Kelpie

The Sapkhalu-pattern battle barge, known by the UNSC as the Kelpie, is a gravity-boosted ground-effect maritime craft used by the Covenant. It is categorized by ONI as the Type-29 Ultra-heavy Maritime Assault Platform.

Development history
First developed by the Kilkaran Fabricaries during the 33rd Age of Conflict, the design of the Sapkhalu-pattern was loosely based on the older Riigona- and Ghudan-patterns of assault barges and ultimately derived from a venerable line of wave-gliders long favored by Sangheili clans dwelling near large bodies of water. While adoption of the Sapkhalu-pattern was initially limited, it gained some fame during the Jarhan Ordeals and the Uproar on Seaward Wind, which led to its adoption among wealthier seaside clans especially on oceanic worlds, and even select units serving under the Ministries of Preservation and Resolution.

Design details
Primarily designed as an oceanic assault and siege platform, the Kelpie features an internal cargo bay capable of storing up to three Selkie attack skimmers and two war-flier landing decks. Its semi-modular weapon array features four light pulse lasers, three medium plasma cannons, one heavy plasma cannon, two dorsal fuel rod turrets, 16 missile silos (with plasma payloads being the default), and a pair of heavy anti-air plasma cannons. The sockets for the latter can also be used to mount long-range plasma mortars, and the cargo bay can accommodate a minelaying capability.

Though it utilizes gravitic systems to provide additional lift, the Kelpie relies mostly on the ground effect when traveling at speed.