C709 Longsword

The C709 Longsword is the larger variant of GA-TL1 Longsword in service with the UNSC.

Specifications
The C709 is a more common model of the GA-TL1 Longsword line, 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 variant, with a wingspan of 75 metres. It has a non-polarized canopy, and a diamond-shaped air intake that extends from the front of the engines. As it is too big to fit into most hangar bays, the C709 Longsword must dock to a carrier via clamps and an access umbilical.

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. 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.

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. Its main weapon is a 110mm rotary cannon, which is intended for use against enemy space fighters and starships. A pair of retractable 120mm ventral guns are fitted onto its ventral surface, each of which have a 90-degree swivel. These have proven powerful enough to effectively clear a hangar of unshielded Seraphs, fuel pods, and Covenant infantry. Lastly, four ASGM-10 missile delivery systems are fitted, which are specialized for use against fighters but are sufficiently powerful enough to deal damage to unshielded starships. At least one fighter assigned to Operation: RED FLAG replaced their cryo chambers with a Moray space mine dispenser that carried 36 devices.

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 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. 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.

Operational history
During the Battle of Installation 04, a number of C709 Longswords escorted the Pillar of Autumn. They destroyed the Covenant's initial recon picket which Cortana described as being "nothing serious," however Cortana detected multiple CCS-class battlegroups approaching. Later, Spartan John-117 and Cortana used a Longsword to escape from Alpha Halo before it was destroyed. They later linked up with a Pelican dropship and launched an attack on a nearby Covenant flagship, Ascendant Justice, using the Longsword to board it and destroying its Seraph fighters with the Longsword's Moray space mines.

Trivia
Although not specified, the Longsword at the end of Halo: Combat Evolved is a different model.

List of appearances

 * Halo: Combat Evolved
 * Halo: The Flood
 * Halo: First Strike
 * Halo 2
 * Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary