Unit of the Week: Stormtalon Gunship

[Jolemai]

Welcome to the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the unique units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield.

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Stormtalon Gunship

Stormtalon, Loishy

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Stormtalon Gunship?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiples?
• What weapon choices are you selecting? Is this choice being influenced by other factors (meta, multiples, etc)?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems?

Over to you

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[9x19 Parabellum]

I have a Raven Guard stormtalon that's always done well for me; I don't imagine the Blood Angels one is any different since there's literally nothing in the BA codex that interacts with flyers particularly or any differently than Raven Guard ones would with the SM codex.

 

It's a solid flyer, not amazing for it's points or anything like that. Depending on how you kit it out, it comes in around 230-265 170-210. I like to keep mine on the cheaper side and fitted with anti infantry guns, using it's mobility to get around and possibly pick off characters that are being screened.

[Majkhel]

BattleScribe shows its cost as 174pts for 2xHB and 204pts for LCs/Typhoon launcher variant.

 

I'd say that it's T6 really hurts it unnecessarily. Also it's another unit that somehow cannot decide wether it's anti-tank or anti-chaff. As a result it ends up in between so isn't particularly good at any. I'd much prefer to be able to replace the assault canons, but it is how it is.

Oh and I really think that turret is oversized. A LOT!

 

I'd be most inclined to use it as above: the cheapest variant as an additional anti-infantry distraction and charge-blocker.

[9x19 Parabellum]

Huh. I thought it was 170 base.  Was just going off memory. 

 

EDIT! Never mind, I was mixing it up with the Stormraven, lol. (I've had a lot of Stormraven on the brain lately on account of painting 2 of them!)

[Firepower]

Have to admit I'm curious about this.  I bought Talons ages ago when they had a nifty formation, but never got around to building them.  They seem overpriced now, especially with the price increase on twin assault cannons that punished razor spam.  That may change with CA of course, but disregarding that for what we already know I am interested to hear if anyone uses them consistently and how they perform.  Especially as so many folks are saying flyers are the bane of the new Orks.

[FormelyKnownAsSmashyPants]

Personally I see it as weird cross between a dakka Baal and a landspeeder. Reading this topic with interest as absolutely adore this model.

[Panzer]

So the Stormtalon Gunship now, yes? Let's see.

BS3+/4/5+ T6 W10 Sv3+

FLY, Hard to Hit, Airborne, Hover, +1 to hit against ground targets

 

One less toughness compared to the Stormhawk Interceptor and also no special rule to re-roll save rolls of 1. Makes it quite a bite less durable already considering how many S7 weapons are out there (looking at you, Armiger Helverins!).

At least it doesn't have to move if it doesn't want to so you can fiddle around with positioning and don't permanently suffer from -1 to-hit. It makes you a lot easier to take out tho since you'd be losing the benefits of Hard to Hit and Airborne for the time you hover!

 

As for the weapons we have the twin Assault cannon as fix standard weapon the same way as the Stormhawk Interceptor and then we can decide between twin Heavy Bolter, Skyhammer missile launcher, twin Lascannon or a Typhoon missile launcher.

 

Considering that this one gets a bonus to shoot at ground targets and we already have the Stormhawk Interceptor to shoot at FLY targets it seems obvious to focus on that task but the Skyhammer missile launcher is a weird one here since it still gets the bonus against FLY targets and malus against ground targets so it would negate your bonus against ground targets and your malus against Hard to Hit FLY targets and even get a bonus against FLY targets without Hard to Hit rule. This makes the SML a neat allrounder that always hits decently and never terribly and with a good profile as well. Consider this one if you don't want to specialise your Stormtalon too much.

However I'd recommend the twin Heavy bolter and the twin Lascannon loadout instead. In Hover mode and shooting at ground targets you'll be hitting on 2+ wrecking either infantry or tanks and against FLY targets still on a 3+.

If you don't shoot at ground targets better always Hover or you'd be hitting on 4+ due lack of Power of the Machine Spirit and only having Heavy weapons again. Unless of course you think your opponent is going to take your Stormtalon out next turn via charges or shooting and you'd like to benefit from Airborne and/or Hard to Hit. Then of course keep moving even if it means hitting worse.

 

I honestly like the Stormtalon best as allrounder with twin Lascannon and twin Assault cannon. Against infantry the Assault cannons should be enough hitting on a 2+ and nobody likes facing Lascannons hitting on a 2+ when having big stuff on the board even if it's just two shots. Makes it quite expensive at just short over 200p tho and you definitely going to need more armour on the board so your opponent can't focus all his anti-tank on your Stormtalon as always.

 

It's also important to note that a Stormtalon Gunship with twin Heavy bolter is a great choice against Orks. Tons of non-FLY infantry on the board that want to get into melee so you can just fly around without them being able to charge you and shoot at them with 12 S6 AP-1 D1 and 6 S5 AP-1 D1 shots hitting on a 3+. Just be aware of their Mek Gunz with Traktor kannons! Those hit automatically at S8 AP-2 D1d6 and get to roll 2d6 take highest against FLY vehicles! If you see those and play Stormtalons etc. they should be your number 1 target.

 

The Stormtalon is quite literally a glass cannon half the time. Either he shoots incredibly well but is also easy to take out for a Space Marine vehicle at T6 Sv3+ or it shoots okay (or meh against FLY targets) but is decently survivable at T6 Sv3+, Airborne and Hard to Hit.

[Charlo]

Yeah Assault Cannons and Lascannons seem the best bet. Good rate of fire and power, mobility could potentially let you nail a character too.