C3 Talon Interceptor

C3 Talon Interceptor "Boys and girls, you are about to attempt to fly one of the nicest contraptions the Navy has created in its cauldron. This contraption can fly at Mach 4, turn on a dime, and score a one-to-one ratio on Seraphs and a five-to-one on Vampires. Flying one of these will give you the power of two Tomahawks at half the size. However, you will only earn this privelage once you have completed the toughest course in the Force."

- Speech given by instructors to UNSC Air Force trainees upon entering Talon training.

The C3 Talon Interceptor, also known as the Talon, was at the time of its introduction considered to be one of the greatest starfighter designs of all time given the available resources and knowledge. Unlike most starfighter designs, the Talon is relatively small, though this does not restrict its versatility and allows for more fighters to be carried on capital ships. The craft also lasted longer than most fighters; the Talon, which began its career in 2615 during the Second Great War and finally retired its final iteration in 2680 - the C3H Golden Talon Interceptor.

Design
The design of the C3 Talon is simple at first glance but actually utilizes some of the most advanced systems of its time. Aruguably one of the most important is its H-wing orientation. The two flaps on either will help to stabilize the ship when they open, and varying their position allows for greater maneuverability and can mean the difference between survival and death to a Covenant fighter. When higher speeds are desired more so than maneuverability, the flaps can close and return the Talon to its default delta wing format.