Tetra

One of the many new vehicles first identified during the Taros Campaign was codenamed the 'Tetra'; a lightweight, fast, scout speeder used by Pathfinders for long-range infiltration and reconnaissance missions.

On Taros, Pathfinder squads often operated far in advance of their Hunter Cadre, using Tetras to get into position before dismounting, hiding their vehicles and operating stealthily on foot. Once a reconnaissance mission was complete, they would return to their speeders and race back to their own forces.

The Tetra is not a true combat vehicle. Lacking armour, and only armed with twin-linked pulse rifles for self-defense, a Tetra is not designed for surviving in the midst of a battle. As a reconnaissance vehicle it relies upon speed and stealth. To assist in this it mounts a disruption pod, which distorts the vehicles image in both the visual and magnetic spectra, making it harder to spot and target at long range.

The Tetra's main weapon is its Markerlight, which it uses to designate targets for following vehicles carrying racks of Seeker missiles. The Markerlight and Seeker missile are sophisticated weapons systems which work together to lethal effect.

Each Seeker missile incorporates a Seeker array - a collection of diode receivers built into the warhead. The diodes are sensitive to Markerlight energy beams. For the missile to 'see' its target, a seperate Tau operator , either in a Tetra or on the ground, has to lock-on to the designated target with a high-intensity energy beam, codenamed a Markerlight. The Markerlight reflects off the target, and the missile's Seeker array picks it up.

As befits their forward role each Tetra is also equipped with additional powerful surveillance and tracking equipment as well as secure long-range communications. Each Tetra has a two-man crew, and usually operate in pairs, supporting each other and making a four-man Pathfinder team on the ground. On Taros, these four-man teams, armed with pulse carbines and Markerlights operated behind enemy lines, conducting surveillance, ambush and sabotage missions.