Manticore (Tank)
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.[1a]
Contents
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.[1a][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.[1a] While the Storm Eagle Cluster Munition is the most commonly fired weapon[2], 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.[1a]
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]
Beside the standard missiles it can be armed with oxy-phospor incendiary warheads and became a devastating anti-infantry weapon.[5]
Main in-flight rocket motors generates for the rocket speeds of up to 300 metres per second once airborne.[1a]
| Vehicle Name: | Manticore Missile Launcher[1b] | 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 | ||
| Width: | 3.78m | Armour | |
| Height: | 3.29m | ||
| Ground Clearance: | 0.45m | Superstructure: | 100mm |
| Fording Depth: | {{{Fording Depth}}} | Hull: | 150mm |
| Max Speed - on road | 60kph | Gun Mantlet | N/A |
| Max Speed - off road: | 45kph | Vehicle Designation: | 0427-941-3043-MA3 |
| Transport Capacity: | None | Firing Ports: | N/A |
| Access Points: | N/A | Turret: | 100mm |
Regiments known to contain Manticore Missile Launchers
- Cadian 31st Armoured Regiment - Levilnor IV
- Cadian 122nd Shock Troops Regiment - fought in the streets of Vogen City during the Zhai-Khan Uprising
- Catachan 146th Jungle Fighters Regiment "Red Cobras" - Equatorial jungles of Yarant III
- Krieg 22nd Armoured Regiment - Barbarius Campaign
- Phyressian 14th Armoured Regiment
- Tallarn 17th Armoured
- Valhallan 58th Armoured Regiment - Rogue Trader Milos Baral's exploration force - Prath-Veil subsector
Gallery
- Models
Manticore
Manticore
1st Edition Epic Manticore
Known Patterns
- Models
Stygies VIII pattern[1b]
Note, that while the missiles on the Graia pattern Manticore are the most noticeable difference from the more common Stygies VIII pattern, these are incendiary missiles and are not specific to the Graia pattern, which differs from the Stygies VIII version by tower details.
Sources
- 1: Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy
- 2: Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition), pg. 54
- 3: Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II, pg. 7
- 4: Citadel Catalogue - Specialist Games 2009, pg. 21
- 5: Imperial Armour - Imperial Vehicles for Warhammer 40,000, pg. 60
