UNSC Air Force

“From Earth to the stars.”

— Advertisement^[1]

The UNSC Air Force is an aerial division of the UNSC Defense Force (UNSCDF) along with the UNSC Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The UNSC Air Force serves as an aerial defense and support force,^[2] primarily deploying from UNSC Navy vessels or from terrestrial airbases. The Air Force is under the command of the Unified Ground Command.^[3]

History[edit | edit source]

In 2548, the Air Force garrison on Meridian would attempt to defend the colony when the Covenant attacked.^[4]

During the Fall of Reach, "AMX" (Air Mobility Express) units assisted Noble Team. AMX-4 assisted at the Assault on Szurdok Ridge.^[5] AMX-42 helped with evacuation efforts during the Raid on New Alexandria.^[6]

During the Second Battle of Requiem, the Air Force assisted ground and naval forces. They cleared the airspace around Requiem with F-41s, when the UNSC Infinity arrived.^[7]

Duties[edit | edit source]

It is likely that it is tasked with organizing aerial operations, conducting tactical strikes and bombing runs, providing close-air support for infantry forces, combat search and rescue, and transportation of UNSCDF personnel.

Branches[edit | edit source]

Air Combat Command

Assets[edit | edit source]

Uniform[edit | edit source]

One of the only known piece of uniform used by the Air Force is the Pilot helmet, which is compatible with all other UNSC armor systems.^[8]

Armament[edit | edit source]

Infantry[edit | edit source]

Pilots utilize the Recon variant of M20 SMG, as well as its various attachments, as their personal defense weapon.^[9]

Ground Vehicles[edit | edit source]

After the Human-Covenant war, the Air Force utilized the Urban variant of the M290 Mongoose for security patrols.^[10]

Air Vehicles[edit | edit source]

The Air Force utilized the GA-TL1 Longsword-class Interceptor up to at least 2557. As well, remaining Shortsword Bombers were given over to the Air Force in that year as reserves.^[11] The Air Force also operates the F-41 Exoatmospheric Multirole Strike Fighter.^[12] They also utilize the D79H-TC Pelican in the Post-war period.^[13]^{[note 1]} Air Force rescue squads used the EV-44 Support VTOL.^[14]

They may also operate F-99 Wombats, AV-14 Hornets, AV-19 SkyHawk, AV-22 Sparrowhawks, and YSS-1000 Sabres.

Equipment[edit | edit source]

Air Force units use the MEP-PU-2550D/E Generator for power when they are out in the field.^[15]

Subordinates[edit | edit source]

Personnel[edit | edit source]

Units[edit | edit source]

AMX-4
AMX-42
37th Tactical Fighter Wing

Ranks[edit | edit source]

Trivia[edit | edit source]

Extremely little is known about the Air Force. Initially, author Eric Nylund expressed the opinion that its role and function would have been absorbed into the UNSC Navy, though denied that this was canon.^[16] Later, in an interview, Frank O'Connor confirmed the existence of an Air Force branch of the UNSCDF.^[2] This is backed by the appearances of airmen in Halo 4 and Halo: Escalation.
In Halo 2 and Halo 3 there are special troopers that pilot the Pelicans and Hornets in the games. They wear special helmets that appear similar to the helmets of modern day fighter pilots. It is possible that these troopers are members of the UNSC Air Force.
- The helmets worn differ from Halo 2 to Halo 3. The Halo 2 helmet consists of a rounded helmet with a large visor to see out of that appears similar to the helmets worn by today's helicopter pilots. The Halo 3 version is more compact and resembles the helmets worn by today's fighter pilots.