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GA-TL1 Longsword

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Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series screenshot
A squadron of Longswords during space warfare.

The GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter, or Longsword, is the mainstay multi-mission platform in service with the UNSC Air Force and UNSC Navy.[1][2] Longswords are capable of atmospheric and exoatmospheric (A/X) operation and can be fitted for myriad roles simultaneously. Among those roles, Longswords most often operate as fleet defense fighters, orbital defense and deep space interceptors, or as strike fighters, among other, more specialized tasks.[1]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The various ordnance carried by a C712 Longsword.[3]

The GA-TL1 Longsword is designed primarily as a fighter, though it can also be used for interception, suppression, bombing, or direct attack.[1] There are a number of variants of the craft, with some variants measuring 64 meters (210 feet) long and 75 meters (246 feet) wide.[1][4]
Their crew sizes can vary between two and four individuals; the crew may be assisted by an onboard artificial intelligence.

While there are several noticeable external and presumably internal differences among variants, all Longswords share a common overall architecture. Most Longswords feature a wide, manta ray-like design with a rear-facing boom apparatus protruding from the center of the fuselage. The exhaust ports for the Longsword's twin fusion engines are also visible at the rear of the fuselage.[4] The newer C718 Longsword differs in a few key areas. It shares the same general arrow-shaped fuselage, but with more stubby wings. The C718 also does away with the tail-like boom and incorporates four more engines than the C709 and C712 variants.[5]

The Longsword can be remotely piloted, as was performed during the Battle of Chi Ceti in 2525.[6] The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Aviator helmet is recommended for use by Spartans acting as Longsword crew members.[7]

Armament[edit]

The standard armament of the GA-TL1 Longsword is the M9109 50mm cannon.[1][8] Some variants are armed with 110mm rotary cannons[9] or a turreted 120mm ventral gun that can be retracted into the hull,[10] though the latter is likely a secondary weapon. The Longsword can also accommodate any of several supplementary weapon systems, including four ASGM-10 missiles[11] or ASGM-15 missiles,[12][5] a variety of bombs including laser-guided M888 Octadart bombs,[12][5] M1011 Moray space mines, or even a single Shiva-class nuclear missile;[5] when remotely piloted, the Longsword itself can be used as a delivery system for the Shiva warhead.[6] As well as Shiva nuclear missiles, Longswords are capable of deploying HAVOK tactical nuclear weapons.[13][5] Longswords are also capable of dropping and deploying certain variants of ordnance pods to resupply troops on the ground.[14][5]

Variants[edit]

There are multiple variants of the GA-TL1 Longsword that are designed to perform specific functions, such as the C708, the C709, and the C712.[15] However, these variations are not static; Longswords can be modified on a craft-by-craft basis to fit the needs of a given mission.[1]

  • C708 Longsword - A variant of the Longsword.[15]
  • C709 Longsword - Designed to apply force in exoatmospheric engagements. It is armed with a 110mm rotary cannon.[1] Despite its focus on exoatmospheric combat, the C709 features large air intakes and a non-polarized canopy.[16][17]
  • C712 Longsword - Designated SS-110 by the UNSC Air Force,[18] specialized in short-range atmospheric/exoatmospheric (A/X) strike runs. It can carry an assortment of missile and mine delivery systems. The C712 features a large, polarized canopy and integrated air intakes.[19][20][21]
  • C718 Longsword - Introduced following the rise of the Created in late 2558. It carries a particularly lethal arsenal and also incorporates advanced stealth technologies.[5][22]

Ships of the line[edit]