Longbow

This article is about the BattleMech. For other uses, see Longbow (disambiguation).
Longbow
Longbow
Production information
Manufacturer StarCorps Industries[1]
Production Year 2610[2]
Model LGB-7Q
Class Assault
Introduced 2480[3]
Cost 7,408,325 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 85 tons
Chassis StarCorp 100
Armor StarSlab/9.5 Mk II
Engine Strand 255
Communications System O/P 3000 COMSET, Irian TelStar
Targeting Tracking System AntiAir Flak Systems-1, Octagon Tartrac Systems C
Heat Sinks 22 single
Speed 54.0 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,376[1][4]
BV (2.0) 1,618[5]


Description[edit]

Introduced in 2480, the Longbow has seen service in the armies of the Inner Sphere since the days of the Star League and is one of the most well-known fire support 'Mechs in existence.

As the Free Worlds League Military expanded into the BattleMech age, the League's high command realised that it needed to fill a variety of roles including fire support, something Lockenburg-Holly Industries of Emris IV believed it could fulfil. As with many manufacturer of the time, its chief engineer Dante Aligheri Mikonos responded by taking inspiration from the Terran Hegemony's own successful fire support 'Mech, the Archer, scaling it up by fifteen tons while moving its missile launchers to the arms for much wider firing arcs, producing the iconic Longbow barrel arms. The success of Lockenburg-Holly Industries' design, becoming one of the Free Worlds League's longest enduring 'Mechs, would secure its future and as expanded trade polices under the newly formed Star League the company would merge with a number of other League, Terran and Capellan Confederation interests to form StarCorps Industries, one of the first truly Inner Sphere-wide corporations.[6]

Much to the League's dismay StarCorps would take advantage of its multinational status to manufacture and supply Longbows to all the Great Houses following the end of the Age of War. While not a popular 'Mech with many MechWarriors, the Longbow would see continued production of both complete chassis and spare parts throughout the Succession War era even with a number of its plants destroyed. By 3039 only two remained, with the original Emeris IV line under going decades of reconstruction following its destruction during Anton Marik's revolt in 3014.[7] [1]

Rebuilding its other lines during the Clan Invasion era and seeking to revitalize the fortunes of the stalwart 'Mech with recovered LosTech, Starcorps made the disastrous choice to focus on increased short-ranged firepower, compromising its signature fire support abilities. Excessive losses of the fragile and expensive LGB-7V as commanders and pilots tried to use it as a frontline fighter led the Great House to resell them to mercenaries and other private concerns and purchase other designs like the Naginata and Salamander for their fire support needs. Seeking to recover from this public relations disaster and boost lagging sales, StarCorps developed new models that distilled five centuries of combat use of the Longbow into the visually refreshed "Phoenix" versions in 3061 manufactured across the Inner Sphere by the company's plants on Crofton, Emris IV, Loburg, St. Ives and Terra.[1][8]

StarCorps' Son Hoa facility was relegated to undertaking refits of classic and "Phoenix" models, producing the upgraded but less expensive LGB-10C that proved to be immensely popular and an enduring sight throughout the Inner Sphere for decades. When Son Hoa became independent in the early thirty-second century, StarCorps moved its King Crab line to the more defensible Loburg and upgraded the Longbow refit line to produce full 'Mech to compensate, resulting in numerous new models that combine the classic Star League era appearance with advanced systems.[9]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Solving many of the complaints about the common Star League LGB-0W model yet never achieving the same commercial success, the LGB-7Q variant is built around a Strand 255 fusion engine and features a reduced top speed of 54.0 km/h, allowing an increase to fourteen and a half tons of standard armor. Some have criticized the design for its lack of CASE - making an otherwise rugged 'Mech vulnerable to a loss by an ammunition explosion. As a fire-support 'Mech though, the Longbow is a trusted and reliable machine that can be counted on to carry out the mission it is designed for.[7]

The primary weapons on the Longbow are its LRM launchers. The classic LGB-0W and 7Q Longbows both carried four launchers in all. The largest on the 7Q are a pair of Holly LRM-20s in its barrel-shaped arms which have the firepower of two torso-mounted Delta Dart LRM-5s added to them. Combined, the launchers can put a devastating barrage of up to fifty missiles at ranges of six hundred and thirty meters, with twenty-two single heat sinks ensuring it can maintain that pace. To protect itself in close combat, the Longbow has two Ceres Arms medium lasers.[7]

Variants[edit]

  • LGB-0C 
    The original Longbow built in 2480, this Free Worlds League design carried twin LRM-20s each with three tons of ammunition, supported by two medium lasers and a small laser. The primitive technology used limited the design's top speed to 54 km/h, but this was deemed acceptable for a fire support unit. The location of the LRM launchers in the arms allowed it to fire in a wider arc, a feature prized by pilots. The primitive armor provided some protection, but many felt it was too thin.[3]
  • LGB-0W 
    The standard Star League era model, compared to the 7Q the 0W was fitted with a larger Strand 340 engine and boasted a higher top speed of 64 km/h, allowing it to keep up with most heavy 'Mechs. The price of this speed however was five tons less armor, nine fewer heat sinks and a single ChisComp 32 small laser mounted in the head as its sole backup weapon for its two LRM-20 and LRM-5 launchers, making the 0W a risky but powerful fire support 'Mech. The LGB-0W used the O/P 3000 COMSET communications system and the Octagon Tartrac System C targeting and tracking system.[7] BV (1.0) = 1,034;[11][12] BV (2.0) = 1,377[13][14]
  • LGB-0W2 
    This subvariant of the LGB-0W removes the Small Laser and one ton of LRM-5 ammo. These changes allow 1.5 tons of much needed armor to be added, mostly to the arms and legs, but each torso also benefits slightly. BV (2.0) = 1,410[15]
  • LGB-7V 
    The 7V variant of the Longbow upgrades the design to more modern specifications. The 'Mech is powered by an XL engine that weighs half as much as the original engine. The 'Mech also removes the two LRM-5 launchers and adds Artemis IV to the LRM-20 launchers, and CASE for added protection. For close combat, the 7V has 5 medium pulse lasers. To add a little more long range firepower, the 7V has also has an ER large laser. BV (1.0) = 1,366;[16] BV (2.0) = 1,816[17]
  • LGB-8C 
    Similar in all aspects to the LGB-7Q, this variant sacrifices two heatsinks to mount two rear firing Medium Lasers. These rear firing lasers would be a common inclusion most Longbow variants made since its introduction. BV (2.0) = 1,653[18]
  • LGB-8V 
    This variant was introduced during the Jihad. By removing three of the 7V's medium pulse lasers, designers were able to install two Arrow IV launchers with 10 rounds of ammunition per launcher. This variant retains two of the medium pulse lasers plus the ER large laser for direct fire and defense.[19] BV (2.0) = 1,808[20][21]
  • LGB-10C 
    A refit introduced by StarCorps Son Hoa in 3061, the LGB-10C replaces the original heat sinks with double heat sinks and swaps the Medium Lasers for Diverse Optics Extended-Range Medium Lasers. The weight saved through this process allows for all LRM launchers on the LBG-10C to be upgraded with Artemis-IV Fire Control Systems.[22]
  • LGB-10K 
    Completely unique among Longbow variants the 10K may also be the most deadly. A head mounted Medium Pulse Laser and center torso mounted ER Large Laser are reminiscent of the 7V, but that’s where similarities end. All of the other weaponry is removed, including the LRM-20s, but their unique cylindrical housings remain. Mounted therein are a pair of Ultra AC/20s, one per arm. It is common for these Longbows to act like a 7V that has run out of LRM ammo and then obliterate enemies that get close with devastating autocannon fire. Two tons of AC ammo is stored in each side torso in CASE protected ammo bins. Another ton of ammo is stored in each leg, bringing the total to six tons of ammo stored on board. 14 double heatsinks will quickly lose the battle to keep the mech cool if both ACs fire at double rate and will not be able to cope if the lasers are used as well. BV (2.0) = 1,791[23]
  • LGB-12C 
    The advanced and visually refreshed "Phoenix" Longbow, the 12C variant is designed to maximize the 'Mech's fire support capabilities. The 'Mech has two Holly "Ballista-20" LRM-20 launchers and two Holly "Ballista-15" LRM-15 launchers, all paired with Artemis IV, giving it an incredible bombardment capability and is capable of firing 40% more missiles downrange than the base model. The 'Mech has three Diverse Optics ER small lasers for close combat. The 12C variant is capable of doing this through the use of an Strand-Martin 255 XL engine that saves a great deal of weight. BV (1.0) = 1,342;[8][24][25] BV (2.0) = 1,686[26]
  • LGB-12R 
    Produced for the Republic of the Sphere as well as Lyran and Davion buyers, the 12R version of the Longbow carries a quartet of Holly "Balista" LRM-15 launchers, backed up by a Defiance Model 6 ER large laser and Defiance Model XII ER medium laser. CASE protects the ammunition bins, while three jump jets allow the 12R to cover 90 meters at a time. To make room for this equipment, a light fusion engine is used. BV (2.0) = 1,979[27]
  • LGB-13C 
    Almost as popular as the more sought-after 14C, this upgrade of the 12C mounts six Doombud MML 7s, each of which is tied to an Artemis IV FCS. Six tons of CASE-protected ammunition supply these launchers. Three Diverse Optics ER small lasers provide paltry backup, though massed short-range missiles coming from the multi-missile launchers are sure to deter smaller 'Mechs. A larger engine brings the 13C to a speed that matches that of the 0W. BV (2.0) = 1,397[28]
  • LGB-13NAIS 
    Manufactured in limited numbers exclusively for the the Federated Suns, the 13NAIS variant removes all missile launchers from the Longbow and uses a standard fusion engine, though it does use an endo steel frame to save weight. Each arm mounts three light autocannon/5s that can make use of special munitions produced by the Federated Suns. To ensure that it can mount such ammunition, seven tons are allotted to the ammunition bins. A Guardian ECM suite protects it from enemy electronics, while a C3 slave uses targeting data from other C3 equipped units to improve its accuracy. The 13NAIS mounts an ER small laser and a pair of ER medium lasers, along with a pair of B-pods for use against battle armor. BV (2.0) = 1806[29]
  • LGB-14C 
    A popular post-Jihad model in Lyran, Davion and Liao militaries, this upgrade of the 12C uses six Doombud MML 9s with ten tons of ammunition supplying them. For backup, it uses three ER medium lasers. It also mounts an additional ton and a half of armor, though it has two fewer double heat sinks. Pilots are cramped into a small cockpit, but seem to accept the additional firepower. BV (2.0) = 1,421[30]
  • LGB-14C2 
    This upgrade of the 14C removes two of the ER medium lasers and replaces them with a C3 boosted slave unit. It is otherwise identical to the 14C. BV (2.0) = 1,291[31]
  • LGB-14Q 
    The 14Q makes small but significant changes to the 10C formula. The LRM-20s and quartet of ER Medium Lasers remain, as do the 14 double heatsinks. The Artemis FCS are removed to provide enough tonnage to replace the LRM-5s with more versatile MML-5s. Two total tons of MML ammo are stored allowing for both SRM and LRM ammo to be caried on board. All ammunition is protected by CASE II. The inclusion of the multi-missile launchers allows this variant to better protect itself at close range than most other LRM centric variants. BV (2.0) = 1,828[32]
  • LGB-14V 
    This Longbow variant changes the design to focus around medium range combat. To accomplish this the long-range weaponry is toned down. The side torso mounted LRM-5s remain with each launcher retaining a single ton of ammunition. Light PPCs replace the forward firing medium lasers. Each arm mounted LRM-20 is replaced with an Apollo FCS enhanced MRM-20. The rear mounted medium lasers are upgraded to extended range models. A 340XL engine is utilized to allow this Longbow a top speed of 64kph, which is useful to get the MRMs into range. 16 tons of standard armor provide a thick skin, and 14 double heatsinks keep the mech cool. Each side torso carries a single ton of LRM ammo and two tons of MRM ammo in CASE II protected bins. This Longbow can be utilized as a strong bodyguard unit in a fire support lance or as a mainline fighter. BV (2.0) = 1,763[33]

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

From MechWarrior 5: The Dragon's Gambit Expansion Pack:

  • LGB-HS Hailstorm 
    A variant of the standard LGB-0W piloted by Titus Daniels, the Hailstorm Hero 'Mech drops the small laser and exchanges the LRM-20s for LRM-15s, the free weight used to upgrade the torso launchers to LRM-10s and add a medium laser to the head and each torso location.[34]

From MechWarrior Online:

  • LGB-13NAIS 
    MWO's version of the 13NAIS accounts for the game's lack of B-Pods, C3 and Light Autocannons, replacing the Light Autocannon/5 with of six Autocannon/2's instead.
  • LGB-OC Overcharge 
    MWO's Hero 'Mech differs from MW5's, mounting a pair of Snub-nose PPC's in each arm, while a MASC Mk. IV is affixed in the Left Torso to give the Overcharge ample speed for tight situations. For Lasers the Hero has no less than seven to speak of: a pair of standard Medium Lasers are placed in the Torsos and one Standard Small Laser are located in each arm. A standard Medium Laser is located in the Head. Double Heat Sinks helps keep the heat at bay so that the `Mech does not overheat.
  • LGB-OH Spitfire 
    MWO's take on the LGB-0H. This Legendary version of the Longbow carries three Rocket Launcher 20s in each arm, a pair of PPCs and Rocket Launcher 15s in each torso with one AMS in the center torso. It is powered by a 340 Standard Fusion Engine.[35]

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks[edit]

The Longbow has the following Design Quirks:[36]

The LGB-OC Longbow variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[3]

Notable Pilots[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • The Longbow and particularly its image have a convoluted history. While the Longbow BattleMech was introduced (named and statted, albeit with faulty stats) to BattleTech canon in the 1987 Sorenson's Sabres scenario pack, it had no accompanying image. In the write-up in Stardate magazine Vol. 3 No. 2 from 1987, which is no longer considered canonical, the Longbow was apocryphally associated with the (Unseen) SDR-04-Mk.XII Destroid Phalanx from Super Dimension Fortress Macross. The apocryphal Stardate write-up including the Unseen image was then translated verbatim for the 1992 Hardware-Handbuch 3031 (the expanded German edition of Technical Readout: 3026). The first canonical image of a Longbow was only published in 1995 in Technical Readout: 3058, and it was a different image from the Unseen Destroid Phalanx; however, that Unseen image had independently been published by FASA as a background image in several publications including the 1987 Mercenary's Handbook (p. 48) and 1988 The Star League (p. 192) sourcebooks. It also was produced as a miniature, the LGB-0W Longbow, catalog number 20-889, by Ral Partha starting with their 1988 catalog. To wit, while the Unseen image was published in canonical sources, it was technically never canonically associated with the Longbow in a print product.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 153
  2. MUL online date for the LGB-7Q Longbow
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 8
  4. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 312
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 287
  6. Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 8: "LGB-0C Longbow"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 301: "LGB-0W Longbow"
  8. 8.0 8.1 Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 55
  9. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, p. 6: "Longbow"
  10. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, p. 23: "Longbow LGB-0H"
  11. Combat Operations, p. 121
  12. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 315
  13. Technical Readout: 3039, p. 301: "LGB-0W Longbow"
  14. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 499
  15. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, pg7
  16. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 313
  17. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 288
  18. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, pg7
  19. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 191
  20. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 111: Record Sheet for LGB-8V
  21. MUL Entry for the LGB-8V Longbow - with BV2, Introduction Date, and Alpha Strike Data Card for the 'Mech.
  22. Recognition Guide: ilClan, Vol. 20, pp. 7, 26: "Longbow LGB-10C"
  23. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, pg7
  24. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 314
  25. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 137
  26. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 215
  27. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 216
  28. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 217
  29. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 218
  30. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 219
  31. Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 171
  32. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, pg7
  33. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20, pg7
  34. MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, The Dragon's Gambit
  35. https://mwomercs.com/legends/spitfire
  36. BattleTech Manual, p. 93: "BattleMech Quirk Table - Longbow"

Bibliography[edit]