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 in the late 33rd Age of Conflict (circa the 2010s by the human reckoning), 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 of the 34th Age of Conflict and the Uproar on Seaward Wind in the 35th, over a century after its initial development. This led to the Sapkhalu's adoption among wealthier seaside clans on several oceanic worlds, and even select units serving under the Ministries of Preservation and Resolution. However, Kelpies are rarely deployed on remote campaigns due to their large size and relatively limited usage niche. For these reasons, the Kelpie was a rare sight during the Human-Covenant War, though it did see action in several battles involving the sieges of coastal cities. It was first recorded during the Battle of Hat Yai in 2529 and later served in a notable role during the battles on Eridanus II, New Constantinople, and Miridem, along with a handful of others.

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.