The Bonnacon

The Bonnacon is an Imperial light tank (Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle). This versatile tank was designed to accompany drop regiments during the Great Crusade. However, its complexity meant it suffered frequent complications and they could only be maintained by those superbly skilled at quelling rebellious machine spirits. The tank is airdropped with a set of detachable wings and the Bonnacon can fly in a semi-controlled fashion for up to 5 minutes to reach the battlefield with drop troops.

## Description

The Bonnacon is a small tank designed to carry 4 humans in cramped conditions (so it is frequently crewed by only 3). It sacrifices armor for versatility of terrain: able to be airdropped, swim, and move at fast speed on land. Because of this some have likened it to being in a large tin-can with a heavy bolter and autocannon strapped to the font.

Its most notable feature is its rear-mounted thruster which is used during air drops and as an additional enhancement to its movement on ground or water. Much of the body is taken up by the ancient and most venerated turbine in the center of the vehicle. It grows hot when angry (read: in use) and causes those inside to sweat most profusely. However, the trade off is an amazing thrust-to-weight ratio and a high top speed in both water and air.

The tank is sealed and will float if placed in water. Its turbine is able to be submerged and becomes a propulsion system. It does not handle particularly well in sea-like conditions but can cross rivers, perform ship-to-shore missions, and the like. Because of this tricky technology they frequently breakdowns and have catastrophic failures in both air and water.

## Armaments

By default the Bonnacon is fitted with 3 weapons: a turret mounted autocannon, a cabin-mounted heavy stubber, and a heavy bolter mounted on top of the turret that can pivot 90 degrees in either direction. It is primarily designed to support drop regiments, though its armaments are not on par with true battle tanks like the Leman Russ.

Its primary use case for these weapons are anti-infantry, though its autocannon can be used to destroy fortified infantry positions and other light armor.

Its most iconic weapon, and the reason for its name, is actually an incidental one. The Bonnacon’s thruster can be cranked up to maximum output and can be used as a makeshift heavy flamer. The vehicle has to be backed up towards its target and locked in place somehow (often by bracing it or wedging it against a barrier) and then it can shout gouts of flame from its thruster.

## Variants

### Sterquilinus

The Sterquilinus-pattern Bonnacon is one whose autocannon has been replaced by a multi-meta that is linked to the tank’s turbine. Because of the extra space the tank lacks the heavy stubber. It is said that the fire from a Sterquilinus-pattern Bonnacon comes from both ends.

## Notes

* A Bonnacon is a mythological kind of bull that shoots flaming feces at its foes and burns them to death with it.
* The Bonnacon was inspired by the real world “M551 Sheridan” which filled a similar role as an Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle. Its comparatively light armor and its frequent mechanical issues lead to some critiques. Still it filled the role of an Amphibious light tank that could be airdropped. Further inspiration was taken from the M22 Locust which was a tank designed to support airborne troops.
* The Bonnacon also takes inspiration from so-called “winged tanks” like the Antonov A-40.

The Bonnacon is a relatively small tank that can cram 4 guardsmen in (if they're friendly).A Bonnacon with descent wings attached.The Antonov A-40 winged-tank.The Medieval Bonnacon.