conditions. There are two versions of the Falcon, which differ only in their armament. Both models feature a chin-mounted [[M638 Autocannon]]. The more common UH-144S has two side-mounted [[M247H Heavy Machine Gun]]s, whereas the UH-144A has two side-mounted [[MG460 Automatic Grenade Launcher]]s.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/featured/gallery/falcon/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UH-144 Falcon'']</ref><ref name="manual"/>
===Design details===
The UH-144 Falcon is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Unlike the nimble [[AV-14 Hornet]] or the swift [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]], the Falcon is exceptionally discreet, while remaining incredibly effective.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The Falcon gained favor within the [[UNSC Army]] for proving to be an economical alternative to the larger [[Pelican]] [[dropship]]s for short-range troop transportation and deployment.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} A pair of Falcons can easily and quickly transport a fully-equipped infantry [[squad]] faster than any previous helicopter, while providing overwhelming support fire, in most weather conditions.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=24585 '''Bungie.net''': ''UH-144 Falcon'']</ref> The Falcon's hull is sturdy, able to easily shrug off small arms fire and even certain heavier attacks.<ref>''[[Halo: Last Light]]'', p. 238</ref>


In the campaign, the aircraft's crew consists of one pilot, two crewmen who may serve as door gunners, and three passengers. However, in multiplayer, there is only room for one pilot and two gunners.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_080610 Bungie Weekly Update 8.6.10]</ref>
The frame of the Falcon is composed of a single elongated fuselage with a narrow, single-man cockpit and a large rear cabin, flanked by small wings.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The [[pilot]] resides in the closed cockpit, while the crew have their choice of two gunner seats in extended buckets, two interior passenger seats, an aft bench, and a limited amount of standing room.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} Gunners secured themselves within the Falcon with a safety harness that hung from the ceiling.<ref name="ll260">''Halo: Last Light'', p. 260</ref>


==Tactics==
===Propulsion===
===Campaign===
The Falcon is a [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] aircraft, equipped with a transverse rotor and engine pod on each wing. Although the rotors are powerful and capable of lifting a fully-loaded Falcon on their own, two dorsal-routed jet turbines provide most of the helicopter's thrust during forward flight.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} To take off, the Falcon's rotors are angled so that the rotor blades are vertical. When the Falcon has reached the desired height, the pilot tilts the rotors forward so that the rotor blades are near horizontal. In this mode, the wings provide some of the lift, and the rotors provide thrust as a propeller.<ref>''Halo: Reach''</ref> It is still not however a true tilt-rotor aircraft, as the rotors do not tilt into a fully horizontal  position, relying primarily on the jet turbines for forward flight.
*During [[Winter Contingency (level)|Winter Contingency]], Noble Team's Falcon can provide fire support during the first section of the mission.


*The Falcon used in the level [[Tip of the Spear]] is equipped with semi-automatic grenade launchers which can produce an EMP effect when the trigger is held down, then released to manually detonate the grenade. This EMP can shut down enemy vehicles.
The twin-turbine system gives the Falcon an extremely agile range of maneuverability.<ref name="enc260">''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'', p. 260 (2011)</ref> The Falcon's impressive maneuverability makes the helicopter an ideal aircraft for the tight confines of many battlefield environments, ranging from a narrow gorge, a dense forest, to even a skyscraper-laden cityscape.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The Falcon is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 296 kilometers per hour (184 miles per hour).{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


*The player pilots a Falcon during the level [[New Alexandria]] which is equipped with the pilot controlled chin-mounted chaingun that has a larger field of fire, and is more accurate and more powerful than the side-mounted machine guns (this is not in multiplayer). In Co-Op on this level other players can ride in the passenger seats of one or fly their own.
===Armaments===
Distinguished by its unquestionably effective and relatively heavy weaponry,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} the Falcon is capable of being fitted with a wide variety of armaments. The primary armament of the Falcon is an [[M638 autocannon|M638 20mm autocannon]], fixed in a nose turret below the pilot's main cabin. The autocannon provides effective suppressive fire when extracting or deploying personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Flanking the vehicle on both sides are modular weapon emplacements that vary depending on the Falcon variant.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}} The emplacements are installed on flexible mount [[hardpoint]]s on either side of the open cabin, selected at the discretion of the Falcon's crew.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The UH-144A variant is armed with a pair of [[M460 automatic grenade launcher]]s, while the UH-144S variant sports standard [[M247H machine gun|M247H 12.7mm heavy machine guns]]. Both have proven incredibly effective against [[Covenant]] aircraft and providing point-to-point suppressive and attack fire on enemy ground emplacements and infantry.{{Ref/Reuse|old waypoint}}


*When piloting the Falcon, the player can face one side of the Falcon towards attacking [[Banshees]], allowing an ally to open fire on them. Skilled pilots will place their craft to put their gunners in an optimum position to fire upon a target.
==Variants==
*'''[[UH-144A Falcon]]''': The "attack" variant of the Falcon, armed with two side-mounted [[M460 automatic grenade launcher]]s as secondary armament.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
<gallery>
File:HR GrenadierFalcon FrontQuarter2.png|The UH-144A Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun.
</gallery>
*'''[[UH-144S Falcon]]''': The "support" variant of the Falcon, armed with two side-mounted [[M247H Heavy Machine Gun]]s as secondary armament.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
<gallery>
File:Reach-UH144-Falcon-03.png|The UH-144S Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun.
</gallery>


===Multiplayer===
==Operational history==
[[File:HM-UH144.png|thumb|200px|A UH-144 Falcon during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Reuse|mythos}}]]
The Falcon was introduced into service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] in [[2497]], though the helicopter only proved truly common with garrison forces of the [[UNSC Army]] on [[Inner Colony]] worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The Falcon was used during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Reuse|mythos}}


*The Falcon's side-mounted machine guns are extremely short-ranged and the pilot will need to take this into account when attacking a target.
Falcons were used throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], including during the [[Battle of Fumirole]] in [[2552#April|April 2552]].<ref>''[[Deliver Hope]]''</ref> Falcons were used extensively during the [[Fall of Reach]] throughout the [[2552|summer of 2552]]. Notably, the Falcons [[Kilo 33]] and [[Kilo 34|34]] transported [[NOBLE Team]] to [[SWORD Base]] in an effort to end the [[Covenant]] assault on the facility.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]''</ref> Numerous Falcons later participated in the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]].<ref>''Halo: Reach'', campaign level, ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> Falcons would later participate in evacuation efforts and troop movement operations during the [[Siege of New Alexandria]]. One would carry [[SPARTAN-B312]] to [[Caracalla Park]] to disable an {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} pinning down escaping civilian transport ships.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[Exodus]]''</ref> Later during the siege, B312 piloted a Falcon to aid UNSC forces across the city and take down Covenant jammers.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria]]''</ref> Several Falcons later saw action during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], having survived the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'s initial arrival on the ring in [[2552#September|September 2552]]. These craft aided [[Fireteam Raven]] in various ground actions against the Covenant occupational forces.<ref>''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''</ref> Falcons were also used during the [[Battle for Earth]] with one such craft that crashed into a [[Unidentified hotel|hotel]] in the [[New Mombasa]] [[Section 21]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].<ref name="breakneck">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', multiplayer map [[Breakneck]]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141012164719/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/haloanniversary/maps ''Halo Waypoint'': Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - Maps] (Original version is defunct, link to Copy)</ref>
*Players must keep moving to avoid being hijacked by players using the [[Jetpack]] armour ability.
*The Cockpit area takes roughly double damage from all weapons compared to the rest of the vehicle. Approximately eight sniper rifle rounds is required to destroy a Falcon. Explosives are slightly more effective, with one or two Plasma Launcher rounds stuck to the cockpit being enough to destroy the Falcon in most situations, as well as Plasma Grenades.
*The Falcon has a unique ability most players are unaware of: a greatly extended Motion Tracker Range. It is even capable of detecting hostile players that normally wouldn't show up (Not moving, Crouched, players using the 'Active Camo' armour ability, etc). This applies to everyone in the Falcon, regardless of position or species. Players can this to their teams advantage when piloting one by informing team mates on the ground of the locations of enemies.
*Like most vehicles, the Falcon is disable by an overcharged Plasma Pistol bolt or similar EMP. This can result in hijacking or the Falcon being destroyed when it hits the ground if it is high enough up.
*While the Falcon can be used to insert players near enemy objectives, players carrying objective items cannot ride in Falcons (unless the carrier stands on the top of the Falcon).
*Pilots must remember to keep at least one side of their Falcon trained on opposing players to allow allies to provide fire support for team mates on foot. Skilled pilots will coordinate with their gunners to keep the nose pointed directly at an enemy and focus weapons' fire on a single target.
*The Falcon can be used to re-locate snipers, as it can reach otherwise inaccessible vantage points for the sniper. However, players must be aware of Kill- and Soft kill areas.
*It is unwise to engage heavy armor with the Falcon, as it possesses no heavy anti-vehicle weapons, and cannot carry passengers with such weapons. A single hit from a [[Scorpion]] or [[Wraith]] will destroy the Falcon.
*It is possible to destroy a [[Wraith]] with a Falcon if the pilot ensures the Plasma Mortar rounds miss by dodging and diving, and keeping it in view so that their machine gunners can continue to hit it. This does not work for [[Scorpions]] unless the player is constantly moving to be behind the turret. This is unadvisable and suicidal, but can however be a short lived distraction for team mates to get past.
*"Splattering" an enemy may result in a [[hijacking]], this should not be attempted except as a last resort.
*If only one gunner is available, the pilot must ensure that this player is always facing the enemies on the ground. This is easily overcomed by pilots with moderate spacial awareness.


During their [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]], the [[717th Xeno-Materials Exploitation Battalion]] was equipped with two UH-144S Falcons, used for patrol as well as troop and supply transportation. When the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] attacked the [[battalion]], one of the Falcons was destroyed instantly and crashed into the [[Montero Vitality Center]], while the second shrugged off the attack and fled towards the village of [[Wendosa]].<ref name="LL162">''Halo: Last Light'', p. 162-168</ref> Over the course of the battalion's battle with the Keepers, the remaining Falcon provided troop transport and supply drops for the UNSC forces.<ref>''Halo: Last Light'', p. 235</ref> However, the Falcon was eventually crashed in the [[Montero Jungle]] when the [[pilot]] was killed mid-flight days later.{{Ref/Reuse|ll260}} As of [[2557]], the Falcon remains in active service with the UNSC Army.<ref name="feet first">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-feet-first '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Feet First'']</ref>
==Gameplay==
{{Main|Falcon}}
The Falcon is the primary playable UNSC air in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
==Production notes==
[[File:HR UH-144Falcon Concept 5.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.]]
===''Halo: Reach''===
[[Marcus Lehto]] had played around with ideas for the Falcon since the release of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', but didn't get a chance to realize it until ''Halo: Reach''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/game_fabricator/status/1145532132011335680 Marcus Lehto on Twitter] - ''Yes! I was playing around with 3D concepts of it right after HaloCE''</ref> One of these early ideas, shown below, bears a striking resemblance to what would become the Hornet. As seen in early concept art, it appears the Falcon would originally have possessed ducted air fans, like those of the [[AV-14 Attack VTOL|AV-14 Hornet]] and [[D77-TC Pelican]], rather than rotors.
Early renders of the Falcon from earlier stages of ''Reach''{{'}}s [[Development of Halo: Reach|development]] saw the aircraft labelled with decals reading "VMX-22". In the real-world, [[Wikipedia:VMX-22|VMX-22]] was an organisation responsible for testing the [[Wikipedia:Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey|MV-22B Osprey]] tiltrotor aircraft. The final game's model lacks these decals, though still retains some other unit markings such as [[Air Mobility Express]].
===''Halo 4''===
Falcons are seen flying past {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} in a [[:File:H4-E3-Campaign-10.jpg|screenshot]] from the ''[[Halo 4]]'' level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]'' released during the E3 2012 Xbox Media Briefing. However, they do not appear in the final version of the game. Concept art produced for the game suggests the vehicle was intended for inclusion in the game, alongside the AV-14 Hornet.<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Brwkm '''Artstation''': ''Halo 4 - vehicles'']</ref>
===Other===
Some concept art for ''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]'' feature the Falcon as background detail.
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The Falcon bears a certain resemblance to the [[Sparrowhawk]] gunship, seen as an upgrade for the [[Hornet]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*The Falcon is nicknamed the "[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] of the skies" by fans and Bungie employees.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=24623</ref>
*A [[Wikipedia:Falcon|falcon]] is a bird of prey, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming atmospheric vehicles after real animals with the exceptions of the [[GA-TL1 Longsword]], [[B-65 Shortsword]], [[F-41 Broadsword]], and [[FSS-1000 Sabre]], which are named after bladed weapons.
*Superficially, the Falcon looks rather similar to the [[United States Marine Corps]]' [[Wikipedia:Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|V-22 Osprey tilt rotor]].
*The Falcon is nicknamed the "[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] of the skies" by fans and Bungie employees.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=24623 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01.29.10'']</ref>
*As seen in early concept art, it appears the Falcon would originally have possessed ducted air fans, like those of the [[AV-14 Attack VTOL|AV-14 Hornet]] and [[Dropship 77-Troop Carrier|D77-TC Pelican]], rather than rotors.
*Superficially, the Falcon looks rather similar to the [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]]' [[Wikipedia:Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|V-22 Osprey tilt rotor]]. However, the Osprey's rotor blades tilt directly forward in flight.
*Much like UNSC aircraft in ''[[Halo Wars]]'', Falcons that cannot be piloted have yellow windshields. In campaign, if one punches out the windows of these Falcons, they'll notice that there is no character inside piloting the Falcon.
*The words "BEWARE OF BLAST" can be found painted on the edge of the floor of the passenger cabin. This may be a reference to the rotorwash caused by the turboprops, or it may be referring to the small jets located on the bottom of the turboprop nacelles.
*Two small jets are located toward the back of the Falcon, facing to the rear. These likely contribute to the Falcon's forward propulsion, as they glow red when the falcon is moving at high speed forward.
*A Falcon avatar gear is one of the bonus items included with the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions.
*A Falcon avatar gear is one of the bonus items included with the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions.
*Unlike most vehicles in ''Halo: Reach'', the smoke from a badly damaged Falcon blocks a substantial portion of the screen, increasing the difficulty of flying a critically damaged aircraft.
*Unless the player jumps on top of a rotor hub, he cannot be killed by the Falcon's rotors. However, if the player touches the rotor hub, he will be killed instantly.
*It is possible to fly the Falcon in the first level. The player must hit the Falcon that Jun is not in with an overcharged plasma pistol shot. When it falls, the Falcon has a small chance of flipping on the ground and forcing the pilot out.
*Due to balancing purposes, the Falcon in multiplayer lacks the chin-mounted autocannon that is normally usable by the pilot.
*There is a non-usable medical kit in the troop bay.
* It is possible for a SPNKR rocket to pass straight through the troop/gunner bay.
* In one mission, when activating an [[easter egg]] you are able to change the Falcon into a Invincable Pelican
* It is impossible to sit in the passanger seats in multiplayer, but is a feature in Campaign
* Some falcons have auto-matic grenade launchers replacing the turrets.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape" captionalign="left">
<gallery>
File:VTOL.JPG|Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.
File:Early_Falcon_Concept.jpg|Falcon concept art produced between ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''.
File:ReachConcept FalconDetail.jpg|A concept model of the Falcon.
File:KatRun.jpg|A Falcon passing over Kat during the [[Battle of Fumirole]] in ''[[Deliver Hope]]''.
File:DeliverHope - Battle.png|A pair of Falcons glide into battle to support UNSC troopers in the Battle of Fumirole.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Concept_1.jpg|Early concept art for the Falcon for ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' suggests that it was originally a conventional helicopter, as opposed to the tiltrotor design found in the final game.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Concept_6.jpg|Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Concept_4.jpg|A concept model of the Falcon.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Concept_3.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon, side view.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_Rotor_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon's rotors.
File:HR_UH-144Falcon_TroopBay_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon's troop bay.
File:HR FalconMG Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon's side-mounted weapons.
File:FalconTrans.png|A few of the original renders, note the chin gun.
File:FalconTrans.png|A few of the original renders, note the chin gun.
File:Falcon 02.jpg|Another view of the Falcon.
File:Falcon turnarounds.jpg|Views of the Falcon from ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s development.
File:FalconfromRvB.jpg|A Falcon lifting off.
File:HR Winter Contingency Falcons.jpg|Two Falcons on [[Reach]].
File:Falcon - HUD.jpg|The Falcon's [[Heads Up Display]].
File:5.jpg|Two Falcons on [[Reach]].
File:Winter_Contingency.JPG|Two UH-144 Falcons flying over a mountain.
File:Winter_Contingency.JPG|Two UH-144 Falcons flying over a mountain.
File:Halo Reach - ToTS gunner.jpg|View from one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.
File:Halo Reach - ToTS gunner.jpg|View from one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.
File:Halo Reach-ToTS Falcon.jpg|A SPARTAN firing one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.
File:FalconPassenger.jpg|A Spartan-III sitting in a Falcon.
File:Halo Reach-ToTS Falcon.jpg|A Spartan firing one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.
File:Falconcontrols.JPG|The Falcon's cockpit.
File:HFR_ChopperDown_1.jpg|A downed Falcon in ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HOD ConceptArt Pelican Hangar.jpg|Concept art of a UH-144 Falcon in a hangar for ''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''.
File:HINF Falcon Emblem.png|A ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' multiplayer emblem of the Falcon.
File:Enc22 Insurrection.png|Insurrectionists preparing to attack a UNSC UH-144 Falcon in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Deliver Hope]]''
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Remember Reach]]''
**''[[Birth of a Spartan]]'' {{C|Director's cut}} {{1st}}
**''[[Deliver Hope]]''  
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Emblem only}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


==Sources==
{{Human aircraft}}
<references/>


{{UNSCDF Aircraft}}
[[Category:UH-144 Falcons| ]]
[[Category:Drivable Vehicles]]
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 13:52, July 31, 2023

Falcon redirects here. For other uses, see Falcon (disambiguation).
UH-144 Falcon
HaloReach - Falcon.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model:

UH-144[1]

Technical specifications

Length:

11.4 meters (37.5 ft)[1][2]

Width:

10.0 meters (32.8 ft)[1][2]

Height:

4.1 meters (13.6 ft)[1]

Mass:

13.9 metric tons (13.7 LT; 15.3 ST)[1]

Maximum speed:

296 kilometers per hour (184 mph)[1]

Engine(s):

Twin jet engines[1]

Armament:

M638 20mm autocannon[3]

Crew:

One pilot,[1] two door gunners[2]

Complement:

Five passengers,[1] including gunners[2]

Usage

Year introduced:

2497[1]

In service:

Role(s):

  • Troop transport[1]
  • Air-to-ground support[5]

Affiliation:

 

The UH-144 Falcon is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter used by the UNSC Army.[1] Manufactured by Misriah Armory,[2] the Falcon is used for troop transport and deployment, as well as air-to-ground support.[5] The primary utility helicopter within the United Nations Space Command's sizable fleet of vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the Falcon is one of the most popular transports within the Army, famed for its effective arsenal and speed.[7]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The UH-144 Falcon is a versatile, multipurpose utility helicopter.[1] Unlike the nimble AV-14 Hornet or the swift AV-22 Sparrowhawk, the Falcon is exceptionally discreet, while remaining incredibly effective.[7] The Falcon gained favor within the UNSC Army for proving to be an economical alternative to the larger Pelican dropships for short-range troop transportation and deployment.[1] A pair of Falcons can easily and quickly transport a fully-equipped infantry squad faster than any previous helicopter, while providing overwhelming support fire, in most weather conditions.[7][8] The Falcon's hull is sturdy, able to easily shrug off small arms fire and even certain heavier attacks.[9]

The frame of the Falcon is composed of a single elongated fuselage with a narrow, single-man cockpit and a large rear cabin, flanked by small wings.[1] The pilot resides in the closed cockpit, while the crew have their choice of two gunner seats in extended buckets, two interior passenger seats, an aft bench, and a limited amount of standing room.[2][7] Gunners secured themselves within the Falcon with a safety harness that hung from the ceiling.[10]

Propulsion[edit]

The Falcon is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, equipped with a transverse rotor and engine pod on each wing. Although the rotors are powerful and capable of lifting a fully-loaded Falcon on their own, two dorsal-routed jet turbines provide most of the helicopter's thrust during forward flight.[1] To take off, the Falcon's rotors are angled so that the rotor blades are vertical. When the Falcon has reached the desired height, the pilot tilts the rotors forward so that the rotor blades are near horizontal. In this mode, the wings provide some of the lift, and the rotors provide thrust as a propeller.[11] It is still not however a true tilt-rotor aircraft, as the rotors do not tilt into a fully horizontal position, relying primarily on the jet turbines for forward flight.

The twin-turbine system gives the Falcon an extremely agile range of maneuverability.[12] The Falcon's impressive maneuverability makes the helicopter an ideal aircraft for the tight confines of many battlefield environments, ranging from a narrow gorge, a dense forest, to even a skyscraper-laden cityscape.[2][7] The Falcon is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 296 kilometers per hour (184 miles per hour).[1]

Armaments[edit]

Distinguished by its unquestionably effective and relatively heavy weaponry,[2][7] the Falcon is capable of being fitted with a wide variety of armaments. The primary armament of the Falcon is an M638 20mm autocannon, fixed in a nose turret below the pilot's main cabin. The autocannon provides effective suppressive fire when extracting or deploying personnel.[1] Flanking the vehicle on both sides are modular weapon emplacements that vary depending on the Falcon variant.[7] The emplacements are installed on flexible mount hardpoints on either side of the open cabin, selected at the discretion of the Falcon's crew.[1] The UH-144A variant is armed with a pair of M460 automatic grenade launchers, while the UH-144S variant sports standard M247H 12.7mm heavy machine guns. Both have proven incredibly effective against Covenant aircraft and providing point-to-point suppressive and attack fire on enemy ground emplacements and infantry.[7]

Variants[edit]

  • The UH-144A Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun.

    The UH-144A Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun.

  • The UH-144S Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun.

    The UH-144S Falcon. Note the nose mounted gun.

Operational history[edit]

A UH-144 Falcon during the Insurrection.[4]

The Falcon was introduced into service with the United Nations Space Command in 2497, though the helicopter only proved truly common with garrison forces of the UNSC Army on Inner Colony worlds.[1] The Falcon was used during the Insurrection.[4]

Falcons were used throughout the Human-Covenant War, including during the Battle of Fumirole in April 2552.[13] Falcons were used extensively during the Fall of Reach throughout the summer of 2552. Notably, the Falcons Kilo 33 and 34 transported NOBLE Team to SWORD Base in an effort to end the Covenant assault on the facility.[14] Numerous Falcons later participated in the Battle at Szurdok Ridge.[15] Falcons would later participate in evacuation efforts and troop movement operations during the Siege of New Alexandria. One would carry SPARTAN-B312 to Caracalla Park to disable an Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette pinning down escaping civilian transport ships.[16] Later during the siege, B312 piloted a Falcon to aid UNSC forces across the city and take down Covenant jammers.[17] Several Falcons later saw action during the Battle of Installation 04, having survived the UNSC Pillar of Autumn's initial arrival on the ring in September 2552. These craft aided Fireteam Raven in various ground actions against the Covenant occupational forces.[18] Falcons were also used during the Battle for Earth with one such craft that crashed into a hotel in the New Mombasa Section 21 during the Battle of Mombasa.[19][20]

During their operation on Gao in 2553, the 717th Xeno-Materials Exploitation Battalion was equipped with two UH-144S Falcons, used for patrol as well as troop and supply transportation. When the Keepers of the One Freedom attacked the battalion, one of the Falcons was destroyed instantly and crashed into the Montero Vitality Center, while the second shrugged off the attack and fled towards the village of Wendosa.[21] Over the course of the battalion's battle with the Keepers, the remaining Falcon provided troop transport and supply drops for the UNSC forces.[22] However, the Falcon was eventually crashed in the Montero Jungle when the pilot was killed mid-flight days later.[10] As of 2557, the Falcon remains in active service with the UNSC Army.[23]

Gameplay[edit]

Main article: Falcon

The Falcon is the primary playable UNSC air in Halo: Reach.

Production notes[edit]

Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.

Halo: Reach[edit]

Marcus Lehto had played around with ideas for the Falcon since the release of Halo: Combat Evolved, but didn't get a chance to realize it until Halo: Reach.[24] One of these early ideas, shown below, bears a striking resemblance to what would become the Hornet. As seen in early concept art, it appears the Falcon would originally have possessed ducted air fans, like those of the AV-14 Hornet and D77-TC Pelican, rather than rotors.

Early renders of the Falcon from earlier stages of Reach's development saw the aircraft labelled with decals reading "VMX-22". In the real-world, VMX-22 was an organisation responsible for testing the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The final game's model lacks these decals, though still retains some other unit markings such as Air Mobility Express.

Halo 4[edit]

Falcons are seen flying past UNSC Infinity in a screenshot from the Halo 4 level Reclaimer released during the E3 2012 Xbox Media Briefing. However, they do not appear in the final version of the game. Concept art produced for the game suggests the vehicle was intended for inclusion in the game, alongside the AV-14 Hornet.[25]

Other[edit]

Some concept art for Halo: Outpost Discovery feature the Falcon as background detail.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to UH-144 Falcon on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Gallery[edit]

  • Falcon concept art produced between Halo 2 and Halo 3.

    Falcon concept art produced between Halo 2 and Halo 3.

  • A Falcon passing over Kat during the Battle of Fumirole in Deliver Hope.

    A Falcon passing over Kat during the Battle of Fumirole in Deliver Hope.

  • A pair of Falcons glide into battle to support UNSC troopers in the Battle of Fumirole.

    A pair of Falcons glide into battle to support UNSC troopers in the Battle of Fumirole.

  • Early concept art for the Falcon for Halo: Reach suggests that it was originally a conventional helicopter, as opposed to the tiltrotor design found in the final game.

    Early concept art for the Falcon for Halo: Reach suggests that it was originally a conventional helicopter, as opposed to the tiltrotor design found in the final game.

  • Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.

    Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.

  • Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.

    Concept art of the UH-144 Falcon.

  • A concept model of the Falcon.

    A concept model of the Falcon.

  • Concept art of the Falcon, side view.

    Concept art of the Falcon, side view.

  • Concept art of the Falcon's rotors.

    Concept art of the Falcon's rotors.

  • Concept art of the Falcon's troop bay.

    Concept art of the Falcon's troop bay.

  • Concept art of the Falcon's side-mounted weapons.

    Concept art of the Falcon's side-mounted weapons.

  • A few of the original renders, note the chin gun.

    A few of the original renders, note the chin gun.

  • Views of the Falcon from Halo: Reach's development.

    Views of the Falcon from Halo: Reach's development.

  • Two Falcons on Reach.

    Two Falcons on Reach.

  • Two UH-144 Falcons flying over a mountain.

    Two UH-144 Falcons flying over a mountain.

  • View from one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.

    View from one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.

  • A Spartan-III sitting in a Falcon.

    A Spartan-III sitting in a Falcon.

  • A Spartan firing one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.

    A Spartan firing one of the Falcon's grenade launchers.

  • The Falcon's cockpit.

    The Falcon's cockpit.

  • A downed Falcon in Halo: Fireteam Raven.

    A downed Falcon in Halo: Fireteam Raven.

  • Concept art of a UH-144 Falcon in a hangar for Halo: Outpost Discovery.

    Concept art of a UH-144 Falcon in a hangar for Halo: Outpost Discovery.

  • A Halo Infinite multiplayer emblem of the Falcon.

    A Halo Infinite multiplayer emblem of the Falcon.

  • Insurrectionists preparing to attack a UNSC UH-144 Falcon in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).

    Insurrectionists preparing to attack a UNSC UH-144 Falcon in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Halo Waypoint: Falcon
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 67
  3. ^ Halo: Reach Official Strategy Guide, p. 343
  4. ^ a b c Halo Mythos, p. 56
  5. ^ a b Halo: Reach manual
  6. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint: UH-144 Falcon (defunct, backup on Archive.org)
  8. ^ Bungie.net: UH-144 Falcon
  9. ^ Halo: Last Light, p. 238
  10. ^ a b Halo: Last Light, p. 260
  11. ^ Halo: Reach
  12. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), p. 260 (2011)
  13. ^ Deliver Hope
  14. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level, ONI: Sword Base
  15. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level, Tip of the Spear
  16. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level, Exodus
  17. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  18. ^ Halo: Fireteam Raven
  19. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, multiplayer map Breakneck
  20. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - Maps (Original version is defunct, link to Copy)
  21. ^ Halo: Last Light, p. 162-168
  22. ^ Halo: Last Light, p. 235
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Feet First
  24. ^ Marcus Lehto on Twitter - Yes! I was playing around with 3D concepts of it right after HaloCE
  25. ^ Artstation: Halo 4 - vehicles
  26. ^ Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update: 01.29.10

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