Hi everyone, Michael here with another Space Marine review, this time focusing on the Razorback. For more reviews, analyses and battle reports, check out the Tactics Corner.
Overview:
The Razorback is a Space Marine transport vehicle, based on the Rhino, that sacrifices a small measure of transport capacity for increased firepower that it can use to support its transport unit. It comes with a variety of weapons options, all of which are useful in whatever battlefield role you decide to use the Razorback in. It comes with front and side armour of 11, rear armour of 10 and three hull points, all for a base cost of 55 pts.
Wargear:
- Twin-linked Heavy Bolter
- Searchlight
- Smoke Launchers
- Options to replace the Twin-linked Heavy Bolter with either a Twin-linked Heavy Flamer, Twin-linked Lascannon, Twin-linked Assault Cannon or Lascannon and Twin-linked Plasma Gun.
- Can take Dozer Blade, Storm Bolter, Extra Armour and/or a Hunter-killer Missile
Special Rules:
- Tank
- Transport Capacity of 6 (may not carry Bulky, Very Bulky or Extremely Bulky models)
- No Fire Points
- One Access Point on each side and one on the rear
Tactics:
The Rhino and the Razorback share many common features, not just the chassis they were built upon. Check out the review for the Rhino in the Tactics Corner, much of the information in that will also apply to the Razorback.
Where the Razorback edges out the Rhino is in the superior firepower it can bring to the table. The standard armament of the twin-linked Heavy Bolters are good for taking on enemy light infantry. The Assault Cannons are a very good upgrade, able to take on enemy infantry and light vehicles with a decent rate of fire. The Lascannons are great for taking on enemy vehicles. The Heavy Flamers are rarely seen on the battlefield as you need to get very close to the enemy to use them effectively.
With a reduced transport capacity of 6, the Razorback is obviously suited for small squads. It works quite well with a Devastator Squad as the transport can be outfitted with weapons to compliment the Heavy Weapons of the Devastators.
The introduction of the Gladius Strike Force has made the Razorback more popular in 7th edition. Taking a Gladius Strike Force with two Battle Demi-Companies allows all units that can purchase a Razorback as a Dedicated Transport to get one for free. This has been a huge boost to Space Marine armies. In addition, as all the units in the Battle Demi-Companies are Objective Secured, this allows you to take up to 12 Objective Secured Razorbacks for free! By far, the most popular Chapter to use this with is the White Scars. Taking Kor’sarro Khan as your Warlord grants the Rhinos in the Gladius Scout, great for closing with the enemy quickly and securing more of the board. For more information on this, check out the reviews on Khan and the White Scars Battle Company in the Tactics Corner. Up to 12 free Twin-linked Heavy Bolters will cause a significant amount of damage. Upgrading all the transports to other weapons would only cost 240 points for all the vehicles. Forty-eight Twin-linked Assault Cannon shots is going to make a mess of most units in the game.
The Stormlance Battle Demi-Company also has uses the Razorback. The three units of Tactical Squads and Devastator Squad must begin the game embarked in either a Rhino or Razorback. The formation allows each unit in it a special run-type move after shooting. This means that you can disembark from the Razorback, fire all your available weapons at the enemy (rather than just 2 from the fire point for the Rhinos) and then get back in your transport. This is great for getting maximum firepower and durability for your units and has the added bonus of the Razorback’s firepower as well.
The Razorback is a great transport vehicle for the Space Marines. What it gives up in transport capacity, it more than makes up for with additional firepower. They are a nice addition to any army and can find a number of useful battlefield roles.
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