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GA-TL1 Longsword: Difference between revisions

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m (Text replacement - "{{Ship Class Infobox" to "{{Ship class infobox")
m (Text replacement - "<ref name="([^"=>]+)" ?\/>" to "{{Ref/Reuse|$1}}")
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|name=GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter
|name=GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter
|image=[[File:Longsword-class Interceptor.png|350px]]
|image=[[File:Longsword-class Interceptor.png|350px]]
|manufacturer=*Designed by [[Gov Aukland]] and [[Thomas Levesque]]<ref name="EVG"/>
|manufacturer=*Designed by [[Gov Aukland]] and [[Thomas Levesque]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Built by [[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 112''</ref>
*Built by [[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 112''</ref>
|class=
|class=
|role=Multi-mission atmospheric/exoatmospheric fighter
|role=Multi-mission atmospheric/exoatmospheric fighter
|length = {{Convert|64.1|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="enc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''(2009)'', ''page 251''</ref>
|length = {{Convert|64.1|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="enc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''(2009)'', ''page 251''</ref>
*'''C712 variant''': {{Convert|33.5|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}<ref name="warfleet">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''page 16-17''</ref>
*'''C712 variant''': {{Convert|33.5|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}<ref name="warfleet">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''page 16-17''</ref>
|width = {{Convert|75|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="enc"/>
|width = {{Convert|75|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc}}
|height = {{Convert|12.9|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}
|height = {{Convert|12.9|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}
|mass = '''C712 variant''': 180 metric tons<ref name="warfleet"/>
|mass = '''C712 variant''': 180 metric tons{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|engine=Twin fusion reactors<ref name="enc"/>
|engine=Twin fusion reactors{{Ref/Reuse|enc}}
|slipspace drive=
|slipspace drive=
|hull=[[Titanium-A]] battleplate<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 40''</ref>
|hull=[[Titanium-A]] battleplate<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 40''</ref>
|armament=;''Varies''
|armament=;''Varies''
*[[M9109 ASW/AC 50mm MLA]] (2) {{C|standard}}<ref name="EVG"/>
*[[M9109 ASW/AC 50mm MLA]] (2) {{C|standard}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*[[110mm rotary cannon]]s (C709 variant)<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="FS28">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 28''</ref>
*[[110mm rotary cannon]]s (C709 variant){{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="FS28">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 28''</ref>
*[[120mm ventral gun]]s<ref name="FS28"/>
*[[120mm ventral gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|FS28}}
*[[ASGM-10 missile]]s (4)<ref name="EVG"/>
*[[ASGM-10 missile]]s (4){{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*[[ASGM-15 missile]]s{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR19|HSOR|Chapter=19}}
*[[ASGM-15 missile]]s{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR19|HSOR|Chapter=19}}
*[[Octadart]]s{{Ref/Reuse|SOR19}}
*[[Octadart]]s{{Ref/Reuse|SOR19}}
*{{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}} (1) {{C|optional}}
*{{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}} (1) {{C|optional}}
*[[Moray space mine]] system (36) {{C|optional}}<ref name="EVG"/>
*[[Moray space mine]] system (36) {{C|optional}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
'''''C712 variant'''''
'''''C712 variant'''''
*8 [[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW.2FAC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm coilguns]]<ref name="warfleet"/>
*8 [[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW.2FAC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm coilguns]]{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
*4 [[ASGM-10 missile]]s<ref name="warfleet"/>
*4 [[ASGM-10 missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet}}
|complement-title= Other systems
|complement-title= Other systems
|complement=Cryo chambers {{C|optional}}<ref name="FS37">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 37''</ref>
|complement=Cryo chambers {{C|optional}}<ref name="FS37">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 37''</ref>
|misc-title=Crew
|misc-title=Crew
|misc=*Pilot<ref name="EVG"/>
|misc=*Pilot{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Co-pilot<ref name="EVG"/>
*Co-pilot{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Navigator<ref name="EVG"/>
*Navigator{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Systems operator<ref name="EVG"/>
*Systems operator{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*Artificial intelligence {{C|optional}}
*Artificial intelligence {{C|optional}}
|era =*[[Insurrection]]
|era =*[[Insurrection]]
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}}
}}


The '''GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter''', or '''Longsword''', is the mainstay multi-mission platform in service with the [[UNSC Air Force]] and [[UNSC Navy]].<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="Bulletin">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-9-24-14 '''Halo Waypoint''' - The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14]</ref> 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.<ref name="EVG"/>
The '''GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter''', or '''Longsword''', is the mainstay multi-mission platform in service with the [[UNSC Air Force]] and [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="Bulletin">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-9-24-14 '''Halo Waypoint''' - The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14]</ref> 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.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
===Design details===
===Design details===
The GA-TL1 Longsword is designed primarily as a fighter, though it can also be used for interception, suppression, bombing, or direct attack.<ref name="EVG"/> There are a number of variants of the craft, with some variants measuring 64 meters (210 feet) long and 75 meters (246 feet) wide.<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="enc"/> Their crew sizes can vary between two and four individuals; the crew may be assisted by an onboard [[artificial intelligence]].
The GA-TL1 Longsword is designed primarily as a fighter, though it can also be used for interception, suppression, bombing, or direct attack.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} There are a number of variants of the craft, with some variants measuring 64 meters (210 feet) long and 75 meters (246 feet) wide.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} 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. The craft features a wide, manta ray-like design with a rear-facing boom apparatus protruding from the center of the fuselage, similar to that of the [[B-65 Shortsword]] bomber. The exhaust ports for the Longsword's twin fusion engines<ref name="enc"/> are also visible at the rear of the fuselage.
While there are several noticeable external and presumably internal differences among variants, all Longswords share a common overall architecture. The craft features a wide, manta ray-like design with a rear-facing boom apparatus protruding from the center of the fuselage, similar to that of the [[B-65 Shortsword]] bomber. The exhaust ports for the Longsword's twin fusion engines{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} are also visible at the rear of the fuselage.


The Longsword can be remotely piloted, as was performed during the [[Battle of Chi Ceti]] in [[2525]].<ref name="remote"/> The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Aviator]] helmet is recommended for use by [[Spartan Operations|Spartans]] acting as Longsword crew members.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 147''</ref>
The Longsword can be remotely piloted, as was performed during the [[Battle of Chi Ceti]] in [[2525]].{{Ref/Reuse|remote}} The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Aviator]] helmet is recommended for use by [[Spartan Operations|Spartans]] acting as Longsword crew members.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 147''</ref>


[[File:HWF_longsword.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The various ordnance carried by the Longsword.]]
[[File:HWF_longsword.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The various ordnance carried by the Longsword.]]


===Armament===
===Armament===
The standard armament of the GA-TL1 is the [[M9109 ASW/AC MLA|M9109 50mm cannon]].<ref name="EVG"/><ref>'''Halo: Reach''' manual</ref> Some variants are armed with [[110mm rotary cannon]]s<ref name="FS28"/> or a turreted [[120mm ventral gun]] that can be retracted into the hull,<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 58''</ref> though the latter is likely a secondary weapon. The Longsword can also accommodate any of several supplementary weapon systems, including four [[ASGM-10 missile]]s{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR13|HSOR|Chapter=13}} or [[ASGM-15 missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|SOR19}}, a variety of bombs including laser-guided [[Octadart]]s{{Ref/Reuse|SOR19}}, [[Moray space mine]]s, or even a single {{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}}; when remotely piloted, the Longsword itself can be used as a delivery system for the ''Shiva'' warhead.<ref name="remote">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 322-324''</ref> As well as Shiva nuclear missiles, Longswords are capable of deploying [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]s.<ref name="Escalation12" /> Longswords are also capable of dropping and deploying certain variants of [[ordnance pod]]s to resupply troops on the ground.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''' - [[Firefight]]</ref>
The standard armament of the GA-TL1 is the [[M9109 ASW/AC MLA|M9109 50mm cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref>'''Halo: Reach''' manual</ref> Some variants are armed with [[110mm rotary cannon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|FS28}} or a turreted [[120mm ventral gun]] that can be retracted into the hull,<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 58''</ref> though the latter is likely a secondary weapon. The Longsword can also accommodate any of several supplementary weapon systems, including four [[ASGM-10 missile]]s{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR13|HSOR|Chapter=13}} or [[ASGM-15 missile]]s{{Ref/Reuse|SOR19}}, a variety of bombs including laser-guided [[Octadart]]s{{Ref/Reuse|SOR19}}, [[Moray space mine]]s, or even a single {{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}}; when remotely piloted, the Longsword itself can be used as a delivery system for the ''Shiva'' warhead.<ref name="remote">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 322-324''</ref> As well as Shiva nuclear missiles, Longswords are capable of deploying [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Escalation12}} Longswords are also capable of dropping and deploying certain variants of [[ordnance pod]]s to resupply troops on the ground.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''' - [[Firefight]]</ref>


==Development and service history==
==Development and service history==
[[File:H3 E3 Longsword 3.jpg|thumb|250px|Three Longswords assaulting the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in the [[Battle of Voi]].]]
[[File:H3 E3 Longsword 3.jpg|thumb|250px|Three Longswords assaulting the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in the [[Battle of Voi]].]]
The Longsword, manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]], was designed during the 25th century by [[Gov Aukland]] and [[Thomas Levesque]], whose names inspired the GA-TL1 designation.<ref name="EVG"/> Longswords saw service during the [[Insurrection]].<ref name="Origins">'''Halo Legends''', ''Origins''</ref> Later, Longswords were deployed on the front lines of nearly every major engagement of the [[Human-Covenant War]] under the [[UNSC Navy]].<ref name="EVG"/> [[Longsword Squadron Delta]], assigned to the frigate {{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}}, engaged [[Covenant]] forces during the [[Battle of Chi Ceti]], the first space battle of the war. The Longswords were destroyed when the ''Commonwealth'' was forced to sacrifice them to get a shot on the ''[[Unrelenting]]'' with a [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]. The Longswords that survived the firefight were destroyed when the nuclear weapon detonated.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''(2001)'', ''pages 112-113''</ref>
The Longsword, manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]], was designed during the 25th century by [[Gov Aukland]] and [[Thomas Levesque]], whose names inspired the GA-TL1 designation.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Longswords saw service during the [[Insurrection]].<ref name="Origins">'''Halo Legends''', ''Origins''</ref> Later, Longswords were deployed on the front lines of nearly every major engagement of the [[Human-Covenant War]] under the [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} [[Longsword Squadron Delta]], assigned to the frigate {{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}}, engaged [[Covenant]] forces during the [[Battle of Chi Ceti]], the first space battle of the war. The Longswords were destroyed when the ''Commonwealth'' was forced to sacrifice them to get a shot on the ''[[Unrelenting]]'' with a [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]. The Longswords that survived the firefight were destroyed when the nuclear weapon detonated.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''(2001)'', ''pages 112-113''</ref>


During the [[Fall of Reach]], two Longswords were launched against a Covenant {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}} to [[First Battle of Sword Base|protect]] [[Sword Base]]. The Longswords pushed the corvette away from the base far enough for a Super MAC round fired from orbit to take it out.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]''</ref> Longswords also participated in the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]] after [[SPARTAN-B312]] took out two Covenant [[Type-38 Tyrant|anti-aircraft emplacements]], clearing the way for air support. The Longswords were able to destroy three [[Type-47B Scarab|Scarabs]], opening the path for the UNSC's ground assault force.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> Later, the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}} {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} launched a remotely piloted Longsword equipped with a ''Shiva''-class nuclear missile during a battle with an [[unidentified Covenant warship]]. After the ship's shields were taken down, the "smart" AI [[Cortana]] crash-landed the Longsword on the ship. The nuke's detonation destroyed the Covenant vessel.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach'''</ref>
During the [[Fall of Reach]], two Longswords were launched against a Covenant {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}} to [[First Battle of Sword Base|protect]] [[Sword Base]]. The Longswords pushed the corvette away from the base far enough for a Super MAC round fired from orbit to take it out.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]''</ref> Longswords also participated in the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]] after [[SPARTAN-B312]] took out two Covenant [[Type-38 Tyrant|anti-aircraft emplacements]], clearing the way for air support. The Longswords were able to destroy three [[Type-47B Scarab|Scarabs]], opening the path for the UNSC's ground assault force.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> Later, the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}} {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} launched a remotely piloted Longsword equipped with a ''Shiva''-class nuclear missile during a battle with an [[unidentified Covenant warship]]. After the ship's shields were taken down, the "smart" AI [[Cortana]] crash-landed the Longsword on the ship. The nuke's detonation destroyed the Covenant vessel.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach'''</ref>
Line 74: Line 74:


==Variants==
==Variants==
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.<ref name="HCEALibrary">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''', [[Library (feature)|Library]]</ref> However, these variations are not static; Longswords can be modified on a craft-by-craft basis to fit the needs of a given mission.<ref name="EVG"/>
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.<ref name="HCEALibrary">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''', [[Library (feature)|Library]]</ref> However, these variations are not static; Longswords can be modified on a craft-by-craft basis to fit the needs of a given mission.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


===C708===
===C708===
{{Main|C708 Longsword}}
{{Main|C708 Longsword}}
The C708 variant is a variant of the Longsword.<ref name="HCEALibrary"/>
The C708 variant is a variant of the Longsword.{{Ref/Reuse|HCEALibrary}}


===C709===
===C709===
{{Main|C709 Longsword}}
{{Main|C709 Longsword}}
The C709 variant is designed to apply force in exoatmospheric engagements. It is armed with a 110mm rotary cannon.<ref name="EVG"/> Despite its focus on exoatmospheric combat, the C709 features large air intakes and a non-polarized canopy.<ref name="CE">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref><ref name="H2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref>
The C709 variant is designed to apply force in exoatmospheric engagements. It is armed with a 110mm rotary cannon.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Despite its focus on exoatmospheric combat, the C709 features large air intakes and a non-polarized canopy.<ref name="CE">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref><ref name="H2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HCEA-LongswordFighter.png|The C709 Longsword.
File:HCEA-LongswordFighter.png|The C709 Longsword.
Line 90: Line 90:
===C712===
===C712===
{{Main|C712 Longsword}}
{{Main|C712 Longsword}}
The C712 variant (designated [[Hull classification symbol|SS-110]] by the [[UNSC Navy]]),<ref>'''Halo: Warfleet''' ''page 17''</ref> specializes 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.<ref name="Origins"/><ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref><ref name="Reach">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref>  It can also much more easily fit within ships as it is roughly half the size of the other variants.
The C712 variant (designated [[Hull classification symbol|SS-110]] by the [[UNSC Navy]]),<ref>'''Halo: Warfleet''' ''page 17''</ref> specializes 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.{{Ref/Reuse|Origins}}<ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref><ref name="Reach">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref>  It can also much more easily fit within ships as it is roughly half the size of the other variants.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H2A_-_Longsword_model.jpg|The C712 Longsword.
File:H2A_-_Longsword_model.jpg|The C712 Longsword.

Revision as of 09:54, April 15, 2021

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GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter
Longsword-class Interceptor.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Role:

Multi-mission atmospheric/exoatmospheric fighter

Technical specifications

Length:

64.1 meters (210 ft)[1][2]

  • C712 variant: 33.5 meters (110 ft)[3]

Width:

75 meters (246 ft)[1][2]

Height:

12.9 meters (42.3 ft)

Mass:

C712 variant: 180 metric tons[3]

Engine(s):

Twin fusion reactors[2]

Hull:

Titanium-A battleplate[4]

Armament:

Varies

C712 variant

Other systems:

Cryo chambers (optional)[7]

Crew:

  • Pilot[1]
  • Co-pilot[1]
  • Navigator[1]
  • Systems operator[1]
  • Artificial intelligence (optional)
Chronological and affiliation

Era:

Affiliation:

 

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][8] 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]

Specifications

Design details

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][2] 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. The craft features a wide, manta ray-like design with a rear-facing boom apparatus protruding from the center of the fuselage, similar to that of the B-65 Shortsword bomber. The exhaust ports for the Longsword's twin fusion engines[2] are also visible at the rear of the fuselage.

The Longsword can be remotely piloted, as was performed during the Battle of Chi Ceti in 2525.[9] The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Aviator helmet is recommended for use by Spartans acting as Longsword crew members.[10]

The various ordnance carried by the Longsword.

Armament

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

Development and service history

Three Longswords assaulting the Forerunner Dreadnought in the Battle of Voi.

The Longsword, manufactured by Misriah Armory, was designed during the 25th century by Gov Aukland and Thomas Levesque, whose names inspired the GA-TL1 designation.[1] Longswords saw service during the Insurrection.[16] Later, Longswords were deployed on the front lines of nearly every major engagement of the Human-Covenant War under the UNSC Navy.[1] Longsword Squadron Delta, assigned to the frigate UNSC Commonwealth, engaged Covenant forces during the Battle of Chi Ceti, the first space battle of the war. The Longswords were destroyed when the Commonwealth was forced to sacrifice them to get a shot on the Unrelenting with a Shiva-class nuclear missile. The Longswords that survived the firefight were destroyed when the nuclear weapon detonated.[17]

During the Fall of Reach, two Longswords were launched against a Covenant SDV-class heavy corvette to protect Sword Base. The Longswords pushed the corvette away from the base far enough for a Super MAC round fired from orbit to take it out.[18] Longswords also participated in the Battle at Szurdok Ridge after SPARTAN-B312 took out two Covenant anti-aircraft emplacements, clearing the way for air support. The Longswords were able to destroy three Scarabs, opening the path for the UNSC's ground assault force.[19] Later, the Halcyon-class light cruiser UNSC Pillar of Autumn launched a remotely piloted Longsword equipped with a Shiva-class nuclear missile during a battle with an unidentified Covenant warship. After the ship's shields were taken down, the "smart" AI Cortana crash-landed the Longsword on the ship. The nuke's detonation destroyed the Covenant vessel.[20]

During the Battle of Installation 04, a number of 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.[21] Later, Spartan John-117 and Cortana used a Longsword to escape from Alpha Halo before it was destroyed.[22] 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.[23]

During the Battle of Voi, several Longswords aided a trio of frigates in attacking the Prophet of Truth's ship, once John-117 cleared the way by destroying an anti-aircraft battery. However, the attack proved unsuccessful and Truth's fleet was able to evacuate through the Portal at Voi which they opened moments after the failed attack.[24] Longswords subsequently took part in the Battle of Installation 00 after the Fleet of Retribution followed Truth through the portal to prevent the firing of the Halo Array. At least one was shot down during the battle and crashed on the Ark which was witnessed by the ground team.[25]

On July 26, 2557, Spartan Blue Team used a Longsword to reach Halo Installation 03.[26] On March 11, 2558, several Longswords defended UNSC Infinity when she was attacked by insurgent aerospace craft after the freighter Pilgrims' Pride was pulled into Infinity's primary docking bay.[27]

During Operation: WHISTLE STOP on May 8, 2558, Infinity deployed three Longswords to escort two D77H-TCI Pelicans to rescue Spartans Naiya Ray and Gabriel Thorne from the pirates inhabiting the planet. One of the fighters deployed HAVOK tactical nuclear weapons, destroying the pirate base.[14] At least one Longsword was deployed during the Battle of Oban on July 16, where it destroyed two Covenant Phantom dropships.[28] A few days later, three Longswords from Infinity escorted two D79-TC Pelicans to the surface of Aktis IV during a battle on the planet.[29]

Variants

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.[30] 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

Main article: C708 Longsword

The C708 variant is a variant of the Longsword.[30]

C709

Main article: C709 Longsword

The C709 variant is 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.[31][32]

C712

Main article: C712 Longsword

The C712 variant (designated SS-110 by the UNSC Navy),[33] specializes 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.[16][34][35] It can also much more easily fit within ships as it is roughly half the size of the other variants.

Known Longswords

Halo: Fleet Battles

UNSC Longsword Bomber Flights

  • Flight slots: 1
  • Movement: 16"
  • Damage track: 2
  • Systems loadout: None
  • Weapons: vs. wing targets
    • Range: Contact
    • Dice: 1
  • Weapons: vs. element targets
    • Range: Contact
    • Dice: 2

Trivia

  • Like the YSS-1000 Sabre, the S-14 Baselard, the F-41 Broadsword, and the B-65 Shortsword, the Longsword is named after a bladed weapon.
  • The C709's cabin is nearly as long as that of an Airbus A320, a commercial airliner.[36]
  • The SS-110's featured in Halo: Reach are only half as large as their original Halo: Combat Evolved appearance, likely because they are meant to be seen only from a great distance and for a short period of time. The craft seen on the multiplayer map "Tempest" is, like the crashed Pelican on the map "Highlands", too small to accommodate a single Spartan.[37]

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 112
  2. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2009), page 251
  3. ^ a b c d Halo: Warfleet, page 16-17
  4. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 40
  5. ^ a b c Halo: First Strike, page 28
  6. ^ a b c d Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 19
  7. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 37
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint - The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14
  9. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, pages 322-324
  10. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 147
  11. ^ Halo: Reach manual
  12. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 58
  13. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 13
  14. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, Issue #12
  15. ^ Halo: Reach - Firefight
  16. ^ a b Halo Legends, Origins
  17. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001), pages 112-113
  18. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level ONI: Sword Base
  19. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
  20. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach
  21. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  22. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  23. ^ Halo: First Strike
  24. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Storm
  25. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Ark
  26. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 8
  27. ^ Halo: Escalation - Issue #4
  28. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #13
  29. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #14
  30. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library
  31. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  32. ^ Halo 2
  33. ^ Halo: Warfleet page 17
  34. ^ Halo 3
  35. ^ Halo: Reach
  36. ^ halo.bungie.org: Updated Halo vehicle scales + vs real life" - Bry
  37. ^ halo.bungie.org: Re: Updated Halo vehicles scale vs. real life" - Stephen Loftus

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