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B-65 Shortsword: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|HW}}
{{Vehicle infobox
{{Title|''Shortsword''-class Bomber}}
|image=[[File:HW-B65ShortswordBomber.png|325px]]
{{Ship
|name=B-65 Shortsword
|image=[[Image:HW_1920x1200_6.jpg|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=161}}
|name=''Shortsword''-class Bomber
|manufacturer=
|line=
|line=
|model=Shortsword Ground Based Atmospheric Bomber
|model=
|class=Atmospheric Bomber
|cost=
|length=
|length={{Convert|89.6|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|width={{Convert|116|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height=
|height=
|mass=
|mass={{Convert|91.2|MT|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max accel=
|max speed=
|max speed space=N/A
|max speed air=
|engine=
|engine=
|slipspace drive=
|slipspace speed=
|poweroutput=
|power=
|shield gen=none
|hull=
|hull=
|sensor=
|armament=
|target=
*[[Machine-linked autocannon#M955 ASW/AC 30mm|M955 ASW/AC 30mm MLA]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=176}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|navigation=
*[[Maastricht/Raleigh Ordnance Delivery-Application System|M/RODAS delivery system]]{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|avionics=
**[[Mark 208 bomb|Mark 208 carpet bomb]]
|countermeasures=
**[[GBU-1105 bomb|GBU-1105 cryo bomb]]
|armament=*[[Carpet Bomb]]
**[[XGBU-302 bomb|XGBU-302 disruption bomb]]
*[[Cryo Bomb]]
**[[Nuclear weapon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|MD4}}
*[[Disruption Bomb]]
|crew=*1 [[pilot]]{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*1 copilot{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*1 system technician{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
|complement=
|crew=
|skeleton=
|passengers=
|capacity=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse=
|firstuse=
|role=Low-altitude bomber
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
|era= [[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|role=Suborbital long-range strategic bomber
|affiliation=[[UNSC Navy]]<br>
[[UNSC Air Force]] {{C|primary operator as of [[2560]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
}}
}}
The '''''Shortsword''-class Bomber''' is a UNSC atmospheric bomber used primarily for short-range, heavy payload bombing runs against enemy ground targets, especially [[Covenant]] forces. It shares a similar "sword" codename to the [[Longsword]]-class Interceptor. The bombers were in use by the UNSC by at least 2531.


The '''B-65 Suborbital Long-Range Bomber''',{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} commonly known as the '''Shortsword''', is an atmospheric [[Wikipedia:strategic bomber|strategic bomber]] produced by [[Misriah Armory]]. It is fielded by [[UNSC Air Force]] reserve units and was formerly operated by the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin}}{{Ref/Reuse|CFFeet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Function==
==Overview==
A Shortsword's payload is interchangeable, capable of delivering [[Carpet Bomb|conventional ordnance]], or [[Cryo Bomb|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 [[UNSC Spirit of Fire|orbital support ship]], indicating at least a rudimentary exoatmospheric capability.
===Design details===
The Shortsword is similar in design to [[Misriah Armory]]'s [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] interceptor, though its airframe is less angular. The bomber features elongated primary wings as well as smaller winglets attached to a large boom apparatus at the rear of the fuselage. A large air intake is mounted on the dorsal surface of each wing; pronged structures, possibly ailerons, are located at the rear tip of each wing. The B-65 is not designed for space combat but rather to provide suborbital air support. Despite this, it is capable of functioning in outer space;{{Ref/Book|Id=Guide|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Page=28}} Shortswords are often deployed from parent vessels in low orbit.


==Development==
The [[AVIATOR-class Mjolnir]] helmet is recommended for use by Shortsword crew members.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=147}} Following the [[Human-Covenant War]] the UNSC no longer required every available combat-worthy airframe to be used in service against the [[Covenant]]. Instead the remaining Shortswords were either transferred to [[UNSC Air Force]] reserve units or scrapped, depending on the condition of a given craft.{{Ref/Site|Id=Bulletin|URL=https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-9-24-14|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14|D=24|M=09|Y=2014}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFeet|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-feet-first|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Feet First|D=27|M=07|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Some Shortswords were found on the [[Venezia]]n [[black market]] after the war.{{Ref/Novel|Id=MD4|HMorDi|Chapter=4}}
[[Image:005 AirtowerV01.jpg|left|thumb|An early concept art image for the [[UNSC Airpad]]. Note the [[Falcon (Fighter)|Falcons]] on the runway and one in the hangar, and a Shortsword docked with wings retracted.]]
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.


==Use==
In [[2556]], the UNSC opened up investigations to investigate the viability of a potential upgraded model of Shortsword to begin production. However, as of [[2560]] the role formerly filled by the Shortsword has mostly been taken over by [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] variants.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
The use of the Shortsword differs depending on which faction the player uses. Professor [[Ellen Anders|Anders]] uses it in the Cryo Bomb ability, where it is a simple point-and-click power. Sergeant [[John Forge|Forge]] uses it to perform [[Carpet Bomb|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]].
 
===Armaments===
The Shortsword is typically armed with conventional bombs for performing [[carpet bombing]] runs. When releasing its payload, the Shortsword "punches" its munitions into the ground; the munitions then explode a short time later. As the bombs detonate in the order in which they are dropped, carpet bombing runs carried out by the Shortsword resemble twentieth-century napalm strikes. Bombers equipped with the [[Maastricht/Raleigh Ordnance Delivery-Application System|M/RODAS delivery system]] can carry less conventional payloads such as [[nuclear weapon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|MD4}}, the [[XGBU-302 bomb|XGBU-302 disruption bomb]] or the [[GBU-1105 bomb|GBU-1105 "cryo" bomb]]. Shortswords are additionally equipped with [[Machine-linked autocannon#M955 ASW/AC 30mm|M955 ASW/AC 30mm machine-linked autocannons]] that fires 30mm projectiles.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
 
==In-game information==
===''Halo Wars''===
The Shortsword is only ever seen during gameplay briefly, where it can be seen flying over the battlefield dropping ordnance wherever the player chooses. The use of the Shortsword differs depending on which leader character the player uses. [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] uses it to drop [[GBU-1105 bomb|cryo bomb]]s, a simple point-and-click power which can be used to effectively freeze a large area of the battlefield, as well as the units or buildings in it. [[John Forge|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. Carpet bombing runs are useful for hitting a number of enemies in different formations. All UNSC leaders can call on a Shortsword to deliver [[XGBU-302 bomb|disruption bomb]]s which can be used to block enemy [[Halo Wars#Leader abilities|leader powers]]. The Shortsword cannot be attacked, or destroyed, in-game.
 
The Shortsword is not featured in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', in which bombing runs carried out via [[Archer missile]]s fulfill a similar gameplay role.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[Image:HW10.jpg|thumb|The Shortsword in Halo Wars.]]
*A Shortsword is a reference to a number of weapons intermediate between the sword and the dagger, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming exoatmospheric vehicles like the [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longsword]] and the [[FSS-1000 Sabre|Sabre]] after bladed weapons.
*[[Macolm Thomas-Gustave]] was the animator who worked on the Shortsword in the [[Halo Wars Announcement Trailer]]<ref>[[Macolm Thomas-Gustave]] Halo Trailer work breakdown</ref>.
*The Shortsword's  profile is known as a "flying wing", and is similar in appearance to the United States Air Force's [[Wikipedia:B-2 Spirit|B2 ''"Spirit"'' stealth bomber]], with the notable exception of the Shortsword's large boom apparatus and the trailing edges of the wings. Both aircraft fill a similar role, acting as bombers, although it is unknown if the Shortsword has any stealth capabilities, or if conventional (anti-radar based) stealth capabilities would have any impact on Covenant tracking technology.
*It was once thought to be the [[Skyhawk]] in the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' trailer but has since been named in a desktop picture from the Official ''[[Halo Wars]]'' Website.
*During the development of ''Halo Wars'', the Shortsword was originally to be seen docked at the [[UNSC airpad|airpad]]. In the concept art, its tail is retracted and its wings are angled up to make it more compact and allow docking, similar to modern-day carrier born aircraft, such as the [[Wikipedia:Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II|F-35C Lightning II]].
*The Shortsword appears similar in appearance to the real-life [[Wikipedia:B-2 Spirit|B2 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.
 
*Along with the [[Longsword]] and [[Cyclops]], it is not named after an animal like other [[UNSC]] vehicles such as the Mongoose, Warthog, Scorpion, etc.
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HW Announce Shortsword Concept.jpg|Finalized concept art of the Shortsword.
File:Shortsword.png|Dorsal view of the Shortsword.
File:HW_Shortsword_view_02.png|Underside view of the Shortsword.
File:HW Airpad Early Model.jpg|Early concept art of the airpad. A Shortsword is docked on the runway, with wings angled up and tail retracted.
File:UNSC Shortsword.jpg|Early concept art image of the Shortsword bomber.
File:HW X06SpartanOmega.jpg|A Shortsword (center) as seen in the [[Halo Wars announcement trailer]].
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:HaloWars-B65ShortswordBomber.png|In-game view of the Shortsword in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW AlphaBaseRetaken.png|A Shortsword above [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] on Harvest.
File:HW10.jpg|In-game screenshot of a Shortsword on a bombing run.
File:HW ShortswordBombingRun.png|A Shortsword doing a bombing run on [[Beasley's Plateau]].
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{mo}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Template:UNSCDF Aircraft}}


&nbsp;
{{Human aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 17:13, June 26, 2024

B-65 Shortsword
HW-B65ShortswordBomber.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2]

Technical specifications

Length:

27.3 meters (89.6 ft)[1][2]

Width:

35 meters (116 ft)[1][2]

Mass:

91.2 metric tons (89.8 LT; 100.5 ST)[2]

Armament:

Crew:

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

Suborbital long-range strategic bomber

Affiliation:

UNSC Navy
UNSC Air Force (primary operator as of 2560)[2]

 

The B-65 Suborbital Long-Range Bomber,[1] commonly known as the Shortsword, is an atmospheric strategic bomber produced by Misriah Armory. It is fielded by UNSC Air Force reserve units and was formerly operated by the Navy.[4][5][2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Shortsword is similar in design to Misriah Armory's GA-TL1 Longsword interceptor, though its airframe is less angular. The bomber features elongated primary wings as well as smaller winglets attached to a large boom apparatus at the rear of the fuselage. A large air intake is mounted on the dorsal surface of each wing; pronged structures, possibly ailerons, are located at the rear tip of each wing. The B-65 is not designed for space combat but rather to provide suborbital air support. Despite this, it is capable of functioning in outer space;[6] Shortswords are often deployed from parent vessels in low orbit.

The AVIATOR-class Mjolnir helmet is recommended for use by Shortsword crew members.[7] Following the Human-Covenant War the UNSC no longer required every available combat-worthy airframe to be used in service against the Covenant. Instead the remaining Shortswords were either transferred to UNSC Air Force reserve units or scrapped, depending on the condition of a given craft.[4][5][2] Some Shortswords were found on the Venezian black market after the war.[3]

In 2556, the UNSC opened up investigations to investigate the viability of a potential upgraded model of Shortsword to begin production. However, as of 2560 the role formerly filled by the Shortsword has mostly been taken over by GA-TL1 Longsword variants.[2]

Armaments[edit]

The Shortsword is typically armed with conventional bombs for performing carpet bombing runs. When releasing its payload, the Shortsword "punches" its munitions into the ground; the munitions then explode a short time later. As the bombs detonate in the order in which they are dropped, carpet bombing runs carried out by the Shortsword resemble twentieth-century napalm strikes. Bombers equipped with the M/RODAS delivery system can carry less conventional payloads such as nuclear weapons[3], the XGBU-302 disruption bomb or the GBU-1105 "cryo" bomb. Shortswords are additionally equipped with M955 ASW/AC 30mm machine-linked autocannons that fires 30mm projectiles.[1]

In-game information[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

The Shortsword is only ever seen during gameplay briefly, where it can be seen flying over the battlefield dropping ordnance wherever the player chooses. The use of the Shortsword differs depending on which leader character the player uses. Professor Ellen Anders uses it to drop cryo bombs, a simple point-and-click power which can be used to effectively freeze a large area of the battlefield, as well as the units or buildings in it. 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. Carpet bombing runs are useful for hitting a number of enemies in different formations. All UNSC leaders can call on a Shortsword to deliver disruption bombs which can be used to block enemy leader powers. The Shortsword cannot be attacked, or destroyed, in-game.

The Shortsword is not featured in Halo Wars 2, in which bombing runs carried out via Archer missiles fulfill a similar gameplay role.

Trivia[edit]

  • A Shortsword is a reference to a number of weapons intermediate between the sword and the dagger, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming exoatmospheric vehicles like the Longsword and the Sabre after bladed weapons.
  • The Shortsword's profile is known as a "flying wing", and is similar in appearance to the United States Air Force's B2 "Spirit" stealth bomber, with the notable exception of the Shortsword's large boom apparatus and the trailing edges of the wings. Both aircraft fill a similar role, acting as bombers, although it is unknown if the Shortsword has any stealth capabilities, or if conventional (anti-radar based) stealth capabilities would have any impact on Covenant tracking technology.
  • During the development of Halo Wars, the Shortsword was originally to be seen 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, similar to modern-day carrier born aircraft, such as the F-35C Lightning II.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Development images[edit]

  • Finalized concept art of the Shortsword.

    Finalized concept art of the Shortsword.

  • Dorsal view of the Shortsword.

    Dorsal view of the Shortsword.

  • Underside view of the Shortsword.

    Underside view of the Shortsword.

  • Early concept art of the airpad. A Shortsword is docked on the runway, with wings angled up and tail retracted.

    Early concept art of the airpad. A Shortsword is docked on the runway, with wings angled up and tail retracted.

  • Early concept art image of the Shortsword bomber.

    Early concept art image of the Shortsword bomber.

  • A Shortsword (center) as seen in the Halo Wars announcement trailer.

    A Shortsword (center) as seen in the Halo Wars announcement trailer.

Screenshots[edit]

  • In-game view of the Shortsword in Halo Wars.

    In-game view of the Shortsword in Halo Wars.

  • A Shortsword above Alpha Base on Harvest.

    A Shortsword above Alpha Base on Harvest.

  • In-game screenshot of a Shortsword on a bombing run.

    In-game screenshot of a Shortsword on a bombing run.

  • A Shortsword doing a bombing run on Beasley's Plateau.

    A Shortsword doing a bombing run on Beasley's Plateau.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 176
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 161
  3. ^ a b c Halo: Mortal Dictata, chapter 4
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14 (Retrieved on Sep 24, 2014) [archive]
  5. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Feet First (Retrieved on Jul 27, 2021) [archive]
  6. ^ Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, page 28
  7. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 147

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