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At the time of the [[Horus Heresy]] it was a recent design, compared to the older [[Lucifer Dreadnought|Lucifer]] and [[Castraferrum]] pattern Dreadnoughts. It was equipped with an Atomantic arc-reactor, that allowed for enhanced speed and strength as well as defensive energy field systems. These advantages came with a price, however, for it requires a higher degree of maintenance and a catastrophic meltdown may occur if its arc reactor is breached.{{Fn|4a}}
Once the standard pattern of Dreadnought in the [[Great Crusade]]-era, the ability to create new Contemptors is now beyond the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] or perhaps a closely guarded secret by certain [[Tech-Priest]] factions.{{Fn|4a}} Sacred [[Chapter]] memento-mori and ancient monuments on worlds like [[Necromunda (Planet)|Necromunda]] and [[Lorin Alpha]] give notion to the important place the Contemptor had in the earliest Imperial forces raised from [[Terra]], serving with other Dreadnought patterns in spearhead units in the [[Great Crusade]], the Horus Heresy and [[Scouring|it's aftermath]], suffering incredible high loses.{{Fn|1a}}
===Post-heresy===
===Wargear===
The Contemptor comes equipped with a [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]], a [[Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon]] with inbuilt [[Storm Bolter]], and [[Smoke launcher|Smoke launchers]]. It can also be mounted with a carapace-mounted [[Havoc Launcher]].{{Fn|2}} The Contemptor is protected by [[Atomantic Shielding]].{{Fn|1a}}
The Contemptor can replace its standard equipment with a variety of weaponry, including: a [[Rotor Cannon]], [[Multi-melta]], twin-linked [[Heavy Flamer]]s, twin-linked [[Autocannon]]s, [[Plasma Cannon]], heavy [[Conversion Beamer]], or twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s. The Contemptor can also replace its inbuilt twin-linked Bolter with a heavy flamer. The Contemptor can also be upgraded with [[Extra armour]], a [[Missile Launcher]], and a [[Searchlight]].{{Fn|2}}
====Contemptor-Mortis Dreadnought====
[[Image:Urien.jpg|thumb|220px||Contemptor-Mortis [[Urien]]{{Fn|3a}}]]
Instead of standard twin-linked heavy bolters, this class is armed with two weapons of the same type - [[Multi-Melta]]s, twin-linked [[Autocannon]]s, [[Kheres pattern Assault Cannon]]s, or twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s.{{Fn|1b}} The Mortis is often fitted with a helical targeting array slaved to enhanced target-cursing logis engines that allow it to track its foe with unprecedented accuracy and which make it particularly deadly against enemy flyers.{{Fn|3b}} The Mortis also features [[Atomantic Shielding]] and an auger cluster surrounding it's 'head unit'. It may be equipped with [[Extra Armour]], a [[Searchlight]] and a carapce-mounted [[Cyclone Missile Launcher]].{{Fn|1b}}
Although used by all Space Marine Legions, the Contemptor-Mortis was most often deployed by the [[Dark Angels]] and [[Iron Warrior]] Legions during the later years of the Great Crusade. After thousands of years, a number of revered Contemptor-Mortis are still operational.{{Fn|43}}