Editing Chimera Transport (section)

===Overview===
The Chimera is one of the most important vehicles in the Imperial Guard's arsenal: it is a fast moving, amphibious vehicle capable of traversing terrain that even a [[Leman_Russ_Battle_Tank|Leman Russ]] would find impossible to cross (swamps, marshes and even the occasional river). When the enemy neglects to defend these positions because of their perceived inaccessibility, they can [[Creed|expect a squadron or two of Chimeras in their flanks]] or [[anal circumference|rear.]]

In all seriousness, the Chimera is a fantastic asset with several uses. Most of the time it functions as a heavily armed, armored taxi, moving troops to and from hot points and/or objectives. If needed they can serve as moving barriers, blocking lines of sight while they engage the enemy. A third use is that they can just [[DISTRACTION CARNIFEX|forget about all that maneuvering and focus on engaging targets at medium and short range]] as their infantry squads [[Metal_Boxes|throw even more firepower into the mix.]]

The Chimera can mount a variety of weapons to support the squads they carry. The most common and famous weapon associated with the Chimera is the [[Multilaser]], a rapid-firing heavy weapon that is very effective against infantry and light vehicles. This weapon can be replaced with either a [[Heavy Bolter|Heavy Bolter]] or [[Heavy Flamer|Heavy Flamer]]. Meanwhile, the standard hull-mounted [[Heavy Bolter]] can also be replaced with a [[Heavy Flamer]]. Forge World gives the Chimera even more blasty power with the ability to replace the main gun with an [[Autocannon]], turning it into a different breed of threat altogether and according to the 40k wiki (not lexicanum, the other one), the Kronus schenanigans in Dark Crusade resulted in the discovery of how to mount a Predator turret with Predator autocannon on a Chimera. Each side of the tank features a row of three [[Lasgun]] turrets that embarked passengers may fire at enemy squads. The top of the passenger compartment can open, too, so the rest of the squad can join in the merry shooty fun (no longer true in 8th). For added punch against vehicles it can mount a [[Hunter-Killer Missile]], though this option is rarely taken due to the BS of 4+. Finally, the Chimera can add either a [[Heavy Stubber]] or a [[Storm Bolter]] as a pintle-mounted weapon. Because the Chimera needs every ounce of firepower it can get there really isn't a reason not to take a pintle weapon.

The Chimera is a solid vehicle, but it gets into trouble when commanders forget its mission and start treating it like a full battle tank; this is a serious mistake. It isn't a close assault vehicle either: with only 3 S6 attacks that hit on 6+, it should generally avoid melee combat. The Chimera is definitely happiest when it can stay mobile, support its squad, and blast medium and light targets at range.

The Steel Legions of [[Armageddon]], one of the chief manufacturing planets for the Chimera, are fully mechanized and can move across the ash wastes of their home world at frightening speeds. Like most other Imperial vehicles, the Chimera can be built with a wide variety of powerplants utilizing virtually any common energy source. Generally described as having two electric engines, one in each side, which allows for more transport space and the ability to provide extra armour for the crew.

In 8th Edition a 73-point Chimera is tougher than a 70-point [[Taurox]], it can carry 2 more models, and it can also take items from the Vehicle Equipment list; meanwhile the Taurox is faster and its weapons are punchier. Both vehicles have their place, so whether you choose one or the other largely comes down to a matter of [[Skub|preference]].

The other major use the Chimera finds is as a command vehicle; officers embarked inside can still issue orders. Unfortunately in 8th Edition this is no longer as straightforward as it once was, and requires the use of the 1-CP Mobile Command Vehicle stratagem in each round you wish to do this. Even so, when used effectively this serves the dual purpose of increasing your order radius (since the Chimera is obviously larger than the man shouting orders from the hatch) and also keeping your HQ alive, since Guard HQs are notoriously squishy.

One common trick with Chimeras is to form them into hunting packs after unloading their passengers (Soviet Bronegruppa IN SPACE) and have them roam around the battlefield pissing off targets of opportunity. With two long-ranged, rapid-fire weapons and surprising durability, they can dish out some serious damage, and your opponent will be forced to allocate a disproportionate amount of force to stop them (and in doing so, he is hopefully ignoring even more important targets in your army). Shoving a wall of properly supported Chimeras into your enemy's flank and saying, "Have fun with that!" will be sure to rattle all but the steadiest of opponents.

The [[Hellhound Tank|Hellhound]], [[Devil Dog]], and [[Bane Wolf]] are all closely related to the Chimera, and may or may not be either Chimera variants or a different mark of vehicle, depending on who you ask. The Chimera chassis also serves as the basis for a wide range of other Imperial vehicles including the [[Basilisk Artillery Gun|Basilisk]], [[Manticore Launcher Tank|Manticore]], and [[Hydra Flak Tank|Hydra]], among many others.

Back in the days of the old [[Epic]] wargame, the Chimera had a few additional variants (details can be read below). Unfortunately, these more obscure variations have yet to be translated to the 40k tabletop. It would be nice if the Imperial Guard had a few more IFVs in their arsenal.