Destroyer (Tank Hunter)
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This article is about the Destroyer Tank Hunter. For other uses of Destroyer, see Destroyer (disambiguation). |
The Destroyer Tank Hunter is a specialized Tank Hunter used by the Imperial Guard. Based on the same chassis as the Leman Russ Battle Tank, the Destroyer, once common among the armoured regiments of the Guard, is fast becoming a relic due to the complex nature of its primary weapon.[1a]
Contents
History
While once a common tank hunter, by the 41st Millennium the knowledge and understanding required to produce the complex Destroyer Tank Hunter's primary weapon has been forgotten or lost and only a few Forge Worlds have the expertise to produce them. However as each weapon must be hand crafted, and since demand vastly outstrips supply, most regiments are lucky to have a full squadron of Destroyers, with a few able to muster an entire Tank Destroyer Company. These tanks are guarded jealously by their owners, knowing the chances of receiving any replacements is very slim, and the chance to recover a re-constructable wreck is a high priority. Even if the main weapon is lost the hull can still be refurbished and refitted with another weapon, a Demolisher Cannon, Battle Cannon or sometimes a Vanquisher Cannon.[1a]
Battlefield Role
The Destroyer's primary mission is to first and foremost seek out and destroy enemy armoured vehicles. While somewhat useful in an assault the lack of a turret or secondary weaponry makes these vehicles more vulnerable to enemy infantry or flank attacks than normal, relegating them to a supporting role behind the main vanguard. Where they best shine is on the defensive, ambushing enemy armoured columns from prepared hiding positions and firing a couple quick shots before re-deploying to avoid return fire. Their ability to effectively destroy targets from long range makes them prime targets, with enemy tank crews valuing confirmed Destroyer kills more than other vehicles.[1a]
Technical Information
While the Destroyer retains most of the features of the old Mars Alpha pattern hull it has been modified by removing the turret ring, replacing it with the main crew hatch and both forward and rear maintenance access hatches, and instead carries a Laser Destroyer in a limited traverse mount off-set to the left side of the hull. The primary gunsight used to aim this weapon is set front and center in the hull and can be used by both the vehicle's gunner and commander. While it comes equipped with no standard secondary weapons some vehicles incorporate a pintle-mounted Heavy Stubber or Storm Bolter. Other common upgrades include Camo Netting, Extra Armour, a Hunter-Killer Missile, Improved Comms, a Mine Sweeper, Rough Terrain Modification, a Searchlight, Track Guards and Smoke Launchers.[1d]
| Vehicle Name: | Destroyer Tank Hunter[1b] | Main Armament: | Laser Destroyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forge World of Origin: | Mars, Stygies VIII, Triplex Phall, Tolkhan, Estaban VII, Lucius, M'khand, Voss |
Secondary Armament: | None |
| Known Patterns: | I-IX | Traverse: | 5° |
| Crew: | Commander, Gunner, Driver | Elevation: | From -3° to +12° |
| Powerplant: | MR230 V12 Multi-Fuel | Main Ammunition: | 20 shots from power pack |
| Weight: | 52 tonnes | Secondary Ammunition: | N/A |
| Length: | 7.08m | ||
| Width: | 4.86m | Armour | |
| Height: | 3.4m | ||
| Ground Clearance: | 0.45m | Superstructure: | 200mm |
| Fording Depth: | {{{Fording Depth}}} | Hull: | 150mm |
| Max Speed - on road | 50kph | Gun Mantlet | 150mm |
| Max Speed - off road: | 36kph | Vehicle Designation: | 0427-941-1877-LR0297 |
| Transport Capacity: | None | Firing Ports: | None |
| Access Points: | None | Turret: | N/A |
Regiments known to contain Destroyers
- 5th Deneb Armoured[1c]
- Eighth Pardus Armoured[2]
- Cadian 142nd Armoured — Defence of Cadia.[1c]
- Dniepr 9th Tank Corp[1c]
- Palladius 46th Armoured[1c]
- Valhallan 8th Armoured Regiment
- Valstadt 13th Armoured — Karsundi river crossing on Lammas.[1c]
See also
Images
Sources
- 1: Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy
- 2: Honour Guard (Novel) — The Saint (Omnibus), Chapter Nine
