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XV26 Stealth Battlesuit

XV26 Stealth Battlesuit[2a]

The XV26 Stealth Battlesuit is a newer type of Tau Stealth Battlesuit.[1]

Overview

You have been granted great trust by the Empire. The Code of Fire comprises our Caste's noblest traditions and martial wisdom. You who are granted infiltration roles are trusted to adapt and innovate, yet ever must you do so within the bounds of the code. It is our Honour. The core of how we uphold for the Greater Good.

-- Shas'el T'au Ho'sen, On Adaptions to the Code.[3]


Developed by the Earth Caste and building on the experiences of the older XV15 and XV25 designs[2a], the XV26 was first known to be deployed in the Ctesiphus System of the Chalnath Expanse as part of the Fifth Sphere of Expansion.[2a] Amongst the smallest types of Battlesuit developed by the Tau, it is designed primarily to infiltrate enemy positions in order to identify and eliminate key threats or operating far behind enemy lines for extended periods in order to gather intelligence and conduct special operations. The honour of using these new suits is reserved for only accomplished and disciplined veterans. Its maverick veteran pilots are an anomaly in the otherwise strict doctrine of the Fire Caste, given free rein to employ unorthodox tactics and questionable methods so long as they serve the Greater Good. This operational independence is one of necessity, for their missions require long periods of operating far beyond any kind of support and often necessitate total comms-silence.[1][2a]

The XV26 can render itself almost completely invisible despite being powerful enough to carry heavy weapons into battle. XV26 teams also carries an assortment of sensors and communications equipment, allowing them to conduct highly technical missions without support from the Earth Caste.[1] Its frame uses recent nanocrystalline alloy technology, which has an impact-resistant structure and lightweight composition that allows it to carry a variety of advanced systems. The angled shape of its armour plates help it deflect solid shots, while liquid metal coating reflects some of the power of energy weapons. It also mounts multidirectional thrusters that utilize both jet and anti-gravitic technology, allowing the user to boost over obstacles as well as deploy from high altitude. These multidirectional jets also provide the pilot with a stable firing platform and means of evading close threats.[2a]

For standardized weaponry, the light XV26 usually maintains a single weapons hardpoint. Usually this is equipped with a Burst Cannon, while certain specialist variants may carry Fusion Blasters.[2a] XV26 Stealth Teams also receive Drone support in the form of newer MV15 Gun Drones and MV75 Marker Drones.[1]

Types

  • Shas'vre - Squad leader and Drone controller. Besides their standard Burst Cannon or Fusion Blaster weaponry, they also carry a Pulse Pistol sidearm.[2b]
  • Infiltrator - Veterans that have trained extensively in stealth warfare.[8a]
  • Neutraliser - Equipped with a sensor suite and signal jammers, allowing them to disrupt enemy communications.[8a]
  • Liberators - Demolitions specialist most commonly equipped with EMP Grenades or more conventional explosives which are used to breach enemy fortifications.[2a]
  • Designators - Carry advanced Markerlight arrays that seek out new targets and act as the eyes of the team.[2a]
  • Lodestars - Seen as lone mavericks, they carry stealth-enabled homing beacons to coordinate with distant allies and chaff launchers to cover their activities.[2a]

Images

Sources

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