Manta
From Lexicanum
The Manta is a Tau missile destroyer that served as a heavy bomber/carrier that specialises in ground assault.
Overview
They were the nearest equivalent to a Human Titan or Ork Gargant. These dropships were several times larger than a Thunderhawk gunship which is capable of operating as either a skimmer or a flyer on the battlefield. In space, they were equally a match for whole squadrons of Imperial fighters. This bordered between an attack craft and a full starship. They were the smallest ship within the Tau fleet which were equipped with ether drives though this was not nearly as fast as a true starship form interstellar distances.
A Manta was equipped to carry a full Hunter Cadre which can contain anything between fifty and one hundred Tau. All the troops can either be mounted on gravitic vehicles or possess jet packs allowing them to deploy from the destroyers at an altitude. With its large compartment and heavy weapon loadout, the Manta serves as a dropship and as heavy fire support for the Tau forces.
These Missile Destroyers were well shielded and armed with heavy Railguns which can fire heavy shells that make use of fins for additional lift to give it remarkable range in an atmosphere. Each shell was fitted with a Tau Drone processor that were programmed to direct the shell to its target. The drones was equipped with a manoeuvring thruster for this purpose. Once the Manta nears its target, the batteries of close range Ion cannons take over.3-p15
Crew and Vehicles
It can carry up to:
For armaments, it carries: "Sixteen Long-Barrelled Burst Cannons, Six Long-Barrelled Ion Cannons, Two Heavy Railguns, Missile Pods and battery of Seeker Missiles as well as a Networked Markerlight turret." The aircraft has a crew of six, two pilots and four gunners.
The Manta is occasionally used for transporting high-ranking dignitaries, such as Ethereals.
