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The '''Thunderbolt''' heavy fighter is the workhorse of the [[Imperial Navy]].{{Fn|2}} A rugged and reliable design, with good firepower and maneuverability, the Thunderbolt has been in service for centuries and remains well-liked by its crews.{{Fn|1a}}

==Tactical Role==

The Thunderbolt primarily serves as an air superiority fighter, given the task of hunting down enemy bombers or engaging enemy fighters in order to establish air superiority over the battlefield. However one of the chief advantages of the design is its versatility, allowing it to fulfill other types of missions. Thunderbolt fighters frequently serve as high altitude escort fighters for flights of [[Marauder Bomber]]s. They can also be adapted to serve as low level fighter-bombers, night fighters and reconnaissance aircraft.{{Fn|1a}} Typically, Imperial Navy Thunderbolt Wings operate thirty aircraft.{{Fn|2}}

==Technical Specifications==

The Thunderbolt is a tough aircraft to destroy, built around an armoured superstructure and cockpit.{{Fn|2}} Twin F122v afterburning turbofans gives the Thunderbolt a good top speed in atmospheric flight, while a rocket booster engine allows it to operate in the vacuum of space and for fast take-offs when mounted on ground-based hydraulic ramps. The Thunderbolt should not be confused with a true "star-fighter" like the [[Fury Interceptor]] though, as its space capabilities are used primarily when deploying from an orbiting spacecraft into the atmosphere or likewise returning.{{Fn|1a}}

EpicThunderbolt.jpg|Epic Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt.jpg|Artwork of the Side View of a Thunderbolt{{Fn|3}}

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*{{Endn|3}}: [[The Sabbat Worlds Crusade (Background Book)]], pg. 82

*{{Endn|4}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20110211195343/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m70040a_Strategy_cards_3 Strategy Cards] for [[Planetary Empires]] expansion game, card ''Interdiction - Minor Stratagem"'', ''(saved archive page, dated February 2011, last accessed 6 October 2015)''

{{ImpShips}}