Editing C709 Longsword

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ship class infobox
|name=C709 Longsword
|image={{Pageimage|HTMCC-HCE Longsword.png}}[[File:Enc22 SoTP C709Longsword.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=112}}
|class=[[Space fighter]]
|role=*Interceptor
*Bomber
|length={{Convert|210.2|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=251}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=261}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Library|HCEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Longsword}}
|width={{Convert|245.9|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
|height=
|mass=
|power=
|engine=Twin [[fusion drive]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}
|slipspace drive=No{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}
|hull=[[Titanium-A]] battleplate{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS5|HFS|Chapter=5}}
|shielding=
|armament=
*1 [[ALI-50 110mm autocannon]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}{{Ref/Note|The text of ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' mentions multiple 110mm cannons. ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' states the C709 is fitted with a single heavy cannon. This article assumes the latter source to be correct.}}
*[[120mm ventral gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|FS7}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*4 [[ASGM-10 missile]] delivery systems{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*[[Scorpion missile]]s {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*36 [[M1011 Moray space mine]]s {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*[[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]s {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|crew=4{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
*Pilot{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
*Co-pilot{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
*Navigator{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
*Systems operator{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}}
*Artificial intelligence {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}
|passengers=
|othersystems=[[Cryo chamber]]s {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}
|era=*[[Insurrection]]{{Ref/Reuse|origins}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|insurrection}}
*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|CE}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Reuse|escalation}}
|introduced=At least [[2492]] {{c|possibly}}{{Ref/Reuse|origins}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|insurrection}}
|affiliation=[[UNSC Navy]]{{Ref/Reuse|WF}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=160}}
}}
The '''C709 Longsword''' is a [[Space fighter|fighter/bomber]] craft produced by [[Misriah Armory]]. They are the largest and most common vehicles in the [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] family of spaceplanes, and are heavily utilised by the [[United Nations Space Command]] as capable multirole aircraft including space interception and terrestrial bombing.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
The C709 is a more common model of the GA-TL1 Longsword line,{{Ref/Book|Id=WFA|HWF|Page=17}} and retains features such as a wide delta-wing shape, an angular boom-like structure, and two engines mounted beneath the wings on either side of the fuselage. It is twice as large as the smaller [[C712 Longsword|C712 variant]], with a wingspan of 75 metres.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} It has a non-polarized canopy, and a diamond-shaped air intake that extends from the front of the engines.{{Ref/Game|Id=CE|HCE|Longsword in-game model}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2|Longsword in-game model}} As it is too big to fit into the [[hangar bay]]s of most UNSC spacecraft, the C709 Longsword must dock to a warship via clamps and an access umbilical.{{Ref/Book|Id=WF|HWF|Page=40}} However, hangar bays of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} such as the [[Launch Bay 7]] can dock the C709 Longswords.{{Ref/Reuse|poa}}

The interior of the C709 Longsword is divided into two levels connected by a staircase, with the bottom floor only used to access the retractable ramp used to embark and disembark from the craft. A corridor runs the length of the fuselage, with the back leading to the staircase and a large door that opens into an additional room: presumably leading to where its armored weapons locker lined with a centimeter of [[titanium-A]] is held, as well as a [[cryo chamber]].{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}} On the opposite side is the cockpit, which has two seated stations for the pilot and systems operator, and two standing stations for the navigator and copilot behind them. They all have various control interfaces and information readouts. A large screen is positioned directly in front at the front of the cockpit, and an AI [[holotank]] is located between the two seats.{{Ref/Reuse|CE}}

===Armaments===
The C709 Longsword is more heavily armed than other variations of Longswords, and its payload can be tailored to a variety of mission requirements.{{Ref/Reuse|WF}} Its main weapon is an [[ALI-50 110mm autocannon]], which is intended for use against enemy space fighters and starships{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}. Retractable [[120mm ventral gun]]s are fitted onto its ventral surface. These have proven powerful enough to effectively clear a hangar of unshielded [[Seraph]]s, fuel pods, and Covenant infantry.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS7|HFS|Chapter=7}} Lastly, four [[ASGM-10 missile]] delivery systems are fitted,{{Ref/Reuse|Library}} which are specialized for use against fighters but are sufficiently powerful enough to deal damage to unshielded starships.{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}} At least one fighter assigned to [[Operation: RED FLAG]] replaced their cryo chambers with a [[M1011 Moray space mine]] dispenser that carried 36 devices.{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}}

Depending on loadout, the fighter may be equipped with [[Scorpion missile]]s and/or a [[Shiva-class nuclear missile|Shiva]] nuclear warhead.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}

===Sensors and communications===
The C709 Longsword has a suite of active and passive sensor systems, which may scan on the same frequencies as those used by [[Covenant]] [[Covenant cruiser|cruisers]]. In this event, a strange 'echo' would be sent back to the fighter, where the same signal is received multiple times. If needed, it can jam Covenant sensors to mask its position.{{Ref/Reuse|FS5}} If equipped with an [[artificial intelligence]], the crew may use the Longsword's communications systems to remotely control another spacecraft, such as a [[Pelican]] dropship.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS6|HFS|Chapter=6}}

==Operational history==
===Insurrection===
About two years before the [[Insurrection]] during the [[Far Isle rebellion]] in [[2492]], at least one flight of five C709 Longswords may have been used to drop their payloads against one of [[Far Isle]] rebel cities, leaving a large crater after the bombing run.{{Ref/Film|Id=origins|HLeg|Story=[[Origins#Part II|Origins II]]}}{{Ref/Note|Id=insurrection|Text=See [[Far Isle rebellion#Production notes|Far Isle rebellion's Production notes section]].}}

Sometimes after [[2527]], an old C709 Longsword were commandeered by [[Soren-066]] and [[Partch]] in an attempt to escape [[Reach]] but failed as it was damaged by other aircraft, forcing the Longsword to crash land.{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|Pariah}}

===Human-Covenant War===
During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], a number of C709 Longswords escorted the ''Pillar of Autumn'' after escaping the [[Fall of Reach]]. They destroyed the Covenant's initial recon picket which Cortana described as being "nothing serious," however Cortana detected multiple {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser|}} [[Battle group|battlegroups]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] approaching.{{Ref/Level|Id=poa|HCE|The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn}} Later, [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] and Cortana used a Longsword to escape from [[Installation 04|Alpha Halo]] before it was destroyed.{{Ref/Level|HCE|The Maw}} They later linked up with a Pelican dropship and [[Skirmish over Threshold|launched an attack]] on a nearby Covenant [[flagship]], the {{Pattern|Ruma|light carrier}} ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', using the Longsword to board it and destroying its [[Seraph]] fighters with the Longsword's [[M1011 Moray space mine]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|FS6}}

Numerous C709 Longswords, along with the smaller C712 Longswords, were utilized over the course of the [[Battle for Earth]], including against the initial Covenant forces from the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]].{{Ref/Level|Id=H2CS|H2|Cairo Station}}

===Post-war===
After the loss of contact with the [[Black Team]] during the [[Mission to Installation 03]], the [[Blue Team]] led by John-117 took a C709 Longsword to the [[Installation 03]] and landed near the research camp where they later encountered the [[Ur-Didact]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=escalation|HEsc|Issue=8}}

==Production notes==
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' like many weapons and vehicles such as the [[MA5B assault rifle]] and [[M6D magnum]] and [[M808C Scorpion]], the C709 Longsword was represented by a repurposed ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[C712 Longsword]] model, featuring a different cockpit window frame and more streamlined fusion drives.{{Ref/Game|Id=CEA|HCEA|Longsword in-game model}} The ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 8]]'' comic seemingly used the similar model of C709 Longsword from ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', regarding the fighter crewing four Spartans of the Blue Team and having two seated stations.{{Ref/Reuse|escalation}}

The release of the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'' settled the inconsistency finally, by utilising an image of the C709 from the ''Halo'' fan mod ''[[Sins of the Prophets]]'' to represent the C709; the model was created by the SOTP team based on the original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' model for the vehicle.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HCE-LongswordFighter.png|In-game appearance of the C709 Longsword in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HCEA-LongswordFighter.png|A C709 Longsword as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
</gallery>

{{clear|right}}

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HCE Longsword Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Longsword created for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE ThePillarOfAutumn Storyboard X10 2 3.jpg|A Longsword depicted in an early [[Halo: Combat Evolved storyboards|storyboard]] for the game's introductory cutscene.
File:HCE AlphaBase Storyboard X40 4 9.jpg|A Longsword in flight in the storyboard for a [[Cut Halo: Combat Evolved levels#The Silent Cartographer "X40"|cut level]], depicting [[Alpha Base (Halo: Fireteam Raven level)|Alpha Base]].
File:HCE AlphaBase Storyboard X40 4 11.jpg|A Longsword over Alpha Base in the cut level.
File:H2 TheArmory Storyboard 1.jpg|A C709 depicted in an [[Halo 2 storyboards|early storyboard]] for the ''[[Halo 2]]'' level [[The Armory]].
File:H2 EarthCity Storyboard Outro 16.jpg|A Longsword being destroyed in an early storyboard for a space battle at the end of the ''Halo 2'' level [[Metropolis]].
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:HCE-Longsword-Views.png|View of the Longsword in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Longsword.jpg|A formation of C709 Longswords near Installation 04 in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Longsword Fighter.jpg|A formation of C709 Longswords near Installation 04's atmosphere in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE PoA&Longsword.png|A C709 Longsword flies past the ''Pillar of Autumn''{{'}}s bridge in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE Longsword Hangar.png|A C709 Longsword onboard the ''Pillar of Autumn'' in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HaloCE-Maw-PoA-Critical.png|John-117's C709 Longsword escapes the ''Pillar of Autumn'' in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE LongswordEscapesRing.png|John-117's C709 Longsword escapes the ring in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE Longsword.png|A C709 Longsword in space in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE Longsword Cockpit 1.png|John-117 piloting a C709 Longsword in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE Longsword Cockpit 2.png|A C709 Longsword's cockpit in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE Longsword Cockpit 3.png|John-117 looking out from a C709 Longsword's port side window in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-HCE Longsword Cockpit 4.png|John-117 sitting in a C709 Longsword's pilot seat in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Halo 2 E3 Demo-Easley.jpg|Major [[Easley]]'s Longswords bombing a {{Pattern|Zo'op|Weevil}} artillery emplacement in the ''[[Halo 2]]'' [[E3]] [[Halo 2 E3 demo|demo]].
HTMCC H2 Digsite E3 Longswords 1.png|Easley's Longswords bombing a Weevil in [[Digsite]]'s ''Halo 2'' E3 demo mod.
File:H2-LongswordFighter-Views.png|Dorsal and ventral view renders of the Longsword from ''Halo 2''.
UNSCVehicles-scale.gif|C709 Longsword scaled with other vehicles.
File:HaloLegends-Origins-Longswords.png|A squadron of C709 Longswords bombing a city in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Origins]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[Pariah]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Human aircraft}}
[[Category:Longsword variants]]