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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
m
added citation for Wargear 2e's "back breaker" name, removed citation and added CME to Astartes MK IVa image, as it's not present in the book.
==Description==
The heavy bolter is generally used for anti-infantry or fire support roles, also known as the "Back Breaker" or the "Bruiser" by the crew who have to carry it because of its great weight - but also because of the heavy punishment it can deal out to the enemy.{{Fn|11a}} It fires a round of .998{{Fn|35}} to 1.00 inch calibre,{{Fn|29}} considerably larger than that of the standard [[bolter]] shell, with more propellant and longer range and higher stopping power, making it capable of destroying light vehicles.{{Fn|5}}{{Fn|8}} Because of its high rate of fire, jamming is often a problem.{{Fn|5}} Like all [[bolt weapons]], heavy bolters require regular maintenance and ancient litanies to appease their spirits.{{Fn|5}} It is seldom seen outside military organizations.{{Fn|8}}
The heavy bolter's rate of fire is dependant on its role. Crew-served designs have a rate of fire of three shots a second,{{Fn|34}} while those mounted on a vehicle have a rate of fire of 850 rounds per minute.{{Fn|30}} Voidborne heavy bolters like those mounted on [[attack craft]]s like the [[Faustus Interceptor|Faustus]] have a rate of fire of a thousand rounds a second.{{Fn|31}}
===Astartes MK IVa===
[[Image:Heavy Bolter Astartes MK IVa.jpg|thumb|250px|center|Astartes MK IVa{{Fn|1CME}}]]
{{Clear}}
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (2nd Edition)]], **{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 35 {{Cite This}}
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (4th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Dark Angels (4th Edition)]], pg. 27
