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[[File:Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Thunderhawk transporter]]
 
[[File:Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Thunderhawk transporter]]
  
==Weapons==
+
==Design==
 +
Thunderhawks are among the most technologically sophisticated employed by any Imperial force, and as such benefit from a number of advanced systems.<sup>6, 9</sup>
  
The Thunderhawk is armed with a large amount of weapons, though the configuration occasionally varies. Here is a list of all weapons currently in use:
+
===Armament===
 +
The Thunderhawk is armed with a large amount of weapons, though the configuration varies. Its primary weapon is fitted on a limited traverse dorsal mount and can mount either a [[Turbo-laser Destructor]], powerful enough to strike down even a Scout [[Titan]] with an accurate shot, or a [[Thunderhawk cannon|modified Battle Cannon]] useful for ground bombardment.<sup>9</sup>  It also has two [[Lascannon]]s mounted on either attack wing and at least four [[Heavy Bolter]]s in hull-mounted [[twin-linked]] sponsons, with room for four additional Heavy Bolters under the main wing tips.<sup>6</sup>  In addition each wing has three bomb pylons, each of which carry one [[Hellstrike Missile]], three [[Bomb]]s or [[Smart Bomb|Guided Bombs]], or an external fuel pod, for a total of six missiles/pods or eighteen bombs.  All of the Thunderhawk's weapon systems are controlled by the gunner through remote multi-spectrum [[surveyor]]s from the flight deck with assistance provided by the [[Machine Spirit]].<sup>6</sup>
  
* [[Thunderhawk cannon]] <sup>3</sup>
+
===Control Systems===
* [[Turbo-laser Destructor]] <sup>3</sup>
+
The pilot, co-pilot, navigator and gunner are all located in the gunship's flight deck above the forward hold and in front of the upper hold.  The navigator and co-pilot also control the primary narrow-band, long-range communications transmitter located on top of the fuselage, along with the sensor array and electronic counter-measures.  The navigational equipment also transmits information to Space Marine command units, while an emergency location beacon will automatically begin broadcasting should the Thunderhawk be shot down.<sup>6</sup>
* [[Bomb]] <sup>3</sup>
 
* [[Heavy bolter]] <sup>3</sup>
 
* [[Lascannon]] <sup>3</sup>
 
* [[Hellstrike Missile]] <sup>3</sup>
 
  
==Various uses and strategies used==
+
Despite their complexity the Thunderhawk's systems are rugged and reliable, and are all controlled by an M33 'Cygnus' class [[Machine Spirit]].  Utilizing aetheric and phlogiston feed coils, alembic shielding and pseudo-synaptic relays, the Cygnus has a cognition speed of 40,000 co/sec with a maximum contemplation capacity of 10,000 kilobrains, making it comparable to that found in a [[Reaver Battle Titan]].<sup>6</sup>
  
As the Thunderhawk's engines allow it to drop to lower atmosphere without landing, it proves to be one of the most useful craft employed by the Space Marines. With the ability to carry three full tactical squads, with precision a [[Drop Pod]] can't match, the Thunderhawk is used to insert marines into the thick of it, not just destroy the enemy. Whereas some chapters would prefer to simply launch a full-scale assault on the enemy, or use Drop Pods, many, many Chapters use Thunderhawks. Its tactical range and huge amount of firepower prove it to be one of the most useful vehicles ever created. Not only this, but the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and the [[Techmarines]] still hold the secrets to the creation of the Thunderhawk.
+
===Defensive Measures===
 +
Armouring for the Thunderhawk is constructed in a similar manner to that of a [[Land Raider]], giving it an unprecedented level of protection.  An [[adamantium]] inner hull is layered on top by titanium rolled plates, followed by a thermoplas fibre mesh, and then two layers of [[ceramite]], the second of which is ablative.  The ceramite and thermplas fibre layers are increased in depth to provided the craft additional protection in order to perform repeated atmospheric entries, making them thicker than those on a Land Raider, at the expensive of thinning the titanium and adamantium layers. These armour layers makes the Thunderhawk very well-protected and particularly resistant to [[Melta Weapons]].<sup>6</sup>
  
===Thunderhawks as Attack Craft===
+
In addition to its armouring, Thunderhawks also come equipped with a [[Imperial Aircraft Upgrades|Decoy Flare Launcher]] located in the lower rear fuselage, along with additional electronic counter-measures used to jam enemy sensors and tracking equipment.<sup>6</sup>
[[Image:DAThunderhawks.jpg|thumb|right|A flight of [[Dark Angels]] Thunderhawks<sup>6-p172</sup>]]
 
Thunderhawks are not just used for ground attacks. Indeed, they are often launched into a space battle much like "normal" [[Attack craft]] where their firepower and [[Space Marine]] cargo make them potent additions to a Space Marine fleet.<sup>5</sup>
 
  
While slower than dedicated interceptors like the [[Fury Interceptor|Fury]], Thunderhawks are able to out-fight and out-last such craft, usually going twice as long as "regular" fighters before being forced to return to their mothership for refuelling and re-armingWhile very useful in its own right, this strength and endurance also means that unlike most assault boats, Thunderhawks are more than capable of punching their way through enemy fighter screens and delivering their deadly payload to a warship for a devistating hit-and-run boarding action without the need for dedicated fighter escorts to pave the way for them.<sup>5</sup>
+
===Engines===
 +
The Thunderhawk is powered by triple RX-92-00 'Mars' pattern, combination rocket/afterburning turbofans mounted on each wing and under the fuselage.  In an atmosphere the turbofans provide enough thrust to propell the craft to approximately 2,000 kilometers per hourWhen operating in space the forward turbofan section is isolated from the exhaust and combustion chambers, where fuel from the onboard fusion reactor is pumped in to create a high-pressure, high-velocity stream of gasses which provide thrust.<sup>6</sup>
  
 +
Additional retro exhaust nozzles are located around the Thunderhawk's hull to provide maneuverability in zero-gravity conditions.<sup>6</sup>  They also allow the craft to operate in hover mode when in an atmosphere.<sup>3</sup>  For improved atmospheric handling the gunship features two 'attack' wings located above the main wings, which provide additional directional stability when making gun attacks.  Their movement is synchronized and, during normal flight, are locked into position by bracing on the upper main wings, which are released when the Thunderhawk approaches a target.<sup>6</sup>
  
==Famous wars and battles==
+
===Transport Capacity===
* [[Assault on Black Reach]] <sup>2</sup>
+
At full capacity a Thunderhawk gunship can carry thirty [[power armour]]ed Space Marines, or half as many in [[Terminator Armour]], divided between the upper and forward holds.  It can also carry a single [[Space Marine Dreadnought|Dreadnought]] in the forward hold, which takes the space of five Space Marines, or [[Space Marine Bike]] and [[Space Marine Attack Bike|Attack Bikes]], which take up space equivalent to three and four Space Marines respectively.<sup>6</sup>
* The [[Damnos Incident]] <sup>2</sup>
 
* The hunt for [[Kernax Voldorius]] <sup>2</sup>
 
* Vorlinghat's Bane <sup>4</sup>
 
 
 
==Notable Thunderhawks==
 
 
 
* ''[[Gladius (disambiguation)|Gladius]]'' - personal Thunderhawk of [[Ultramarines]] [[Cato Sicarius|Captain Cato Sicarius]]<sup>2</sup>.
 
* ''Xiphos'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company<sup>7,8</sup>.
 
* ''Pilum'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company<sup>7,8</sup>.
 
* ''Spatha'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company<sup>7,8</sup>.
 
  
 +
===Specifications===
 
[[Image:SWThunderhawk.jpg|thumb|right|A Thunderhawk of the [[Space Wolves]] Chapter<sup>6-p162</sup>]]
 
[[Image:SWThunderhawk.jpg|thumb|right|A Thunderhawk of the [[Space Wolves]] Chapter<sup>6-p162</sup>]]
 
==Armament and Upgrades==
 
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
|Type=Orbital Dropship
 
|Type=Orbital Dropship
 
|Vehicle Name=Thunderhawk Gunship<sup>6</sup>
 
|Vehicle Name=Thunderhawk Gunship<sup>6</sup>
|Forge World of Origin=Mars
+
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]]
 
|Known Patterns=I-XXI
 
|Known Patterns=I-XXI
 
|Crew=Pilot, Co-Pilot, Gunner, Navigator
 
|Crew=Pilot, Co-Pilot, Gunner, Navigator
|Powerplant=3x RX-92-00 Combination Rocket/Afterburning Turbofans
+
|Powerplant=3 x RX-92-00 Combination Rocket/Afterburning Turbofans
 
|Weight=121 tonnes
 
|Weight=121 tonnes
 
|Length=26.6 m
 
|Length=26.6 m
Line 65: Line 53:
 
|Hull Armour=65 mm
 
|Hull Armour=65 mm
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Various uses and strategies used==
 +
As the Thunderhawk's engines allow it to drop to lower atmosphere without landing, it proves to be one of the most useful craft employed by the Space Marines. With the ability to carry three full tactical squads, with precision a [[Drop Pod]] can't match, the Thunderhawk is used to insert marines into the thick of it, not just destroy the enemy. Whereas some chapters would prefer to simply launch a full-scale assault on the enemy, or use Drop Pods, many, many Chapters use Thunderhawks. Its tactical range and huge amount of firepower prove it to be one of the most useful vehicles ever created. Not only this, but the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and the [[Techmarines]] still hold the secrets to the creation of the Thunderhawk.
 +
 +
===Thunderhawks as Attack Craft===
 +
[[Image:DAThunderhawks.jpg|thumb|right|A flight of [[Dark Angels]] Thunderhawks<sup>6-p172</sup>]]
 +
Thunderhawks are not just used for ground attacks. Indeed, they are often launched into a space battle much like "normal" [[Attack craft]] where their firepower and [[Space Marine]] cargo make them potent additions to a Space Marine fleet.<sup>5</sup>
 +
 +
While slower than dedicated interceptors like the [[Fury Interceptor|Fury]], Thunderhawks are able to out-fight and out-last such craft, usually going twice as long as "regular" fighters before being forced to return to their mothership for refuelling and re-arming.  While very useful in its own right, this strength and endurance also means that unlike most assault boats, Thunderhawks are more than capable of punching their way through enemy fighter screens and delivering their deadly payload to a warship for a devistating hit-and-run boarding action without the need for dedicated fighter escorts to pave the way for them.<sup>5</sup>
 +
 +
===Thunderhawk Payloads===
 +
Thunderhawks can alter the type of payload carried depending on which specific mission they are tasked to accomplish, making it a truly formidable weapons platform.<sup>6, 9</sup>
 +
{|align=center border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0"
 +
|-
 +
|style="background:#565656; color: black" colspan=1 align=center|'''Troop Insertion Mission'''
 +
|style="background:#565656; color: black" colspan=1 align=center|'''Close Air Support Mission'''
 +
|style="background:#565656; color: black" colspan=1 align=center|'''Saturation Bombing Mission'''
 +
|style="background:#565656; color: black" colspan=1 align=center|'''Long-Range Bombing Mission'''
 +
|style="background:#565656; color: black" colspan=1 align=center|'''Spaceship Intercept'''
 +
|-
 +
|align=center|
 +
*1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
 +
*2 x lascannons on attack wings
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts under wing tips
 +
|align=center|
 +
*1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
 +
*2 x lascannons on attack wings
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts under wing tips
 +
*6 x hellstrike missiles under wings
 +
|align=center|
 +
*1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
 +
*2 x lascannons on attack wings
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts under wing tips
 +
*18 x high explosive and incendiary bombs under wings
 +
|align=center|
 +
*1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
 +
*2 x lascannons on attack wings
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
 +
*2 x external auxiliary fuel pods under wings
 +
*4 x large guided bombs under wings (delayed fuse)
 +
*2 x large guide bombs under wing tips (melta warheads)
 +
|align=center|
 +
*1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
 +
*2 x lascannons on attack wings
 +
*4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
 +
*6 x large guided bombs under wings (plasma warheads)
 +
*2 x large guide bombs under wing tips (melta warheads)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
==Famous wars and battles==
 +
* [[Assault on Black Reach]] <sup>2</sup>
 +
* The [[Damnos Incident]] <sup>2</sup>
 +
* The hunt for [[Kernax Voldorius]] <sup>2</sup>
 +
* Vorlinghat's Bane <sup>4</sup>
 +
 +
==Notable Thunderhawks==
 +
* ''[[Gladius (disambiguation)|Gladius]]'' - personal Thunderhawk of [[Ultramarines]] [[Cato Sicarius|Captain Cato Sicarius]]<sup>2</sup>.
 +
* ''Xiphos'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company<sup>7,8</sup>.
 +
* ''Pilum'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company<sup>7,8</sup>.
 +
* ''Spatha'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company<sup>7,8</sup>.
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
Line 79: Line 131:
 
* <sup>7</sup>: [[Assault on Black Reach (Novel)]] by [[Nick Kyme]]
 
* <sup>7</sup>: [[Assault on Black Reach (Novel)]] by [[Nick Kyme]]
 
* <sup>8</sup>: [[The Chapter's Due (Novel)]] by [[Graham McNeill]]
 
* <sup>8</sup>: [[The Chapter's Due (Novel)]] by [[Graham McNeill]]
 +
* <sup>9</sup>: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]]
  
 
[[Category: Vehicles (Space Marines)]]
 
[[Category: Vehicles (Space Marines)]]

Revision as of 21:20, 11 February 2012

The Thunderhawk gunship is a multi-use aircraft in wide use by Space Marine chapters.

The Thunderhawk was first deployed during the Great Crusade to replace the Warhawk VI1. Armed to the teeth with a Thunderhawk cannon and various other weapons, its use become more and more widespread. Each Chapter of the Space Marines maintains its own fleet of Thunderhawks. Normally reserved for large-scale battles, time and time again its use in the various fields of war has been proven. With such might like this, only a great threat to the Imperium could demand use of these great craft.

Thunderhawk gunship
Thunderhawk transporter

Design

Thunderhawks are among the most technologically sophisticated employed by any Imperial force, and as such benefit from a number of advanced systems.6, 9

Armament

The Thunderhawk is armed with a large amount of weapons, though the configuration varies. Its primary weapon is fitted on a limited traverse dorsal mount and can mount either a Turbo-laser Destructor, powerful enough to strike down even a Scout Titan with an accurate shot, or a modified Battle Cannon useful for ground bombardment.9 It also has two Lascannons mounted on either attack wing and at least four Heavy Bolters in hull-mounted twin-linked sponsons, with room for four additional Heavy Bolters under the main wing tips.6 In addition each wing has three bomb pylons, each of which carry one Hellstrike Missile, three Bombs or Guided Bombs, or an external fuel pod, for a total of six missiles/pods or eighteen bombs. All of the Thunderhawk's weapon systems are controlled by the gunner through remote multi-spectrum surveyors from the flight deck with assistance provided by the Machine Spirit.6

Control Systems

The pilot, co-pilot, navigator and gunner are all located in the gunship's flight deck above the forward hold and in front of the upper hold. The navigator and co-pilot also control the primary narrow-band, long-range communications transmitter located on top of the fuselage, along with the sensor array and electronic counter-measures. The navigational equipment also transmits information to Space Marine command units, while an emergency location beacon will automatically begin broadcasting should the Thunderhawk be shot down.6

Despite their complexity the Thunderhawk's systems are rugged and reliable, and are all controlled by an M33 'Cygnus' class Machine Spirit. Utilizing aetheric and phlogiston feed coils, alembic shielding and pseudo-synaptic relays, the Cygnus has a cognition speed of 40,000 co/sec with a maximum contemplation capacity of 10,000 kilobrains, making it comparable to that found in a Reaver Battle Titan.6

Defensive Measures

Armouring for the Thunderhawk is constructed in a similar manner to that of a Land Raider, giving it an unprecedented level of protection. An adamantium inner hull is layered on top by titanium rolled plates, followed by a thermoplas fibre mesh, and then two layers of ceramite, the second of which is ablative. The ceramite and thermplas fibre layers are increased in depth to provided the craft additional protection in order to perform repeated atmospheric entries, making them thicker than those on a Land Raider, at the expensive of thinning the titanium and adamantium layers. These armour layers makes the Thunderhawk very well-protected and particularly resistant to Melta Weapons.6

In addition to its armouring, Thunderhawks also come equipped with a Decoy Flare Launcher located in the lower rear fuselage, along with additional electronic counter-measures used to jam enemy sensors and tracking equipment.6

Engines

The Thunderhawk is powered by triple RX-92-00 'Mars' pattern, combination rocket/afterburning turbofans mounted on each wing and under the fuselage. In an atmosphere the turbofans provide enough thrust to propell the craft to approximately 2,000 kilometers per hour. When operating in space the forward turbofan section is isolated from the exhaust and combustion chambers, where fuel from the onboard fusion reactor is pumped in to create a high-pressure, high-velocity stream of gasses which provide thrust.6

Additional retro exhaust nozzles are located around the Thunderhawk's hull to provide maneuverability in zero-gravity conditions.6 They also allow the craft to operate in hover mode when in an atmosphere.3 For improved atmospheric handling the gunship features two 'attack' wings located above the main wings, which provide additional directional stability when making gun attacks. Their movement is synchronized and, during normal flight, are locked into position by bracing on the upper main wings, which are released when the Thunderhawk approaches a target.6

Transport Capacity

At full capacity a Thunderhawk gunship can carry thirty power armoured Space Marines, or half as many in Terminator Armour, divided between the upper and forward holds. It can also carry a single Dreadnought in the forward hold, which takes the space of five Space Marines, or Space Marine Bike and Attack Bikes, which take up space equivalent to three and four Space Marines respectively.6

Specifications

A Thunderhawk of the Space Wolves Chapter6-p162
Technical Specifications
Type Orbital Dropship Operational Ceiling N/A
Vehicle Name Thunderhawk Gunship6 Max Speed 2000 kph approx.
Forge World of Origin Mars Range 28,000 km in atmosphere
Known Patterns I-XXI Main Armament Dorsal mounted Battle Cannon, twin-linked Lascannons
Crew Pilot, Co-Pilot, Gunner, Navigator Secondary Armament 4x twin-linked Heavy Bolters
Powerplant 3 x RX-92-00 Combination Rocket/Afterburning Turbofans Main Ammunition 28 rounds
Weight 121 tonnes Secondary Ammunition 2400 rounds
Length 26.6 m Armour
Wingspan 26.65 m Superstructure 55 mm
Height 9.8 m Hull 65 mm



Various uses and strategies used

As the Thunderhawk's engines allow it to drop to lower atmosphere without landing, it proves to be one of the most useful craft employed by the Space Marines. With the ability to carry three full tactical squads, with precision a Drop Pod can't match, the Thunderhawk is used to insert marines into the thick of it, not just destroy the enemy. Whereas some chapters would prefer to simply launch a full-scale assault on the enemy, or use Drop Pods, many, many Chapters use Thunderhawks. Its tactical range and huge amount of firepower prove it to be one of the most useful vehicles ever created. Not only this, but the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Techmarines still hold the secrets to the creation of the Thunderhawk.

Thunderhawks as Attack Craft

A flight of Dark Angels Thunderhawks6-p172

Thunderhawks are not just used for ground attacks. Indeed, they are often launched into a space battle much like "normal" Attack craft where their firepower and Space Marine cargo make them potent additions to a Space Marine fleet.5

While slower than dedicated interceptors like the Fury, Thunderhawks are able to out-fight and out-last such craft, usually going twice as long as "regular" fighters before being forced to return to their mothership for refuelling and re-arming. While very useful in its own right, this strength and endurance also means that unlike most assault boats, Thunderhawks are more than capable of punching their way through enemy fighter screens and delivering their deadly payload to a warship for a devistating hit-and-run boarding action without the need for dedicated fighter escorts to pave the way for them.5

Thunderhawk Payloads

Thunderhawks can alter the type of payload carried depending on which specific mission they are tasked to accomplish, making it a truly formidable weapons platform.6, 9

Troop Insertion Mission Close Air Support Mission Saturation Bombing Mission Long-Range Bombing Mission Spaceship Intercept
  • 1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
  • 2 x lascannons on attack wings
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts under wing tips
  • 1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
  • 2 x lascannons on attack wings
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts under wing tips
  • 6 x hellstrike missiles under wings
  • 1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
  • 2 x lascannons on attack wings
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts under wing tips
  • 18 x high explosive and incendiary bombs under wings
  • 1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
  • 2 x lascannons on attack wings
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
  • 2 x external auxiliary fuel pods under wings
  • 4 x large guided bombs under wings (delayed fuse)
  • 2 x large guide bombs under wing tips (melta warheads)
  • 1 x dorsal mounted turbo-laser destructor or thunderhawk cannon
  • 2 x lascannons on attack wings
  • 4 x heavy bolters in twin-linked mounts on forward fuselage
  • 6 x large guided bombs under wings (plasma warheads)
  • 2 x large guide bombs under wing tips (melta warheads)

Famous wars and battles

Notable Thunderhawks

See Also

Sources