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{{redirect|Orca|the [[Escort]]-class space vessel|Orca Gunship}}

The '''Orca Dropship''' is a dedicated orbital transport vehicle of the [[Tau Empire]]. Used for moving equipment, supplies and troops from orbiting spacecraft to a planet's surface, it is not a combat vessel, primarily armed for self-defense only. Orcas are sometimes used to accomplish special missions on the field of battle, and include advanced equipment for monitoring the progress of operations.

===Engines===

Powerful quad ramjets located on either side of the Orca's fuselage, combined with grav-plates positioned on its underside, give the craft exceptional speed and maneuverability in spite of its bulky size and allowing it to hover in mid-air. Orcas have been observed reaching speeds over 2000 km/h.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3}}

===Transport Capacity===

The transport compartment of the Orca takes up the majority of the dropship's space and is accessible through a rear drop-down ramp. Seating is provided for twenty-four [[Fire Warrior]]s or equivalent-sized troops such as [[Kroot]], along with a separate command chair and transportation rack for eight [[Drone]]s. Additional standing room allows for another twenty-four Fire Warriors or Gun Drones, or up to six [[Crisis Battlesuit]]s or three [[Broadside Battlesuit]]s secured to an automated transportation rail. Other alternative loads include six [[Heavy Gun Drones]], four [[Drone Sentry Turret]]s, two [[Tetra]]s, six [[Krootox]] or a dozen [[Kroot Hound]]s.{{Fn|1}}

==Notable Orcas==

*''[[Silent Aftermath]]''{{Fn|6}}

==Sources==

*{{Endn|5}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20031124222619/http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/PDF/orca.pdf Experimental Rules] ''(saved archive page, dated December 2003, last accessed 10 February 2016)''

*{{Endn|6}}: [[Blades of Damocles (Novel)]], Chapter Two

{{TauForces}}