Imperial Guard Heavy Support
In this section we will be looking at the tactics for the Imperial Guard Heavy Supports choices.
> Also see the 40k Tanks tactic page
General Imperial Guard Heavy Support Tactics
With all the infantry heavy weapons moved to the Troops section, the Imperial Guard heavy support choices are
left with the tanks - and a lot of them too. Not only does the new Imperial Guard Codex list a lot of new
variations, or borrowed Forge World tank variations, but now you can have many more tanks in a standard army
because you can field a squadron of tanks as a single support choice. This means that you could field up to three
squadrons of three tanks per army, that adds up to 9 tanks on the table! (points permitting).
Leman Russ Tank Squadron TacticsA Leman Russ tank squadron is made up form one to
three of the Leman Russ battle tank variations. Seven variations are listed in the codex, and you can mix and
match then in your squadrons.
Sponsons or No Sponsons?The Leman Russ Battle Tanks can have side weapons
attached using sponsons. Normally problem with these are that the main weapon is an ordnance weapon. This means
that usually you can not fire a second weapon if you fire the main weapon. This will mean that for most of the
time they are just sucking up points with no advantage. The second problem is that you can not fire two main
weapons unless you are stationary. This makes the tank no better that a pill box. The idea of a tank is that it
can move around the battle field. The last, but minor issue is that sponsons make the tank wider. This may be
an issue if you are going to be fighting in heavy terrain.
Lumbering Behemoth Special Rule
To Address the Sponson issue the 2009 Imperial Guard codex has added the 'Lumbering Behemoth' special rule.
This spacial rule trades some cruising speed for the ability to fire the turret weapon when stationary or moving at
combat speed (up to 6") in addition to the usual rules. This means that if the tank is stationary you can fire all
the weapons including the turret ordinance weapon, and if you have moved up to 6" you can fire the turret weapon,
one other main weapon and any support weapons (usually a storm bolter or heavy stubber). With this rule you will
probably use the sponsons more. Be aware that two heavy bolters on a Leman Russ will cost 20 points, but a heavy
bolter weapons team costs 5 points.
The argument for having them is that sometimes you may wish the fire the secondary weapons instead of the main
weapon. This mainly happens if the main weapon is destroyed.
In summary, sponsons are not worthwhile on tanks with ordinance main weapon, but may be worthwhile for tanks with
none-ordinance main weapons.
Leman Russ Battle Tank
The Leman Russ is the standard Imperial Guard battle tank.
Leman Russ Demolisher
The Leman Russ Demolisher is a great tank. It's range is a bit short at 24", bit the
main gun is a S10 5" ordanance!
Leman Russ ExterminatorThe Leman Russ Exterminator replaces the battle cannon
with a twin linked autocannon. This means that the Leman Russ is much more mobile and suted to anti-infantry
roll. The Exterminator works well with heavy bolter sponsons.
Leman Russ Vanquisher
Ordinance Battery TacticsAn alternative to a Battle tank squadron is to have an
Ordinance squadron. Ordinance squadrons are designed to place one one spot and not moved during the game. In
return for the mobility you get a digger ordinance weapon at less cost.
Be aware that the ordinance tanks have weaker armour that the battle tanks so you will want to keep them behind
cover when you can.
Basilisk
The Basilisk has a huge range, and a S10 5" Ordanance shell, but it has a sizeable minimum range. I
would recommend it for larger tables ( like Appocalypse games).
Medusa
Colossus
Griffon
Hydra Flak Tank Battery Tactics
Manticore Rocket Launcher Tactics
Death Strike Missile Launcher Tactics
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