Manticore (Tank) var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true};

Imperial Guard Portal

A Manticore unleashing its payload

The Manticore Missile Tank is an Imperial Guard mobile missile/rocket launcher platform based on the Chimera chassis. It can fulfill a number of roles from long-range bombardment to air defense, giving it greater versatility than other platforms.

Overview

The Manticore is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment, with audio-modulated radio control systems, gyroscopic roll stabilisation, radar-guided targeting augers and predictive logic-engines.^1,3 This advanced equipment is used to fire and control the four Manticore Missiles, which it can launch individually or, if sufficiently modified, in one great salvo.² The ability to swap out warheads or launch other advanced rocket systems gives the Manticore a versatility highly prized by Imperial commanders.¹ While the Storm Eagle Cluster Munition is the most commonly fired weapon², the Manticore's fire capability is very versatile and can fire missiles with high-explosive, incendiary, and chemical warheads. It can also fire surface-to-air missiles for an air defense role.¹

However, while the Manticore is more advanced than the comparable Basilisk, it has a number of drawbacks, generally limiting it to dedicated artillery regiments. Most notable of those is its limited store of ammunition as, once the Manticore has fired all four missiles, it must withdraw from battle to reload in a time-consuming process.² The Manticore's technology is also more temperamental than other less-advanced systems, and unless the attendant Techpriests perform the proper blessings it may malfunction in the middle of battle.² As well, this same technological advantage makes it more difficult to manufacture. Demand for the machine almost always outstrips the Departmento Munitorium's supply, and for a unit to receive brand-new Manticores is often a sign of prestige or favour by High Command.³

Forge World Variants

• Stygies VIII - standard pattern
• Graia - armed with incendiary missiles

Technical Specifications

In addition to the four Manticore Missiles the vehicle is also equipped with a Searchlight, Smoke Launchers and hull-mounted Heavy Bolter, which can be replaced with a Heavy Flamer. It may also be upgraded with Camo Netting, Dozer Blades, Extra Armour, a Hunter-killer Missile, and/or a pintle-mounted Heavy Stubber or Storm Bolter.²

Technical Specifications

Vehicle Name:	Manticore Missile Launcher1	Main Armament:	4 Manticore Missiles
Forge World of Origin:	Stygies VIII	Secondary Armament:	Heavy Bolter
Known Patterns:	I-XXII	Traverse:	360°
Crew:	Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader	Elevation:	From 0° to +45°
Powerplant:	Vulcanor 16 Twin Coupled Multi-Burn	Main Ammunition:	4 Missiles
Weight:	38 tonnes	Secondary Ammunition:	300 rounds
Length:	5.29m	Armour
Width:	3.78m
Height:	3.29m	Superstructure:	100mm
Ground Clearance:	0.45m	Hull:	150mm
Max Speed - on road	60kph	Gun Mantlet	N/A
Max Speed - off road:	45kph	Vehicle Designation:	0427-941-3043-MA3
Tranport Capacity:	None	Firing Ports:	N/A
Access Points:	N/A	Turret:	100mm

Regiments known to contain Manticore Missile Launchers

• 22nd Krieg Armoured Regiment - Barbarius Campaign
• 31st Cadian Armoured Regiment - Levilnor IV
• 58th Valhallan Armoured Regiment - Rogue Trader Milos Baral's exploration force - Prath-Veil subsector
• 14th Phyressian Armoured Regiment
• 146th Catachan Jungle Fighters Regiment 'Red Cobras' - Equatorial jungles of Yarant III
• 17th Tallarn Armoured Regiment

Images

Manticore Rocket Launcher (5th edition)

Manticore Missile Tank (Forge World)

Sources

• ¹:Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy, p. 177
• ²:Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition), p. 54
• ³:Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II, p. 7