Sky Ray Gunship

Tau Portal

Sky Ray Missile Defense Gunship

The TX78 Sky Ray Missile Defence Gunship serves the T'au Empire as a perimeter and air-defense vehicle.^[1] Based on the Devilfish chassis, it is armed with deadly Seeker Missiles for the application of accurate firepower. They are rarely encountered in large numbers, with usually a single Sky Ray per Hunter Cadre, though more may be stationed to defend important targets.^[2]

Overview

During the Damocles Crusade, Imperial Aircraft had proven deadly to Tau ground forces and airfields. In response to the T'au military's lack of a dedicated anti-air unit, the Earth Caste developed the Sky Ray. These early vehicles were required to find and lock-on their own targets, but eventually they were integrated into the wider Markerlight network, increasing their deadly potential. During the Taros Campaign, Imperial Navy pilots came to despise the Sky Ray, giving it the nickname "Stinger." Confirmed kills of Sky Rays became a much-celebrated achievement among these pilots.^[2] Since then the Sky Ray has been used by the T'au in other military operations, including the invasion of Pavonis.^[3]

Each of the Sky Ray's Seeker Missiles is guided by the vehicle's markerlight target designators. The markerlights usually scour the sky to find and lock onto enemy aircraft. Then the automated systems of the Sky Ray quickly calculate how many missiles are needed to be launched (from 1 to 6), which depends on target type, speed and range. The Seeker Missiles are so fast and accurate that enemy pilots often don't have time to react and take an evasive manoeuvre.^[4]

The crew of the Sky Ray rely heavily on interactions with forward infantry teams and are in constant communication with them, coordinating fire and determining the viability of targets. In particular, Pathfinder teams range ahead of the main Tau advance, using markerlight beams to paint enemy targets to direct Sky Ray missile fire. So accurate are these missiles that they are not just effective against enemy structures, aircraft, or vehicles but even individual officers. Many a Space Marine Captain or Lieutenant has been obliterated by Sky Ray missiles during their recent offensives in the Zeist Sector.^[5]

For all their effectiveness, Sky Rays are rarely encountered in large numbers. Generally, a single Sky Ray is often attached to a Hunter Cadre, so they are rarely encountered in great numbers. It is typically deployed behind the main battle line to provide effective air defense while still being able to engage against ground targets. It is not unusual to find between one and three Sky Ray in support of an Armoured Interdeiction Cadre.^[5] A Sky Ray may also be included as a part of the defensive garrison for Tau airfields, headquarters or other important or vulnerable locations.^[4]

Technical Information

Sky Ray Missile Tank

Armament

The Sky Ray carries six Seeker Missiles mounted in a 360° traversable turret. It also mounts a pair of networked Markerlights and a Target Lock support system, allowing the Sky Ray to aim and fire its own Seeker Missiles against two separate targets at once. Secondary armament is either a pair of independently-aimed burst cannons, a pair of Gun Drones or a Smart Missile System.^[1] This weaponry is aimed and fired by the Sky Ray's dedicated weapons operator.^[2]

Armour

The Sky Ray is protected by the same nano-crystalline alloy used in the armour of other T'au vehicles, the composition of which is as yet unknown. While lightweight and malleable, the metal is strong and corrosive-resistant, providing good protection while cutting down on weight, improving the vehicle's speed and flight characteristics.^[3] However, the Sky Ray does not mount as much armour as seen on the Hammerhead Gunship which, combined with its limited ammunition, resulted in most T'au Commanders avoiding their use in protracted ground engagements.^[2]

Equipment

In addition to its standard weapons, control and communications systems, the Sky Ray is equipped with retractable landing skids and can be further modified with additional upgrades, though it lacks room for mounting additional Seeker Missiles.^[4]

Ordo Xenos Classification

Ordo Xenos Departmento Analyticus Record[3]
Serial Number	85673-908457	Main Armament	6 x Seeker Missiles
Designation	Missile Defense Gunship
Vehicle Codename	Sky Ray	Secondary Armament	Smart Missile System
Vehicle Type	Grav-Tank
Crew	2 (Pilot, Gunner)	Traverse	360°
Weight	24 tonnes	Elevation	From -0° to +70°
Length	8.25m	Ammunition	6 missiles
Width	6.8m	Armour Type	Nano-Crystalline Alloy Composition Unknown
Height	5m
Max Recorded Speed	70kph

Images

Sky Ray Missile Tank

See also

• Tau Vehicles (List)

Sources

• 1: Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition), ^[Help]
• 2: Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign, pg. 163
• 3: Courage and Honour (Novel), ^[Help]
• 4: Imperial Armour Update, pg. 32