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{{Otheruses|USE=Tau drones|OTHERUSE=Chaos Blight Drone|OTHERPAGE=Blight Drone}}[[Image:TauDronesDiagram.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Various types of Tau Drones]]'''Drones''' are AI-controlled light hovering vehicles that perform a variety of civilian and military roles for the [[TauT'au]]. Unlike the [[Imperium of Man]], the Tau make extensive use of these and other [[Artificial Intelligence|machine intelligences]].{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2a}} 

[[Image:TauDronesDiagram.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Various types of Tau Drones]]Drones are conventionally disk-shaped, armoured, and equipped with an anti-gravitic generator and jet motors for propulsion. Their advanced processor unit has only a basic intelligence, similar to that of a small animal, which requires regular orders from their masters, often through a [[Drone Controller|drone controller]]. It is also programmed for self-preservation, and will typically flee in the face of danger (drones without propulsion systems will instead self-destruct upon capture). However, Drones can network together, increasing their intelligence and processing speed. This allows them to operate in a group independently of a controller for long periods of time.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2a}}{{Fn|5a}}

Typical civilian jobs for Drones include message delivery or domestic services, as well as dangerous or tedious duties. This latter ability makes Drones popular for use by the Tau military in support of their organic forces. Despite this, the Tau do not treat their military Drones as expendable forces, instead as a way to augment and support their [[Fire Warrior]]s in the field.{{Fn|5a}} The most common uses of these drones entail carrying and operating equipment presumably too heavy or bulky to simply be carried by a team member.

'''Escort Drones''' are a type of small drone that often accompany Tau [[Water Caste]] negotiators and incorporate both defensive as well as minor offensive capabilities. They are nimble and compact, making use of small efficient anti-grav units which are similar in design to larger drones. They not only act as protectors for their charge but as tools for trade as they are programmed to record and deliver complex messages. They are also used to guide prospective clients to the Water Caste negotiator and record every exchange that takes place. This information is then used for later study and dissection in order to better tailor to the individual in question. To serve them in their role, the escort drone makes use of a simple projector array that displays information on a flat screen. They are also usually equipped with twin [[Pulse Pistol]]s, which take up a majority of the space in the small drone{{Fn|4}}.

[[PorKar'ui_Fi'rios_Kau'kartyr|Kartyrtyr]] of the [[Water Caste]] are accompanied by an '''XR-0 Drone''', which forgoes the pulse pistols in favor favour of being smaller.{{Fn|25}}

'''Earth Caste Builders''' are drones used by the [[Earth Caste]] to erect structures and perform repairs on damaged buildings. However, they are unarmed and unable to defend themselves against an attack.{{Fn|6}} At least some of them carry welding tools.{{Fn|25}}

'''Grav Inhibitor Drones''' (MV33) are often utilized by [[T'au Pathfinder|Pathfinder Teams]] Teams. These drones are equipped with [[Gravity Wave Projector]]s.{{Fn|12}} It hovers above the operator and throws back the enemy with its graviton waves.{{Fn|1d}}

'''Gun Drone Squadrons''' are formed of 4 to 8 Gun Drones which have networked together in order to act independently for long periods of time. Their primary mission is to act in support of Fire Warrior teams by pinning the enemy down with their weapons, allowing the Tau warriors additional time to engage.{{Fn|14d}}{{Fn|2b}}

A pair of '''Gun Drones''' are often fitted to some Tau vehicles (most notably the [[Devilfish]] and [[Piranha Skimmer|Piranha]]). These drones, when not using their firepower in support of their parent vehicle, will often detach themselves to support the embarked Fire Warrior squad in combat, as well as scout and protect exposed flanks from enemy actions.{{Fn|5a}}

'''Heavy Gun Drones''' are one of the largest Drones currently known to [[Imperial]] forces. Their size allows them to carry multiple heavy weapons, typically [[twin-linked]] [[burst cannon]]s. They operate in squadrons of two to six Drones.{{Fn|5a}}

'''Shielded Missile Drones'''(MV84) excel at both offense and defensedefence. They use a cohesive energy field generator to absorb incoming shots, and are also well-armed with [[Missile Pod]]s for retaliatory fire. They often deploy alongside the [[XV104 Riptide]] [[Battlesuit]].{{Fn|14a}}

'''Marker Drones''' (MV7){{Fn|19}} are unarmed Drones equipped with a [[Markerlight#Networked|Networked Markerlight]] and a [[Targeting Array]].{{Fn|2a}} Heavy Marker Drones are the same size as Heavy Gun Drones but, replace one of their [[Burst Cannon]]s for a [[Markerlight]].{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|5a}} It can call a [[Seeker Missile]] strike upon a enemy.{{Fn|1c}}

'''Pulse Accelerator Drones''' (MV31) are frequently used by [[T'au Pathfinder|Pathfinder Teams]] Teams. They are equipped with [[Pulse Accelerator]]s, which allow for the range of Pulse weapons to be extended.{{Fn|12}}

'''Recon Drones''' (MB3) typically accompany [[T'au Pathfinder|PathfinderTeams]] teams{{Fn|14b}} and can also be mounted on [[Devilfish]] APC'sAPCs. Specializing in reconnaissance missions, they are armed with a [[Burst Cannon]].{{Fn|14c}}

The '''DX-13 Aerial Mine''' is an [[Air Caste]] drone that uses advanced [[AI]] technology. Given limited self-initiative, the drone hovers in the air, scanning the sky and receiving tracking information from Tau commanders on the ground. It has limited maneuverability manoeuvrability and can change its altitude to meet incoming aircraft. Used as an area denial weapon, when an enemy aircraft is detected the drone will move towards the target and detonate. These mines are most often deployed from [[Tiger Shark]] aircraft.{{Fn|24a}}

The '''DX-6 [[Remora Drone Stealth Fighter]]''' is an unmanned stealth Drone fighter aircraft utilized by the Tau Air Caste. Packed with advanced equipment, including a [[Blacksun Filter]], [[Targeting Array]] and [[stealth field generator]], it is armed with a long-barreled barrelled [[Burst Cannon]] and two [[Seeker Missiles]], which it can aim and fire itself with a [[Markerlight|Network Markerlight]]. Remoras were first encountered during the Tau raid on the Imperial [[penal world ]] of [[Typha-IV]], and can be carried into battle underneath a modified [[Tiger Shark]] or launched of the back of a [[Manta Missile Destroyer]], which can then control the craft from high altitude. They can operate in flights of up to five drones.{{Fn|7b}}{{Fn|8}}

'''Sniper Drones''' are Drones which are armed with a [[Longshot Pulse Rifle]]{{Fn|22}} or [[Rail Rifle]] and equipped with a [[Target Lock]] system, [[Targeting Array]] and [[stealth field generator]]. Sniper Drones operate in teams of three, directed by a single Tau [[Shas'la]]{{Fn|14e}} spotter equipped with a [[Pulse Pistol]], [[Markerlight#Networked|Networked Markerlight]] and [[Drone Controller]]. The Drone Operator is equipped with a small stealth field generator, allowing him to blend into dense terrain.{{Fn|14e}} For best results, two to three of these teams will work together to provide pinpoint anti-personnel fire.{{Fn|2c}}

The '''CL-31 Technical Drone''' is unarmed and unarmored unarmoured and lacks many higher brain function of combat models. It is used by [[Air Caste]] pilots as part of the ground crew, providing both technical support in pre-mission aircraft preparation and post-mission data analysis.{{Fn|24b}}

The '''DX-4 Technical Drone''' is used by Tau commanders and Fire Warrior teams on the battlefield as a mobile engineering unit. In place of weaponry each Technical Drone carries repair and sensor equipment, and can be used to fix damaged or destroyed equipment in the field.{{Fn|7a}}

The '''DS15''' is an adaptation of the '''DS13''''s design and sacrifices its [[Energy Shield]] in favor favour of mounting a [[Pulse-Capacitance Supercharger Module]]. When activated, the Supercharger increases the ferocity of nearby [[T'au]] ranged weaponry.{{Fn|26}}

The '''DX-11 Exploratory Drone''' is a derivative of the DX-4 Technical Drone used by the Tau for space exploration operations, frequently operating alongside [[XV46]] [[Battlesuit]]s on [[Space Hulk]]s. They are fitted with limited armament and an array of sensory and high-powered communications equipment, and are typically sent off to roam an area autonomously, searching for anything of interest while an operator views their findings and makes command decisions. If threatened the drone is programmed to conceal itself, transmit an alert, and await instructions, reserving its limited firepower only for moments of absolute necessity or when operating in direct support or defense defence of its operator.{{Fn|15}}

'''Drone Sentry Turrets''' are automated weapons systems that contain an advanced processor, giving it basic intelligence much like a standard drone. A team of turrets are then networked together to form a defensive perimeter, making decisions independent of Tau operators. The turret itself consists of an armored armoured hull with a pop-gun turret that may consist of [[Burst Cannon]]s, [[Seeker Missile]]s,{{Fn|11}}, [[Fusion Blasters]] or [[Plasma Rifles]]{{Fn|20}} which only activates when a suitable target is identified. Unlike [[Imperial]] [[Tarantula]] sentry guns, the drone intelligence can differentiate between friendly and enemy units effectively, choosing to ignore some targets in favour of others and capable of making independent targeting decisions.{{Fn|21}}

'''Microdrones''' - Invented by [[O'Vesa]], these [[nanobot| tiny drones]] have helped to keep his body alive.{{Fn|28}}

==See Alsoalso==

*1: [[Codex: Tau Empire (7th Edition)]] :**{{Endn|1a}}: pg.24, — ''Drones''

**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 120, — ''MV7 Marker Drone''**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 120, — ''MV33 Grav-Inhibitor Drone''**{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 120, — ''MV33 Command-Link Drone''**{{Endn|1f}}: pg. 121, — ''DS8 Tactical Support Turret''

*2: [[Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition)]]:**{{Endn|2a}}: Pgpg. 31**{{Endn|2b}}: Pgpg. 38**{{Endn|2c}}: Pgpg. 40**{{Endn|2d}}: Pgpg. 47

*5: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]]:**{{Endn|5a}}: Pgpg. 184**{{Endn|5b}}: Pg.{{CME}}

*7: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse]]:

*{{Endn|11}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]] , pgs. 187-188

*14: [[Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition)]]:

*{{Endn|15}}: [[Deathwatch: Ark of Lost Souls]] , pgs. 122-124

*{{Endn|22}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition)]] , pg.57

*{{Endn|28}}: [[Farsight Enclaves - A Codex: Tau Empire Supplement]] , pg. 44 - ''O'vesa''