Atlas

The "Atlus" is a recovery vehicle used by the forces of the Imperial Guard and possibly other Imperial forces such as the Planetary Defense Forces and the Inquisition to recover damages or immobilized armoured vehicles during and after a battle. The Atlus uses a powerful rear-mounted crane to tow vehicles out of the line of fire and to the field repair shop, where they can be fixed and sent back to the battle. Heavily damaged vehicles can be placed on trailers and hauled away by a Trojan to be repaired at a better-equipped facility. The large spade on the rear of the Altus is used to keep the tank from being dragged backwards by the weight of its target. If a vehicle is completely destroyed, and beyond repair, it is stripped of usable equipment and unfired ammo, its Machine Spirit commended to the Emperor, and then left to rust in peace.

Uses
The Atlus is mainly used to recover damaged or immobilized tanks front the front where they can be repaired, but it can also be used to simply move a vehicle out of the way of the other vehicles, and to move other obstructions. An Atlus is capable of lifting and towing up to one Leman Russ tank, of any variant, but if anything larger, such as an Imperial Baneblade, needs towed up to four Atluses will be needed to move it even a short distance. A regiment lucky enough to have multiple Atlus tanks usually groups them all into one single recovery squadron that is directly under the command of the regimental colonel and his staff. The tanks are given out as needed to the companies.

Armament
The Atlus uses the same Mars Alpha pattern chassis as the Leman Russ battle tank, but with the turret ring and armour plating removed and the engine overcharged to provide more power. The Atlus is always kept in reserve during battle until it is needed, when it enters the battlefield to tow a stricken tank it is always protected by friendly units until it is clear of the fight, so the tank is only equipped with a hull-mounted Heavy Bolter for general protection. The tank can be upgraded with Camo-Netting, Extra Armour, a Hunter-killer Missile Launcher, Improved Communication System, a Mine Sweeper, a pintle-mounted Heavy Stubber/Storm Bolter, Rough Terrain Modifications, A Searchlight, Track Guards, and Smoke Launchers.

Known Regiments That Make Use Of The Atlus

 * Krieg 28th Armoured Regiment - Galan V Expedition Force
 * Teutonian 121st Armoured Regiment
 * Cadian 74th Armoured Regiment - Defense of Hamman's World

Gallery
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