Sure looks like it, doesn't it? Many say that the dimensions are slightly different, though, in a way that suggests some kind of hybrid between Halo 1's assault rifle and Halo 2's battle rifle. Bungie also says the rifle in the announcement trailer is not identical to the MA-5B. Source: Halo Weekly Update 05132006 UPDATE: Since this answer was first written, more was revealed about this weapon, specifically in the December 2006 issue of EGM. The new assault rifle, which will be considered a default spawn weapon, will not be dual-wieldable, will not do headshots, and will carry more ammo than Halo 2's battle rifle, but less than Halo 1's assault rifle. It is intended to be a good, general purpose weapon for medium range. This rifle features prominently in the CG television ad that aired in December 2006, as well as the only hires campaign screenshot released to date; however, we have yet to see the weapon fired.