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[[File:Tarantula_Sentry_Gun.jpg|thumb|250px|A Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with Twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s]]
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[[File:TarantulaSentryGun0000.jpg|thumb|250px|A Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]] keeping enemy units from advancing down a corridor]]
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The '''Tarantula Sentry Gun''', sometimes simply referred to as a '''Sentry Gun''', is an automated mobile weapons system used by the [[Imperial Guard]], [[Planetary Defence Forces]], the [[Adeptus Arbites]], and the [[Adeptus Astartes]]. The exact origins of the Tarantula's nickname is unknown. The Tarantula Sentry Gun is operated by a [[Machine Spirit]] controlled logic engine capable of operating entirely without human input, as such the Tarantula is used in a variety of roles where human soldiers may be caught at a disadvantage, such as covering approaches to key positions, conducting watch over perimeter defences against surprise attacks, and defending landing sites and extraction routes, where they can delay enemy pursuers while Imperial Forces retreat. The most effective use of Tarantula Sentry Gun is in tunnel or starship void combat, where when positioned at the end of a corridor they can keep enemy units pinned under heavy fire while being safe from flaking operations. While the automated systems of the Tarantula turret will fire upon whatever target that is in its range it will first check for and engage hostiles that it is best armed to deal with, a Tarantula armed with [[Heavy Bolter]]s will fire upon enemy infantry first and a Tarantula armed with [[Lascannons]] will fire upon enemy vehicles first, only after the sentry's main target is destroyed will it fire upon secondary targets. The Tarantula Sentry Gun and its variants are powered by a small power cell that is located safely inside of the turret housing. Tarantulas, and other Sentry Guns not named in Imperial Records can be used during void combat by [[Imperial Navy]] or even [[Imperial Guard]] personnel in transport ships awaiting deployment to a new destination. Sentry Guns used in void combat can be used both for defence against enemy boarding parties and as extra firepower during friendly boarding actions.
The '''Tarantula''' is an automated mobile weapon system used by Imperial military forces that is more commonly known as a '''Sentry Gun'''. The Tarantula can be moved readily about the battlefield. It is primarily used to defend strategic locations and bases for Imperial forces. The Tarantula is usually armed with either twin-linked [[Heavy Bolter]]s for anti-infantry defense, or twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s for anti-vehicle defense. [[Space Marines]] also make use of a variant armed with a single [[Multi-melta|Multi-Melta]], which is an even more potent choice for anti-vehicle defense. The Tarantula is used as an invaluable defensive tool for defending static positions in one variant or another by nearly all the Imperial armed forces, including the [[Imperial Guard]], the [[Imperial Navy]], the [[Space Marines]], the forces of the [[Inquisition]] and even [[Planetary Defence Forces]].
 
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==Imperial Guard Tarantula Sentry Guns==
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[[File:TarantulaSentryGun00.png|thumb|250px|A Tarantula Sentry Gun battery of the [[Imperial Guard]] during combat]]
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The Tarantula Sentry Gun is well liked by [[Imperial Guard]] troops as it frees up manpower and keeps soldiers from having to perform guard duty, and Imperial Commanders enjoy the use of sentry guns because, unlike a human soldier, a machine will never dose off or be caught off-guard while reminiscing about the girls back home! The Imperial Guard and [[Planetary Defence Forces]] can transport their Tarantulas into position by carrying them in the troop holds of a [[Chimera]] armoured personnel transport and any other large transport due to the sentry gun's light weight and small size. Imperial [[Storm Troopers]] and Drop Troopers such as the [[Elysian Drop Troops]] make use of Tarantulas by deploying them from airborne [[Valkyrie]] transports, the sentry gun will be safely guided to the ground via [[Grav-Chute]], sometimes they are packaged into crates to help protect them. Tarantula Sentry Guns are usually deployed onto the battlefield in batteries consisting of up to three sentries, and these sentries will remain active and engage hostile forces until they run out of ammunition or are destroyed. The [[Adeptus Arbites]] uses Tarantulas to defend their precincts and for riot suppression and crowd control, and can transport them in the rear holds of their [[Rhino]] transports. Once deployed, due to the hassle involved with moving them, Tarantulas are mostly used for static defence, as moving them in the middle of a firefight is extremely difficult. The most common pattern of Tarantula Sentry Gun used by the [[Imperial Guard]] is the Metalica pattern, originating from the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] [[Forge World]] of [[Metalica]].
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==Space Marine Tarantula Sentry Guns==
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[[File:TarantulaSentryGun12.png|thumb|250px|A Space Marine Hyperios Air Defence Platform, a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun]] scanning the skies for enemy aircraft
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Most [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]]s keep a supply of Tarantulas in their armouries, as they find them highly useful for routine guard duties due to them being automated and not needing much manpower to move into position and keep operational. The Adeptus Astartes makes use of Tarantula Sentry Guns to defend important strategic positions such as forward bases and other important positions as many times a Chapter's strike forces lack any additional manpower to be dedicated as sentries. The Astartes have many ways of deploying Tarantulas to the battlefield, the most common being deployed via [[Thunderhawk]] or [[Stormraven]], although there are many Chapters that will deploy Tarantulas via other means, such as [[Drop Pod]]s or Teleporting from their orbiting [[Strike Cruiser]] or [[Battle Barge]]. Once an Astartes Tarantula is on the ground they can be moved to different locations by use of [[Rhino]] or [[Land Raider]] transports. The Tarantula Sentry Guns used by the Adeptus Astartes utilise the same basic automated turret and weapons as the [[Razorback]] armoured personnel carrier, and sometimes when a Razorback is destroyed in combat its turret will be salvaged and made into a Tarantula, but only with the aid of a [[Techmarine]] reading the appropriate Rites of Salvage. The Astartes make use of both the common [[Metalica]], [[Phaeton]], and [[Estaban III]] Patterns, much like the patterns deployed by the Imperial Guard and other Imperial Forces, although it is known that the Astartes variants of the Tarantula can be outfitted with different weapon loadouts and other equipment. There is also another class of Sentry Gun used by the Space Marines known as the Widowmaker class Sentry Gun, Imperial records have no information on this class of Sentry Gun. Most Space Marine Chapters will avoid fielding Tarantulas directly to the battlefield due to their lack of mobility, they will only be deployed as front-line weapons as a act of last resort or as additional firepower for individual squads operating deep within enemy territory, where reinforcements and vehicles may not be available.
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==Firing Modes==
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The Tarantula Sentry Gun has three primary firing modes that it can be set to when first activated on the field, they are as follows:
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*'''Point Defence Mode''' - Point Defence Mode is a firing mode where the Tarantula will fire its weapons upon enemies in a fixed, 45 degree angle firing arch. This mode is used to keep enemy units from approaching in a single direction, and is best used during tunnel and void combat boarding actions where they can be used to trap enemy combatants while they move down tight passageways.
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*'''Sentry Mode''' - Sentry Mode is a firing mode where the turret will fire upon any enemy that gets near, regardless of which direction the enemy approaches, this mode is used to protect the perimeters of forward bases and strategic locations where the enemy can come from many directions.
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*'''Interceptor Mode''' - Interceptor Mode is a firing mode where the Tarantula will target and fire upon enemy aircraft that attempt to land in the sentry gun's firing range and general area. This mode is used to keep the enemy from landing additional reinforcements in the area, and in this mode the Tarantula can target many types of enemy landers, including [[Drop Pods]]. While in this mode sentry guns will not engage enemy ground forces.
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*'''Ambush Mode''' - Ambush Mode is a programmed directive that can be used during both Point Defence Mode and Sentry Mode. While in Ambush Mode the Tarantula Sentry Gun, usually covered with camouflage netting and well hidden, will allow enemy units to get well within its range and then open fire upon the unsuspecting targets.
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==Armament==
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[[File:TarantulaSentryGun11.png|thumb|250px|A Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s guarding a interior corridor]]
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There are many types of Sentry Gun weapon loadouts, the most common loadout features either a set of [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s for anti-infantry fighting or a set of [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]] for anti-armour defence. These loadouts are the most common and are used by all Imperial Forces who make use of Tarantulas. Tarantula Sentry Guns used by the Adeptus Astartes can also be armed with a [[Multi-Melta]] and a searchlight for close-range defence or a set of [[twin-linked]] [[Assault Cannon]]s for combat against heavy infantry, although the latter is relatively uncommon. Tarantula Sentry Guns can be outfitted with camouflage netting to better conceal them from the enemy.
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==Variants==
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There are several different variants of the Tarantula Sentry Gun in use by the Imperial Guard and the Adeptus Astartes, all known variants are as follows:
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*'''Spearhead Sentry Gun''' - Spearhead Sentry Guns are a somewhat smaller variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun and are used in starship boarding actions during void combat. These sentry turrets are extremely effective due to the tight corridors and passageways on many Imperial Starships. Spearhead Sentry Guns are used both by Spearhead forces of attacking boarding parties and by the ship's defenders. These sentry guns are used by both [[Imperial Guard]] and [[Imperial Navy]] boarding parties and by the [[Adeptus Astartes]]. These sentry guns have a wide selection of weapons to be armed with, the most common being a set of [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s or [[Heavy Flamer]]s. They can also be armed with either a single [[Missile Launcher]] or [[Assault Cannon]]. Boarding parties or defenders expecting to deal with heavy infantry or even light vehicles, which may be encountered in cargo bays and vehicle holds may also arm their sentry guns with [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]], [[twin-linked]] [[Plasma Cannon]]s, or Quad [[Heavy Stubber]]s. There sentry guns can make use of the Point Defence and Sentry Modes.
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*'''Tarantula Sentry Gun Emplacement''' - Tarantula Sentry Guns can also be made part of a [[Turret Emplacement]], replacing the crew operated turret weapon with an automated Tarantula Sentry Gun. An emplaced Sentry Gun is less susceptible to enemy fire and has access to larger amounts of power and ammunition.
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*'''Hyperios Air Defence Platform''' - The Hyperios Air Defence Platform is a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun that is armed with a set of [[twin-linked]] [[Hyperios Missile Launcher]]s. This variant of the Tarantula is used by Space Marine [[Chapters]] as static emplacements to defend important strategic locations from enemy aircraft due to the Space Marine's notable lack of available anti-air vehicles. Space Marine Chapters value the Hyperios Air Defence Platform as it allows them to defend important locations and positions without tying up valuable Space Marines as crew or forcing a [[Whirlwind]] artillery tank armed with a [[Hyperios Missile Launcher]] to stay in one place to act as a static defence. A battery of Hyperios Air Defence Platforms is able to quickly clear the skies of hostile aircraft, usually acquiring and firing a salvo of missiles before most human gunners can even find their target.
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*'''Hyperios Command Platform''' - The Hyperios Command Platform is a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun that replaces its standard weaponry with an advanced tracking augur and command relay system. This variant can be used in conjunction with the Hyperios Air Defence Platform, usually as part of a battery, and gives any Hyperios Air Defence Platforms tethered to it higher degrees of accuracy against enemy aircraft.
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*'''Teleportation Array''' - A Teleportation Array is a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun in which the Tarantula's weapons are replaced with a [[Teleport Homer]]. This variant can be set up in the field by Space Marines and used to call in additional reinforcements from orbital starships via Teleportation. These devices allow for a much higher degree of accuracy and safety for the troops being teleported.
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==Derivatives==
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There is at least one known derivative variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun in use by the Imperial Guard, the Sabre Gun Platform:
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*'''[[Sabre Gun Platform]]''' - The Sabre Gun Platform is a derivative variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun that uses the Tarantula's legs and stabiliser system. The Sabre Gun Platform is a heavy weapons platform that is used by the [[Imperial Guard]] and unlike the automated Tarantula the Sabre must be operated by at least a single soldier.
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==Adeptus Mechanicus Technical Specifications==
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{| align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 500px; height: 500px;"
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|+'''Tarantula Sentry Gun'''
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Vehicle Name:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Tarantula Sentry Gun
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Main Armament:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|[[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Forge World of Origin:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|[[Metalica]]
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Secondary Armament:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Known Patterns:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|I - V
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Traverse:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|360 degrees
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Crew:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Automated ([[Machine Spirit]])
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Elevation:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|0 to 70 degrees
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Powerplant:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Internal Power Cell
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Main Ammunition:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|600 Rounds
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Weight:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|1.1 Tonnes
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Secondary Ammunition:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Length:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5.3 metres
  +
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|Armour:
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Width:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5.3 metres
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Height:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|1.6 metres
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Superstructure:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|10 millimetres
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Ground Clearance:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Hull:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Max Speed On-Road:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Gun Mantlet:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Max Speed Off-Road:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Vehicle Designation:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|0427-941-4098-TA551
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Transport Capacity:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Firing Ports:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Access Points:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Turret:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|10 millimetres
  +
|}
  +
  +
  +
{| align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 500px; height: 500px;"
  +
|+'''Tarantula Sentry Gun'''
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Vehicle Name:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Tarantula Sentry Gun
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Main Armament:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|[[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]]
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Forge World of Origin:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|[[Estaban III]]
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Secondary Armament:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Known Patterns:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|I - VII
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Traverse:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|360 degrees
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Crew:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Automated ([[Machine Spirit]])
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Elevation:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|0 to 70 degrees
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Powerplant:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Internal Power Cell
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Main Ammunition:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|20 shots from powerpack
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Weight:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|1.1 Tonnes
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Secondary Ammunition:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Length:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5.3 metres
  +
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|Armour:
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Width:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5.3 metres
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Height:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|1.5 metres
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Superstructure:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|10 millimetres
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Ground Clearance:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Hull:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Max Speed On-Road:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Gun Mantlet:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Max Speed Off-Road:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Vehicle Designation:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5463-028-8338-TA021
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Transport Capacity:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Firing Ports:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Access Points:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Turret:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|10 millimetres
  +
|}
  +
  +
  +
  +
{| align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 500px; height: 500px;"
  +
|+'''Hyperios Anti-Aircraft Platform'''
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Vehicle Name:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Hyperios Air Defence Platform
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Main Armament:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|[[twin-linked]] [[Hyperios Missile Launcher]]s
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Forge World of Origin:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|[[Phaeton]]
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Secondary Armament:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Known Patterns:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|I - III
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Traverse:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|360 degrees
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Crew:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Automated ([[Machine Spirit]])
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Elevation:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|0 to 70 degrees
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Powerplant:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|Internal Power Cell
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Main Ammunition:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|20 Missiles
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Weight:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|2.1 Tonnes
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Secondary Ammunition:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Length:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5.3 metres
  +
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|Armour:
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Width:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5.3 metres
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Height:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|1.8 metres
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Superstructure:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|10 millimetres
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Ground Clearance:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Hull:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Max Speed On-Road:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Gun Mantlet:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Max Speed Off-Road:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Vehicle Designation:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|5463-028-8339-TA024
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Transport Capacity:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Firing Ports:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
|-
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Access Points:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|N/A
  +
! style="text-align: center;"|Turret:
  +
| style="text-align: center;"|10 millimetres
  +
|}
  +
  +
==Also See==
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*[[Turret Emplacement]]
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*[[Sabre Gun Platform]]
  +
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*''Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy''
+
*''Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy'', pp. 194-197
*''Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign''
+
*''Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition'', pp. 173-178
*''Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project''
+
*''Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign'', pp. 125, 148, 275, 279
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project'', pp. 62, 64, 68, 70, 123, 131, 133, 135
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One'', pp. 67, 146, 166
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Six - The Siege of Vraks - Part Two'', pg. 144
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Seven - The Siege of Vraks - Part Three''
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Eight - Raid On Kastorel-Novem'', pg. 102
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One'', pp. 80, 104, 130, 152, 188
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two''
  +
*''Imperial Armour Volume Eleven - The Doom of Mymeara''
  +
*''Imperial Armour Apocalypse'', pg. 32
  +
*''Imperial Armour Apocalypse'' (2nd Edition), pg. 33
  +
*''Imperial Armour Apocalypse II'', pp. 19, 22
  +
*''Imperial Armour Aeronautica'', pg. 39
  +
*''[[Dawn of War]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Dawn of War - Winter Assault]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Dawn of War - Dark Crusade]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Dawn of War - Soulstorm]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Dawn of War II]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Dawn of War II - Retribution]]'' (PC Game)
  +
*''[[Space Marine (Game)|Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine]]'' (Game)
  +
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
<gallery spacing="small" captionalign="left">
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<gallery widths="200" spacing="small">
Smtaranmm.jpg|A Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with a [[Multi-Melta]]
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TarantulaSentryGun01.png|A Tarantula Sentry Gun of the Mordian 16th Armoured Regiment armed with [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s
Tarantula_Heavy_bolter_by_Forge_World.jpg|Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with Twin-linked [[Heavy Bolter]]s
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TarantulaSentryGun02.png|A Tarantula Sentry Gun of the [[Death Korps of Krieg]] 28th Armoured Regiment armed with [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]], this sentry gun was part of the Galan V Expeditionary Force
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TarantulaSentryGun10.png|A Hyperios Air Defence Platform of the [[Mortifactors]] Space Marine Chapter, this platform was part of the Chaeros Task Force during the [[13th Black Crusade]]
Lascannontarantula.jpg|Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with Twin-linked [[Lascannons]]
 
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TarantulaSentryGun09.png|A Tarantula Sentry Gun of the [[Praetors of Orpheus]] Space Marine Chapter armed with a [[Multi-Melta]], this sentry gun was part of Strike Force Naasirka during the Jotun Repression
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TarantulaSentryGun03.jpg|A Tarantula Sentry Gun of the [[Raptors]] Space Marine Chapter armed with [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s
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TarantulaSentryGun04.jpg|A Tarantula Sentry Gun of the [[Black Templars]] Space Marine Chapter armed with [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]]
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TarantulaSentryGun05.jpg|A Hyperios Air Defence Platform of the [[Raptors]] Space Marine Chapter
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TarantulaSentryGun06.jpg|A Hyperios Command Platform
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TarantulaSentryGun08.png|A Tarantula Sentry Gun guards an [[Imperial Guard]] strong-point from enemy attack
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TarantulaSentryGun000.jpg|An Imperial Guardsmen next to a Tarantula Sentry Gun
 
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[[Category:Adeptus Arbites]]
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[[Category:Space Marines]]
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Revision as of 03:44, 15 February 2013

TarantulaSentryGun0000

A Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with twin-linked Lascannons keeping enemy units from advancing down a corridor

The Tarantula Sentry Gun, sometimes simply referred to as a Sentry Gun, is an automated mobile weapons system used by the Imperial Guard, Planetary Defence Forces, the Adeptus Arbites, and the Adeptus Astartes. The exact origins of the Tarantula's nickname is unknown. The Tarantula Sentry Gun is operated by a Machine Spirit controlled logic engine capable of operating entirely without human input, as such the Tarantula is used in a variety of roles where human soldiers may be caught at a disadvantage, such as covering approaches to key positions, conducting watch over perimeter defences against surprise attacks, and defending landing sites and extraction routes, where they can delay enemy pursuers while Imperial Forces retreat. The most effective use of Tarantula Sentry Gun is in tunnel or starship void combat, where when positioned at the end of a corridor they can keep enemy units pinned under heavy fire while being safe from flaking operations. While the automated systems of the Tarantula turret will fire upon whatever target that is in its range it will first check for and engage hostiles that it is best armed to deal with, a Tarantula armed with Heavy Bolters will fire upon enemy infantry first and a Tarantula armed with Lascannons will fire upon enemy vehicles first, only after the sentry's main target is destroyed will it fire upon secondary targets. The Tarantula Sentry Gun and its variants are powered by a small power cell that is located safely inside of the turret housing. Tarantulas, and other Sentry Guns not named in Imperial Records can be used during void combat by Imperial Navy or even Imperial Guard personnel in transport ships awaiting deployment to a new destination. Sentry Guns used in void combat can be used both for defence against enemy boarding parties and as extra firepower during friendly boarding actions.

Imperial Guard Tarantula Sentry Guns

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A Tarantula Sentry Gun battery of the Imperial Guard during combat

The Tarantula Sentry Gun is well liked by Imperial Guard troops as it frees up manpower and keeps soldiers from having to perform guard duty, and Imperial Commanders enjoy the use of sentry guns because, unlike a human soldier, a machine will never dose off or be caught off-guard while reminiscing about the girls back home! The Imperial Guard and Planetary Defence Forces can transport their Tarantulas into position by carrying them in the troop holds of a Chimera armoured personnel transport and any other large transport due to the sentry gun's light weight and small size. Imperial Storm Troopers and Drop Troopers such as the Elysian Drop Troops make use of Tarantulas by deploying them from airborne Valkyrie transports, the sentry gun will be safely guided to the ground via Grav-Chute, sometimes they are packaged into crates to help protect them. Tarantula Sentry Guns are usually deployed onto the battlefield in batteries consisting of up to three sentries, and these sentries will remain active and engage hostile forces until they run out of ammunition or are destroyed. The Adeptus Arbites uses Tarantulas to defend their precincts and for riot suppression and crowd control, and can transport them in the rear holds of their Rhino transports. Once deployed, due to the hassle involved with moving them, Tarantulas are mostly used for static defence, as moving them in the middle of a firefight is extremely difficult. The most common pattern of Tarantula Sentry Gun used by the Imperial Guard is the Metalica pattern, originating from the Adeptus Mechanicus Forge World of Metalica.

Space Marine Tarantula Sentry Guns

TarantulaSentryGun12

A Space Marine Hyperios Air Defence Platform, a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun

scanning the skies for enemy aircraft

Most Space Marine Chapters keep a supply of Tarantulas in their armouries, as they find them highly useful for routine guard duties due to them being automated and not needing much manpower to move into position and keep operational. The Adeptus Astartes makes use of Tarantula Sentry Guns to defend important strategic positions such as forward bases and other important positions as many times a Chapter's strike forces lack any additional manpower to be dedicated as sentries. The Astartes have many ways of deploying Tarantulas to the battlefield, the most common being deployed via Thunderhawk or Stormraven, although there are many Chapters that will deploy Tarantulas via other means, such as Drop Pods or Teleporting from their orbiting Strike Cruiser or Battle Barge. Once an Astartes Tarantula is on the ground they can be moved to different locations by use of Rhino or Land Raider transports. The Tarantula Sentry Guns used by the Adeptus Astartes utilise the same basic automated turret and weapons as the Razorback armoured personnel carrier, and sometimes when a Razorback is destroyed in combat its turret will be salvaged and made into a Tarantula, but only with the aid of a Techmarine reading the appropriate Rites of Salvage. The Astartes make use of both the common Metalica, Phaeton, and Estaban III Patterns, much like the patterns deployed by the Imperial Guard and other Imperial Forces, although it is known that the Astartes variants of the Tarantula can be outfitted with different weapon loadouts and other equipment. There is also another class of Sentry Gun used by the Space Marines known as the Widowmaker class Sentry Gun, Imperial records have no information on this class of Sentry Gun. Most Space Marine Chapters will avoid fielding Tarantulas directly to the battlefield due to their lack of mobility, they will only be deployed as front-line weapons as a act of last resort or as additional firepower for individual squads operating deep within enemy territory, where reinforcements and vehicles may not be available.

Firing Modes

The Tarantula Sentry Gun has three primary firing modes that it can be set to when first activated on the field, they are as follows:

  • Point Defence Mode - Point Defence Mode is a firing mode where the Tarantula will fire its weapons upon enemies in a fixed, 45 degree angle firing arch. This mode is used to keep enemy units from approaching in a single direction, and is best used during tunnel and void combat boarding actions where they can be used to trap enemy combatants while they move down tight passageways.
  • Sentry Mode - Sentry Mode is a firing mode where the turret will fire upon any enemy that gets near, regardless of which direction the enemy approaches, this mode is used to protect the perimeters of forward bases and strategic locations where the enemy can come from many directions.
  • Interceptor Mode - Interceptor Mode is a firing mode where the Tarantula will target and fire upon enemy aircraft that attempt to land in the sentry gun's firing range and general area. This mode is used to keep the enemy from landing additional reinforcements in the area, and in this mode the Tarantula can target many types of enemy landers, including Drop Pods. While in this mode sentry guns will not engage enemy ground forces.
  • Ambush Mode - Ambush Mode is a programmed directive that can be used during both Point Defence Mode and Sentry Mode. While in Ambush Mode the Tarantula Sentry Gun, usually covered with camouflage netting and well hidden, will allow enemy units to get well within its range and then open fire upon the unsuspecting targets.

Armament

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A Tarantula Sentry Gun armed with twin-linked Heavy Bolters guarding a interior corridor

There are many types of Sentry Gun weapon loadouts, the most common loadout features either a set of twin-linked Heavy Bolters for anti-infantry fighting or a set of twin-linked Lascannons for anti-armour defence. These loadouts are the most common and are used by all Imperial Forces who make use of Tarantulas. Tarantula Sentry Guns used by the Adeptus Astartes can also be armed with a Multi-Melta and a searchlight for close-range defence or a set of twin-linked Assault Cannons for combat against heavy infantry, although the latter is relatively uncommon. Tarantula Sentry Guns can be outfitted with camouflage netting to better conceal them from the enemy.

Variants

There are several different variants of the Tarantula Sentry Gun in use by the Imperial Guard and the Adeptus Astartes, all known variants are as follows:

  • Spearhead Sentry Gun - Spearhead Sentry Guns are a somewhat smaller variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun and are used in starship boarding actions during void combat. These sentry turrets are extremely effective due to the tight corridors and passageways on many Imperial Starships. Spearhead Sentry Guns are used both by Spearhead forces of attacking boarding parties and by the ship's defenders. These sentry guns are used by both Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy boarding parties and by the Adeptus Astartes. These sentry guns have a wide selection of weapons to be armed with, the most common being a set of twin-linked Heavy Bolters or Heavy Flamers. They can also be armed with either a single Missile Launcher or Assault Cannon. Boarding parties or defenders expecting to deal with heavy infantry or even light vehicles, which may be encountered in cargo bays and vehicle holds may also arm their sentry guns with twin-linked Lascannons, twin-linked Plasma Cannons, or Quad Heavy Stubbers. There sentry guns can make use of the Point Defence and Sentry Modes.
  • Tarantula Sentry Gun Emplacement - Tarantula Sentry Guns can also be made part of a Turret Emplacement, replacing the crew operated turret weapon with an automated Tarantula Sentry Gun. An emplaced Sentry Gun is less susceptible to enemy fire and has access to larger amounts of power and ammunition.
  • Hyperios Air Defence Platform - The Hyperios Air Defence Platform is a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun that is armed with a set of twin-linked Hyperios Missile Launchers. This variant of the Tarantula is used by Space Marine Chapters as static emplacements to defend important strategic locations from enemy aircraft due to the Space Marine's notable lack of available anti-air vehicles. Space Marine Chapters value the Hyperios Air Defence Platform as it allows them to defend important locations and positions without tying up valuable Space Marines as crew or forcing a Whirlwind artillery tank armed with a Hyperios Missile Launcher to stay in one place to act as a static defence. A battery of Hyperios Air Defence Platforms is able to quickly clear the skies of hostile aircraft, usually acquiring and firing a salvo of missiles before most human gunners can even find their target.
  • Hyperios Command Platform - The Hyperios Command Platform is a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun that replaces its standard weaponry with an advanced tracking augur and command relay system. This variant can be used in conjunction with the Hyperios Air Defence Platform, usually as part of a battery, and gives any Hyperios Air Defence Platforms tethered to it higher degrees of accuracy against enemy aircraft.
  • Teleportation Array - A Teleportation Array is a variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun in which the Tarantula's weapons are replaced with a Teleport Homer. This variant can be set up in the field by Space Marines and used to call in additional reinforcements from orbital starships via Teleportation. These devices allow for a much higher degree of accuracy and safety for the troops being teleported.

Derivatives

There is at least one known derivative variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun in use by the Imperial Guard, the Sabre Gun Platform:

  • Sabre Gun Platform - The Sabre Gun Platform is a derivative variant of the Tarantula Sentry Gun that uses the Tarantula's legs and stabiliser system. The Sabre Gun Platform is a heavy weapons platform that is used by the Imperial Guard and unlike the automated Tarantula the Sabre must be operated by at least a single soldier.


Adeptus Mechanicus Technical Specifications

Tarantula Sentry Gun
Vehicle Name: Tarantula Sentry Gun Main Armament: twin-linked Heavy Bolters
Forge World of Origin: Metalica Secondary Armament: N/A
Known Patterns: I - V Traverse: 360 degrees
Crew: Automated (Machine Spirit) Elevation: 0 to 70 degrees
Powerplant: Internal Power Cell Main Ammunition: 600 Rounds
Weight: 1.1 Tonnes Secondary Ammunition: N/A
Length: 5.3 metres Armour:
Width: 5.3 metres
Height: 1.6 metres Superstructure: 10 millimetres
Ground Clearance: N/A Hull: N/A
Max Speed On-Road: N/A Gun Mantlet: N/A
Max Speed Off-Road: N/A Vehicle Designation: 0427-941-4098-TA551
Transport Capacity: N/A Firing Ports: N/A
Access Points: N/A Turret: 10 millimetres


Tarantula Sentry Gun
Vehicle Name: Tarantula Sentry Gun Main Armament: twin-linked Lascannons
Forge World of Origin: Estaban III Secondary Armament: N/A
Known Patterns: I - VII Traverse: 360 degrees
Crew: Automated (Machine Spirit) Elevation: 0 to 70 degrees
Powerplant: Internal Power Cell Main Ammunition: 20 shots from powerpack
Weight: 1.1 Tonnes Secondary Ammunition: N/A
Length: 5.3 metres Armour:
Width: 5.3 metres
Height: 1.5 metres Superstructure: 10 millimetres
Ground Clearance: N/A Hull: N/A
Max Speed On-Road: N/A Gun Mantlet: N/A
Max Speed Off-Road: N/A Vehicle Designation: 5463-028-8338-TA021
Transport Capacity: N/A Firing Ports: N/A
Access Points: N/A Turret: 10 millimetres


Hyperios Anti-Aircraft Platform
Vehicle Name: Hyperios Air Defence Platform Main Armament: twin-linked Hyperios Missile Launchers
Forge World of Origin: Phaeton Secondary Armament: N/A
Known Patterns: I - III Traverse: 360 degrees
Crew: Automated (Machine Spirit) Elevation: 0 to 70 degrees
Powerplant: Internal Power Cell Main Ammunition: 20 Missiles
Weight: 2.1 Tonnes Secondary Ammunition: N/A
Length: 5.3 metres Armour:
Width: 5.3 metres
Height: 1.8 metres Superstructure: 10 millimetres
Ground Clearance: N/A Hull: N/A
Max Speed On-Road: N/A Gun Mantlet: N/A
Max Speed Off-Road: N/A Vehicle Designation: 5463-028-8339-TA024
Transport Capacity: N/A Firing Ports: N/A
Access Points: N/A Turret: 10 millimetres

Also See

Sources

  • Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy, pp. 194-197
  • Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition, pp. 173-178
  • Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign, pp. 125, 148, 275, 279
  • Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project, pp. 62, 64, 68, 70, 123, 131, 133, 135
  • Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One, pp. 67, 146, 166
  • Imperial Armour Volume Six - The Siege of Vraks - Part Two, pg. 144
  • Imperial Armour Volume Seven - The Siege of Vraks - Part Three
  • Imperial Armour Volume Eight - Raid On Kastorel-Novem, pg. 102
  • Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One, pp. 80, 104, 130, 152, 188
  • Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two
  • Imperial Armour Volume Eleven - The Doom of Mymeara
  • Imperial Armour Apocalypse, pg. 32
  • Imperial Armour Apocalypse (2nd Edition), pg. 33
  • Imperial Armour Apocalypse II, pp. 19, 22
  • Imperial Armour Aeronautica, pg. 39
  • Dawn of War (PC Game)
  • Dawn of War - Winter Assault (PC Game)
  • Dawn of War - Dark Crusade (PC Game)
  • Dawn of War - Soulstorm (PC Game)
  • Dawn of War II (PC Game)
  • Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising (PC Game)
  • Dawn of War II - Retribution (PC Game)
  • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (Game)

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