Hunter-Killer Missile
The Hunter-Killer Missile is used by the Imperial Guard,[2] Space Marines,[3] Inquisition[4] and Sisters of Battle[5] as a common upgrade for vehicles.[1]
They are effectively Krak Missiles with massively extended range, although only one can be mounted on a vehicle due to their vast size. They are also unique in that they are guided weapons with an on-board artificial intelligence, known as a "logis-engine."[1] Sensors in the missile's nose transmit information on the target and surrounding environment to the logis-engine, which guides the missile in flight by manipulating its stabilising fins, allowing the missile to match the target's movements and avoid obstacles.[1] Alternatively, the missile can be directly guided by the machine spirit and auspex of the vehicle it was fired from, even allowing the missile to operate in top-attack mode.[6] The range of a Hunter-Killer missile is effectively unlimited. It can operate in all weather conditions where the missile operator can see its target via day or night sight. Performance can be even further increased by operating in tandem with a targeter.[7]
The missile's warhead is an impact fused shaped charge, designed for maximum armour penetration. Other instruments include an internal gyroscope for stable flight and a small battery to power the sensor and logis-engine.[1] Some Hunter-Killer missiles have a melta warhead. After being expended, another Hunter-Killer missile can be loaded in minutes.[7]
The Hunter-Killer missile has proven itself even more capable than previously thought. In a notable incident it flew through an enemy tank and penetrated a second tank. In a second, even more noteworthy incident, the missile penetrated through a two-metre beam and knocked out an enemy APC situated behind.[7]
A variety of different Hunter-killer missiles exist, including the MkX 'Deliverance', MkVIII 'Avenger' and MkIX 'Voss' patterns.[1]
See also
- Imperial Guard Vehicle Upgrades
- Space Marine Vehicles (List)
- Witch Hunters Armoury
- Daemonhunters Armoury
Sources
- 1: Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition, pg. 251
- 2: Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition), pg. 70
- 3: Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition), pg. 103
- 4: Codex: Grey Knights (5th Edition), pg. 61
- 5: Codex: Sisters of Battle (5th Edition), pg. 89, 91
- 6: Faith and Fire (Novel), Chapter Ten
- 7: Imperial Munitorum Manual: Artillery and Vehicles Chapter (Background Book), pg. 12
