Land Raider
The Land Raider (originally known as Land's Raider) is a heavily armoured personnel carrier and occasional heavy tank used primarily by the Space Marines and Chaos Space Marines, but also by the Adeptus Mechanicus[9b], Inquisition[4a], and even especially influential Rogue Traders.[11a][16] It is capable of operating in virtually any kind of planetary environment. Its hull fully isolates its occupants from the environment and provides life support functions, allowing operation on inhospitable and airless planets from complete vacuum to ocean floors.[11b]
The Land Raider is designed to move at a good speed while still carrying heavy armaments as well as a number of warriors within its armoured hull. It is a Standard Template Construct vehicle, like many others in the armouries of Imperial forces and has been modified several times since its rediscovery. The standard modern pattern of Land Raider however is known as the Land Raider Phobos[9a] which provided with none the less standard M32 "Cyclops" class battle cogitator.[11b]
Contents
History
Origins
The Land Raider has its origins in the Dark Age of Technology, when humankind expanded out of its home system. Its construction method was incorporated into the great STC system, allowing it to be built locally by colonists even if they lacked any great technical knowledge. With the widespread breakdown of human civilisation during the Age of Strife, production of the vehicle was ceased.[4a]
During the Great Crusade the Land Raider STC design was rediscovered, allowing their manufacture once more. The discoverer is commonly believed to be the Techno-archaeologist Magos Arkhan Land who, at the very birth of the Imperium, is said to have rediscovered the STC designs hidden beneath the surface of Mars. These vehicles were incorporated into the arsenals of the Imperium's forces, used by both the Space Marine Legions and the Imperial Army. Such was the demand for the Land Raider that an entire Forge World, Anvilus 9, was devoted entirely to Land Raider production, supplying thousands upon thousands of Land Raiders to the Emperor's holy forces.[4a]
It is not known when the first Land Raider was deployed. Some Imperial archaeologists claim that it was first used during the Siege of Delebrion, while others maintain that it was first deployed during the massed tank battles of Calysto Platinum at the start of the Great Crusade.[15b]
However, at the outset of the Horus Heresy, Anvilus 9 along with other Forge Worlds was seized by the Dark Mechanicum aligned with Horus, while others chose to secede from the Imperium and remain neutral. This would prove to be a terrible blow to the Loyalists as their supply of Land Raiders began to dry up, especially since, in sufficient numbers, Land Raiders can take on and destroy even Titans.[4a] With the dark clouds of the rebellion drawing closer to Terra, the Emperor ordered that all Land Raiders still in loyalist service were to be transferred and used exclusively by the Legiones Astartes, who were at the forefront of the fighting. The Emperor was never able to annul the order, and consequently, even after the Heresy, the use of the Land Raider remained exclusive to the Space Marines.[2]
The Land Raider in the 41st Millennium
Land Raiders are used by Space Marines as well as by their counterparts in the Traitor Legions, who have continued to employ the vehicle after their defeat and exile.[3]
Since its rediscovery over ten thousand years ago, newly discovered STC information and modifications to the original design have produced different marks and variants. Most of these variants have been recognised by the Priesthood of Mars. Some of these are the Land Raider Crusader, Land Raider Helios, Land Raider Prometheus, Land Raider Ares, Land Raider Redeemer[8c] and Land Raider Terminus Ultra.[11b]
According to the organisational guidelines laid down by the Codex Astartes, the Land Raider is only used by the 1st Company of a Space Marine chapter. However, some less orthodox or non-codex compliant chapters are known to use it more widely. The Salamanders chapter uses an altered version of the Codex Astartes with 12 squads in the 1st company instead of 10, increasing the maximum number of Land Raiders available to 12.[22]
Land Raiders may also be formed into Armoured Spearheads, designed to punch holes through enemy lines and allow penetration into their rear areas.
Design
Armament
The standard Land Raider is armed with a hull-mounted twin-linked heavy bolter and two side sponsons each with twin-linked lascannons. It may also be fitted with a pintle mounted storm bolter. Sponson weapons are controlled through a slaved remote targeting system, and aimed through multi-spectral optic periscopes located around the turret rings.[4d]
The lascannons are of the 'Godhammer' Kz9.76 design, requiring replacement barrels after 2000 shots.[4d] The lascannons are situated in a 180 degree traversable mount, traversing at 80 degrees/second. They can elevate from +42 degrees to -32 degrees.[15a]
The gyro-stabilised 998AV Massada pattern 'Firefury' heavy bolter is situated beneath a ceramite/titanium bonded armour cowling, is fed by an armoured chain fed from an armoured magazine and sits on top of an electric magnetic turntable. It can elevate from from +90 degrees to -3 degrees within the 90 degree forward arc, rising to +33 degrees on all other facings.[15a]
The M33 MkVI auxiliary storm bolter incorporates an autosight, geno-coded firing grips and a 200 round ammunition hopper equipped with all-purpose bolter rounds.[15a]
Armour
The Land Raider uses a form of composite armour created by bonding layers in huge, high-pressure cookers, giving it a level of protection incomparable to most other Imperial vehicles. The first, inner armour layer, in addition to structural supports, is constructed of adamantine. The second is a titanium/plasteel composite used to reinforce strategic locations, such as the assault ramp, front glacis and hatch doors. The next is a thermo-plas fibre mesh to absorb and dissipate high-energy laser weapons, followed by the first of two ceramite layers, designed to ablate against extreme heat and melta weapons,[4a] finally ending in an outer layer consisting of a non-magnetic codex approved acrylic identification sheet.[15a] When combined, this armouring makes the Land Raider virtually immune to heavy artillery like Battle Cannons.[5] The armour is 3.75 inches thick on the front hull, 3.69 inches thick on the side hull and 3.61 inches thick on the rear hull and is reinforced by ceramite bonding studs all over the Land Raider.[15a] All in all, the Land Raider's armour is less than a third as thick as those of other armoured vehicles, but offers many times more protection than armour made out of most any other material used by the Imperium or its enemies.[11c]
Another defensive mechanism is provided by the MkII 'Tenebris' smoke discharging units, armed with Stygies 'C' pattern smoke grenades.[15a]
Mobility
Engine
Power for the Land Raider is provided for by a Mars pattern adaptable thermic combustor reaction engine, situated in the rear of the vehicle. It is kept cool by a nitro-ammonium cooling system, and protected from malfunction and Daemonic possession by Adeptus Mechanicus manufacturing sigils and purity seals. The engine provides power for all of the Land Raider's systems and can propel it up to an on-road speed of 55 km/h.[4a] It can be adapted to run on almost fuel type, including a variety of gases, fossil fuels, liquids and even vegetative matter.[15b] The engine outputs 3000 bhp and allows an operational range of 387 miles in reactor only mode, while in dual fuel reactor operation mode this range is extended to 1200 miles.[15a]
Suspension
The Land Raider has a ground clearance of 1 foot 5 inches by use of hydro-compressive suspension units, has a maximum gradient climb of 65% and exerts a pressure of 15.5 psi upon the ground. Furthermore, it is capable of crossing a trench up to 18 feet wide and can overcome vertical obstacles up to 6 feet 2 inches in height.[15a] Finally, the Land Raider is fully submersible to around 36.57 meters.[4d]
Equipment
Machine Spirit
Every Land Raider is equipped with automatic control systems known as a Machine Spirit. The Machine Spirit assists the crew in operating the tank and, in extreme circumstances, can operate the vehicle all on its own.[4a] It is a M32 'Cyclops' class Machine Spirit, operating at a cogitation speed of 30,000 co/second and featuring a maximum contemplation capacity of 3000 kilobrains. The Cyclops features alembic shielding, aetheric stabiliser rod caps, a pseudo-synaptic relay and is fed by phlogiston and etheric feed coils. Data input is provided by an external sensory interface cortex and the 'Redeye' external monitor, while outputting through an external hailing speaker.[15a]
Perhaps the most famous example of this was Rynn's Might which, despite lacking any crew, proceeded to kill an Ork Warboss and his followers before eventually being destroyed.[23]
Besides the Machine Spirit, the Land Raider feature triple-redundant banks of analytical engines and communication arrays to facilitate extensive command and control. These even allow deep range strikes behind enemy lines.[15b]
Hull Equipment
The main part of the hull is taken up by the troop compartment, which is accessible from the outside both by the auto-scaling frontal assault ramp as well as by the side-mounted armoured hatches, who are separated from the internal compartment by inner blast doors.[15a]
The hull also features a secondary, reinforced cupola, which features the auxiliary storm bolter and multi-spectrum optical pick-ups. The secondary cupola is protected by an auto-scaling hatch cover. It also incorporates a systems status display, a narrow band long range communications array, an external umbilical cord and can traverse by usage of an electro-magnetic traverse ring.[15a]
Besides the secondary cupola, the Land Raider has an auxiliary external mounting, which can mount a 'Nightwatch' class auto-surveyor, which incorporates an armoured dish.[15a]
Other Equipment
The Land Raider is hermetically sealed, allowing it to operate in outer space, at the bottom of an ocean and any other unusual environment.[1] It also includes atmospheric sampling equipment, an air filtration and purification unit, and rad-counters for operation in hazardous environments. Each Land Raider also contains significant command and control equipment. The commander is able to monitor his unit's bio-status and other information through Individual squad status screens, using information transmitted by their power armour through the vehicle's communications dish. The commander also has access to a holographic tactical display and can directly interface with the Machine Spirit.[4a]
The station of the Land Raider's commander is equipped with a systems status display, an omni-directional geno-coded control column and a multi-function auger. The commander itself is seated in a morphic seat, directly connecting via a spinal implant interface and umbilical pick-ups to the tank.[15a]
The commander also has access to a traversable reinforced cupola on top of the Land Raider, fitted with an auto-sealing hatch and incorporating multi-spectral optical pickups and a wide-band local communications array.[15a]
For security purposes, all controls are gene-coded to prevent their unauthorized use by the enemy.[4a] The Land Raider also possesses an auto-tarot reader, 2 megawatt quarz/halogen headlight units,[15a] medical facilities and a shrine dedicated to spiritual purity.[15b]
Other standard equipment includes a Searchlight and Smoke Launchers. Additional upgrades include Dozer Blades, Extra Armour, a Hunter-killer Missile, and a Multi-Melta.[10] The Hunter-Killer Missile is an MKVIII 'Avenger' pattern.[15a]
Also the distinctive feature common to many patterns of Land Raider is the consecrated 'aquila' track links. The twelve consecutive track links standing for the twelve High Lords of the Imperium and the thirteenth bears the double-headed eagle symbol, that represents the Emperor himself. So during the campaigns of the Space Marines a planet's surface is repeatedly stamped with the authority of the Emperor as if he himself marched there.[11c] The track links are made from a cast pseudo-titanium alloy.[15a]
Transportation
The Land Raider has an impressive carrying capacity, either 10 Space Marines in Power Armour or 5 in Terminator Armour.[10] Since it is hermetically sealed, the Land Raider has no fire ports for the embarked troops to use. The Space Marines can exit from three access points, two hatches located on both sides of the vehicle or a special front assault ramp for disembarking troops straight into combat.[4d] On Deathworlds and other harsh environments the Land Raider allows Space Marines to recharge their environmental and energy systems, extending their operational range.[15b]
Technical Information
| Vehicle Name: | Land Raider Phobos[4e] | Main Armament: | 2x Twin-linked Lascannons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forge World of Origin: | Mars | Secondary Armament: | Twin-linked Heavy Bolter |
| Known Patterns: | III-XXVII | Traverse: | 180° |
| Crew: | Driver, Commander | Elevation: | From -32° to +42° |
| Powerplant: | Adaptable Thermic Combustion w/ Auxillary Reactor | Main Ammunition: | Unlimited |
| Weight: | 72.0 tonnes | Secondary Ammunition: | 2600 rounds |
| Length: | 10.3m | ||
| Width: | 6.1m | Armour | |
| Height: | 4.11m | ||
| Ground Clearance: | 0.45m | Superstructure: | 95mm |
| Fording Depth: | Hull: | 95mm | |
| Max Speed - on road | 55kph | Gun Mantlet | N/A |
| Max Speed - off road: | 48kph | Vehicle Designation: | 0120-766-0724-PR113 |
| Transport Capacity: | 10 (5)[10] | Firing Ports: | N/A |
| Access Points: | 3 | Turret: | N/A |
Known Variants
Besides the standard Land Raider Phobos, many other patterns exist:[9a]
- Land Raider Achilles
- Land Raider Anvilarum
- Land Raider Ares
- Land Raider Crusader
- Hellfire Land Raider
- Land Raider Helios
- Land Raider Prometheus
- Land Raider Proteus
- Land Raider Redeemer
- Land Raider Spartan
- Land Raider Tartarus - noted as a basic pattern for the Land Raider Prometheus[4b]
- Land Raider Terminus Ultra
- Land Raider Excelsior
- Grey Knights Land Raider
- Deathwing Land Raider
- Venerable Land Raider
- Grav-Raider
- Repulsor
Main Patterns
- MkI - Derived from the original agricultural tractor STC, this version is cramped, slow and under armed when compared to later models. It was quickly replaced by Rhinos and Predators prior to the adoption of the MkII models. Several variants exist, through none saw widespread service. Some models may still exceptionally be found in the arsenals of some Planetary Governors. The Orks are known to have thousands of MkIs, but they have been so modified by the Xenos that the vehicles are now unrecognizable. It has also been speculated that the Eldar surprisingly possess a few MkIs as well, though they are used in their original role as civilian agricultural vehicles.[14]
- MkII - Considerably improved, this version sported twice the firepower and improved speed due to a more powerful power plant. This is the most common model still in use with the Traitor Legions.[14]
- MkIIb - With the side gun sponsons placed in front of the side hatch.[4f]
- MkIIc - Command variant containing specialized communication and devotional equipment, usually converted in the field from the best Land Raiders in the company.[14]
- MkII Spartan[14]
- MkIII - Using the lessons learned from the Spartan, this version featured vastly improved lascannons and thicker armour, as well as a redesigned troop compartment better suited for Terminators. The increase in weight and size resulted in a slight reduction in speed.[14]
- MkIIIc - Command variant externally identical to the MkIII.[14]
- MkV - With the side gun sponsons placed after the side hatch.[4e]
Chaos Land Raiders
The Land Raiders in the service of the Traitor Legions are ten thousand year old machines, the same Land Raiders the Legions took with them when they fled into the Eye of Terror following the defeat of their rebellion. In place of the Machine Spirit is a daemonic force which assumes control of the movement of the vehicle in the event the crew are in some way disabled or even dead, as well as assisting in the operation of the weapon systems.[3]
Chaos Land Raiders can also be land raiders stolen or acquired from Imperial loyalists, and corrupted into the service of Chaos, rather than solely Horus Heresy era examples.[24]
A heavily modified Chaos Land Raider (3rd Ed.)[17]
Death's Shadow Vomit Tongues Death Guard Land Raider[25][26]
Named Land Raiders
- Cestus — Iron Hands.[4c]
- Eagle's Claw — Red Talons. Fought with Traitors during the Battle of Amion.[11b]
- Ghoulsheim — Sons of Carnage.[13]
- Maximus — Ultramarines.[8a]
- Metallus Gravus — Iron Hands.[4c]
- Phraetus — Raptors Chapter. Fought in the Origo Blockade.[4g]
- Rynn's Might — Crimson Fists.[8b]
- Voltar — Space Wolves.[4h]
- Sword of Fire — Howling Griffons Built during and used in Veidt's Schism. Built using lower quality materials due to a blockade.[15a]
Images
Ultramarines Land Raider (3rd Ed.)[7]
1st Edition Plastic Land Raider[12]
Epic Scale Land Raider model
3rd Edition Epic Scale Land Raider model
Usage by Xenos
- The Orks are known to convert some Land Raiders into Looted Wagons.[20]
- Harlequins are known to turn vehicles and robots agains their makers, and have in this way aquired Land Raiders and other vehicles. When they do so, they paint them in lavish colors and bedeck them in Harlequin banners.[21a]
Harlequin acquired Land Raider, Golden Daemon entry by Steve MacSorley.[19]
A looted Land Raider.[20]
Trivia
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- The Land Raider strongly resembles the Mark V, one of the first tanks ever created which were designed and fielded by the British in World War I. A 2nd Edition conversion of a Deathwing Land Raider was even explicitly built on a Mark V model chassis.[18]
- The standard Land Raider (Phobos) armed with Twin-linked Lascannons and Heavy Bolters is sometimes referred to as the Land Raider Godhammer. It is so named for the Lascannons it mounts, which are known as the Godhammer pattern. This name is used mostly on online forums. In-universe, it is never referred to as such.
See also
Sources
- 1: Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition),
[Help] - 2: History of the Land Raider on the official Games Workshop website (saved archive page, dated 2 October 2007, last accessed 9 July 2024), additionally archived here
- 3: Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition), pg. 36
- 4: Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition
- 5: White Dwarf 303 (US), pg. 21
- 6: Chaos Land Raider (saved archive page, dated 8 July 2024, last accessed 9 July 2024)
- 7: Land Raider (saved archive page, dated 8 July 2024, last accessed 9 July 2024)
- 8: Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)
- 9: The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal
- 10: Codex: Space Marines (6th Edition), pg. 177
- 11: Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes
- 12: White Dwarf 105 (UK), backcover
- 13: Codex: Chaos Space Marines (8th Edition), pg. 114
- 14: Firepower (magazine) Issue 3, pg. 29
- 15: White Dwarf 245 (UK):
- 16: The Citadel Journal 9, pg. 24 - Rogue Traders by Gavin Tyler
Fanatic Press - 17: White Dwarf 281 (UK) pg.69
- 18: White Dwarf 203 (UK) pg.23
- 19: Fantasy Miniatures (1989) pg.21
Golden Demon - 20: Warhammer 40,000 Collectible Card Game (game system)
- 21: Warhammer 40,000: Compendium
- 22: Codex Supplement: Salamanders (8th Edition), pgs. 11-12
- 23: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition), pg. 81
- 24: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution
- 25: The Art of Clint Langley, pg. 82
- 26: Warhammer 40,000 Collectible Card Game (game system) Death's Shadow card
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Uncited
- Chapter Approved 2001
- Various Apocalypse Datasheets
