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The Predator is the most common Space Marine battle tank. It is based on the Rhino chassis, with the troop compartment replaced by a turret and extra armour. This makes it easy to build and maintain alongside the Rhino, and most Chapters keep a number of Predators in their armouries.
Chapters with a strong armoured tradition prize their Predators highly. The Iron Hands are known for their mechanised armies. Ultramarines lore includes Sergeant Antaro Chronus, a legendary tank commander who can be assigned to any vehicle in the Chapter.
The Predator is the Space Marines' main battle tank, built on the Rhino chassis. It is versatile and rugged, and Chapters field it in large numbers. The Destructor pattern carries an autocannon, and the Annihilator carries twin lascannons.
The Predator was developed during the Great Crusade, when humanity was struggling against reckless Ork assaults and needed a tank with thick armour and heavy weapons that could withstand most Ork guns. Early designs could carry a few troops, but this space was gradually turned over to ammunition storage. The Heresy-era Deimos Predator has nearly circular, smoothly curved turrets and sponsons and uses advanced systems that are now lost. Chaos has used Predators in every theatre, from the civil wars among the Traitor Legions after the attempted cloning of Horus to the Black Crusades of Abaddon.
Appearance & wargear
The Predator Destructor carries a turret-mounted Predator autocannon and can add sponson heavy bolters or lascannons. The Predator Annihilator carries a twin lascannon turret, designed to kill tanks. Both share the Rhino's angular hull, side doors and exhausts, and Chapters paint their tanks in Chapter colours with company markings and honours.
It is a Rhino-derived hull with a turret carrying an autocannon or twin lascannon, sponsons carrying heavy bolters or lascannons, and a searchlight and smoke launchers.
Predator armour has an inner layer of bonded ceramite and adamantium alloys, over five times stronger than conventional steel but much lighter. The tank has self-sealing hatches, a long-range communication array and interface ports that connect the crew's power armour to the vehicle.
Weapons & Vehicles
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The Space Marines' most revered battle tank and heavy transport, built from an ancient STC design and guided by a proud machine spirit.
Explore all 48 entries in the Weapons & Vehicles armoury.
Battlefield role & tactics
Predators provide mobile heavy fire support. The Destructor shreds infantry and light vehicles. The Annihilator hunts tanks and monsters. They often fight in squadrons of up to three, moving with the Rhinos of a Battle Company to cover its advance.
Predators provide fire support. Destructors suppress infantry and light vehicles, and Annihilators destroy tanks and monsters. They are tough, but vulnerable to concentrated fire.
Notable battles & users
- Taros Campaign: the Raptors and Avenging Sons Chapters used Predator Destructors against the T'au.
- Dark Crusade: the Blood Ravens fielded Predators in the campaign featured in the Dawn of War games.
- Ultramarines: Sergeant Chronus's skill as a tank commander makes the Predator one of his favoured mounts.
Related
Characters (2)
Ferrus Manus · Primarch of the Iron Hands, the Gorgon
Roboute Guilliman · Primarch of the Ultramarines, Lord Regent of the Imperium
