From Lexicanum

Transport Carrier

The Cetaceus-Class Transporter or the Whale as it is sometimes referred to; is classification of Imperial vessel used exclusively by the Imperial Guard to transport manpower and equipment from battlezone to battlezone.

They perform a similar role to that of a Space Marine Battle Barge yet without the heavy firepower or capacity to launch drop pods.

Like other deployment/carrier vessels, whaleships can carry upwards of a single regiment of Imperial Guard units with all associated equipment and vehicles. However, they are unique in that the associated guard units are not actually held within the vessel itself at all, but within specially designed interplanetary dropships that are stored within the hull, ready to be launched when the carrier reaches position.

The whaleships; are also capable of carrying all of their own support craft, from Minotaur-class Tug vessels and offensive strike craft. Deploying them from the a large open launchbay at the fore of the vessel in addition to the dropships.

Unlike the launch bay on more common Imperial carriers, the support craft are stored within three massive decks which are exposed to the vacuum of space. Therefore each support craft self-sufficient and is dependent on the carrier only for warp travel from location to location.

The Cetaceus itself is particularly well armoured, and as much of its hull space is taken up by empty storage it is capable of operation even after massive hull damage (up to 75% structural damage has been noted with continued operation)

Dropship

The Devourer-Class Dropship is the companion vessel used by the much larger Cetaceus. Several of which are stored within the carrier's massive bays. Each is considerably larger than a Space Marine Thunderhawk Gunship.

Each devourer is a two decked vessel, with the upper deck housing the infantry units and the lower deck holding the heavier equipment such as tanks and artillery.

The devourer is designed for planetary landings and deployment, with the armoured front section of the vessel opening up into four sections, deploying a ramp so that the onboard vehicles and infantry can quickly depart.

The devourer itself is not designed for combat, but is equipped with two heavy lascannon turrets and missile launchers so that they can devastate armoured emplacements in support of ground units.

Sources

• Conquest of Obzidion - David Pugh [avalable online: www.blacklibrary.com/pdf/inferno-articles/obzidion-invasion.pdf]