Remember the very first plastic Rhino? Come see the venerable plastic design that Forge World borrowed for it’s very own kit years later!
Via our friends at Lexicanum, OOP Kit pictures by Ted Bender.
Origins
The Rhino has been in service throughout the history of the Imperium. As a Standard Template Construct vehicle, the Rhino dates back to the distant time of Mankind’s initial colonisation of the galaxy. Originally named “RH-1-N-0 Tracked Exploration and Multi-Purpose Defense Vehicle,” it was used to explore newly colonised worlds. First field-tested on Mars, the “Rhino,” as it came to be known, was a success, thanks to its extreme dependability, ability to run on any semi-combustible fuel source, and the fact that it can be produced from any locally available material.
Military employment
The military value of such a vehicle was soon recognised, and soon each planet in the burgeoning human empire had its own customised versions of the Rhino, fitted with varying weapons.[2]
The earliest evidence of the Rhino in combat was at Torben’s World in battle against the indigenous alien population. During the attack, three hundred Rhinos were deployed to the largest alien city. The speed of the assault meant the xenos had no idea of the coming of the humans and had not prepared any defences. The Rhinos poured their firepower into the flimsy structures and then deployed nearly three thousand warriors. The city was destroyed and, with the alien presence removed, the colonisation proceeded easily. The news of this victory spread and the use of the Rhino was adopted more and more by other planets.[Needs Citation]
As the empire expanded, more aliens were encountered, and the STC system gave a forward army access to advanced vehicles such as the Predator, Immolatorand Whirlwind. Unfortunately, during the Age of Strife, the STC systems were lost, and all the planets of the empire were affected.[Needs Citation]
Older Designs
The oldest surviving Rhino pattern is the MkIb, which was produced in such numbers that many surviving examples still exist. However, these machines are considered past their prime and no longer constructed, though they are still used with honour and respect. Compared to the current MkIIc pattern, the MkI’s drive and engine system is less robust, lacking the same redundancy system. However it has a slightly higher top speed, load-bearing capacity, and requires less maintenance time. The MkIC Deimos Pattern Rhino was the mainstay of the Legiones Astartes during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.
Find out More About Rhino Variant?
About the Author: Rob Baer
