3.5/5 stars. Rounded down. The rules are fine overall.
Background.
An ancient design that pre-dates even Great Crusade and harks back to the Unification of Terra, the Stormbird is ungainly in flight, unsightly in appearance, but gets the job done. Where the job is defined as forcing a landing zone or forward position.
Strengths.
This is fundamentally a transport vehicle. And a big one at that.
It can carry 52 standard occupants and this includes larger models (up to 2 that lack infantry or paragon), with the restriction of nothing at Bulky (6) or above. It can also carry a rhino (which is at 12 on the bulky scales).
AV is 14 all round with a solid movement of 16 and a juicy 22 hull points. Topping this off are two void shields as well.
For weaponry, it has las cannons on the hull, twin heavy bolt guns (two on the turret and one on the rear) as well as six hell strike missiles. These are nice to be clear, but not quite at the same level as you'd get out of the turbo-laser on the thunderhawk.
Weaknesses.
Exactly the same as second edition in terms of my critique. This is a great craft, but the points cost is a significant deterrent here. It certainly is one for the collectors and is ALWAYS well regarded on the table top for the sheer audacity of fielding it and the rarity with which it is seen. I actually like it a whole lot, but wow - the real world financial cost combined with points cost in game makes this a rare one to see in person. And given I tend to play at lower points levels games, I guess I just don't see it much!!
Builds.
Sokar Stormbird (850 points).
Take the gravis heavy bolters if you want them - they will provide much closer fire power for you.
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