| Vehicles Of The Imperium (warhammer 40,000) |
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Information AboutVehicles Of The Imperium (warhammer 40,000) |
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The armed forces of the Imperium include, but are not limited to:
This list will name the common armoured vehicles used. VEHICLES Chimera The standard Armoured Personnel Carrier of the Imperial Guard, the Chimera carries a variety of heavy weapons, such as the heavy bolter, autocannon, and heavy flamer, although the multilaser is most common. It also mounts a hull mounted heavy bolter or heavy flamer. It also has 6 hull mounted lasguns on the sides which can be fired by their passengers. It can carry up to 12 men, and has amphibious capability, and so can also take part in naval assaults. The Chimera chassis is very durable, and is the basis for many other IG tanks, including the Basilisk, Hellhound and Griffon. Hellhound Based on the Chimera chassis design, the Hellhound is outfitted with a weapon known as the 'Inferno Cannon'. It is, essentially, a large, high-pressure Flamethrower designed to project streams of ignited Promethium at long range, coating targets in burning accelerant. By the sheer nature of the weapon, the Hellhound has sacrificed all of its troop carrying capacity to carry Promethium in two tremendous tanks that are exposed to enemy fire. The men that crew Hellhounds are often pyromaniacs, and in addition to being considered insane by their fellow Guardsmen for their willingness to operate such a dangerous vehicle, are often found modifying the components of their Inferno Cannons to produce even greater output. Basilisk Equipped with the longest-range weapon available to a standard Imperial Guard regiment, Basilisk artillery vehicles utilise the standard Chimera chassis, with all transport capacity and the turret weapon removed, leaving it with a single hull weapon and the Earthshaker. It can be upgraded to be allowed to fire from behind cover, laying down fire for effect at coordinates provided by forward observation units. The near-deafening shriek of an incoming shell from the Earthshaker cannon has a strong psychological effect on just about any opponent who has heard it. Despite its extreme battlefield effectiveness - a well-placed Earthshaker round will utterly crush all but the heaviest infantry and fortifications - it is lightly armored, leaving it vulnerable to enemy anti-vehicular armaments. Leman Russ See main article: Leman Russ The Leman Russ Battle Tank, named after Primarch Leman Russ of the Space Wolves , is the main line tank for the Imperial Guard. Each Leman Russ tank is armed with a large main battle cannon, a hull-mounted lascannon or heavy bolter and optional sponson-mounted heavy bolters or heavy flamers. With strong front armour, it is designed to initially bombard large formations and then assault the weakened enemy defences afterwards, weapons firing. It is the most commonly found vehicle in the Guard, and is the base of design for many tank variants. Far from a sophisticated vehicle, the Leman Russ was designed and built with reliability and versatility in mind. It can survive the worst the galaxy can throw at it, and can run on almost any fuel. Though slow, its frontal armour is strong enough to withstand the multitude of weaponry wielded by the enemies of the Imperium. Its side and rear armour are thinner however, to reduce the strain on the engines. This does make it vunerable to assault from these angles, requiring support infantry, other battle tanks or very careful operation to protect the vehicle. The Leman Russ is crewed by a minimum of four crew, one each of Commander, Gunner, Loader and Driver. Side sponsons may be added, each requiring an additional crewmember. The Leman Russ is simple to operate, but very loud and uncomfortable. Due to the noise, communication is only viable by intercom system. Demolisher One of the most common variants of the Leman Russ, the Demolisher is equipped with the Demolisher Cannon, and is designed for short range bombardment and line-breaker tank. The extreme power of this weapon is hampered by the close distance it must be to the target to be effective. Demolishers are valued for close support by the Imperial Guard infantry, and can be equipped with the usual sponsons or Plasma Cannons and multi meltas to make them more effective. Exterminator A variant of the Leman Russ used by the Space Wolves, the Exterminator sacrifices the heavy battle cannon and replaces it with a twin-linked autocannon. The removal of the heavy ordnance weapon and its ammunition means that the Exterminator can keep up with the fast and fluid style of assault the Space Wolves are known for. Vanquisher A rare, more advanced variant of the standard Leman Russ, the longer-barreled Vanquisher Cannon mounted by the Leman Russ Vanquisher is capable of firing powerful anti-tank shells. In addition, a storm bolter is mounted coaxially to the main cannon. Vanquishers often double as command tanks in Armoured Companies. Conqueror The Leman Russ Conqueror Battle Tank is armed with the light Conqueror Cannon , as opposed to the standard Battle Cannon. Although there is a reduction in power, the reduction in weight means that the vehicle can fire its primary weapon while moving. This has led to the use of Conqueror Battle Tanks as raiding spearheads, or for flanking maneuvers. Currently the only forgeworld producing them in large numbers is Gryphonne IV. Executioner A variant produced only on the Forge World of Ryza, the Executioner is armed with the Plasma Annihilator , a temperamental, and slightly more powerful version of the Plasma Cannon. A badly understood and temperamental weapon, the Plasma Annihilator is often criticized for it's heavy power requirements, limiting the tank's effectiveness in extended engagements. The turret features emergency vents, heat shielding and coolant to both protect the crew and the weapon itself from damage should an containment field failure occur. However, due to bad design, the coolant feed lines run outside the turret, and are prone to damage, rendering the emergency systems less than reliable. Crews dislike being made to work in the executioner, and are prone to bailing out at the first sign of trouble (a very serious crime in the Imperial forces). Crews which willingly command these tanks are often seen as foolhardy, extremely brave, or insane. Sentinel A lightweight Walker , Sentinels are often fielded in squadrons as scouts or flank support. They can carry a variety of heavy weapons and bring high levels of power and maneuvrability together in one place. They are lightly armoured however, and are susceptible to light arms fire. Sentinel pilots are loners and outcasts, and are often considered to be on the borderline of insolence by officers. There are multiple Sentinel variants, each variant a different combination of primary weapon and level of pilot protection. The most commonly used variants are:
Sentinels are also the base for many service vehicles, often equipped with power lifters to transport supplies and arming other, more battle worthy vehicles. Powerlifters are not designated combat units. However, should an Imperial base or artillery position be attacked, Powerlifters can be used in a combat role, using their hydraulic claws to crush enemies. Baneblade The Baneblade is the primary super-heavy tank used by the Imperial Guard Armoured Companies, and is one of the largest and oldest tanks used by the Imperium. The Baneblade is created from one of the rare Standard Template Construct s, and is armed with an extremely heavy main Battle Cannon, a Demolisher Cannon, and numerous lascannons and heavy bolters. The tremendous fire power and survivability of the Baneblade are valuable assests, but more so is the increase in morale amongst smaller tanks and infantry when one of these rare behemoths is deployed. The vast majority of Baneblades are produced on the forgeworld of Mars, with a select few others granted the honour of creating this war machine or one of its several variants. Every Baneblade is given its own identity number and name, and all records of the vehicle's service and actions are reverently recorded. Baneblade Variants There are several other Super-Heavy vehicles in service with the Imperium, based on the Baneblade design and chassis:
Rhino Derived from the Rh1 N0 Standard Template Construct pattern, the '''Rhino''' fast Armoured Personnel Carrier can hold up to ten Space Marines. The Rhino generally mounts a single storm bolter and is lightly armoured. The chassis of the Rhino is easily adaptable, and serves as the basis for almost every other Space Marine vehicle. Razorback A Razorback is a variant of the Rhino chassis that sacrifices a portion of its troop capacity for additional firepower. Razorbacks are mounted with twin-linked heavy bolters, lascannons or a multi-melta on a single automated (though on earlier incarnations manned) turret mounted on the chassis, and are excellent for adding firepower to smaller squads. Razorbacks would be classed as Infantry Fighting Vehicle s. Predator The Predator is a heavily armoured tank based on the Rhino chassis. Transport space is sacrificed to accommodate a variety of anti-personnel and anti-armour weapons. Armed with either an autocannon or twin-linked lascannons, it can also have heavy bolters or lascannons located on side sponson mountings. There are two primary variants of the Predator. The Destructor was the original configuration for the Predator, armed with an Autocannon and Heavy Bolters to support infantry in the field. The '''Annihilator''' was originally developed by the ''Space Wolves'', using scavenged lascannons to provide anti-tank support, and quickly spread through all the chapters, and eventually developed into a sanctioned design. Some Predators will combine elements of both designs, such as the lascannons of the Annihilator turret, but the Destructor's heavy bolters. The Blood Angels Space Marines have developed a third variant of the Predator. The Baal Predator is equipped with a twin-linked assault cannon on the turret and the capability to take a pair of heavy flamers as the sponson weapons. Whirlwind Being a mobile force, the Space Marines have little need for artillery. However, when it is called for, they can utilize the Whirlwind, a Rhino chassis armed with a long-range missile pod, and can bombard enemy positions in preparation for attack. The Whirlwind can be modified to act as an anti-air missile platform, as the '''Hyperios''' variant. A Whirlwind can also be equipped with castellan missiles which are fired high into the air to deploy mine fields. Vindicator When attacking fortified positions, Space Marines use the Vindicator, which fills nearly the entire Rhino chassis with the massive, snub-nosed Demolisher Cannon , capable of blasting through the thickest walls. This weapon has proven so effective that the Iron Warriors Traitor Legion makes it a point to scavenge these for their own use whenever possible. Immolator A Rhino variant used exclusively by the Sisters of Battle, Immolators carry twin-linked heavy flamers, heavy bolters, or multi-meltas. The room for ammunition means that only a small number of Sisters of Battle can be transported by an Immolator. Exorcist Another Rhino variant exclusive to the Sisters of Battle, the Exorcist fulfils the role of mobile artillery for Sisters of Battle forces. Exorcists are rare, and each vehicle is regarded as a work of art, as much a symbol of the Divine Emperor as a provider of long-range fire support. It is mounted with a weapon system unique to the Exorcist, a multi-barreled missile launcher sometimes shaped like a huge pipe organ and sometimes like a more conventional missile launcher, which fires salvos of armor piercing missiles at targets. Dreadnought Even the Space Marines are mortal, and when the greatest of their number fall in battle, if there is a spark of life their body will be transferred into the armoured sarcophagus of a Dreadnought. Dreadnoughts are a combination of armoured walker and life-support system; their pilots hooked straight into the Dreadnought's body, able to use it as if it were their own body. Dreadnoughts are often thousands of years old. The oldest Dreadnought in the Imperium, Bjorn, the ''Fell-Handed'', of the Space Wolves was a member of Leman Russ' retinue and fought in the Horus Heresy when he was still whole of body. When the Dreadnoughts are not in need by the Chapter, they are placed back into the Chapter's chapel to sleep away the centuries until they are needed once more. Dreadnoughts come in various "Mark" versions, similar to Space Marine armor. The most common version is the Mark V, though Forge World makes Mark IV variants as well. A rare version of the dreadnought, the "Aegis" is equipped with special warp resistant devices that offer a degree of protection from psychic powers. There are two major variants of the standard Dreadnought in service within the Imperium.
Among the countless more specialised variants, two stand out:
Penitent Engine Penitent Engines are used by the Ecclesiarchy as a form of punishment for repenting heretics. The pilot is hard-wired into the frame of the Penitent Engine, and will charge into combat in a frenzied state, made to recognise that only in death can he find forgiveness for his crimes. Combat Motorcycle Used primarily by the Space Marines, although use by the Imperial Guard is not unheard of, combat motorcycles are often used for reconnaissance and rapid support. Each bike is equipped with twin-linked bolters, and the riders will commonly carry a support weapon, such as a flamer or plasma gun. A variant of the combat motorcycle is the Attack Bike. A sidecar carrying a crew-operated heavy weapon is attached to the motorcycle, significantly increasing the firepower of a combat motorcycle squadron. Land Speeder Incredibly fast, the double-seat Land Speeder anti-gravity vehicle is used for reconnaissance and to attack enemy fortifications and heavy weapons from the air. Although it is well-armed it has little armour and relies on speed and rapid strikes for protection. Land Speeders are usually fielded in 'squadrons' of three, although it is not uncommon to field less. Variants include;
Land Raider The armoured fist of the Space Marines, the Land Raider is one of the most powerful tanks in the Imperium's arsenal. It can transport Terminators into battle, carries enough weapons to blast its way through nearly any defence, and has armour thick enough to withstand lascannon fire. The Land Raider is the most heavily armoured vehicle available to any army smaller than a full Imperial Guard Armoured Company, and its armour is believed to be second only to the Necron Monolith. The original designs for both the "Land" Raider and the anti-gravitic plates used on the "Land" Speeder were discovered during an expedition deep in the Librarius Omnis on Mars by Technoarchaeologist Arkhan Land, after whom the vehicles were named. The standard Land Raider carries a hull-mounted, twin-linked heavy bolter and two twin-linked "Godhammer" pattern lascannons, making the Land Raider an extremely formidable foe for armoured vehicles and infantry alike. It is able to stand up for itself in any fight against any other vehicle, and come out victorious almost all of the time. Land Raiders are also equipped with a '' Machine Spirit '', an Artificial Intelligence crafted by the Adeptus Mechanicus . The Machine Spirit is smart enough to move the tank and fight even without a crew, although it is nothing compared to the battle-hardened Space Marine crew of the Land Raider, and as a result, accuracy suffers considerably. Land Raiders were once used by all branches of the Imperium's armed forces, but during the Horus Heresy , their use was restricted to the Space Marines by decree of the Emperor himself. At first, Land Raiders were used extensively both by the Space Marines and the Imperial Army. The popularity of this mighty war engine was so great, that a whole Forge World, the Anvilus 9, was entirely turned over to Land Raider production. Anvilus 9 was overrun by renegade techpriests at the beginning of the Heresy, and Land Raider production suddenly slowed to a trickle. With the Horus' forces threatening to overrun Holy Terra , the Emperor stated that all Land Raiders still on the loyalist side were to be reformed for exclusive use by the Space Marines, who were at the forefront of the fighting. Once the Horus Heresy had been crushed with the sacrifice of the Emperor, the decree of exclusive use remained in place, even after the ascension of the Emperor to the Golden Throne, as none dared to revoke his most holy commandments. The decree has remained in place for ten thousand years, although a small number of Land Raiders have been manufactured for use by the Inquisition. Land Raider Crusader The most common variant of the Land Raider, the Land Raider Crusader is armed to provide short-ranged, anti-infantry support. The Crusader was originally developed by the Black Templars Chapter, but was eventually authorized for use by other Chapters (who, it should be noted, may have already been using them for some time beforehand). The Land Raider Crusader is armed with a hull-mounted twin-linked Assault Cannon turret, and sponson-mounted Hurricane Bolters (essentially six bolters linked together). It is also equipped with a multi-melta to burn through armoured walls, and its front is studded with fragmentation launchers to assist the troops disembarking from its front ramp. The removal of the lascannon generators has increased the carrying capacity of the Crusader by an additional 50%. Other Land Raider Variants Rarer modifications of the Land Raider are in service with some Chapters of the Space Marines.
Titan See main article: Titan (Warhammer 40,000)
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