F/A-76 Longbow

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F/A-76 Longbow
WC4-Longbow.png
Type Torpedo Bomber
Manufacturer McCall Industries
Primary User Terran Confederation
Additional Users Union of Border Worlds
General Characteristics
Length 38 meters
Mass 22 tonnes
Crew 2 (Pilot, Gunner)
Performance
Acceleration 175 k/s2
Acceleration Extremely low
Velocity
Maximum 320 kps
Afterburner
Maximum Afterburner 700 kps
Max Acceleration 500 k/s2
Armament
Guns
Neutron Guns (2),
Plasma Guns (2)
Turrets
Dual Mount Particle Cannons (1)
Default Missile Loadout
Torpedoes (4),
Friend or Foe Missiles (8),
Heat-Seeking Missiles (8)
Components
Decoys 24
Cloaking Device No
Jump Drive Yes
Defense
Shields
Fore 500 cm equivalent
Aft 500 cm equivalent
Armor
Front 300 cm
Rear 300 cm
Right 300 cm
Left 300 cm
Source Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger


The F/A-76 Longbow is a heavy bomber in the service of the Terran Confederation. It has seen action with several Terran factions during and following the Terran-Kilrathi War.

Work-in-progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.


History

The Longbow is a Kilrathi War era design among a long line of heavy bombers, including the A-17 Broadsword and the A-18 Crossbow. Like most bombers, the Longbow is built on a heavy chassis and is specially suited to neutralize high priority targets, including warships, installations, and planetary bases. The Longbow is heavily armored and can absorb enemy fire for prolonged periods. As of 2669, it was among the most heavily-armed fighters in the Confederation, hosting several lasers, a large missile loadout, at least four torpedoes, and a rear turret for additional protection. Its heavy payload made it a lethal threat to Kilrathi warships, especially from Longbows flying in squadrons.

One of the Longbow's greatest drawbacks, though, is its poor maneuverability. Being such a large fighter with a heavy payload, it is a poor choice against enemy fighters and must often rely on its rear turret and a fighter escort to ward off its opponents.

Some variants of the Longbow also possessed jump capabilities, a rarity among Confederation fighters.

Longbows saw extensive service in 2669 against the Kilrathi. At least one squadron was stationed on the TCS Victory. One of their more notable actions took place during the launch of the TCS Behemoth. The Victory sent its Longbows to plant mines around several jump points in the Torgo System to ward off any Kilrathi pursuers who might have attempted to stop the Behemoth from reaching the Loki System, where its primary weapon would be tested.

Even after the end of the Kilrathi War, the Longbow saw extensive action during the Border Worlds Conflict of 2673. During the conspiracy to drag the Confederation into a state of war with the Union of Border Worlds, the Black Lance acquired numerous Longbows for use in their attacks on the two factions. Many of these Longbows would be destroyed at the hands of Confederation and Border Worlds pilots.

Specifications

Sources

WC3 manual

Wing Commander 3

WC4 manual

Wing Commander 4

Images

Appearances

Gallery