Operating as a vital asset within the Astra Militarum’s mechanised motor pools, the Hippogriff Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) bridges the gap between nimble forward reconnaissance and heavy armoured support. Built upon an agile, six-wheeled chassis utilising independent servo-axles, this rapid-response vehicle is light enough to be deployed via airborne insertion—making it a favourite among drop regiments like the Elysian Drop Troops and Tempestus Aquilons. Despite its rapid mobility and scouter pedigree, the Hippogriff punches far above its weight class; its modular turret can be outfitted with a flexible vigilator cannon, a horde-shredding chiron gatling cannon, a tank-hunting melta cannon, or a bunker-busting heavy lascannon. Whether executing aggressive armoured countercharges, screening heavier Leman Russ formations, or laying down blistering cover fire to match the pace of the Imperium’s fastest vanguard units, the Hippogriff ensures that Imperial Guard command elements never have to sacrifice raw firepower for battlefield velocity.
This armoured car for the Imperial Guard has echoes of the Saladin Armoured Car which entered service with the British Army in 1958.
My plan is to use the Hippogriff AFV as part of a Long Range Desert Group inspired raiding force for my Tallarn forces.
The Long Range Desert Group (or LRDG) was a reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army during the Second World War.
One inspiration for me as to be the Matchbox kit of the Long Range Desert Group released back in 1976 which included a Chevrolet 30cwt patrol truck and a Willys Jeep, both stripped down and heavily modified for desert warfare.