Leman Russ Punisher
The Leman Russ Punisher is a relatively recent variant of the Leman Russ Battle Tank.
Overview
The Punisher is directed towards anti-infantry firepower thanks to its main weapon, the Punisher Gatling Cannon. This multi-barrelled weapon allows the Punisher tank to achieve a rate of fire unmatched by all but a few other vehicles, though at a loss of anti-tank effectiveness, and Punisher tank crews have a reputation for being trigger-happy with this potent weapon. Indeed it is typical for Punisher crews to strip out all non-essential items in order to cram in as much ammunition as possible before setting off for battle.[1a][2]
Similar to the Leman Russ Demolisher and Leman Russ Executioner the Punisher is more heavily armoured to survive attacks at close range, especially useful when used against hordes of Orks and Tyranids. Often squadrons of Punishers will operate ahead of the main Imperial force, scything down the enemy to at the very least more manageable numbers for follow-on forces. It is predominately an infantry support vehicle however, and it's lack of sufficient anti-tank weaponry makes it vulnerable when facing enemy armoured forces.[2]
In addition to its main weapon, the Punisher carries a hull-mounted Heavy Bolter, Heavy Flamer or Lascannon. It can also be outfitted with two sponsons which mount either heavy bolters, heavy flamers, Multi-meltas or Plasma Cannons. Standard equipment also includes a Searchlight and Smoke Launchers and it can be upgraded with Camo Netting, a Dozer Blade, Extra Armour, a Hunter-Killer Missile and/or a pintle-mounted Heavy Stubber/Storm Bolter.[1b]
Usage by Chaos
Renegades, such as Traitor Guard and the Lost and the Damned, use a variety of Leman Russ Battle tanks, either looted or built in rebellious manufactorums, including variants such as the Punisher. Ill-used by their inexperienced crews, their sheer firepower tends to compensate for these shortcomings.[6]
Traitor Guard Punisher
Sources
- 1: Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition):
- 2: Imperial Armour Volume One - Second Edition: Imperial Guard, pg. 19
- 3: Leman Russ Demolisher/Punisher Box Art (5th Edition set)
- 4: Citadel Catalogue 2010, pg. 315
- 5: Games Workshop Leman Russ Battle Tank (last accessed 17 July 2010)
- 6: Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost and the Damned, pg. 172
