Valkyrie

The Valkyrie is an Imperial Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) airborne assault carrier used primarily by the Imperial Guard as both a gunship and a transport for airborne combat regiments like Storm Trooper Squads and the Elysian Drop Troops. The Valkyrie's primary armament is a Multi-laser or a Lascannon that is mounted just to the side of the cockpit. The Valkyrie also can be fitted with two external fuel tanks to provide extended range, though these are more frequently swapped out for two Hellstrike (anti-armor) Missiles or Multiple Rocket Pods (anti-personnel)when the aircraft is intended to be used as an assault carrier instead of a more lightly-armed transport. When used as a transport to drop off or pick up troops, the Valkyrie can also deploy two door-mounted Heavy Bolters that are each manned by one gunner. This weapons load allows the Valkyrie, when using its VTOL capabilities, to stay on station once its troops have been dropped and provide air support or covering support fire during a difficult insertion. The Valkyrie and its variants are capable of carrying 12 troops, but cannot carry Ogryns. Valkyries that make use of the two additional external fuel tanks possess the cargo capacity to carry modified Drop Sentinels, Cyclops or Sentry Guns instead of a complement of Guardsmen.

Despite serving the Imperial Guard, a Valkyrie's crew is usually composed of pilots and armsmen from the Imperial Navy who are provided to the Guard on an as-needed basis. When a Valkyrie is expected to be assigned to the Guard for a long-duration assignment, usually to provide air support, the Imperial Navy modifies the aircraft by adding more heavily reinforced armour to better protect it in close firefights with enemy forces. The reinforced armour reduces the Valkyrie's maximum altitude and range due to the increased use of Promethium fuel, but it makes the Valkyrie a far more robust combat platform when it is carrying out its VTOL transport and gunship roles.

Valkyrie Vendetta
The Valkyrie Vendetta is a Valkyrie gunship modified to carry 3 Twin-linked Lascannons which allow it to operate in the role of a dedicated tank buster and anti-armour asset. Vendettas can also be equipped with 2 Hellfury Missiles that are loaded with incendiary submunitions to drive enemy troops from cover in lieu of their wing-mounted lascannons.