C709 Longsword-class Starfighter
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
The C709 Longsword-class Starfighter is the main UNSC space fighter-bomber.
Engines
It is capable of functioning in space and its engines are capable of reaching the Earth's and Installation 4's escape velocity. The Master Chief and Cortana use a Longsword to escape the destruction of Installation 04 in Halo: Combat Evolved. It also states that the longswords can have optional Cryo-chambers, suggesting that the longswords are rarely fitted with Slipspace drives or that they go on long distance deep space voyages.
Weapons
Its main weapons are 110mm rotary cannons for dogfighting in space. This versatile fighter can be armed with an assortment of secondary weapons including ASGM-10 Missiles, bombs, Moray Space Mines, and even a single Shiva nuclear Warhead. The Longsword is usually deployed against Seraph Fighters. It can also be used to escort Pelicans as they head for the surface of a planet. Put simply, it is a very versatile starcraft.
Speculation
- The Longsword appears to be a part of a series of starcraft in a line. For example, the Shortsword Bomber (Introduced in Halo Wars), bears a slight similarity, and a related name. It also performs a function seen in a Halo 2 playable demo that was performed by Longswords, indicating that the builders have constructed various air/spacecraft with specific functions, in which case, it is logical to assume the next addition to the series may be titled the "Broadsword."
- Longsword-class interceptors are deployed from UNSC Cruisers and most probably from UNSC Carriers as well, although this is unconfirmed, and these strike craft's atmospheric capabilities make it logical to assume a sort of ground based airfield as well. Halycon-class Cruisers like the UNSC Pillar of Autumn also carried 7 Longswords.
