The Phazon-mutated Elite Pirate is the product of the Space Pirate Project Helix, a research project to create powerful new Pirate soldiers by using the dangerous mutagen known as Phazon. Elites are nearly twice the size of a normal pirate, covered in armor and armed to the teeth with deadly weapons, including Plasma Artillery Cannons, wrist bayonets, energy siphons and shockwave generators. The cannons fire powerful explosive blasts, but it can be targeted and destroyed by using the Thermal Visor. The energy siphons attract and absorb beam shots, but it does not affect missiles. The shockwave generator allows the Pirate to unleash a devastating energy wave with a ground pound.