Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hello everyone, with the impending release of the new Space Marine Codex I am planning on running a Raven Guard & Raptors Space Marine army to run along with my Elysian Drop Troops. Now since the Codex is not released yet I am not sure on how many points anything is going to be or what formations they are, but I am pretty convinced that I would love to center it around a Thunderhawk Gunship because lets face it the model is beautiful! A few questions I have however about it:

-Best way to equip it? I am leaning towards the Turbo Laser Destroyer over the Thunderhawk Cannon and the Missiles over the Bombs.

-Smart to put Assault Marines inside of it? Was thinking of a fluffy Deathstar Talon with Shrike leading the group of Assault Marines

-Worth taking based on its point value and armament to justify its points cost?

Those and any other comments in regards to how to utilize a Thunderhawk Gunship and in particular those who have played with it or against it are more then welcome. Thanks for posting guys!

Yeah, it's great fun. Though it's a waste of points to put anything in it with a jump pack. Its battle cannon is great as it can clear a nice big section of landing area, allowing you to drop 30 bodies into the fray. The TLD is good if you're facing a number of vehicle squadrons or other LoWs, but expensive overkill otherwise. The 6 hellstrike missiles and 2 lascannons are usually good enough to pop offending mech.

Just make sure it is properly supported. Have units designed to hunt and kill anti-air units before they rain hell on that 12/12/10 armor. If you can do that, the Thunderhawk controls the field quite amazingly.

 Massawyrm wrote:
Yeah, it's great fun. Though it's a waste of points to put anything in it with a jump pack. Its battle cannon is great as it can clear a nice big section of landing area, allowing you to drop 30 bodies into the fray. The TLD is good if you're facing a number of vehicle squadrons or other LoWs, but expensive overkill otherwise. The 6 hellstrike missiles and 2 lascannons are usually good enough to pop offending mech.

Just make sure it is properly supported. Have units designed to hunt and kill anti-air units before they rain hell on that 12/12/10 armor. If you can do that, the Thunderhawk controls the field quite amazingly.

Why would it be a waste to put anything with a jump pack in it? I would think being able to take a full squad of Vanguard Vets (overcosted I know but they are a fluffy Raven Guard pick) with Shrike inside to not only give them a great delivery system but I could also put in a few Combat Squads or even a Tactical Squad inside as well to support them.

Because what you're paying for with the Thuderhawk isn't just the weapons; it's the ability to deliver 30 dudes into assault unscathed. Bulky cuts that in half. The Thunderhawk is all the support your assault troops will need. A cannon of some sort, 2 lascannons and 4 TL HB will clear the way while they pile out in assault. You CAN run 9 guys with Shrike in JPs with a tac squad, but you can also run 30 Vanguard vets without them, getting them all in face smashing distance. What's the point of a JP but to get into face smashing distance? If they need to move far after assault, just pile back into the TH. Lather, rinse, repeat.

You can run it for fluff and fun, but it really is an expensive way to protect a single unit or two.

Top reason to field one: everyone wants one!

And besides, you can tell people that it's actually the new web-exclusive plastic thunderhawk kit, and watch who goes on their cell phone to look for it.

Eh, I'd go for the Sokar Stormbird instead, but that's 30k only at the moment. Of course, if you're already playing a game big enough to support a Thunderhawk, who really cares at that point?

Is there a new cheaper model out or something? Last I checked, it cost more than my monthly mortgage for one.

I always found the thing too big to field. I mean size wise its awkward since its a flyer. So i just use a flying base as a marker.

Stick 15 ruststalkers in it,that could be deadly
4 attacks on the charge (1 is fleshbane)

Nothing says "Hello!" like dropping a bunch of bombs from a Thunderhawk - plus you are just cooler when you own one.

BTW - Laser Destroyer and Bombs are the way to go. Everytime I DON'T take the laser.. I regret it.

Arent the bombs one use only? That's the biggest reason why I am hesitant to take them if I may be honest.

IT depends how often you will bring em out.

IF you can play with it every time then its worth it.

If its only going to sit on the self then i hope you painted it nice.

 Desubot wrote:
IT depends how often you will bring em out.

IF you can play with it every time then its worth it.

If its only going to sit on the self then i hope you painted it nice.

Same rule applies to all Super Heavies


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 gmaleron wrote:
Arent the bombs one use only? That's the biggest reason why I am hesitant to take them if I may be honest.

Each BOMB is one use only. It carries 6. And it's a Super Heavy... so how many you want to drop at once?