Combat synthetic (Earth-5875)

"It is ridiculous, I know, but these combat androids... They unnerve me unlike any Covenant."

- - Dr. Howard Groves

Combat synthetics, also known as combat androids, are armored and hardened synthetics, manufactured exclusively for combat and security purposes. Despite the equipping of synthetics with weapons and military equipment has long been made illegal, combat synthetics are extensively used by the Office of Naval Intelligence, who use illegally manufactured units from its Watershed Division.

History
Unlike commercial Auton synthetics, which are designed to seamlessly integrate into human society and affairs, combat synthetics are solely manufactured for combat and security, and as such, lack any of the subtlety and aesthetic properties of their fellow synthetics, not possessing a outer covering skin, which leaves their mechanisms, particularly their face, exposed to others. They are not programmed with the social software installed on Autons, nor fitted with a Carbon 60 Riemann cycling-thought matrix, and instead operate on basic programs and set of orders that limits their language. They speak in an inhuman, mechanical voice, as a result.

What they lack in intelligence and art compared to other synthetics, they make up with their hardened skin, capable of withstanding severe damage, hazardous environments, and even a limited amount of plasma from Covenant weapons. Even though losing one of their limbs, the combat synthetic continues to fight, be it their legs, arms, or even their faces, although with a much reduced weapon accuracy.