Stormsword

The Stormsword is a super-heavy tank of the Imperial Guard that is the result of a field conversion of a wrecked Shadowsword tank. The original Volcano Cannon and all of its internal components have been replaced with a massive Hellhammer Siege Cannon and internal storage for its huge shells. The Stormsword has proven very reliable during urban combat, and is equipped to fight in close-quarters and against garrisoned infantry. The Stormsword fills the role of close-combat super-heavy tank, whereas the Shadowsword fills the long-range role, the Stormblade fills the medium-range role, and the Baneblade fills the "all-rounder" role, fighting in close, medium, and long range battles.

History
The first Stormswords originated as salvaged Shadowsword chassis that were left without their weapons. The Stormsword, a name given by the Imperial Guard, is not an official STC design, and the conservative elements of the Adeptus Mechanicus looks down upon those who deploy them. The Imperial Commanders on the ground have a much more pragmatic view of the situation, if it is able to do what is needed then it is good enough for them. In the 41st Millennium some Forge Worlds are even producing them in limited numbers.

Armament
The Stormsword is armed with a massive gun known as a Hellhammer Siege Cannon as its main weapon. This massive weapon launches large 180 kg rocket-propelled shells packed with enough explosives to bring down most buildings with a single hit. The gunners are trained to aim at the base of the building to ensure its collapse. Due to the size of the shells the tank can only hold 20 and the reloading process is painfully slow. The propulsion system for the shells give the gun slightly longer range than the more common Demolisher Cannon. The Stormsword is used as a front-line tank during urban battles, the tank clears the way for infantry and other vehicles, it can destroy most obstacles by simply running them over. The tank is also armed with sponson-mounted Heavy Bolters and Heavy Flamers, the tank will clear enemy infantry out of cover with the heavy flamers and then pick them off with the heavy bolters. The tank can also have a pintle-mounted Heavy Stubber or Storm Bolter, a Hunter-Killer Missile Launcher, Improved Communication Systems, searchlights, a mine sweeper, and smoke launchers.

Known Regiments That Make Use of Stormswords

 * 8th Armageddon Heavy Tank Company of the Armageddon Steel Legion
 * 17th Tallarn Heavy Tank Company
 * 8th Cadian Heavy Tank Regiment
 * 61st Krieg Tank Regiment
 * 6th Cadian Armoured Regiment

Known Stormswords

 * Throne of Ishrehael of the 6th Cadian Armoured Regiment, this tank fought against the Forces of Chaos during the 13th Black Crusade of Abaddon the Despoiler.

Gallery
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