The Sicaran Battle Tank is a heavy tank built for the Space Marine Legions during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. It’s fast, packs twin accelerator autocannons, and in the 41st Millennium it’s a rare relic that even the Mechanicus struggles to maintain.
What is the Sicaran battle tank?
It’s a Legion-era main battle tank developed by Ferrus Manus and Roboute Guilliman with the Adeptus Mechanicus. The Sicaran was meant to hunt down fast targets and punch through enemy armour, filling the gap between the Predator and Land Raider.
It used technology from Rhino and Land Raider STCs, but was more advanced than either. Its twin Herakles-pattern accelerator autocannons fired shells at a much higher velocity than standard autocannons, making it deadly against light vehicles and infantry.
Origins and heresy
The Sicaran entered service just as the Horus Heresy broke out. Warmaster Horus made sure many of these new tanks reached the Legions that would turn against the Emperor, so it saw action on both sides of the civil war.
After the Heresy, the secrets of its construction were largely lost. In the 41st Millennium, Sicarans are treasured relics, kept in stasis when not in use because their systems are barely understood.
On the tabletop
In Warhammer 40,000, the Sicaran is a Heavy Support choice for Space Marines. It’s fast for a tank, with a move of 10″ and the ability to shoot its accelerator autocannons without penalty. It’s tough too, with 12 wounds and a 3+ save.
Its main gun, the accelerator autocannon, has a range of 48″, Heavy 6, Strength 7, AP -1, Damage 2. That makes it good at shredding elite infantry and light tanks. You can also give it sponson weapons: either lascannons for anti-tank or heavy bolters for anti-infantry.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| M | 10″ |
| T | 9 |
| SV | 3+ |
| W | 12 |
| Ld | 6+ |
| OC | 3 |
Variants
Several variants exist, each built for a different battlefield role. The Venator is a dedicated tank hunter with a neutron laser. The Punisher mounts a rotary accelerator cannon for shredding infantry. The Arcus carries a missile launcher for long-range support, and the Omega packs a plasma destroyer for heavy armour.
- Sicaran Venator: neutron laser, anti-tank.
- Sicaran Punisher: rotary accelerator cannon, anti-infantry.
- Sicaran Arcus: missile launcher, long-range fire support.
- Sicaran Omega: plasma destroyer, heavy anti-armour.
Chaos and relic status
Chaos Space Marine warbands still field Sicarans, but these are often millennia-old machines corrupted by daemons. They’re most common among the original Traitor Legions.
Loyalist chapters treat their Sicarans as priceless relics. They’re rarely deployed, and when they are, it’s a sign that the chapter is committing everything it has.
Key facts
- The Sicaran battle tank is a heavy tank from the Horus Heresy era.
- It was developed by Ferrus Manus, Roboute Guilliman, and the Adeptus Mechanicus.
- Its main gun is a twin Herakles-pattern accelerator autocannon.
- In the 41st Millennium, it’s a rare relic kept in stasis.
- Variants include the Venator, Punisher, Arcus, and Omega.
- Chaos Space Marines field daemonically corrupted Sicarans.
FAQ
What weapons does the Sicaran battle tank have?
Its main armament is a twin accelerator autocannon. It can also take sponson-mounted lascannons or heavy bolters.
Is the Sicaran a Space Marine tank?
Yes, it’s a Space Marine vehicle, originally used by the Legiones Astartes during the Horus Heresy. In modern 40k, it’s a relic tank for loyalist chapters and a corrupted one for Chaos warbands.
What’s the difference between the Sicaran and the Predator?
The Sicaran is bigger, tougher, and faster than the Predator. It’s a heavy tank, while the Predator is a main battle tank. The Sicaran also carries more advanced weaponry.