Warthog (Halo)
The Warthog is a vehicle that features in Halo.
Contents |
History
The M12 Force Application Vehicle (M12-FAV) Warthog was a four-wheeled ground vehicle developed by AMG Transport Dynamics for humanity and saw use by the United Nations Space Command. AMG Transport Dynamics designed the first Warthog prototype in 2319, dubbed the "Z-12". The Z-12 prototype vehicles quickly proved to be popular due to a well-crafted advertising campaign and adept engineering team which demonstrated the prototype's impressive feature set and unparalleled functionality in the unpopulated remote territories of both Luna and Mars. AMG claimed that the vehicle that could "go anywhere and do anything". Within the first eight months of the Z-12 prototype's existence, AMG received over three dozen exclusivity contracts. Most of these contracts came from the Colonial Military Authority. By 2321, AMG Transport Dynamics worked with the CMA and established a deal to cover all of their land-based transportation needs. Around the time of this deal, the Z-12 became integrated into the M12 Force Application Vehicle. In addition, a pneumatically-powered swivel mount and armored body panels were added to the vehicle.
The M12 served as the UNSC's go-to ground vehicle for over two centuries, following its official adoption by the CMA in 2321. It was at this time the Z-12 prototype was given the formal designation of M12. The Warthog has since had over a dozen major variants, with military surplus models becoming extremely common throughout the Outer Colonies. This, combined with the parts commonality and shared handling characteristics of the similarly-common Spade truck ensures that most recruits are familiar with the Warthog prior to joining up - with knowledge of how to use and maintain a Warthog required by all UNSC service personnel regardless of branch, duty or station.
Overview
Given the Warthog's extensive service life, the vehicle has seen dozens of alterations and produced variants. The turret in the back of the vehicle is removable and replaceable. Although some Warthogs are used solely for transportation, most are armed and have a multi-mission capability, with variants capable of performing armament carrier, utility, command and control (shelter), ambulance, reconnaissance and a variety of other tactical and logistic support roles. Major variations are informally named by their year of production.
The hydrogen fuel is burned at a very high temperature with a synthetic carbon/silicon catalyst to achieve even better fuel consumption. This hydrogen engine is the standard among all UNSC ground (and most air) based vehicles, replacing fossil fuel-based engines some 400 years ago. The Warthog features a Graf/Hauptman solar/saline actuator, which is capable of converting up to twelve liters of fresh, brackish or salt water into hydrogen on the fly. Detritus from the process is compacted on board and disposed of manually by the crew. This allows the Warthog to travel 790 kilometers (490 miles) before it needs to be refueled, a range that can be easily extended by the addition of any container capable of holding liquid. Older models boast a fully independent swing-arm suspension system and four in-hub wheel motors.
The Warthog is a huge, unwieldy, difficult to steer vehicle — until a user learns how to drive it properly. With proper application of the hand, or "e-brake" the M12 can actually turn on a dime. Massive disc brakes and its automatic braking systems allow the vehicle to come to a near immediate, but controlled stop should the driver be ejected, or choose to leave the vehicle. The Warthog's tires have moved away from previous inert-gas pocket inflation with far more resilient and superior burst-proof single unit nanotube skeletons. They provide the buoyancy and ride of gas-pocket tires, but are almost indestructible, allowing the M12 to easily roll through situations that would leave other vehicles disabled and vulnerable. The relatively massive tires are a joint project between Michelin-Vance and AMG.
There were numerous Warthog variants that were made for specific roles which included:
- M12A1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle : colloquially known as the Rocket Warthog.
- M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle : colloquially known as the Gauss Warthog.
- M12R Light Anti-Aircraft Vehicle : colloquially known as the Rocket Warthog.
Notes
- The Warthog was created by Bungie Studios and featured in the setting of the Halo universe.
In other media
Television
Video games
Appearances
- Halo: Combat Evolved:
- Halo 2:
- Halo Wars:
External Links
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