Leman Russ Exterminator
The Leman Russ Exterminator is a common and prolific variant of the Leman Russ Battle Tank used by the Imperial Guard and on occasion, the Space Wolves Chapter. It mounts a twin-linked Autocannon instead of the more common Battle cannon, making it more of an infantry hunter than an all-round battle tank.[1a][2a]
Contents
Overview
The Exterminator's twin Autocannons are synchronised to fire bursts of heavy-calibre, high-velocity shells equally effective against infantry and light vehicles,[2a] making it an ideal platform for combating hordes of Orks or Tyranids. In addition to its ability to lay down a withering hail of fire the Exterminator is also slightly faster than a Leman Russ thanks to the reduced size of its weapons. Many tank companies will include at least one Exterminator to use in the reconnaissance role, ranging ahead of the company to seek out enemy tanks. Exterminators are also frequently attached to their parent regiment's reconnaissance company, providing it with heavier firepower without negatively affecting the unit's speed and mobility. In an emergency the Extermiantor has also been used as a stopgap anti-aircraft tank; although its ability to throw up a wall of fire against enemy attacks may enjoy some excess, the tank's lack of elevation and proper targeter gear limits its utility in this role.[1a]
The Exterminator is generally equipped with Heavy Bolters in its hull mount and (if equipped) side sponsons to provide additional firepower.[1a] The hull mount can instead be fitted with a Heavy Flamer or Lascannon as well as Heavy Flamers, Multi-meltas or Plasma Cannons on the sponsons. A Searchlight and Smoke Launchers are standard on the Exterminator and it can be upgraded with Camo Netting, a Dozer Blade, Extra Armour, a Hunter-Killer Missile and a pintle-mounted Heavy Stubber or Storm Bolter.[2b]
| Vehicle Name: | Leman Russ Exterminator[1b] | Main Armament: | 2 x Autocannons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forge World of Origin: | Gryphonne IV | Secondary Armament: | Lascannon or Heavy Bolter |
| Known Patterns: | IV-XVI | Traverse: | 360° |
| Crew: | Commander, Gunner, Driver, Loader, 2 Sponson Gunners | Elevation: | From -8° to 26° |
| Powerplant: | HL230 V12 Multi-Fuel | Main Ammunition: | 360 Rounds |
| Weight: | 58 tonnes | Secondary Ammunition: | Unlimited or 600 Rounds |
| Length: | 7.08m | ||
| Width: | 4.86m | Armour | |
| Height: | 4.42m | ||
| Ground Clearance: | 0.45m | Superstructure: | 180mm |
| Fording Depth: | {{{Fording Depth}}} | Hull: | 150mm |
| Max Speed - on road | 40kph | Gun Mantlet | 100mm |
| Max Speed - off road: | 24kph | Vehicle Designation: | 0427-941-1907-LR0072 |
| Transport Capacity: | None | Firing Ports: | N/A |
| Access Points: | N/A | Turret: | 200mm |
Known Patterns
- Gryphonne IV pattern - Distinctive turret incorporates heavily-armoured gun mantlet and additional armour plates on sides. Twin autocannons feature recoil dampeners but lack muzzle breaks or flash suppressors.[1a]
- Mars pattern[1c]
Regiments known to include Exterminators
- 8th Pardus Armoured Regiment
- Cadian 98th Armoured Regiment - Luxor Uprising
- Cadian 155th Armoured Regiment - defence of Cadia
- Catachan 19th Jungle Fighters Regiment "Scorpion Fangs" - Armageddon Secundus
- Mortant 113th Armoured Regiment
- Palladius 8th Armoured Regiment - Atria Wilderness campaign
- Pavarian 3rd Armoured Regiment[4]
- Valhallan 28th Armoured Regiment - retreat to the Auriga Parallel, Ice World of Adhara
- Vellurian 12th Armoured Cavalry Regiment[Needs Citation]
Space Wolves
In honour of their primarch, Leman Russ, the Space Wolves keep a number of Leman Russ Exterminators in their armoury. They rarely use these in battle, but when they are deployed the effects are devastating, the tanks' fearsome array of weaponry enhanced further by the skills of the Space Marines inside.[3]
Images
A Gryphonne IV Exterminator (by Forge World)
A "Mars Alpha" pattern Exterminator (by Forge World)
Leman Russ Exterminator (5th edition)
Space Wolves Leman Russ Exterminator
Sources
- 1: Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy
- 2: Codex: Imperial Guard
- 3: Codex: Space Wolves (3rd Edition), pg. 12
- 4: Imperial Armour Volume One - Second Edition: Imperial Guard, pg. 17
Uncited
 |
- White Dwarf 366 (UK), pg. 3
- Double Eagle (Novel), [Needs Citation], pg. 52
