In the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000, the Baneblade super-heavy battle tank stands as a testament to the might of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Imperial Guard. As part of an ongoing series, today we delve into the fascinating details of the Baneblade’s design, its use in battle, and the challenges faced by its stalwart crew.
Nicknamed the Emperor’s Loyal Shield, these monstrous war machines have seen action in countless battles across the galaxy. One memorable engagement was the cleansing of the world of Radnar, which had fallen prey to a Genestealer infestation. The Baneblades’ Martian-manufactured firepower proved instrumental in thinning the xenos hordes.
The 11th Takan Heavy Tank Company from Lucius, for example, fought valiantly against the Ork Waaagh! on the death world of Denari Miner. However, the Baneblade’s design isn’t without its quirks and complexities, which often depend on its place of manufacture. The worse the Forge World’s production capabilities, the less likely one is to find certain features like a side hatch.
Older Baneblades, especially those from the Horus Heresy era, were typically devoid of side hatches. This lack of exits posed a considerable risk to the crew. If the tank were hit, causing a fire or a reactor breakdown, escaping the radioactive consequences would be nearly impossible for all but the Gunner and Commander. The first and second loaders would likely perish if the hatches jammed, their only recourse being a small hatch at the back of the turret used for ejecting spent shell casings.
This predicament extended to the Baneblade’s variants, including the Shadowsword. The tank of the Third Morian Heavy Tank Company and another Martian-origin tank from the First Valhallen Heavy Tank Company are examples of units without side hatches. This made them unpopular with crews, as the lack of exit points turned a damaged tank into a death trap.
Loading shells and pulling bulky items into tanks lacking side hatches was a cumbersome process. On the Baneblade, they had to be squeezed through the Tech-Priest’s hatch, the turret hatch, or the spent case ejection port at the stern. However, the Stormsword variant offered a solution: a two-leaf hatch at the stern of the turret for shell loading.
Despite the Baneblade’s imposing size, the interior was cramped. Only the tank commander had the luxury of standing upright, and even then, he had to fold up his seat and stand on the firing platform. The turret housed two periscopic observation devices, communication equipment, and the massive breach of the weapon.
The lower deck of the tank had an unusual octagonal shape, with observation devices embedded into its faces. The space was cramped, with the tracks running along both sides of the deck. Despite these hardships, the crew of a Baneblade tank carry out their duty with unwavering loyalty, embodying the indomitable spirit of the Astra Militarum and the Imperium of Man.
Stay tuned, as our series continues to explore the fascinating world of Warhammer 40,000.
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