DX-4 Technical Drone

A DX-4 Technical Drone (Kor’vesa in the Tau Lexicon) is a type of Tau Drone (small, disc-shaped, semi-sentient machines) employed extensively alongside Tau units in a support role during combat. DX-4 Technical Drones consist of an advanced processor unit, which individually has only a basic intelligence (approximately that of a small animal such as a pterasquirrel), and moves about by way of a small anti-gravitic generator and a smaller and much modified version of a Tau Jetpack. This allows the DX-4 to hover over the ground and skim over most obstacles. Due to their nature as a Technical Drone, they often found carrying repair and sensor equipment to assist Tau Commanders and Fire Warrior squads on the battlefield. In this role, they can operate as an observer, or can carry infantry wargear systems for Tau squads such as Blacksun Filters, Multi-Trackers or Target Locks. They will also commonly be found assisting Fire Warrior combat engineer teams, especially in dense urban combat. DX-4 Drones will always stay within close proximity to their masters, and can act as a form of robotic bodyguard if necessary; by getting in the way of incoming enemy fire or close-combat opponents during the course of a battle. Some Drone perimeter defence detachments also utilise specially outfitted DX-4 Drones to provide maintenance and support to other static Drone-controlled emplacements, such as Remote Sensor Towers and Drone Sentry Turrets.

All DX-4 Technical Drones that are attached to a Tau squad are controlled by a device known as a Drone Controller, whether it is in the form of a support system for a Tau Battlesuit, or a hard-wired piece of wargear for Tau infantry. A Drone Controller is an electronic device which acts as a hub of digital communications between the Drone's operator and up to two Drones that accompany the user. It allows a user to communicate his will to any Drone directly under his control. Most of the time, the controller operates at a default level that simply keeps the Drone obeying its basic programming, but the owner can also use it to issue simple orders outside the Drone’s normal parameters.

DX-4 Technical Drones attached to a Tau Stealthsuit Team are always upgraded with a stealth field generator, which allows them to operate without compromising the Stealthsuit Team's own ability to remain undetected.