D-77 Pelican

D-77 Pelican

The D-77 Pelican was an atmosphere and exoatmosphere capable, four engine, vectored-thrust, dropship used by the United Nations Space Command between 2563 and 2681, and serving in the Remnant War and Swarm War. The chief function of the Pelican was to transport equipment, troops and vehicles from orbit to the surface, and from the surface to orbit. To achieve this, the D-77 mounted a large number of powerful engines in four moving engine pylons, providing vectored thrust necessary to take off, land and hover vertically, as well as propel the craft in atmosphere and vacuum, and reach escape velocity. In addition to troop insertion and transport, the Pelican was also highly capable of operating as a gunship, utilising its heavy shielding and armour, variable weapons complement and surprising agility for a craft of its size to successfully engage enemy infantry, structures and vehicles. This dual dropship and gunship capability was invaluable for such a craft as it meant the Pelican could offload troops and then provide dependable supporting fire to them. This versatility resulted in the D-77's ubiquity throughout UNSC service.