Changes

Attrition among Thunderbolt pilots is enormous, with few surviving for very long once deployed. Those that do survive may become deadly fighter aces remembered as heroes of the Imperium.{{Fn|5}} Besides the Navy, the Thunderbolt is also operated by the the [[Tech-Guard]] of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]].{{Fn|10}} ==History==The Thunderbolt has been in Imperial service for over ten millennia, thanks to its versatility, having been used to [[Siege of Terra|defend the Imperial Palace]]. During this period of service, the Thunderbolt has only been modified in minor ways for the myriad of different environments it has served in.{{Fn|10}}  During [[the Scouring|Scouring]] various alternative weapon fits to better combat heavy tanks and [[Titan]]s were trialed, but none were very successful, throwing the Thunderbolt off-balance and affecting the whole aircraft. These trials were finally ended with the development of the [[Marauder Bomber|Marauder]].{{Fn|10}}

The Thunderbolt is a tough aircraft to destroy, built around an armoured superstructure and cockpit,{{Fn|2}} made from [[armorplas]] and [[ceramite]].{{Fn|210}} Twin plasma ramjets{{Fn|10}} or 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}} by engaging the rocket booster engine after reaching the Thunderbolt's atmospheric ceiling.{{Fn|9a}}