Project Kauyon from TauOnline.Org

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Thanks to Wargamer for this.

Project Kauyon (aka: Hunter) was begun in order to produce a war machine capable of extreme range engagements, whilst not sacrificing speed or defence. In essence, it was the first true attempt at Tau artillery.

What follows is the field history of the Hunter.

The H1-C vehicle

H1-A The first Hunter was a build-up from the Hammerhead Chassis, attempting to incorporate an increased weapon range. Improvement was negligible.

H1-B Larger gun capacitors installed, but catastrophic overheats meant that the model was quickly scrapped.

H1-C H1-C was mounted on the Devilfish Chassis, and had reasonable success, although many still believed it required superior armour housing and recoil compensation.

Stats of the H1-C vehicle
Cost	Front	Side	Rear	Bs
125 pts	12	11	10	3

Type Tank, Skimmer (0-1 heavy support)
Weapons Railgun, Burst Cannon, 2x Gun drones
Options None

The H2-A Vehicle

H1C-A The concept of a Devilfish overhaul became popular, and H1C-A was chosen as the new project. The Railgun's capacitors were increased, although engine deterioration was noted towards the end of field testing. Overall performance increase was negligible.

H1C-B Engine power was increased, and Railgun capacitor size also increased. However, increased recoil led to unacceptable inaccuracy.

H1C-C Prototype scrapped after catastrophic capacitor overload. Thankfully, the vehicle was drone-operated. Collected data was transferred back to the Kauyon Project Command. H1C project terminated.

H2-A Work on the implementation of smaller Railguns began, and H2-A was born. The H1C and H2 series models competed against each other; one seeking a heavier cannon, the other seeking defensive power.

Stats of the H2-A vehicle
Cost	Front	Side	Rear	Bs
130 pts	13	12	10	3 (4)

Type Tank, Skimmer (0-1 Heavy Support)
Weapons Twin-Linked Railgun (no Submunition), Targeting Array. Secondary Weapon system as Hammerhead
Options As Hammerhead

The Dunewalker

H2-B By using powerful mag-lock focussing techniques, the design crews were able to create a Railgun with a truly incredible level of accuracy. However, the barrel quickly wore out due to Magnetic Accelerator Failure, and overall efficiency was little different to that of the H2-A.

H3-A Design staff responsible for the creation of the Crayfish were brought in, and work on a "jump" vehicle began. Initial prototype was found to be little better than the Hammerhead in combat scenarios. However, it was widely considered a step forward.

H3-B (Dunewalker) The first prototype to see real field combat, Dunewalker was a massive leap forward. Using information gathered from the H1C project branch, Dunewalker was widely regarded as a success, although the overly long "lock-time" was criticised, and never truly countered. Dunewalker was never commissioned for mass production.

Stats of the Dunewalker
Cost	Front	Side	Rear	Bs
165 pts	13	12	10	3 (4)

Type Tank, Skimmer/Walker (0-1 Heavy Support)
Weapons Dunewalker Railgun, Targeting Array. Secondry Weapon system as Hammerhead
Options None

Special Rules

Dunewalker Railgun Range: 108" Str: 10 Ap: 2 Type: Heavy 1. Must remain stationary to fire. May fire Submunitions instead, using improved range (note: must still remain stationary).
Walker/Skimmer The Dunewalker may move as either a Walker, or a Skimmer, whichever you prefer. You must decide at the start of the movement phase, and you cannot switch between types during the move (eg: you can't move as a Skimmer, then "Land" at the end of it!)

The Hunter

HV-1 HV-1 was built using a salvaged Vanquisher turret. It was mostly used for comparative testing, although the H2 team used this information in their creations.

H2-C Attempted using Plasma-aided launching mechanisms. Idea scrapped after turret vaporised itself.

H2-D Before the H3 team could refine their idea, H2-D was unveiled. H2-D was hailed as a leap forward in Railgun design, able to fire accurately over extreme range. However, the smaller calibre shot lacked hitting power.

H3B-A Attempts were made at producing an "Ion launcher" equivalent of the Dunewalker. Results were not impressive, although it made for a viable turret-conversion, giving Dunewalker superior close-quarter abilities.

Dunewalker may replace its Dunewalker Railgun for an Ion Cannon at -45pts.

H2-E (Hunter) Hunter was so called because it was viewed by many to be the definitive end to the project. Hunter was able to fire accurately at extreme range, and score confirmed kills against even the toughest opponents. The main reason for this was replacing the traditional slug with a plasma charge.

Concerns were voiced that such a weapon could suffer a catastrophic ammunition failure, and these fears, and subsequent counter-proof testings, are the only thing preventing the Hunter from seeing active service. Technicians hope the Hunter will be up for mass production by the end of the year.

Stats of the Hunter
Cost	Front	Side	Rear	Bs
173 pts	13	12	10	3 (4)

Type Tank, Skimmer (0-1 Heavy Support)
Weapons Hunter Railgun, Targeting Array. Secondary Weapon system as Hammerhead
Options As Hammerhead

Special Rules

Hunter Railgun Range: 108" Str: 8 Ap: 2 Type: Heavy 1. Rolls 2D6 when attempting to penetrate vehicles. May fire Submunitions as normal (using improved range).
Project Hiatus With the development of the H2-E, all other projects were withheld. Once the Hunter is produced, then work on the H3-C, an indirect-fire Dune walker variant, will continue. Until then, resource allocation has been cut to 40%, and until further notice the H2-E Hunter is the only valid task accepted by the T'au Ruling Counsil.