The Rhino is the Imperium’s most widespread armoured troop transport, a rugged Standard Template Construct vehicle that’s been in service since humanity first spread across the stars. It’s the default ride for Space Marines and Sisters of Battle, and it’s so dependable that Chaos Space Marines still field captured or inherited copies. Its simplicity is the whole point: easy to build, easy to fix, and found on nearly every battlefield the Imperium fights on.
Origins and design
The Rhino’s design dates back to humanity’s early colonisation era. It was originally called the RH1-N0 Tracked Exploration and Multi-Purpose Defense Vehicle, built to explore new worlds rather than fight wars. Thatexploration role explains its best traits: it can run on almost any semi-combustible fuel and can be built from whatever materials are on hand. Roughly 60 percent of a standard template Rhino is metal, with the rest made up of other materials.
Its military potential was spotted early, and soon every world had its own version. Today it’s produced across the Imperium and used by the Space Marines, Adepta Sororitas, Adeptus Arbites, and Inquisition. Rogue Traders and Chaos Space Marines also field Rhinos.
The Rhino’s genius is its simplicity. It’s easy to build, easy to maintain, and can be repaired with whatever’s to hand, which is why it turns up on nearly every battlefield. For Space Marines it’s the default way to get a squad to the fight quickly and in one piece. It’s not the toughest tank around, but it’s fast, dependable, and adaptable to many roles.
- Carries up to 10 Space Marines (or equivalent) in most configurations.
- Can be armed with a storm bolter or other defensive weapons.
- Serves as the basis for dozens of variants, from the Razorback to the Predator.
History and origins
According to the ancient Liber Armorum, the Rhino’s first recorded combat was at Torben’s World during humanity’s expansion into the galaxy. Three hundred Rhinos were sent against the largest city of the planet’s alien inhabitants. The xenos had no warning and no defences ready, so the Rhinos poured fire into the flimsy structures and then dropped nearly three thousand warriors into the fight. The city fell, word of the victory spread fast, and more worlds adopted the design.
During the Horus Heresy, many Rhinos were taken by the traitor legions, and they’ve been used by Chaos forces ever since. Some legions kept their original vehicles when they turned against the Emperor; others have stolen new ones over the ten thousand years since. The Imperium continues to produce new Rhinos, often rediscovering lost STC patterns rather than inventing anything new.
Variants and patterns
The Rhino’s versatile chassis has spawned a huge range of variants. The most famous offshoots each fill a different battlefield role, but they all trace their lineage back to the same basic transport.
- Razorback: a Rhino hull fitted with heavier firepower, trading some transport capacity for it.
- Predator: the main battle tank built on the Rhino chassis.
- Whirlwind: a missile artillery platform.
- Immolator: the Sisters of Battle’s flame-throwing variant.
| Variant | Role |
|---|---|
| Razorback | Transport with heavy weapon |
| Predator | Main battle tank |
| Whirlwind | Artillery |
| Immolator | Sisters of Battle transport |
Patterns in service
Several patterns are in use, including the MkIb Mars, MkIc Deimos, and MkIIc Mars, each with slight differences in armour, engine, and equipment. The Deimos pattern is often associated with the Horus Heresy era.
Rhino in the game
On the tabletop, the Rhino is a Dedicated Transport choice for many factions. It’s cheap, fast, and helps protect your troops until they’re ready to strike.
In 10th edition it’s available to Space Marines and other Imperium forces, and it remains a staple for mechanised infantry lists.
Key facts
- The Rhino is a Standard Template Construct vehicle, originally called the RH1-N0 Tracked Exploration and Multi-Purpose Defense Vehicle.
- It runs on almost any semi-combustible fuel and can be built from locally available materials.
- Standard template Rhinos are roughly 60 percent metal and 40 percent other materials.
- It carries up to 10 troops and is often armed with a storm bolter.
- Trusted users include the Space Marines, Sisters of Battle, Adeptus Arbites, Inquisition, and some Rogue Traders, while Chaos Space Marines use captured or inherited copies.
- Its first recorded combat was at Torben’s World, where 300 Rhinos helped destroy an alien city.
FAQ
Who can use a Rhino?
Space Marines, Adepta Sororitas, Adeptus Arbites, and the Inquisition all use Rhinos. Chaos Space Marines also field them, and Rogue Traders sometimes get their hands on them.
What’s the difference between a Rhino and a Razorback?
The Razorback is a Rhino variant with heavier weapons mounted on the hull. It trades some transport capacity for more firepower, while the Rhino stays the basic troop transport.
Can a Rhino be used by Chaos Space Marines?
Yes. Chaos Space Marines have used Rhinos since the Horus Heresy, either keeping their original vehicles or stealing new ones over the millennia. The design is common enough that spare parts are never a problem.
What is a Rhino transport used for?
It’s an armoured personnel carrier. Its job is to get troops across the battlefield quickly and safely, then support them with its own weapons once they deploy.