Weapons Platforms are heavy weapons used by the Imperial Guard. Unlike their self-propelled cousins, these platforms must be towed into position, typically by their own dedicated transport which doubles as an ammunition carrier.[1] These platforms are commonly used to defend command posts, forward supply depots, or reinforce battlefield strongpoint.[2]
Types of Weapon Platform
Earthshaker Platform
Each Earthshaker Platform mounts the same Earthshaker Cannon found on a Basilisk, on a standard cruciform platform. They are one of the most common weapons used in artillery companies, especially during prolonged static campaigns where they can stay in the same position for weeks battering the enemy. Normally dug-in far to the rear, on occasion an Earthshaker will be brought forward for direct fire in support of friendly forces. Each one is crewed by a team of five Guardsmen in order to keep up a good rate of fire; in a pinch a minimum crew of four can suffice, although this is less than ideal. Only the Trojan support vehicle is powerful enough to tow this platform into position.[1] Each Earthshaker Platform normally has its own Trojan to move it, and also to carry extra ammunition during the prolonged fire missions.[5a] Using standard 5 powder charges, the Earthshaker can reach out to approximately 16,[1] 20,[8] or even a 100 km[9] with a 38 kg shell.[1]
The Earthshaker Platform is also capable of engaging aircraft,[7] operating under the name of Basilisk Anti-Aircraft Gun.[10]
Hurling a massive Earthshaker shell into the air, the AA gun uses pressure fuses to make the shell explode in a cloud of burning shrapnel, ripping apart aircraft frames and engines. A single gun is capable of downing the most heavily armoured aircraft. The AA gun is most often used against bomber formations and in batteries of dozens of guns to protect vital ground installations, like manufactories and airfields.[10]
Regiments known to contain Earthshaker Platforms
Hydra Platform
The Hydra Platform utilizes the same quad-autocannon turret as found on the Hydra Flak Tank. They are typically deployed to defend important static targets against air attacks such as bridges, command posts and airfields.[1] The Hydra Platform is mounted on a gyro-stabilised auto-tracking turret mount incorporating a targeting augur.[12] The Hydra platform is capable of filling the low altitude sky above itself with lethal shrapnel to deny the airspace to all but the most heavily armoured aircrafts.[11] Hydra platforms are typically towed into place by Trojan vehicles.[2]
Regiments known to contain Hydra Platforms
Manticore Platform
The least common of the weapons platforms, Manticore Platforms are equipped with four Manticore Missiles. This makes them highly versatile and able to fulfill multiple roles, from air defense to offensive bombardment, depending on the warhead with which they are armed. Such is the value of these platforms that it is standard practice to defend a Manticore site with a dedicated squad or platoon.[1] The Manticore Platform incorporates radar-guided targeting augurs, predictive logic engines and gyroscopic stabilisers, sophisticated but often temperamental systems that are difficult to manufacture. This means that supply of the platform is always outstripped by demand.[11] When used in a siege, a Manticore Platform can quickly deliver heavy firepower upon a target, collapsing void shields and destroying fortifications.[12] Each platform can be towed into place by a Trojan vehicle.[2] The main Forge Worlds where Manticore Platforms are produced include Voss, Gehenna and Stygies VIII.[5b]
Regiments known to contain Manticore Platforms
- Catachan 146th Jungle Fighters Regiment[6]
- Konig 27th Armoured Regiment[6]
- Valhallan 28th Armoured Regiment[6]
See Also
Sources
- 1: Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy, pg. 184
- 2: Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II, pg. 18
- 3: Hydra Weapons Platform (Saved archive page, dated Jan 2013, last accessed 30 June 2015)
- 4: Manticore Weapons Platform (Saved archive page, dated Aug 2012, last accessed 30 June 2015)
- 5: Imperial Armour - Imperial Vehicles for Warhammer 40,000
- 6: Imperial Armour Volume One - Second Edition: Imperial Guard, pgs. 192-193
- 7: Warhammer Community: Flight Plan: You're Grounded (posted 10/20/2020) (last accessed 10/20/2020)
- 8: Rogue Trader: Battlefleet Koronus, pg. 123
- 9: Tactica Imperialis (Background Book), pg. 90
- 10: Aeronautica Imperialis: Taros Air War, pg. 83
- 11: Aeronautica Imperialis: Rynn's World Air War, pg. 73
- 12: Imperial Armour Aeronautica, pg. 23
