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{{cite}}
 
 
{{SpaceMarinesPortal}}
 
{{SpaceMarinesPortal}}
The '''Thunderhawk gunship''' is a multi-use aircraft in wide use by [[Space Marine]] [[chapter]]s.  
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[[Image:ThunderhawkBR.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Thunderhawk]]
 +
The '''Thunderhawk gunship''' is a multi-use aircraft in wide use by [[Space Marine Chapter]]s. 
 +
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]] can demand use of these mighty craft.
  
The Thunderhawk was first deployed during the [[Great Crusade]] to replace the [[Stormbird|Warhawk VI]]{{Fn|1}}. 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 mighty craft.
+
== History ==
[[File:Thunderhawkstore.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Thunderhawk gunship]]
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The Thunderhawk was first deployed during the last years of the [[Great Crusade]] as a cheaper-to-produce replacement{{Fn|11}} for the Warhawk VI "[[Stormbird]]" gunship.{{Fn|10}}. Armed to the teeth with a [[Thunderhawk cannon]] and various other weapons, its use become more and more widespread.
 +
 
 +
Many Marines who rode in the newly-deployed Thunderhawks felt uncomfortable, finding them lighter and flimsier compared to the more dependable Stormbirds. During the [[Horus Heresy]], [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Remus Ventanus]] of the [[Ultramarines]] predicted that the Thunderhawk was just a "stopgap" design, and the Legions would develop a better design, or revert to the more reliable Stormbird, before long.{{Fn|12}}
  
 
==Design==
 
==Design==
Thunderhawks are among the most technologically sophisticated employed by any Imperial force, and as such benefit from a number of advanced systems.{{Fn|6, 9}}
+
Thunderhawks are among the most technologically sophisticated vehicles employed by any Imperial force, and as such benefit from a number of advanced systems.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|6}}
  
 
===Armament===
 
===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.{{Fn|9}}  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.{{Fn|6}}  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]].{{Fn|6}}
+
[[File:Thunderhawkstore.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Thunderhawk gunship{{Fn|14}}]]
 +
The Thunderhawk is armed with a large number 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.{{Fn|6}}   
 +
 
 +
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.{{Fn|1a}}   
 +
 
 +
In addition each wing has three bomb pylons, each of which carry one [[Hellstrike Missile]], three [[Bomb]]s or [[Smart Bomb]]s, 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]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Control Systems===
 
===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.{{Fn|6}}
+
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.{{Fn|1a}}
  
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]].{{Fn|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]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Defensive Measures===
 
===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]].{{Fn|6}}
+
Armour 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 [[wikipedia:titanium|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 provide the craft with 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]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
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.{{Fn|6}}
+
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.{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Engines===
 
===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.{{Fn|6}}
+
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 propel 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.{{Fn|1a}}
  
Additional retro exhaust nozzles are located around the Thunderhawk's hull to provide maneuverability in zero-gravity conditions.{{Fn|6}}  They also allow the craft to operate in hover mode when in an atmosphere.{{Fn|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.{{Fn|6}}
+
Additional retro exhaust nozzles are located around the Thunderhawk's hull to provide maneuverability in zero-gravity conditions.{{Fn|1a}}  They also allow the craft to operate in hover mode when in an atmosphere.{{Fn|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.{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Transport Capacity===
 
===Transport Capacity===
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.  Embarked troops can enter and exit through a forward assault ramp or two access doors on either side of the forward hull.{{Fn|6}}
+
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 [[Attack Bike]]s, which take up space equivalent to three and four Space Marines, respectively.  Embarked troops can enter and exit through a forward assault ramp or two access doors on either side of the forward hull.{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Specifications===
 
===Specifications===
[[Image:SWThunderhawk.jpg|thumb|right|A Thunderhawk of the [[Space Wolves]] Chapter{{Fn|6-p162}}]]
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[[Image:SWThunderhawk.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Thunderhawk of the [[Space Wolves]] Chapter{{Fn|1b}}]]
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
|Type=Orbital Dropship
 
|Type=Orbital Dropship
|Vehicle Name=Thunderhawk Gunship{{Fn|6}}
+
|Vehicle Name=Thunderhawk Gunship{{Fn|1a}}
 
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]]
 
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]]
 
|Known Patterns=I-XXI
 
|Known Patterns=I-XXI
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==Various uses and strategies used==
 
==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.
+
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===
 
===Thunderhawks as Attack Craft===
[[Image:DAThunderhawks.jpg|thumb|right|A flight of [[Dark Angels]] Thunderhawks{{Fn|6-p172}}]]
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[[Image:DAThunderhawks.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A flight of [[Dark Angels]] Thunderhawks{{Fn|1c}}]]
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.{{Fn|5}}
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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.{{Fn|5}}
  
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 refueling 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 devastating hit-and-run boarding action without the need for dedicated fighter escorts to pave the way for them.{{Fn|5}}
+
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 mother ship for refueling 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 devastating hit-and-run boarding action without the need for dedicated fighter escorts to pave the way for them.{{Fn|5}}
  
 
===Thunderhawk Payloads===
 
===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.{{Fn|6}}{{Fn|9}}
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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.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|6}}
 
{|align=center border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0"
 
{|align=center border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0"
 
|-
 
|-
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*2 x external auxiliary fuel pods under wings
 
*2 x external auxiliary fuel pods under wings
 
*4 x large guided bombs under wings (delayed fuse)
 
*4 x large guided bombs under wings (delayed fuse)
*2 x large guide bombs under wing tips (melta warheads)
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*2 x large guided bombs under wing tips (melta warheads)
 
|align=center|
 
|align=center|
 
*1 x dorsal mounted [[turbo-laser destructor]] or [[thunderhawk cannon]]
 
*1 x dorsal mounted [[turbo-laser destructor]] or [[thunderhawk cannon]]
Line 107: Line 115:
  
 
==Famous wars and battles==
 
==Famous wars and battles==
* [[Assault on Black Reach]] {{Fn|2}}
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* [[Assault on Black Reach]] {{Fn|2a}}
* The [[Damnos Incident]] {{Fn|2}}
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* The [[Damnos Incident]] {{Fn|2b}}
* The hunt for [[Kernax Voldorius]] {{Fn|2}}
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* The hunt for [[Kernax Voldorius]] {{Fn|2c}}
* Vorlinghat's Bane {{Fn|4}}
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* [[Vorlinghat's Bane]] {{Fn|4}}
  
 
==Notable Thunderhawks==
 
==Notable Thunderhawks==
* ''[[Gladius (disambiguation)|Gladius]]'' - personal Thunderhawk of [[Ultramarines]] [[Cato Sicarius|Captain Cato Sicarius]]{{Fn|2}}.
+
* ''[[Ætos Dios]]'' - personal Thunderhawk of [[Rogal Dorn]]
* ''Xiphos'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company{{Fn|7,8}}.
+
* ''[[Gladius (disambiguation)|Gladius]]'' - personal Thunderhawk of [[Ultramarines]] [[Captain]] [[Cato Sicarius]]{{Fn|2d}}{{Fn|9a}}
* ''Pilum'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company{{Fn|7,8}}.
+
* ''[[Herald IV]]'' - [[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|1d}}
* ''Spatha'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company{{Fn|7,8}}.
+
* ''[[Morkai (Thunderhawk)|Morkai]]'' - [[Thunderhawk]] of the [[Space Wolves]]
 +
* ''[[Pilum]]'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|9b}}
 +
* ''[[Reign of Vengeance]]'' - [[Blood Angels]]
 +
* ''[[Roar of Vengeance]]'' - personal Thunderhawk of [[Dark Angels]] [[Dark Angels Grand Master|Supreme Grand Master]] [[Azrael]]{{Fn|13}}
 +
* ''[[Spatha]]'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|9b}}
 +
* ''[[Votive IX]]'' - [[Imperial Talons]]{{Fn|18}}
 +
* ''[[Xiphos]]'' - [[Ultramarines]] 2nd Company{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|9b}}
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 
===Thunderhawk Transporter===
 
===Thunderhawk Transporter===
[[File:Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Thunderhawk transporter]]
+
[[File:Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Thunderhawk transporter{{Fn|15}}]]
The '''Thunderhawk Transporter''' is a logistical variation of the normal Thunderhawk gunship.  It has many of the same basic design features as the original but is armed with only four twin-linked Heavy Bolters, though it can carry as many as six Hellstrike missiles on its wing hardpoints, and is propelled by four RX-92-00 combination rocket/afterburning turbofans.  The most noticeable difference is that it is missing the normal transport holds found on the Thunderhawk gunship, equipped instead with four massive magnetic clamping arms mounted on runners underneath the fuselage.  These allow the Transporter to carry two [[Rhino]] or one [[Land Raider]]-sized vehicles, or an under-slung pod for carrying ammunition, fuel and other supplies.  These items can be loaded and unloaded in quick order, minimizing the amount of time the Transporter is vulnerable while one the ground.{{Fn|6}}
+
The '''Thunderhawk Transporter''' is a logistical variation of the normal Thunderhawk gunship.  It has many of the same basic design features as the original but is armed with only four twin-linked Heavy Bolters, though it can carry as many as six Hellstrike missiles on its wing hardpoints, and is propelled by four RX-92-00 combination rocket/afterburning turbofans.  The most noticeable difference is that it is missing the normal transport holds found on the Thunderhawk gunship, equipped instead with four massive magnetic clamping arms mounted on runners underneath the fuselage.  These allow the Transporter to carry two [[Rhino]] or one [[Land Raider]]-sized vehicles, or an under-slung pod for carrying ammunition, fuel and other supplies.  These items can be loaded and unloaded in quick order, minimizing the amount of time the Transporter is vulnerable while one the ground.{{Fn|1a}}
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
|Type=Orbital Transporter
 
|Type=Orbital Transporter
|Vehicle Name=Thunderhawk Transporter{{Fn|10}}
+
|Vehicle Name=Thunderhawk Transporter{{Fn|7}}
 
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]]
 
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]]
 
|Known Patterns=I-XI
 
|Known Patterns=I-XI
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|Hull Armour=45 mm
 
|Hull Armour=45 mm
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
====Notable Thunderhawk Transporters====
 +
*''[[Maledictor Audax]]'' - [[Mantis Warriors]]{{Fn|17}}
 +
*''[[Umbra Scion]]'' - [[Raven Guard]]{{Fn|17}}
 +
*''[[Wings of Deliverance]]'' - [[Blood Angels]]{{Fn|19}}
 +
 +
===Shadowhawk===
 +
*{{Main|Shadowhawk}}
 +
The '''Shadowhawk''' is a stealth variant of the Thunderhawk used by the [[Raven Guard]].
 +
 +
===Chaos Thunderhawk===
 +
[[Chaos Space Marine]] warbands still employ Thunderhawks in great numbers, either dating back to the [[Great Crusade]] or aquired since the [[Horus Heresy]]. The Chaos [[Forge World]] of [[Xana II]] still produces Thunderhawks for the legions of [[Chaos]], though these are usually daemonically corrupted.{{Fn|16}}
 +
 +
==Images==
 +
[[Image:PlasticTH.jpg|thumb|center|Thunderhawk Miniature]]
 +
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
 
*[[Stormraven Gunship]]
 
*[[Stormraven Gunship]]
 +
*[[Overlord (Space Marine)|Overlord]]
 
*[[Space Marine Vessels (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Vessels (List)]]
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
* {{Endn|1}}: [[Horus Rising (Novel)]]: Part One, {{Cite This}} page 145
+
*1: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition]]
* {{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 154
* {{Endn|3}}: [[Apocalypse]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 162
* {{Endn|4}}: [[Planetstrike]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 172
* {{Endn|5}}:[http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/article.jsp?catId=cat1290319&categoryId=1100007&section=&aId=4300022 Battlefleet Gothic Resources: Imperial Fleets] (accessed 2010.11.18)
+
**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 158
* {{Endn|6}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition]], {{Cite This}}
+
*2: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]]
* {{Endn|7}}: [[Assault on Black Reach (Novel)]] by [[Nick Kyme]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|2a}}: pp. 36-37
* {{Endn|8}}: [[The Chapter's Due (Novel)]] by [[Graham McNeill]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|2b}}: pp. 38-39
* {{Endn|9}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|2c}}: pp. 42-43
* {{Endn|10}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]], p. 247
+
**{{Endn|2d}}: pp. 37-39
 +
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Apocalypse]], pg. 114
 +
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Planetstrike]], pg. 62
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Battlefleet Gothic: Armada (Book)]], pg. 21
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]], pg. 165
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]], pg. 247
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Assault on Black Reach (Novel)]] by [[Nick Kyme]], {{Cite This}}
 +
*9: [[The Chapter's Due (Novel)]] - [[Ultramarines: The Second Omnibus]] by [[Graham McNeill]]
 +
**{{Endn|9a}}: Chapter Ten, pg. 652
 +
**{{Endn|9b}}: Chapter Twenty, pg. 774
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Horus Rising (Novel)]] by [[Dan Abnett]], Part One, Chapter Seven, pg. 145
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Prospero Burns (Novel)]] by '''Dan Abnett''', Chapter Seven, pg. 225
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: ''[[Rules of Engagement (Short Story)]]'' by '''Graham McNeill'''
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Pandorax (Novel)|Pandorax]] Chapter 12
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: https://web.archive.org/web/20150429061153/http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Grey-Knights/THUNDERHAWK_GUNSHIP.html ''(saved archive page, dated April 2015, last accessed 16 February 2016)''
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: https://web.archive.org/web/20150429071229/http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Grey-Knights/THUNDERHAWK-TRANSPORTER-WITH-RHINOS.html ''(saved archive page, dated April 2015, last accessed 16 February 2016)''
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost and the Damned]] pg.78
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two (Second Edition)]], pg. 133
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Endurance (Short Story)]] by [[Chris Wraight]]
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Dante (Novel)]], Chapter Two
  
[[Category: Vehicles (Space Marines)]]
+
{{SMVehicles}}
 +
[[Category:Attack Craft]]
 
[[Category:Fleet (Space Marines)]]
 
[[Category:Fleet (Space Marines)]]
[[Category:Naval Vessels]]
+
[[Category:Flyers]]
[[Category:Attack Craft]]
+
[[Category:Imperial Aircraft]]
 +
[[Category:Vehicles (Space Marines)]]
 
[[de:Thunderhawk]]
 
[[de:Thunderhawk]]
 +
[[fr:Thunderhawk]]

Revision as of 16:20, 29 July 2018

Thunderhawk

The Thunderhawk gunship is a multi-use aircraft in wide use by Space Marine Chapters. 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 can demand use of these mighty craft.

History

The Thunderhawk was first deployed during the last years of the Great Crusade as a cheaper-to-produce replacement[11] for the Warhawk VI "Stormbird" gunship.[10]. Armed to the teeth with a Thunderhawk cannon and various other weapons, its use become more and more widespread.

Many Marines who rode in the newly-deployed Thunderhawks felt uncomfortable, finding them lighter and flimsier compared to the more dependable Stormbirds. During the Horus Heresy, Captain Remus Ventanus of the Ultramarines predicted that the Thunderhawk was just a "stopgap" design, and the Legions would develop a better design, or revert to the more reliable Stormbird, before long.[12]

Design

Thunderhawks are among the most technologically sophisticated vehicles employed by any Imperial force, and as such benefit from a number of advanced systems.[1a][6]

Armament

Thunderhawk gunship[14]

The Thunderhawk is armed with a large number 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.[6]

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.[1a]

In addition each wing has three bomb pylons, each of which carry one Hellstrike Missile, three Bombs or Smart 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.[1a]

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.[1a]

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.[1a]

Defensive Measures

Armour 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 provide the craft with 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.[1a]

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.[1a]

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 propel 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.[1a]

Additional retro exhaust nozzles are located around the Thunderhawk's hull to provide maneuverability in zero-gravity conditions.[1a] 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.[1a]

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. Embarked troops can enter and exit through a forward assault ramp or two access doors on either side of the forward hull.[1a]

Specifications

A Thunderhawk of the Space Wolves Chapter[1b]
Technical Specifications
Type Orbital Dropship Operational Ceiling N/A
Vehicle Name Thunderhawk Gunship[1a] 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 Thunderhawks[1c]

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 mother ship for refueling 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 devastating 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.[1a][6]

Troop Insertion Mission Close Air Support Mission Saturation Bombing Mission Long-Range Bombing Mission Spaceship Intercept

Famous wars and battles

Notable Thunderhawks

Variants

Thunderhawk Transporter

Thunderhawk transporter[15]

The Thunderhawk Transporter is a logistical variation of the normal Thunderhawk gunship. It has many of the same basic design features as the original but is armed with only four twin-linked Heavy Bolters, though it can carry as many as six Hellstrike missiles on its wing hardpoints, and is propelled by four RX-92-00 combination rocket/afterburning turbofans. The most noticeable difference is that it is missing the normal transport holds found on the Thunderhawk gunship, equipped instead with four massive magnetic clamping arms mounted on runners underneath the fuselage. These allow the Transporter to carry two Rhino or one Land Raider-sized vehicles, or an under-slung pod for carrying ammunition, fuel and other supplies. These items can be loaded and unloaded in quick order, minimizing the amount of time the Transporter is vulnerable while one the ground.[1a]

Technical Specifications
Type Orbital Transporter Operational Ceiling N/A
Vehicle Name Thunderhawk Transporter[7] Max Speed 2000 kph approx.
Forge World of Origin Mars Range 28,000 km in atmosphere
Known Patterns I-XI Main Armament 4x twin-linked Heavy Bolters
Crew Pilot, Co-Pilot Secondary Armament N/A
Powerplant 4 x RX-92-00 Combination Rocket/Afterburning Turbofans Main Ammunition 2200 rounds
Weight 105 tonnes Secondary Ammunition N/A
Length 28.8 m Armour
Wingspan 26.65 m Superstructure 45 mm
Height 8.6 m Hull 45 mm



Notable Thunderhawk Transporters

Shadowhawk

The Shadowhawk is a stealth variant of the Thunderhawk used by the Raven Guard.

Chaos Thunderhawk

Chaos Space Marine warbands still employ Thunderhawks in great numbers, either dating back to the Great Crusade or aquired since the Horus Heresy. The Chaos Forge World of Xana II still produces Thunderhawks for the legions of Chaos, though these are usually daemonically corrupted.[16]

Images

Thunderhawk Miniature

See Also

Sources


Space Marine Vehicles
Light Vehicles
Walkers & Dreadnoughts
Armored Personnel Carriers RhinoRazorbackDamoclesRhino PrimarisRhino AdvancerImpulsor
Battle Tanks Predator (AnnihilatorDestructorBaal) • Land Raider (PhobosCrusaderRedeemerAchillesPrometheusTerminus UltraAresExcelsiorWrath of MjalnarAngel InfernusSolemnus AggressorAnvilarum) • Vindicator Laser DestroyerRepulsorRepulsor ExecutionerGladiatorAstraeus
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Air-Dropped/Deployed Drop PodHammerfall BunkerFirestrike Servo-Turret
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