Changes

The origins of the fighter are long lost, but it shares similarities to the [[STC]] patterns with craft such as the [[Thunderbolt]] and [[Amhut Voyager]]. The design itself was brought into Imperial service in 806.[[M30]] from the [[Rhadamanthys Enclave]]. The fighter's performance puts great stress on its pilot, something [[Space Marines]] were naturally able to withstand.{{Fn|2}} Xiphon Interceptors were further outfitted with [[Ramjet Diffraction Grid|Ramjet Diffraction Grids]],{{Fn|6}} [[Scanner|Tracking Auguries]] and [[Chaff Launcher|Chaff Launchers]].{{Fn|2}}

Capable of both atmospheric and space flight, a Xiphon carries two pairs of twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s and a [[Xiphon Rotary Missile Launcher]] into battle. This firepower, combined with the interceptor's speed and agility, makes it a deadly opponent.{{Fn|1}} Xiphon Interceptors were further outfitted with [[Ramjet Diffraction Grid|Ramjet Diffraction Grids]],{{Fn|6}} [[Scanner|Tracking Auguries]] and [[Chaff Launcher|Chaff Launchers]].{{Fn|2}} However, the design was complex, had limited range, and was ill-favored favoured by the [[Mechanicum]], which preferred the larger [[Wrath Pattern Starfighter|Wrath fighter]]. Thus, by the end of the [[Great Crusade]] it had fallen out of frontline service in all Space Marine Legions except the [[Dark Angels]] and [[Ultramarines]], though the demands of the [[Horus Heresy]] forced many Legions to press them into service once more.{{Fn|2}}