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The '''Caestus Assault Ram''' is one of several assault rams found throughout the [[Imperium of Man]] and the most common one used by [[Space Marine]] [[Chapters]]. Smaller in size compared to a [[Thunderhawk]] or [[Boarding Torpedo]], the Caestus and other assault rams are designed to participate in close range boarding actions in space. This [[Attack Craft]]'s compact and heavily-armoured frame can not only survive but is intended to directly collide with another space craft in order to deliver its cargo.{{Fn|1}}

Caestus has been in Imperium service as ship-to-ship boarding vessel since the [[Great Crusade]]. Going through the time of [[Horus Heresy]] and all of the wars that followed this dim and ancient period, it is still used in the [[Space Marines]] armies in [[41st MilleniumMillennium]].{{Fn|3a}}

The Caestus' chief advantages over other boarding methods is its incredible speed and durability, thanks to [[extra armour]]ing and additional short-fire rocket-motors and afterburners, although it has less range and versatility. Operated from a blast shielded cockpit, the Caestus' principle armament is a [[Magna-Melta]] supported by two wing-mounted [[Firefury Missile Launcher]]s, while its twin heavily-armoured prows can together carry an entire Space Marine squad. In order to properly fulfill its assault ram role the Caestus' forward superstructure is further buttressed by a near-unique inertial and recoil compensation system. This 'misericorde'{{Fn|1}} (or 'Misericordia'){{Fn|3a}} system consists of multiple retractable inertia suppression clamps which connect with a Space Marine's [[Terminator Armour]] or [[Power Armour]], locking them in place and protecting them from any impact short of one which could destroy the entire craft.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}

While it was originally constructed only for boarding operations, the rediscoveries of [[Arkhan Land]] has allowed the Caestus to be fitted with anti-gravitic plating for participation in groundside operations. Common upgrades for the craft include a [[Teleport Homer]] and [[Frag Assault Launcher]]s.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}

In its typical role of assault ram the Caestus uses its Mega-Melta to weaken an enemy spacecraft's hull armour, allowing for the armoured prows to more easily penetrate and disgorge their passengers, who exit through the forward assault ramps. However since the addition of grav coils the craft can also participate in orbital insertions and provide ground support; acting as a heavy battle skimmer its' massive melta weapon can be devastating against enemy tanks and bunkers. However most Chapters still maintain Thunderhawks and [[Drop Pods]] for these missions, reserving their assault rams for space operations or only the most dangerous drop zones. Fleet-bound chapters in particular make heavy use of the Caestus for combating the likes of asteroid bases and [[Space Hulk]]s.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}

|Operational Ceiling=N/A

*''[[Amaranth Fang]]'' - — of the [[Salamanders]]{{Fn|3c}}*''[[Gore Dagger]]'' - — of the [[Space Wolves]]{{Fn|3c}}*''[[Secutor Crimson]]'' - — of the [[Red Hunters]]{{Fn|3c}}*''[[Spectre of Death (Caestus Assault Ram)|Spectre of Death]]'' - — of the [[Star Phantoms]]{{Fn|3c}}

**{{Endn|3a}}: pgs. 142-143

[[Category: Vehicles (Space Marines)]][[Category: Fleet (Space Marines)]]