Demolisher cannon
From Lexicanum
The Demolisher cannon is a short-range, large-bore direct fire cannon mounted on various vehicles, but most commonly on the Baneblade super heavy tank, Leman Russ Demolisher and Space Marine Vindicator. Primarily designed with siege, urban, and bunker busting warfare in mind, the cannon has also been known to be of great use against enemy vehicles and infantry, destroying both with equal ease.2
Its destructive power is accomplished via use of large armour-penetrating shells, which explode milliseconds after impact. This slightly delayed blast renders all but the thickest of armour useless. Its explosive power is also tremendous, sending out large pieces of hot shrapnel as well as powerful concussive effects. To this end, it's been known for crews of Vindicator tanks to form "Line Breaker" squadrons and combine this mighty firepower into salvoes of three or more shots against one target, causing great destruction and flattening entire areas of terrain (as well as anyone unlucky enough to be inside it at the time)1
The Demolisher cannon's only main drawback comes at its short range compared to many other ordinance weapons. This forces tanks that use this weapon to advance dangerously close to the enemy, often in range of their anti-tank forces, instead of safely firing from long range or out of sight. Because of this, many tanks armed with one will also be equipped with extra armour and dozer blades or siege shields.3 4
Sources
- 1: Apocalypse Rule book - Demolisher Line Breaker squadrons
- 2: Codex: Space Marines (3rd Edition)
- 3: Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)
- 4: Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)
