Warhammer 40k Archives

Tau Drones: Advanced AI-Controlled Vehicles

The Tau Empire’s military arsenal includes a variety of advanced drones, which play a crucial role in their battles against the Imperium of Man. These AI-controlled vehicles are designed to perform a range of tasks, from reconnaissance and combat to support and repair.

Design and Capabilities

Tau drones are typically disk-shaped, armored, and equipped with anti-gravitic generators and jet motors for propulsion. Their advanced processor units have basic intelligence, similar to that of a small animal, and require regular orders from their masters. However, they can network together, increasing their intelligence and processing speed, allowing them to operate independently for long periods.

Types of Drones

The Tau Empire employs a wide range of drones, each designed for specific tasks:

• Gun Drones: Armed with twin-linked Pulse Carbines, these drones provide supporting firepower for Fire Warrior teams.
• Shield Drones: Equipped with shield generators, these drones protect commanders and Battlesuits from enemy fire.
• Marker Drones: Unarmed drones that carry Networked Markerlights and Targeting Arrays, providing targeting data for Seeker Missile strikes.
• Sniper Drones: Armed with Longshot Pulse Rifles or Rail Rifles, these drones provide pinpoint anti-personnel fire.
• Technical Drones: Unarmed and unarmored, these drones provide technical support and repair services for Air Caste pilots and Fire Warrior teams.

Advanced Drones

The Tau Empire has developed several advanced drone designs, including:

• Remora Drone Stealth Fighter: An unmanned stealth fighter aircraft equipped with advanced sensors and armament.
• MV5 Stealth Drone: A drone that generates cloaking fields, allowing it to remain undetected.
• DS13 Experimental Drone: A drone designed for Ethereals, featuring a cutting-edge force field emitter and defensive Energy Shield.
• DX-11 Exploratory Drone: A derivative of the DX-4 Technical Drone, used for space exploration operations.

Drone Sentry Turrets

The Tau Empire has developed automated weapons systems, known as Drone Sentry Turrets, which contain advanced processors and can make independent targeting decisions. These turrets are often deployed by aircraft and can be strengthened by Shield generators.

Tactical Deployment

Tau drones are deployed in a variety of tactics, including ambushes, defensive perimeters, and reconnaissance missions. They are often carried by Orca Dropships and can be rapidly deployed to the field.