Iron Eagle Gyrocopter
The Iron Eagle Attack Gyrocopter was a Squat aircraft. Used for reconnaissance and ground attack missions against enemy artillery positions and headquarters in lightning fast raids, Iron Eagles were piloted by daring Squat Guild pilots. The Iron Eagle achieved its unprecedented maneuverability by combining traditional gravitic thrusters with high-powered turbofans, giving it extra power and lift. The Iron Eagle had a crew of two: A pilot and a gunner. The pilot controlled the aircraft and the main cannon, while the gunner manned the tail-mounted autocannons and also served as a navigator.[1a]
The Iron Eagle was also fitted with a datalink allowing it to communicate with ground based fire-control centers and act as a forward artillery observer, directing the barrages of Squat war engines such as the Colossus.[1b]
Contents
Variants
Due to the shortcomings of the Iron Eagle when dealing with large formations of infantry or armored vehicles, Squat engineers mounted new weapons configurations on the aircraft to deal with such foes.[2]
Steel Hawk
The Steel Hawk was specialized in anti-infantry duty, and was armed with pods of Battlehammer short range rockets and a Multi-melta in place of the Iron Eagle's Battle Cannon.[2]
War Hawk
The War Hawk was a dedicated tank hunter, equipped with advanced laser-guided armour-piercing Doom Anvil missiles, and bolters for self-defense.[2]
Sources
- 1: Codex Titanicus (2nd Edition)
- pg. 83
- pg. 80
- 2: The Citadel Journal 14 pg. 27