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The '''Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought''' is a [[Space Marine Dreadnought]] developed prior to the [[Horus Heresy]]. The Contemptor is larger and more powerful than standard Dreadnought patterns, featuring systems similar to those used by the automatons of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] [[Legio Cybernetica]] branch, including [[Atomantic Shielding]] field generator technology that would be implemented into the [[Storm Shield|Storm Shields]] of Space Marine [[Terminators]].{{Fn|1}}
==Overview==
The Contemptor comes equipped with a [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]], a [[Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon]] with inbuilt [[Storm Bolter]], and [[Smoke launcher|Smoke launchers]]. The Contemptor can replace its standard equipment with a variety of weaponry, including: a [[Multi-melta]], twin-linked [[Heavy Flamer|Heavy Flamers]], [[Plasma Cannon]], heavy [[Conversion Beamer]], or twin-linked [[Lascannon|Lascannons]]. The Contemptor can also replace its inbuilt storm bolter with a heavy flamer. The Contemptor can also be upgraded with [[Extra armour]] and a [[Searchlight]].{{Fn|2}}
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. Some believe that the design may share systems with the dreaded, near-mythical battle-automata of the [[Legio Cybernetica]]. If this is the case, it may explain why so few Contemptors remain in service as of [[M41]]. Those few that still remain in service are relics of the [[Great Crusade]], [[Horus Heresy]], and [[The Scouring]].{{Fn|4}} In the 41st Millennium, the [[Castaferrum Pattern Dreadnought]] has become the most common.{{Fn|3}}
===Technical Information===
{{Imperial Vehicles
|Vehicle Name=Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought
|Access Points=N/A
}}
===Contemptor-Cortus Class Dreadnought===
First created during the [[Ullanor Crusade]], the Contemptor-Cortus was a variant of the highly successful ‘Prime’ Contemptor pattern. Utilizing many base components, the most sophisticated systems were replaced with robust - if less potent - systems which could be more readily fabricated in the field by the [[Legiones Astartes]]. The result was a war machine with its own unique strengths and combat characteristics, but also with a not-undeserved reputation for instability. However as the [[Horus Heresy]] broke out, this more easily produced variant of Contemptor Dreadnought was returned to widespread service.{{Fn|}}
[[Image:CortusDread.jpg|thumb|center|220px|A Contemptor-Cortus Class Dreadnought with a heavy [[Conversion Beamer]] ]]
==Notable Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts==
*{{Endn|3}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]] pg.99
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]] pg.176
*{{Endn|5}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-ES/Contemptor-Cortus-Class-Dreadnought-Talon Forge World]
{{SMHeresy}}
[[Category:Vehicles (Space Marines)|Dreadnought, Contemptor]]
