Editing Longbow

{{otheruses|the BattleMech|other uses|Longbow (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Longbow RGilClan v20.png
|name=''Longbow''
|manufacturer=[[StarCorps Industries]]<ref name=TR3058Up153f>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 153</ref>
|model=LGB-7Q
|cost= 7,408,325 C-bills
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
|mech type=BattleMech
|feet=biped
|introduced = [[2480]]<ref name=XTRPv3p8>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3'', p. 8</ref>
|production year =2610
|year reference =<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1936/longbow-lgb-7q MUL online date for the LGB-7Q ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|mass=85
|chassis=[[StarCorp 100]]
|armor=[[StarSlab/9.5 Mk II]]
|engine=[[Strand 255]]
|comsys=[[O/P 3000 COMSET]], [[Irian TelStar]]
|T&T=[[AntiAir Flak Systems-1]], [[Octagon Tartrac Systems C]]
|heat sinks=22 [[Heat Sink|single]]
|speed=54.0
|armament=
* 2x [[LRM-20]]
* 2x [[LRM-5]]
* 2x [[Medium Laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,376<ref name=TR3058Up153f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 312</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 1,618<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 287</ref>
}}

==Description==

Introduced in [[Introduction Year::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 [[Holly|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.<ref name=ETRPv3p8>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3'', p. 8: "LGB-0C Longbow"</ref>

Much to the League's dismay StarCorps would take advantage of its multinational status to manufacture and supply ''Longbow''s to all the Great Houses following the end of the Age of War. While not a popular 'Mech with many [[MechWarrior (pilot)|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 [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|Anton Marik's revolt]] in [[3014]].<ref name="TRO:3039p301"/> <ref name=TR3058Up153f/>

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]].<ref name=TR3058Up153f/><ref name=TRPPp55/>

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.<ref name=RGiCv20p6>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', p. 6: "Longbow"</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
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.<ref name="TRO:3039p301"/>

The primary weapons on the ''Longbow'' are its LRM launchers. The classic LGB-0W and 7Q ''Longbow''s both carried four launchers in all. The largest on the 7Q are a pair of [[Holly]] [[LRM-20]]s in its barrel-shaped arms which have the firepower of two torso-mounted [[Delta Dart]] [[LRM-5]]s 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 sink]]s ensuring it can maintain that pace. To protect itself in close combat, the ''Longbow'' has two [[Ceres Arms]] [[medium laser]]s.<ref name="TRO:3039p301"/>

==Variants==
*; 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.<ref name=XTRPv3p8/>

*; LGB-0H : This [[Civil War era|Civil War-era]] variant designed by the [[Marian Hegemony]] replaces the entire weapons loadout of the standard ''Longbow'' with two [[PPC]]s and a fearsome array of twenty-six one-shot [[RL-10]]s. The 0H also sports eleven [[double heat sinks]]. BV (2.0) = 1,839<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', p. 23: "Longbow LGB-0H"</ref>

*; 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.<ref name="TRO:3039p301">''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 301: "LGB-0W ''Longbow''"</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,034;<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 315</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,377<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 301: "LGB-0W Longbow"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 499</ref>

*;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<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', pg7</ref>

*; 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 laser]]s. To add a little more long range firepower, the 7V has also has an [[ER large laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,366;<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 313</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,816<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 288</ref>

*; LGB-8C : Similar in all aspects to the LGB-7Q, this variant sacrifices two heatsinks to mount two rear firing [[Medium Laser]]s. These rear firing lasers would be a common inclusion most Longbow variants made since its introduction. BV (2.0) = 1,653<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', pg7</ref>

*; 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.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 191</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,808<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 111: Record Sheet for LGB-8V</ref><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1938/longbow-lgb-8v MUL Entry for the LGB-8V Longbow - with BV2, Introduction Date, and Alpha Strike Data Card for the 'Mech.]</ref>

*; LGB-10C : A refit introduced by StarCorps Son Hoa in 3061, the LGB-10C replaces the original heat sinks with [[double heat sink]]s and swaps the Medium Lasers for [[Diverse Optics]] [[Extended-Range Medium Laser]]s. The weight saved through this process allows for all LRM launchers on the LBG-10C to be upgraded with Artemis-IV Fire Control Systems.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, Vol. 20'', pp. 7, 26: "Longbow LGB-10C"</ref>

*;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/20]]s, 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<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', pg7</ref>

*; 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 laser]]s 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;<ref name=TRPPp55>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 55</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 314</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 137</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,686<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 215</ref>

*; 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 jet]]s 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<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 216</ref>

*; LGB-13C : Almost as popular as the more sought-after 14C, this upgrade of the 12C mounts six [[Doombud]] [[MML 7]]s, 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<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 217</ref>

*; 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/5]]s 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 [[Anti-Battle Armor Pod|B-pod]]s for use against [[battle armor]]. BV (2.0) = 1806<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 218</ref>

*; LGB-14C : A popular post-Jihad model in Lyran, Davion and Liao militaries, this upgrade of the 12C uses six Doombud [[MML 9]]s 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<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 219</ref>

*; 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<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 171</ref>

*;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-5]]s with more versatile [[MML-5]]s. 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<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', pg7</ref>

*;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 PPC]]s replace the forward firing medium lasers. Each arm mounted LRM-20 is replaced with an [[Apollo FCS]] enhanced [[MRM-20]]. The ream 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<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20'', pg7</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior_5:_Mercenaries#The_Dragon.27s_Gambit|''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-10]]s and add a medium laser to the head and each torso location.<ref name=MW5tDG>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, The Dragon's Gambit''</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''

*;LGB-13NAIS : MWO's version of the 13NAIS accounts for the game's lack of B-Pods, C3 and [[Light Autocannon]]s, 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|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 20]]s in each arm, a pair of [[PPCs]] and [[Rocket Launcher 15]]s in each torso with one [[AMS]] in the center torso. It is powered by a 340 Standard Fusion Engine.<ref>https://mwomercs.com/legends/spitfire</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Longbow'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]s:<ref name=BTMp93>''BattleTech Manual'', p. 93: "BattleMech Quirk Table - Longbow"</ref>
* [[Anti-Aircraft Targeting]]
* [[Searchlight (Design Quirk)|Searchlight (RT)]]
* [[Ubiquitous]]
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]

The LGB-OC ''Longbow'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRPv3p8/>
* [[Cramped Cockpit]]
* [[Extended Torso Twist]]
* [[Improved Communications]]
* [[Searchlight (Design Quirk)|Searchlight (RT)]]
* [[Weak Legs]]
* [[Obsolete|Obsolete/2506]]

==Notable Pilots==
*[[Cedrick Sveinson]]

==Notes==
* 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)|''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 [[Iron Wind Metals|Ral Partha]] starting with their [[Ral_Partha_Catalogs#Ral_Partha_Catalog_1988|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==
<gallery>
Longbow_LGB-0W_SLSB.jpg|Original LGB-0W ''Longbow'' from ''[[The Star League]]''
Longbow.jpg|''Longbow'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058|TRO:3058]]''
Lgb-12c longbow.jpg|LGB-12C ''Longbow'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix|TRO:Phoenix]]''
Lgb-12r longbow.png|LGB-12R ''Longbow'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
Longbow RGilClan v20.png|''Longbow'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20|RG:iClan v20]]''
LGB-0C Longbow.jpg|LGB-0C ''Longbow'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3|XTRO:Primitives III]]''
MWDA Longbow.jpg|''Longbow'' from ''[[MechWarrior: Counterassault|MWDA: Counterassault]]''
MW4-M Longbow.png|Model of ''Longbow'' from [[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4: Mercenaries]]
File:MWO-longbow.png|''[[MechWarrior Online]]'' ''Longbow'' concept art
Operation_Flashpoint_(21).jpg|''Longbow'' from ''[[Operation: Flashpoint]]''
File:Inner Sphere Fire Lance - Longbow.jpg|''Longbow'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Fire Lance]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 20]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)|Sorenson's Sabres]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Total Warfare Style Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Artillery Support Unit]]
[[Category:Boosted C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]