View source for Chimera

{{ambig|subject=tank|disambiguation=Chimera}}
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The '''Chimera''' is the primary armoured infantry transport for the [[Imperial Guard]]. Highly durable and practical it has been used as a chassis for many other vehicles and has been in service for many thousands of years, typifying the fast moving warfare favoured by the Imperial Guard.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2a}}

==Battlefield Role==
[[File:IG5EChimeraArmouredTransport.jpg|200px|right|thumb|300px|A '''Chimera''' moving across the battlefield{{Fn|2a}}]]
The primary duty of the Chimera is to accompany tanks into battle and provide protection for the [[Guardsmen]] within so that they may support the tanks. Standard doctrine states that after the Chimera reaches its objective it lays down covering fire with its heavy weapons while the [[Imperial Guard Squad|squad]] within disembarks and advances. The Chimera then falls back to a firing position from which it can still support the infantry and await orders to race forward and collect the squad again to reposition them.{{Fn|3b}} When operating as part of an armoured advanced the Chimera often operate ahead of or on the flanks, as well as side-by-side with the [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]]s, providing additional weight to the tanks' massed firepower.{{Fn|1}} Besides the added mobility, firepower and protection, Chimeras allow infantry to take extra gear, including med-kits, [[vox]] equipment and more ammunition, making them far more efficient than their foot-slogging infantry.{{Fn|3b}} The Chimera is less useful though when forced to fight in urban settings or as part of static defences.{{Fn|1}}
[[Image:StormtrooperChimera.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Chimera in the service of [[Inquisitorial Stormtrooper]]s.{{Fn|4}}]]
The Chimera can fulfil additional roles and many basic variants of the standard vehicle exist. With their communication equipment and [[scanner]]s Chimeras are suitable command vehicles, while those with [[Dozer Blades]] can clear terrain for heavier vehicles to move through or provide night-time illumination from their [[Searchlight]]s.{{Fn|2a}} While generally armed with a [[Multi-laser]] and [[Heavy Bolter]], those fitted with a [[Heavy Flamer]] are popular when fighting in dense terrain such as jungles and forests; usually one in three Chimeras will be outfitted as a flame tank if other infantry close support vehicles, such as [[Leman Russ Demolisher|Demolishers]], [[Thunderer]]s and [[Hellhound]]s, are unavailable. Those equipped with [[Autocannon]]s also fulfil the light anti-vehicle role, while [[Gryphonne IV]] makes a unique Chimera variant mounting [[twin-linked]] Heavy Bolters, particularly effective against dense infantry formations such as [[Ork]] mobs and [[Tyranid]] swarms.{{Fn|3b}} The Chimera's chassis has also been employed to serve as a base platform for many specialised variants, including fuel tankers, ambulances, munitions carriers and even battlefield construction vehicles with bulldozers and cranes.{{Fn|1}} 

Chimeras have also been used by the [[Inquisition]] to transport [[Inquisitor]]s and their [[Inquisitorial Stormtroopers|stormtroopers]],{{Fn|4}} [[Purity Seal]]s affixed to the hulls to protect the vehicles' [[machine spirit]] and its passengers from [[daemonic possession]].{{Fn|1}}

==Technical Information==
The Chimera is a rugged and dependable machine able to operate in the most hostile environments,{{Fn|2a}} like toxic conditions,{{Fn|23}} thanks to onboard oxygen tanks{{Fn|3b}} and its air- and watertight hull.{{Fn|23}} It is also amphibious, able to traverse dense swamps and marshes, even rivers, in order to outflank the enemy.{{Fn|2a}}
[[Image:Wheeled Chimeras.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Wheeled Chimeras{{Fn|15}}]]
A driver and gunner sit forward in the hull, operating the hull-mounted [[Heavy Bolter]], while the commander sits in the turret and operates the turret-mounted [[Multi-laser]]{{Fn|3b}} of the XC 85/2 pattern, featuring a replaceable barrel, a charge readout and a flash suppressor and incorporating Mk 8 Martian pattern triple oscillating capacitors allowing for 9.875 second bursts after a 14.8 seconds recharge cycle.{{Fn|19a}}

The hull-mounted bolter can be switched out for a [[Heavy Flamer]], while the turret can instead be fitted with a Heavy Flamer, Heavy Bolter,{{Fn|2b}} 30mm{{Fn|21}} [[Autocannon]] or [[twin-linked]] Heavy Bolters.{{Fn|3b}} At least one Chimera has also been armed  with a turreted [[Lascannon]].{{Fn|22}}

In the rear of the vehicle is the troop compartment with room for twelve Guardsmen and their equipment with entry and exit provided by a back access ramp. The compartment also has mountings for six lasguns along either either flank of the vehicle, allowing the infantry within to fight from the Chimera's protective bulk, while the top hatch allows one of the embarked troopers to fire a heavy weapon, though this makes the vehicle more vulnerable to enemy fire.{{Fn|2a}}{{Fn|3b}} The lasguns are of the XC 49/4 pattern, featuring flash suppressors and optical sights. They use the Mk9 Rechargeable power packs with external solar convertors.{{Fn|19a}} 

In addition the Chimera comes standard with a [[Searchlight]] and [[Smoke Launchers]], while other common modifications include [[Camo Netting]], a [[Dozer Blade]], [[Extra Armour]],{{Fn|2b}} 200 blocks of explosive reactive armour,{{Fn|19b}} a [[Hunter-Killer Missile]] and/or a [[pintle-mounted]] [[Heavy Stubber]]/[[Storm Bolter]]{{Fn|2b}} on an anti-aircraft mount.{{Fn|19a}} 

The ceaseless production lines of [[manufactorum]]s of an [[Industrial World]] produces out thousands of Chimeras as well as [[Leman Russ Battle Tank|Leman Russ tanks]] every day.{{Fn|2c}} The Chimera uses the ultra-reliable A-50 gas turbine originally installed in the [[A-50 Armoured Transport]]. Predating the Chimera by several hundred years the gas turbine is old even by the standards of the [[Imperium]]. It has been declared sacrosanct by the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and its replacement is forbidden.{{Fn|18}} Nevertheless, other Chimeras use Vulcanor Pattern XVI Twin coupled rotary bio-gas power units.{{Fn|19b}} It can even be adapted to use a wide variety of power plants, ranging from sub-nuclear stacks to wood-burning steam turbines.{{Fn|1}} The Chimera's communication unit uses both an open band RF and an encrypted orbital uplink.{{Fn|19a}}

{{Imperial Vehicles
|Vehicle Name=Chimera{{Fn|3c}}
|Forge World of Origin=[[Gryphonne IV]]
|Known Patterns=II-XI
|Crew=Commander, Gunner, Driver
|Powerplant=Vulcanor 16 Twin Coupled Multi-Burn
|Weight=38 tonnes
|Length=6.90m
|Width=5.70m
|Height=3.72m
|Ground Clearance=0.45m
|Fording Depth=
|Max Speed - on road=70kph
|Max Speed - off road=55kph
|Main Armament=2 x [[Heavy Bolter]]
|Secondary Armament=[[Heavy Bolter]] or [[Heavy Flamer]]
|Gun Traverse=360&deg;
|Gun Elevation=From -8&deg; to +25&deg;
|Main Ammunition=1000 Rounds
|Secondary Ammunition=400 Rounds or 10 Shots
|Turret Armour=150mm
|Superstructure Armour=150mm
|Hull Armour=100mm
|Gun Mantlet Armour=N/A
|Vehicle Designation=0427-941-3062-CH124
|Transport=12
|Fire Ports=6 (3 left, 3 right)
|Access Points=1 Rear
}}

{{Imperial Vehicles
|Vehicle Name=Chimera{{Fn|3d}}
|Forge World of Origin=Gryphonne IV
|Known Patterns=III-IX
|Crew=Commander, Gunner, Driver
|Powerplant=Vulcanor 16 Twin Coupled Multi-Burn
|Weight=38 tonnes
|Length=6.90m
|Width=5.70m
|Height=3.72m
|Ground Clearance=0.45m
|Fording Depth=
|Max Speed - on road=70kph
|Max Speed - off road=55kph
|Main Armament=[[Heavy Flamer]]
|Secondary Armament=[[Heavy Bolter]] or [[Heavy Flamer]]
|Gun Traverse=360&deg;
|Gun Elevation=From -8&deg; to 25&deg;
|Main Ammunition=20 Shots
|Secondary Ammunition=400 Rounds or 10 Shots
|Turret Armour=150mm
|Superstructure Armour=150mm
|Hull Armour=100mm
|Gun Mantlet Armour=N/A
|Vehicle Designation=0427-941-3004-CH080
|Transport=12
|Fire Ports=6 (3 left, 3 right)
|Access Points=1 Rear
}}

==Forge World Variations==
*[[Mars]] pattern – Armed with turret-mounted [[Multi-laser]].{{Fn|3e}}
*[[Gryphonne IV]] pattern – Armed with turret-mounted [[Autocannon]] or [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|7}}

==Vehicle Variants==
[[Image:3chimeras.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Chimedon]], [[Chimerro]], [[Chimerax]] ([[Armourcast]] models)]]
Chimera variants:
*[[APDS-6a Defender]] – A variant produced on [[Armageddon]] as a stopgap for the planet's [[PDF]] in the wake of the [[Ork]] [[Armageddon Wars|invasion]].{{Fn|3a}}
*[[Chimedon]]
*[[Chimerro]]
*[[Chimerax]]
*[[Samaritan]]{{Fn|6}}
*'''Storm Chimera''' – A configuration issued to specialised units of the [[Death Korps of Krieg]] for frontline assaults. Modified with additional extensive ablative armour and primarily armed with an [[Autocannon]].{{Fn|10}}{{Fn|20}}
*'''Command Chimera''' – A variation of the Chimera used by guard [[officer]]s to transport themselves and their [[Imperial Guard Command Squad|command squads]]. They feature extensive vox arrays and sensors such as [[auspex]] to assist in gathering battlefield information and coordinating troops. These vehicles can often be distinguished by the numerous aerials and dishes attached to the APC's rear.{{Fn|12}}{{Fn|13}}
*'''Hippogriff''' – An [[Auspex]] reconnaissance tank that has armaments similar to a [[Manticore]].{{Fn|16}}
*'''Wheeled Chimera''' – A lesser known variant of the Chimera, which replaces the vehicle's tracks with six large tires. These are covered by mud guards attached to the Wheeled Chimera's hull and the guards' metal barred tops can be used to carry equipment.{{Fn|14}} 

Other vehicles based upon the Chimera chassis:
*[[Hellhound]]
*[[Basilisk]]
*[[Griffon]]
*[[Medusa Siege Tank]]
*[[Salamander Command Vehicle]]
*[[Salamander Scout Vehicle]]
*[[Hydra Flak Tank]]
*[[Manticore (Tank)|Manticore]]
*[[Trojan]]
*[[Death Strike Missile Launcher]]
*[[Pegasus AAV]]
*[[Pegasus Command]]
*[[Pegasus|Pegasus Armoured Fighting Vehicle]]
*[[Balius]] pattern in-battlefield refuelling tank{{Fn|11}}

==Regiments known to contain Chimeras==
*[[Armageddon Steel Legion]] – Defence of [[Hive Infernus]]{{Fn|3f}}
*[[Cadian 98th Armoured Regiment]] – [[Luxor Uprising]]
*[[Cadian 113th Mechanised Infantry Regiment]] – [[Cadian Gate]] garrison force
*[[Inquisitorial Storm Troopers]] – Service of [[Ordo Malleus]] [[Inquisitor]] [[Hector Rex]]{{Fn|3f}}
*[[Krieg 18th Armoured Regiment]] – [[Barbarius Campaign]]
*[[Krieg 23rd Mechanised Infantry Regiment]] – [[Cleansing of Radnar]]
*[[Magdellan 6th Armoured Regiment]] – Battle of [[Tsaragrad]]
*[[Mordian 84th Armoured Regiment]]
*[[Mortant 7th Regiment]] "Headhunters" – [[Sacking of Colonia]]
*[[Palladius 8th Armoured Regiment]] "The Warhounds" – [[Atria Wilderness]] campaign
*[[Phyressian 81st Armoured Regiment]]
*[[Tallarn 3rd Armoured Regiment]] – Defence of [[Balle Alpha]] (twin-linked Heavy Bolters)
*[[Valhallan 597th|Valhallan 597th Infantry Regiment]]{{Fn|17}}
*[[Valhallan 193rd Armoured Regiment]] – [[Achernar Prime]], [[Tymari Glacier Offensive]]

==Usage by Chaos==
Renegades, such as [[The Lost and the Damned]] and [[Traitor Guard]] will make use of Chimeras. Such Chimera's are often looted from Imperial armouries or taken as battle spoils, and daubed with profane sigils and heretical icons before being sent into battle against their former masters.{{fn|30}}
<gallery heights="160px" widths="180px" mode="nolines">
Traitor Chimera White Dwarf 317 (UK) pg 101.png|Traitor [[Chimera]], as part of a support element of an [[Iron Warriors]] army.{{Fn|24}}
Chimera with Heavy Flamer Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One pg 66.jpg|[[Vraksian Renegade Militia]] [[Chimera]] with [[Heavy Flamer]]{{fn|27}}
Traitor Guard Chimera.jpg|[[Traitor Guard]] Chimera{{fn|29}}
</gallery>

==Usage by Xenos and Xenos aligned Factions==
[[Genestealer Cult]]s are known to make use of Chimeras.
<gallery heights="120px" widths="250px" mode="nolines">
Genestealer Cult Chimera White Dwarf 206 (UK) pg.25.jpg|[[Genestealer Cult]] Chimera{{Fn|25}}
GCChimera.jpg|[[Genestealer Cult]] Chimera{{fn|28}}
</gallery>
<br>
*The [[Orks]] are known to convert Chimeras into [[Looted Wagon]]s{{Fn|26}}

==Images==
<gallery heights="120px" widths="250px" mode="nolines" caption="">
IGChimera5th.jpg|[[Catachan Jungle Fighters|Catachan]] Chimera equipped with a [[Multi-laser]] (5th Edition)
Chimera2.jpg| [[Cadian Shock Troopers|Cadian]] Chimera equipped with a [[Multi-laser]] (3rd Edition){{Fn|6}}
ChimeraAutocannon.jpg|Chimera equipped with an [[Autocannon]] known as a "Storm Chimera"{{Fn|7}}{{Fn|20}}
</gallery>
<gallery heights="120px" widths="250px" mode="packed" caption="">
ChimeraHeavyBolter.jpg|Chimera equipped with twin-linked [[Heavy Bolter]]s{{Fn|7}}
ChimeraHeavyFlamer.jpg|Chimera equipped with a [[Heavy Flamer]]{{Fn|9}}
Chimera3rd.jpg|[[Armageddon Steel Legion]] Chimera{{Fn|8}}
EpicChimera.jpg|[[Epic]]-scale Chimera
Chimintdet1.jpg|Chimera model interior
</gallery>

==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (2nd Edition)]], pg. 30
*2: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition)]]:
**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 39
**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 99
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 11
*3: [[Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy]]:
**{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 12
**{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 111
**{{Endn|3c}}: pg. 112
**{{Endn|3d}}: pg. 113
**{{Endn|3e}}: pg. 114
**{{Endn|3f}}: pg. 116
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition]], pg. 200
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]], pg. 257
*{{Endn|6}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod1070162 Games Workshop]
*{{Endn|7}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20021208024242/http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/chimbolt.htm Forge World] ''(saved archive page, dated Dec 2002, last accessed 1 July 2015)''
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Armageddon (3rd Edition)]], pg. 13
*{{Endn|9}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20150701082724/http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Images/Product/AlternativeFW/large/ChimFlam2.jpg Forge World] ''(saved archive page, last accessed 1 July 2015)''
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Twelve - The Fall of Orpheus]], pg. 193
*{{Endn|11}}: [[The Eye of Medusa (Novel)]], Chapter 3
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Dark Apostle (Novel)]], Chapter 13
*{{Endn|13}}: [[The Last Ditch (Novel)]], Chapter 23
*{{Endn|14}}: [[White Dwarf 491]], pg. 97 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords''
*{{Endn|15}}: [[White Dwarf 493]], pg. 94 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords''
*{{Endn|16}}: [[White Dwarf 493]], pg. 76 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords''
*{{Endn|17}}: [[For the Emperor (Novel)]] - [[Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium (Omnibus)]], Chapter Eight
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Epic Armageddon]] Rulebook, pg. 94
*19: [[Inferno! 5]] — ''Chimera Cutaway'':
**{{Endn|19a}}: pg. 64
**{{Endn|19b}}: pg. 65
*20: [https://assets.warhammer-community.com/warhammer40000_legends_astramilitarum_eng_24.09-oejr4yvzba.pdf Warhammer 10th Edition Legends - Astra Militarum Datacards], pgs. 11-12
*{{Endn|21}}: [[Gunheads (Novel)]] — [[Hammer of the Emperor (Omnibus)]], Chapter Five
*{{Endn|22}}: [[Scourge the Heretic (Novel)]], Chapter Three
*{{Endn|23}}: [[Dark Heresy Apocrypha: Vehicles & Riding Beasts]], pg. 14
*{{Endn|24}}: [[White Dwarf 317 (UK)]], pg. 101
*{{Endn|25}}: [[White Dwarf 206 (UK)]], pg. 25
*{{Endn|26}}: [[Chapter Approved 2018]], pgs. 8-11 - ''Looted Wagon''
*{{Endn|27}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One]] pg.66
*{{Endn|28}}: https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Genestealer-Cults-Armoured-Claw (dead-link; no archive available)
*{{Endn|29}}: [https://imgur.com/a/traitor-guard-armies-on-parade-Kd3hedI Traitor Guard Armies on Parade Imgur] See [[Traitor Guard/Sources]] for more details{{GDE}}
*{{Endn|30}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost and the Damned]] pg.167
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[[Category:Chimeras| ]]
[[Category:Vehicles (Adeptus Mechanicus)]]
[[Category:Vehicles (Astra Militarum)]]

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