Editing GA-TL1 Longsword

{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}

|image=[[File:Longsword-class Interceptor.png|350px]]

|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 112''</ref>

|length = {{Convert|64.1|m|ft|sigfig=3|sp=us}}<ref name="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>

|engine=Twin fusion reactors<ref name="enc"/>

|hull=[[Titanium-A]] battleplate<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 40''</ref>

|armament=;''Varies''

*[[M9109 ASW/AC 50mm MLA]] (2) {{C|standard}}<ref name="EVG"/>

*[[110mm rotary cannon]]s (C709 variant)<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="FS28">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 28''</ref>

*[[120mm ventral gun]]s<ref name="FS28"/>

*[[ASGM-10 missile]]s (4)<ref name="EVG"/>

*[[Moray space mine]] system (36) {{C|optional}}<ref name="EVG"/>

*8 [[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW.2FAC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm coilguns]]<ref name="warfleet"/>

*4 [[ASGM-10 missile]]s<ref name="warfleet"/>

|complement-title= Other systems

|complement=Cryo chambers {{C|optional}}<ref name="FS37">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 37''</ref>

|misc=Pilot, co-pilot, navigator, systems operator<ref name="EVG"/>

*Artificial intelligence {{C|optional}}

|affiliation =*[[UNSC Armed Forces]]

}}

The '''GA-TL1 Interceptor/Strike Fighter''', commonly known as the '''Longsword''', is the main [[starfighter]] in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] [[UNSC Navy|Navy]] and [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]].<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> It is capable of filling a variety roles, exclusively or simultaneously.<ref name="EVG"/>

 

==Specifications==

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"/> All Longswords feature a crew of four: a pilot, a copilot, a navigator, and a systems operator;<ref name="EVG"/> 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. The C709 variant features a large, diamond-shaped air intake underneath each wing,<ref name="CE">'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref><ref name="H2">'''Halo 2'''</ref> though these are much smaller on the C712, instead fitting flush with the fuselage.<ref name="H3">'''Halo 3'''</ref><ref name="Reach">'''Halo: Reach'''</ref><ref name="Origins"/> Furthermore, the C709 possesses a non-polarized canopy,<ref name="CE"/><ref name="H2"/> though other variants feature a much larger, black-polarized canopy.<ref name="H3"/><ref name="Reach"/>

Inside the Longsword is a small corridor leading to the rear, along with stairs and a higher corridor that lead to the cockpit.<ref name="Maw">'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]''</ref> Several equipment lockers are installed in the corridors, along with two secondary crew stations. The cockpit contains the pilot's and copilot's stations, which include control interfaces and information readouts, and may incorporate an AI [[holotank]].<ref name="FS37"/>

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, a variety of bombs, [[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>

==Development and service history==

[[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 both the [[UNSC Navy]] and the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]].<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>

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 [[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.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> Later, [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] and Cortana used a Longsword to escape from [[Installation 04|Alpha Halo]] before it was destroyed.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]''</ref> They later linked up with a Pelican dropship and [[Skirmish over Threshold|launched an attack]] on a nearby Covenant [[flagship]], ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', using the Longsword to board it and destroying its [[Type-31 Seraph]] fighters with the Longsword's [[Moray space mine]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]'''</ref>

During the [[Battle of Voi]], several Longswords aided a trio of frigates in attacking the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Anodyne Spirit|ship]], once John-117 cleared the way by destroying an [[Type-27 Mantis|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.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref>

On [[2557#July|July 26, 2557]], Spartan [[Blue Team]] used a Longsword to reach Halo [[Installation 03]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 8''</ref> On [[2558#March|March 11, 2558]], several Longswords defended {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when she was attacked by [[New Colonial Alliance|insurgent]] aerospace craft after the freighter ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]'' was pulled into ''Infinity's'' primary docking bay.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''' - ''Issue #4''</ref>

During [[Operation: WHISTLE STOP]] on May 8, 2558, ''Infinity'' deployed three Longswords to escort two [[D77H-TCI Pelican]]s to rescue Spartans [[Naiya Ray]] and [[Gabriel Thorne]] from the [[pirate]]s inhabiting the [[Ven III|planet]]. One of the fighters deployed [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]s, destroying the pirate base.<ref name=Escalation12">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|Issue #12]]''</ref> At least one Longsword was deployed during the [[Battle of Oban]] on July 16, where it destroyed two Covenant [[Phantom]] dropships.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 13|Issue #13]]''</ref> A few days later, three Longswords from ''Infinity'' escorted two [[D79-TC Pelican]]s to the surface of [[Aktis IV]] during a [[Battle of Aktis IV|battle on the planet]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue #14]]''</ref>

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>'''[[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"/>

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"/><ref name="H2"/>

File:HCE-LongswordFighter.png|The C709 Longsword.

File:LongswordCockpitCEA.jpg|The cockpit of a C709 Longsword.

</gallery>

===C712===

The C712 variant (designated [[Hull classification symbol|SS-110]] by the [[UNSC Air Force]]),<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="H3"/><ref name="Reach"/><ref name="Origins"/>

<gallery>

File:H2A_-_Longsword_model.jpg|The C712 Longsword.

</gallery>

==Known Longswords==

*[[Knife 26]]

*[[Longsword 91-002]]

==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==

===UNSC Longsword Bomber Flights===

*Like the [[YSS-1000 Sabre]], the [[S-14 Baselard]], the [[F-41 Broadsword]], and the [[B-65 Shortsword]], the Longsword is named after a [[Wikipedia:Longsword|bladed weapon]].

*The Longsword's cabin is nearly as long as that of an [[Wikipedia:Airbus A230|Airbus A320]], a commercial airliner.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1069623 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Updated Halo vehicle scales + vs real life" - Bry'']</ref>

*The Longswords 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.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1069666 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Re: Updated Halo vehicles scale vs. real life" - Stephen Loftus'']</ref>

File:HCE-Longsword-Views.png|View of the Longsword in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.

File:HCEA-LongswordFighter.png|In-game appearance of the Longsword in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.

File:Longsword Fighter.jpg|A formation of C709 Longswords near Installation 04's atmosphere.

File:H3 E3 Shootdown.jpg|A Longsword being shot by a Covenant [[Type-27 Mantis]].

File:Longsword Escalation 4.png|A group of Longswords defending the ''UNSC Infinity'' in ''[[Halo: Escalation]] #4''.

*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''

**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]

*''[[Halo Mythos]]''

{{Reflist|2}}

{{UNSC Aircraft}}

[[Category:United Nations Space Command ship classes]]