+++SUBJECT SEARCH:VINDICATOR ARMOURED VEHICLE ADAPTUS ASTARTES ARMOURIUM+++
+++ENTER CLASSIFICATION:VI/AA/283*A+++
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FILE REF: VI/AA/283*A
SUBJECT:Vindicator close assault armoured vehicle
INCEPTION:c. 356-372.M31
ORIGIN: The Vindicator prototypes were created during the third Rothern I pacification of the Great Hersy. Faced with the need
+++QUERY:?Rothern aka Rostern?+++
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+++RESUME+++
for heavy sige weaponry in the twisting streets of Stahlenberg. Tech marines of the Ultra Marines Legion mounted a modified macro cannon breech and barrel assemblies inside structurally reinforced Rhino APC's. These early Vindicators proved highly effective in the dense fighting conditions in which they were deployed, as they carried far greater firepower than could be mustered by heretic forces within the confines of the city. The Vindicators were instrumental in the recapture of Stalenburg and hence ultimate victory in the pacification as a whole.

After Rothern I, a more standardised version of the Vindiactor was established, utilising the STC compatibility of the Rhino and the Leman Russ Demolisher siege tank to create a dedicated siege/support vehicle for the Adaptus Astartes.

IDENTIFACTION: The most obvious feature of the Vindicator is the large bore Demolisher cannon mounted on the front of the hull. This is surrounded by additional armour plating and blast suppression rams. Internal pressure within the hull increases dratically during firing, posing a danger even to genetically engineered Space Marine crews. To compensate for this factor, the incorporates two counter cyclic equalisation fans for quickly restoring the pressure balance inside the interior. A remote sighting scope is also incorporated into the Vindiactor's deck, allowing for targeting of the demolisher cannon without exposing the crew to the exterior. The side of the Vindicator's hull are also extensively armoured, coupled with superior internal bracing so that the hull can withstand the tremendous recoil of the demolisher cannon.

ROLE: The Vindicator has two primary roles. Firstly, it is an excellent infantry close support tank, ideal at bring a tremendous amount of firepower to bear in dense terrain. In particular, it excels at urban and jungle/forest warfare, where lines of fire are greatly reduced and its comparitive lack of range is of no hindrance. Its second function is in seige reduction, where its massive ordnance armament is highly effective at destroying bunkers, fortifications and earthworks. As a secondry role, the large Demolisher shells can prove very useful against enemy armoured vehicles, partularly transports and reconnaissance vehicles which lack the heavy armour of a battle tank. In one notable incident during the destruction of the Thessaly Regine, a lone Vindicator help up a rebel armoured column for eight days. The Vindicator blocked a roadway through a narrow gorge, postioned just beyond a blind turn, and destroyed any target which presented itself. It was eventually destroyed by infantry climbing the sides of the gorge and attacking it from the rear.

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Reproduced from White Dwarf 231, used without permission