D77S-SOI

=== Overview ===
The D77S-SOI Pelican (Formal classification: Dropship 77 SOCOM - Special Operation/Infantry), coequally called the SOCOM Pelican, is a special operations oriented D77 variant operated by the UNSC Navy and Marine Corps for priority operations by various special operation capable forces. 
== Design ==
=== Layout/Hull ===
Being based on the standard D77 design, the D77S shares a majority of similar design features. However, to support the mission of UNSC SOCOM forces, certain design changes were necessary. The cockpit layout remains mostly the same, save instrument panel changes. The avionics suite normally situated behind the cockpit was redistributed throughout the aircrafts fuselage in order to make room for the tail gunners RCWS station. 
External changes to the hull include a rarely seen refuel probe, capable of receiving liquid hydrogen from specialized fuel tankers, this allows the D77S to maintain an airborne profile for an indefinite amount of time so long as a tanker is able to assist. Another change unique to the SOCOM Pelican is the enhanced GPS antenna installed above the cockpit. The advanced GPS and navigation system allows the SOCOM Pelican to navigate subterranean structures and paths up to 2km underground while still maintaining contact with geo-orbital positioning satellites. 
The SOCOM Pelican also boasts enhanced sensory suites and a terrain mapping radar for low altitude flight. 
=== Armament ===
The D77S-SOI Pelicans armament was meticulously designed for the SOCOM mission requirements. This saw a reduction in caliber of its main armament, opting in favor of the M377 40mm autocannon instead of its larger sibling, the M370 70mm autocannon. The SOCOM Pelican is also armed with rocket pods mounted internally at the base of the wings, once again opting for the smaller but more numerous ANVIL I air-to-ground rockets. Lastly, given the troop bay layout the option of mounting an AIE-486H was not viable. So Misriah instead opted to mount an M41 Vulcan LAAG under the empennage, which is remotely controlled by a gunner just aft of the cockpit. 
=== Powerplant/Propulsion ===
The D77S features a near identical powerplant and propulsion system to the other various D77 variants, the only alteration is the refuel system consisting of the refuel probe and the intake valves and pumps. 
=== Crew and Compliment ===
The crew consists of the standard Pilot and Co-Pilot, plus the additional gunner. As with most D77 models, the ability to upload a smart AI for ease of operation is possible. 
The SOCOM Pelican features additional seating in the troop bay, or "blood tray" as its called by those who ride in it, in the form of 2 additional rows of seats placed in the center of the cabin. Total seating in the troop bay is 24. 
=== Variants ===
The D77S-SOI features two variants, one featuring the full armaments and one lacking a chin-mounted autocannon.
File:D77S-SOI Operation.jpg|A D77S returning after inserting troops into an undisclosed LZ
File:C77S-SOI in Flight.jpg|A D77S exchanges fire with ground targets after extracting friendly forces.