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==Overview==
At the time of the [[Horus Heresy]] it was a recent design, compared to the older [[Lucifer Dreadnought|Lucifer]] and [[Castraferrum]] pattern Dreadnoughts. It was equipped with an [[Atomantic arc-reactor]], that allowed for enhanced speed and strength as well as [[Atomantic Shielding|defensive energy field systems]]. These advantages came with a price, however, for it requires a higher degree of maintenance and a catastrophic meltdown may occur if its arc reactor is breached.{{Fn|4a}}
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.{{Fn|4a}} Sacred [[Chapter]] memento-mori and ancient monuments on worlds like [[Necromunda (Planet)|Necromunda]] and [[Lorin Alpha]] give notion to the important place the Contemptor had in the earliest Imperial forces raised from [[Terra]], serving with other Dreadnought patterns in spearhead units in the [[Great Crusade]], the Horus Heresy and [[Scouring|its aftermath]], suffering incredibly high loses.{{Fn|1a}}
