Since its introduction into combat, the Demolisher Heavy Tank has earned a reputation as one of the most deadly vehicles on the battlefield. Although frightened enemy troops have often exaggerated their reports, the Demolisher is definitely a superb battle machine.
         It was the first heavy tank produced by Aldis Industries, and still is the most popular. The Aldis engineers conceived of the Demolisher project in the early days of the Succession Wars as a solution to the 'Mech technology problem. The Aldis designers hoped to create a vehicle heavy enough to destroy any 'Mech, which they could sell to the worlds unable to afford 'Mech forces.
         The first line of Demolishers was an amazing success. Many worlds not protected by standing 'Mech armies bought hundreds of Demolishers. Aldis soon licensed production rights to a number of producers, including New Samarkand Metals. That company has produced the Demolisher for the Combine ever since, keeping up with Aldis' upgrades as they came out.

         The Demolisher is an efficient battle machine. Its two turret-mounted 185 mm guns use a popular propellant system that mixes two chemicals in suspension to propel the huge shells out of the barrel. In the original model, this system produced an enormous amount of heat, and so the chassis was modified to act as a makeshift heat-sink system. Until the appearance of the Demolisher Mk II, crew members had to wear special coolant suits because of the unbearably hot temperatures inside of the tank during a sustained firefight. The Mk II solved the problem by channeling most of the ejection gases out the barrel.
         Another problem with the original Demolisher was that its targeting, tracking, and communications systems drew too much power from the main battery. To compensate, the Aldis engineers first designed massive power amplifiers to be installed as part of the engine. Their next attempt to solve the problem produced a smaller, more efficient engine with internal power amplifiers. Though this engine was no larger than a normal one of the same horsepower, its cost was significantly higher. With the eventual development of more power-efficient tracking and communication systems, the Demolisher became equipped with a regular engine.
         The number of crew in a Demolisher varies. Sometimes, there is a commander, a driver, two gunners, two loaders, and one communications/engineer crewman. Other times, the commander acts as the driver. There are even versions that have only one gunner and no loaders. The number of crewmen in the tank depends on when it was produced. The newer the model, the less crew it will have.

         Over the centuries, the Demolisher has been sold to any planet with the money to purchase them. Both Aldis Industries and New Samarkand Metals ship the design everywhere in the Human Sphere. The Draconis Combine of course makes heavy use of the design as well, with the chances of running into them becoming more common as you approach their borders.