Xiphon pattern interceptor

The Xiphon Pattern Interceptor was a fighter aircraft used by the Legiones Astartes during the Horus Heresy. Capable of both atmospheric and space flight, it carried two pairs of twin-lined Lascannons and a Xiphon Rotary Missile Launcher into battle, allowing it to destroy both air and ground targets with apparent ease. This firepower combined with the interceptor's unparalleled speed and maneuverability made it a deadly opponent. However, the Xiphon was complex, had limited range, and was ill-favored by the Mechanicum. By the end of the Great Crusade it had fallen out of frontline service in all Space Marine Legions except the Dark Angels and Ultramarines, though the demands of the Heresy forced many more Legions to press them into service once more. No word at all on how many supposedly survived to 40k, but like many Heresy era stuff, if there's 40k rules for it, then it can assumed that someone's still got a few squirreled away.

Based on ancient designs, the actual origins of the fighter are long lost (presumably dating back to when humanity fought the Cylons Men of Iron), though it shares similarities to the STC pattern of the Thunderbolt. The Xiphon itself was brought into Imperial service in 806.M30 from the Rhadamanthys Enclave. The fighters performance puts great stress on its pilot, something Space Marines were naturally able to withstand.

For those that want to try fielding a Xiphon without paying Forge World, a Dark Angels Nephilim Jetfighter can be easily converted to fit the bill most satisfactorily, if having the Battlestar Galactica jet isn’t that important.

Tabletop

The Xiphon Pattern Interceptor is a flyer that is available to all Legiones Astartes armies in Horus Heresy games. In 40k the Xiphon is available to Space Marines, Space Wolves, Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and Grey Knights, but only as an experimental rules PDF.

Horus Heresy (30k)

Now this is why people think twice when they hear "Forgeworld rules." It will also make you think twice when taking Lightnings because this is essentially a souped up Lightning. Comes with Two Twin-linked Lascannons and a Xiphon rotary missile launcher - Heavy 2 S8 AP2 that re-rolls successful Jink and cover saves and rolls d3 times per Penetrating hit, choosing the best one (and AP grants +1 on that table). All that makes this your flying tank killer. AV11 all around, this murderous potential is 'balanced' by costing about as much as a kited out Lightning and being extremely limited in its optional wargear: Chaff launchers and Extra Armour for survival and Ground Tracking Auguries to kill Land Raiders after you've cleaned the skies. And we say 'balanced' because it comes already equipped with Armoured Ceramite, and Agile grants it a 3+ jink save, enjoy!

Horus Heresy (30k)

It’s exactly what you'd expect an interceptor to be: light, fast and good against other vehicles, be they tanks or other flyers. Comes with two twin linked lascannons and a rotary missile launcher. The launcher is two shot, S8 AP2 and forces jink and cover saves to be rerolled, plus when penetrating hits are rolled, it chooses the best of D3 results (adding one for AP2). The Xiphon is a great vehicle hunter, but as mentioned its light. Only two hull points mean it'll go down against a stiff breeze, but with AV11 at least it's immune to small arms bolter fire just like a Stormtalon. If you want a good all-rounder you should take the talon which at least has a hover mode, but this thing is a dedicated vehicle killer.