| “ | I have yet to come up against an obstacle that the Warthog couldn't go right over.
— Anonymous UNSC personel
|
” |
The M12 Force Application Vehicle (M12-FAV), commonly referred to as the Warthog or Hog, is a type of vehicle featured in the Halo franchise. It was primarily used by the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) in the Insurrection and the Human-Covenant War.
AMG Transport Dynamics designed the first Warthog in 2319, dubbing it the "Z-12". The Z-12 proved popular thanks to its great performance and a well-crafted marketing campaign. Within the first eight months of the Z-12 prototype's existence, AMG received over three dozen exclusivity contracts, most of which came from the Colonial Military Authority (CMA). Around 2321, the Z-12 developed into the M12-FAV.
By 2329, the M12-FAV became the primary method of transportation used by the CMA. Around this time, CMA personnel also began to refer to the vehicle as the Warthog. In 2350, the UNSC adopted the Warthog as well, and it swiftly became one of its main combat vehicles. Indeed, the Warthog was so popular and effective that it was still used in the 2550s, seeing only minor adjustments to its armaments and chassis.
Battle vs. AT-ST (Legends) (by Pink Pina)[]
Fight
Inside the AT-ST driver seat
Walker Driver: This is Newland reporting to command. It seems all of the rebels have either fled or been killed, but we have no reinforcements. We are requesting back-up at our current location.
The other end of the line is playing only static.
Walker Driver: I repeat, thi-
The gunner, quickly interrupts him
Walker Gunner: We just picked up heat signatures in the area. They seem to be rapidly heading towards this way.
Walker Driver: Get the weapons ready, it seems we have some more rebel scum to get rid of.
We cut to a Warthog with 3 marines.
Warthog Driver: A loud blast was heard towards this location, it could be covenant forces so be ready men.
Warthog Gunner: HOORAAH! Let's get these covenant bastards!
The Gunner readies his gun as the passenger loads his Assault rifle. The Warthog breaks out of the treeline and they spot the Walker moving towards them. The Warthog gunner opens fire with his Chain-gun.
Warthog Driver: What kind of covenant vehicle is that?
Warthog Passenger: Seems kind of primitive for them, maybe it’s a prototype.
The AT-ST returns fire with its main blaster and nearly lands a hit on the Warthog, shaking them.
Warthog Gunner: Returning fire!
The Warthog Gunner lands multiple direct hits, but none of them seem to do any significant damage. The Warthog begins to circle and constantly fire at the Walker. The Walker holds its position and uses its light blaster cannon to damage the Warthog’s armor.
Walker Gunner: Direct hit. Activating Concussion Grenades.
The Walker begins to launch multiple grenades, shaking and damaging the Warthog. The Warthogs main gun begins to overheat and the gunner stops shooting to let it cool. The Warthog passenger puts away his assault rifle and pulls out his SPNKr, firing both rockets at the Walker. The Walker barely avoids the first rocket, but the second one hits the main body and pushes it back, nearly making it fall over.
Walker Driver: Main Body heavily damaged! Fire the main weapon quickly!
Warthog Driver: Great job Marines! One more should do it!
The passenger pulls out his Spartan Laser as the Walker readies to fire its main gun, hitting and nearly destroying the Warthog.
Walker Gunner: Direct hit! Adjusting targeting systems!
Warthog Driver: Open fire Marine! It’s now or never!
The Walker and Warthog Passenger fire their Spartan Laser and MS-4 at the same time and each lands a direct hit. The smoke clears and we see the aftermath. The Walker is downed and the Warthog is completely destroyed. A hatch above the Walker opens up and both Gunner and Driver get out.
Walker Driver: Command, this is Newland reporting. We are downed and request immediate transport.
The Walker gunner walks over to the downed vehicle as the driver talks with command. He moves some of the parts obstructing the vehicle and there he sees the warthog driver barely alive, but conscious.
Walker gunner: We have one alive here!
The walker driver pauses their conversation with command and walks over seeing the warthog driver make eye contact with him.
Walker driver: Rebel scum.
The walker driver grabs his handheld blaster and points it directly at the marines head. The marine spits blood into the driver's face as he is shot directly in between his eyes. The walker driver wipes the blood from his face and looks up as he sees an imperial dropship begin to land.
Winner: AT-ST Walker!
Expert's Opinion[]
This was a very close match as both sides had more than enough firepower to destroy the other effectively. The biggest advantage of each side was the walkers armor and the warthogs speed, however it would seem the voters concluded that the warthogs armor was a major downfall allowing for the passengers would be protected very little, while the walker pilots had plenty of defense between them and the warthogs attacks. In the end, even with the warthogs speed, they just couldn't reliably damage the walker.