M1440 Distractor

The M1440 Distractor was a throwable decoy device created by the United Nations Space Command during the Human-Covenant War.

Operation
The intended use of the M1440 was to lure enemy forces into an area where its user would be able to launch an ambush. Ideally, its user would set up a kill zone, throw the M1440 into it, and the enemy would be drawn in by the sounds of battle and be quite easily killed. In practice, however, it was found to be most useful as a traditional decoy - leave it somewhere you didn't want to be and clear the area. This led to the development of the M1440B variant with a rudimentary forward-facing radar system and compressed air outlets for propulsion. The expanding usage of IFF-based radar resulted in the development of the M1440C, which generates false radar signatures designed to confuse enemies.

M1440A
Standard variant with no propulsion system.

M1440B
Variant with a propulsion system.

M1440C
Variant with a propulsion system and a radar signature generator.