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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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The Hunter is the first known dedicated anti-aircraft platform fielded by the [[Adeptus Astartes]]. Prior to the discovery of the [[STC]] for the Hunter, Space Marine forces had attempted to retrofit various designs to the Whirlwind artillery vehicle, with largely negative results.{{Fn|1}} Though a stable pattern of anti-aircraft Whirlwind was ultimately achieved in the Hyperios, several [[Chapters]] have continued to use the Hunter on many battlefields, including the recent [[Third War for Armageddon]].{{Fn|3}}
The Hunter is equipped with a [[Skyspear Missile Launcher]], which fires a salvo of missiles each guided by the interred remains of a [[Chapter Serf]].{{Fn|5}} The secret to the Hunter's success lies in that of its missile's tracking system, which is able to accurately engage fast moving aerial targets. The system itself is made up of altered brains and neural interfaces from [[Servitor]] operators. The servitors must be specially chosen, their brains possessed of a mental agility in life that is then re-purposed in near-death. These are often chosen from failed Chapter [[initiate]]s should they be too damaged to become [[Serf]]s, either those crippled during their training or that have rejected the sacred implanting processes. Chapter serfs can also find a place as a target-servitor, if they show promise and serve well, earning the right to accompany the Chapter into war. In both cases, the brain, and as much of the head and torso of the initiate as possible, will be salvaged so that he might serve the Chapter in another way. Where possible, the servitor’s limbs are used to operate controls and weapons, but most importantly their brain is linked into the augur arrays of the missile. The process is not always successful and many servitors may die before one merges with the tank’s machine spirit, creating a deadly symbiotic relationship.{{Fn|6}}
==Previous Editions==
*{{Endn|4}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat440160a&prodId=prod2160144a Games Workshop]
*{{Endn|5}}: [[White Dwarf]] September 2013 - ''Space Marines Hunter''
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Index Astartes: Stalkers and Hunters]]
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