DX-11 Exploratory Drone

A DX-11 Exploratory Drone is a type of Tau Drone (small, disc-shaped, semi-sentient machine) employed extensively alongside Tau Space Hulk expedition teams. Exploratory Drones consist of an advanced processor unit, which individually has only a basic intelligence (approximately equal to that of a small animal such as a pterasquirrel), and moves about by way of a compact anti-gravitic generator and much modified variant of Tau Jetpack. This allows the DX-11 to hover over the ground and skim over most obstacles.

The DX-11 Exploratory Drone is a derivative of the DX-4 Technical Drone, and was developed in response to the first encounter with the Space Hulk Mortis Thule in the Canis Salient of the Jericho Reach. It was developed alongside the XV46 Vanguard Battlesuit, and is designed to aid those suits in Tau exploration expeditions into Space Hulks. The DX-11 is fitted with the limited armament of a single Pulse Carbine for basic self-defence, and also contains an array of sensory and high-powered communications equipment for their role of explorations. DX-11 Exploratory Drones are typically sent off to roam an area autonomously, searching for anything of interest while an operator views their findings and makes command decisions. Their potent sensors and communications, along with their powerful anti-grav motors, allow them to identify, report, and respond quickly to developing situations when properly directed. A DX-11 primary seeker protocol is to locate targets, threats and obstacles and observe them until otherwise. If threatened, an Exploratory Drone will swiftly act to conceal itself by clamping itself unto a suitable surface, transmit an alert to its operator, and await instructions; powering down its engines to avoid detection and reserving its limited firepower only for moments of absolute necessity. A DX-11 will remain in this state until it is discovered or commanded otherwise. Exploratory Drones typically operate as individual units, regrouping into small squadrons only when instructed, typically during search-and-destroy operations. If an Exploratory Drone is within close proximity to their master, they 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. They will also utilise their Pulse Carbine in direct support or defence of their operator.

All Exploratory Drones that are attached to a Tau are controlled by a device known as a Drone Controller which is usually in the form of a support system for a Tau Battlesuit. 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.