The Sky Ray is the T’au Empire’s answer to enemy aircraft: a Devilfish-based gunship that fires guided Seeker Missiles at anything the Markerlight network paints. It’s rare on the battlefield, usually one per Hunter Cadre, but Imperial pilots learned to hate it during the Taros Campaign.
What the Sky Ray actually is
The TX78 Sky Ray Missile Defence Gunship is a perimeter and air-defence vehicle built on the same chassis as the Devilfish transport. Its job is simple: find enemy aircraft, lock on, and delete them with Seeker Missiles.
It came about because the T’au lacked a dedicated anti-air unit. Imperial aircraft tore through T’au ground forces and airfields during the Damocles Crusade, so the Earth Caste built the Sky Ray to plug that gap. Early versions had to find their own targets. Later models plugged into the wider Markerlight network, which made them far more dangerous.
You won’t see many of them. A typical Hunter Cadre gets one, though important sites like airfields or headquarters might rate more.
Seeker Missiles and the Markerlight web
The Sky Ray carries six Seeker Missiles in a turret that traverses a full 360 degrees. It also mounts networked Markerlights and a Target Lock system, so it can designate its own targets if it has to.
In practice, the crew leans on forward units. Pathfinder teams range ahead and paint enemy targets with Markerlight beams, and the Sky Ray’s automated systems calculate how many missiles to fire (anywhere from one to six) based on target type, speed, and range. The missiles are fast and accurate enough that pilots often don’t get time to react.
That accuracy isn’t limited to aircraft. Sky Rays have killed buildings, vehicles, and even individual officers. Space Marine Captains and Lieutenants have been obliterated by Seeker Missiles during recent offensives in the Zeist Sector.
On the tabletop
In 10th edition the Sky Ray Gunship is a Toughness 10, 14-wound vehicle with a 3+ save and 10″ movement on a 60mm flying base. It’s not a brawler, it’s a backline shooter that punishes whatever the rest of your army paints with Markerlights.
Its main gun is the twin-linked Seeker missile rack: 48″ range, 3 attacks, Strength 14, AP -3, and D6+1 damage. That profile threatens tanks and monsters as much as aircraft. Supporting weapons include an accelerator burst cannon, twin pulse carbines, and a Smart Missile System with indirect fire.
| Weapon | Range | A | BS | S | AP | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeker missile rack (twin-linked) | 48″ | 3 | 4+ | 14 | -3 | D6+1 |
| Accelerator burst cannon | 18″ | 4 | 4+ | 6 | -1 | 1 |
| Twin pulse carbine (assault, twin-linked) | 20″ | 2 | 4+ | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Smart missile system (indirect fire) | 30″ | 3 | 4+ | 5 | 0 | 1 |
How it fits with the rest of the T’au army
The Sky Ray slots into a T’au force as a support piece, not a headline act. It usually sits behind the main battle line, covering the sky while still able to chip in against ground targets. Armoured Interdiction Cadres often run one to three of them.
It also shows up in defensive garrisons for airfields, command posts, and other vulnerable locations. If you’re running a T’au list with plenty of Markerlight support, the Sky Ray is the payoff for all that target painting.
Key facts
- The Sky Ray is the TX78 Missile Defence Gunship, built on the Devilfish chassis by the T’au Earth Caste.
- It carries six Seeker Missiles in a 360-degree turret, plus networked Markerlights and a Target Lock.
- Imperial pilots nicknamed it the Stinger during the Taros Campaign and treated confirmed kills as a trophy.
- In 10th edition it’s T10, 14 wounds, 3+ save, with a twin-linked Seeker missile rack at S14 AP-3 D6+1.
- It typically deploys behind the main battle line and often works with Pathfinder Markerlight teams.
FAQ
What is the Sky Ray in Warhammer 40k?
It’s a T’au Empire anti-air gunship built on the Devilfish chassis. It carries six Seeker Missiles and relies on Markerlight support to hit aircraft and ground targets with deadly accuracy.
Why do Imperial pilots call it the Stinger?
During the Taros Campaign, Imperial Navy pilots came to hate the Sky Ray and gave it that nickname. Confirmed kills of Sky Rays became a celebrated achievement among them.
How many Sky Rays can you take in a T’au army?
Lore-wise, usually just one per Hunter Cadre, though important sites might have more. Armoured Interdiction Cadres sometimes field one to three in support.
Is the Sky Ray good against tanks?
Yes. Its Seeker missile rack is Strength 14 with AP -3 and D6+1 damage, so it threatens heavy armour and monsters, more than aircraft.