B-65 Shortsword

The Shortsword is a UNSC atmospheric bomber used primarily for short-range, heavy payload bombing runs against enemy ground targets, especially Covenant forces. The bombers were in use by the UNSC by at least 2531.

Description
The Shortsword shares a similar design to the GA-TL1 Longsword interceptor. It features an elongated and angled wings, comparable to that of a Longsword, and retracted tail wings. This makes the Shortsword a versatile aircraft, able to deliver its payload and provides it greater freedom of action at low altitudes. A Shortsword's payload is interchangeable, capable of delivering conventional ordnance, or less conventional munitions into theatres of combat, dropping them onto the target zone at low altitude and high velocity. These strikes are launched from an orbital support ship, indicating at least a rudimentary exoatmospheric capability.

Gameplay
The use of the Shortsword differs depending on which faction the player uses. Professor Ellen Anders uses it to drop a Cryo Bomb, a simple point-and-click power. Sergeant John Forge uses it to perform Carpet Bombing runs, where the beginning of the bombing run must be selected. An arrow appears, and can be rotated around the start point, setting the angle of the bombing run, useful for hitting a number of enemies in different formations. All UNSC leaders in Halo Wars can call on a Shortsword to deliver a Disruption Bomb.

Trivia

 * The Shortsword appears similar in appearance to the real-life B2 "Spirit" stealth bomber of the United States Air Force, with the exceptions of the large "bang" apparatus on the Shortsword and the Shortsword's "short range". Both aircraft fill a similar role, acting as bombers, although it is unknown if the Shortsword has any stealth capabilities, or if conventional stealth capabilities would have any impact on Covenant tracking technology.
 * At some time during the development of Halo Wars, the Shortsword was originally to be a usable unit, docked at the Airpad. In the concept art, its tail is retracted and its wings are angled up to make it more compact and allow docking.
 * The Shortsword cannot be destroyed in-game.
 * Its possible this aircraft appeared in Halo: First Strike as the area outside the orbital MAC generators were bombed and it is never stated it was bombed by Longswords.

List of appearances

 * Halo Wars