[[Image:Xiphon.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ultramarines]] Xiphon Pattern Interceptor]]The '''Xiphon Pattern Interceptor''' was a fighter aircraft first first used by the [[Legiones Astartes]] during the [[Horus Heresy]]. {{Fn|1}}

Capable [[Image:Xiphon75.jpg|thumb|right|280px|[[Space Wolves]] Xiphon Interceptor]]The origins of both atmospheric and space flightthe fighter are long lost, but it carried two pairs of twin-lined shares similarities to the [[STC]] patterns with craft such as the [[LascannonThunderbolt]]s and a [[Xiphon Rotary Missile LauncherAmhut Voyager]] . The design itself was brought into battleImperial service in 806. This firepower combined with [[M30]] from the interceptor[[Rhadamanthys Enclave]]. The fighter's speed and agility made it a deadly opponentperformance puts great stress on its pilot, something [[Space Marines]] were naturally able to withstand.{{Fn|12}} However the design was complex, had limited range, ill-favored by the Xiphon Interceptors were further outfitted with [[MechanicumRamjet Diffraction Grid|Ramjet Diffraction Grids]], and was preferred by the larger {{Fn|6}} [[Wrath Pattern StarfighterScanner|Wrath]]. Thus by the end of the [[Great Crusade]] it had fallen out of frontline service in all Space Marine Legions except the [[Dark AngelsTracking Auguries]] and [[UltramarinesChaff Launcher|Chaff Launchers]], though the demands of the Heresy forced many more Legion's to press them into service once more.{{Fn|2}}

The origins Capable of both atmospheric and space flight, a Xiphon carries two pairs of twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s and a [[Xiphon Rotary Missile Launcher]] into battle. This firepower, combined with the fighter are long lostinterceptor's speed and agility, but makes it shares similarities to a deadly opponent.{{Fn|1}} However, the design was complex, had limited range, and was ill-favored by the [[STCMechanicum]] patterns with craft such as , which preferred the larger [[ThunderboltWrath Pattern Starfighter|Wrath fighter]] and . Thus, by the end of the [[Amhut VoyagerGreat Crusade]]. The design itself was brought into Imperial it had fallen out of frontline service in 806.all Space Marine Legions except the [[M30Dark Angels]] from the and [[Rhadamanthys EnclaveUltramarines]]. The fighters performance puts great stress on its pilot, something though the demands of the [[Space MarinesHorus Heresy]] were naturally able forced many Legions to withstandpress them into service once more.{{Fn|2}}

The Xiphon was a high-performance machine that required constant micro-management by its Astartes pilot to maintain equilibrium in the aircraft due to an engine system that was designed to operate both in the void and a wide variety of atmospheres. In addition, it was too lightweight and under-powered. This often frustrated Xiphon pilots, though they still appreciated its excellent turning speeds, agility, and touch responsive controls.{{Fn|3}} While introduced during the Great Crusade-era, the Xiphon continues to be used by modern Space Marine [[Chapter]]s{{Fn|4}} as an integral part of the arsenal, thanks to its adaptable armament, which allows the Xiphon to successfully engage both air and ground targets. It is piloted by an experienced [[battle-brother]].{{Fn|5}} ==Known Patterns==*'''Shu'urga Pattern''' - Used by the [[White Scars]] during the [[Horus Heresy]].{{Fn|7}} ==Images==<gallery heights="160px" widths="220px" mode="nolines" caption=""> Xiphon.jpg|[[Ultramarines]] Xiphon Pattern Interceptor{{Fn|1}}AIXiphon.jpg|Xiphon miniatures for ''[[Aeronautica Imperialis (game)|Aeronautica Imperialis]]''{{Fn|4}}</gallery> ==See Alsoalso==

*{{Endn|1}}: [httphttps://www.forgeworld.co.uk/New_Stuffen-GB/XIPHON_INTERCEPTOR.html Xiphon-Pattern-Interceptor-FW-2020 Forge World] ''(last accessed 28 May 20153rd April 2022)''*{{Endn|2}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Five- Tempest]] , pg.216*{{Endn|3}}: [[Ferrus Manus: The Gorgon of Medusa (Novel)]], Chapter 1*{{Endn|4}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/05/06/warhammer-fest-online-day-4-warhammer-underworlds-necromunda-and-aeronautica-imperialis/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Fest Online: Day 4 – Warhammer Underworlds, Necromunda, and Aeronautica Imperialis (posted 06/05/2021)] ''(last accessed 06 May 2021)''*{{Endn|5}}: [[Aeronautica Imperialis: Companion]], pg. 17*{{Endn|6}}: [[Liber Astartes (2nd Edition)]], pg. 63*{{Endn|7}}: [[The Path of Heaven (Novel)]], Chapter 2

[[Category:Vehicles (Space Marines)Marine Aircraft]][[Category:FlyersXiphons| ]] [[fr:Xiphon]]