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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→Overview
==Overview==
Barring a few exceptions the Valkyrie, like most of the Imperium's aircraft, is piloted and operated by the [[Imperial Navy]], with a pilot, co-pilot and two door gunners.{{Fn|2a}} the vehicle can carry up to twelve fully armed Guardsmen{{Fn|11}}. Valkyries are provided in joint operations for use to the [[Imperial Guard]] on an as needed basis, with pilots reporting directly to the [[regiment]]'s senior officer.{{Fn|3}} However, in cases where a Valkyrie squadron can expect to be attached to Imperial Guard units for a long duration, modifications are made to the Valkyrie to enhance its role of close air support. The most common modifications are [[Extra armour]] and a [[Searchlight]]. This extra weight reduces the Valkyrie's maximum flight altitude and speed, but allows the crew to use its VTOL capabilities to the maximum potential with improved survivability.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|3}}
With advanced flight control and sensor gear, the Valkyrie contains technology comparable to those found in [[Space Marine Vehicles]], limiting their construction to sufficiently-advanced planets such as [[Forge Worlds]]. In flight, the aircraft utilizes twin vectored engines in order to not only vertically take off and land, but also hover in mid-air, allowing for greater accuracy in deploying its twelve passengers. These engines can be sealed, and an onboard oxygen supply employed, for when operating in hostile environments. Common methods for deploying from a Valkyrie range from simply jumping off (if the height from the ground is low enough) to fast-roping and rappelling.{{Fn|2a}} When unable to operate that low to the ground, deploying via high-altitude jumps using [[grav-chutes]] are possible, though highly dangerous.{{Fn|3}} In addition, when mounting extra fuel tanks the Valkyrie is capable of carrying a modified [[Drop Sentinel]], [[Cyclops Demolition Vehicle]] or [[Sentry Gun]].{{Fn|2a}}
