Space Marine Datasheet - "Watchtower" Anti-Air Dreadnought

[chrispcarter]

Charged with the extermination of a the Tyranid forces occupying the hollow remnant of a world on the eastern fringe which had once housed a large mining colony, the Ultramarines of the 9th Company were presented with a unique problem: The massive caverns in the husk of the planet proved to be nesting grounds for a deadly range of flying Tyranid organisms, but point of access were to small and the ground too uneven for the use of the Whirlwind Hyperios, and Hyperios platforms were not mobile enough to support the purgation campaign.

The solution, conceptualised by the Captain Ixion and adapted for use by Techmarines Dercius and Eridriachos of the Ultramarines, was the first "Watchtower" Dreadnought. Brother Bregus had his standard missile launcher replaced with the specialised missile launcher and target acquisition systems from a Whirlwind Hyperios, and his existiting twin-linked autocannon was adapted with an AA mount and slaved to the same targeting systems.

This proved highly effective for Bregus, and later Brother Pamean, who was refitted with two pairs of Autocannons to enable him to more efficiently tackle the faster of the Tyranids' flying forces.

Since this time the Ultramarines and other chapters have begun to arm Dreadnoughts in a similar fashion when the situation dictates and have evolved the design, making them a popular choice where the Hyperios Whirlwind or Defence Platforms are not practical for use.

Watchtower Dreadnought....................................... ..120 points

WS:4 BS:4 S:6 F:12 S:12 R:10 I:4 A:2

Unit Composition:
1 Watchtower Dreadnought

Unit Type:
Vehicle (Walker)

Wargear:
Twin-Linked Autocannon in AA Mount
Dreadnought Close Combat with built-in Storm Bolter
Smoke Launchers
Searchlight

Options:
Replace Storm Bolter w/ Heavy Flamer...........................+10 pts
Replace Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon with a
Twin-Linked Autocannon in an AA Mount.........................+20 pts
Replace Twin-Linked Autocannon and/or Dreadnought
Close Combat Weapon with a Hyperios Anti-Aircraft
Missile Launcher.......................................... ................+30 pts
Take up to two Hunter-Killer Missiles in AA mounts
(these may only be fired at flyers).................................+15 pts each
Take Extra Armour............................................ ..........+15 pts

Dedicated Transport:
May Select a Drop Pod (See Page 135 of Codex: Space Marines)

Weapons:
Hyperios Anti-Aircraft Missile Launcher
Range:48" Str:8 AP:3 Type:Heavy 1/AA Mount

(note that unlike the Whirlwind Hyperios, the Watchtower Dreadnought can fire the Hyperios Anti-Aircraft Missile Launcher after moving).

***

Thoughts? I reckon he is quite nice whilst about the right points, what does everyone else think?

[SaintAqueis]

Sounds good to me seeing as the basic dread in the new dex it 105, the base cost seems right for the speacilazation. And nice fluff behind it also.

[MadLarkin]

sweet! I could use one of these in my campaign if my opponents will allow it

[chrispcarter]

Well that's positive response so far so I shall consider it success!

Thanks to MadLarkin for the inspiration!

[Splata]

What is your reasoning behind the dread being able to fire if it moves when the tank can not?

My only other problem with it would be that perhaps the missile firing would be too strong for the stabilising systems on the dread. How do you feel about these points?

[chrispcarter]

Well this is how I see it:

The Dreadnought is capable of greater range of movement for weapons mounts on all axis while still mobile, and the fact that it is a walker makes it a more stable firing platform.

Also, the weapons are controlled by mind-impulse link with the interred marine rather than by conventional methods.