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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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==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 [[Rotor Cannon]], [[Multi-melta]], twin-linked [[Heavy Flamer]]s, twin-linked [[Autocannon]]s, [[Plasma Cannon]], heavy [[Conversion Beamer]], or twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s. The Contemptor can also replace its inbuilt storm bolter twin-linked Bolter with a heavy flamer. The Contemptor can also be upgraded with [[Extra armour]] , [[Missile Launcher]], 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. At the time of the [[Horus Heresy]] it was a recent design, equipped with advanced energy generators that allowed for enhanced speed and strength as well as defensive energy field systems. These advantages came with a price however, for it requires a higher degree of maintaneance and a catastrophic meltdown may occur if its arc reactor is breached.{{Fn|36}} 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|4a}} In the 41st Millennium, the [[Castaferrum Pattern Dreadnought]] has become the most common.{{Fn|3}}
