The Explorer was the breakthrough for Tau science that made the Empire possible. Its massive reactor was capable of sustaining the gravitic drive over lengthy dives. Based on average speeds using full warp travel, not that the average means a great deal, the drive was slower by a factor of five. It was adequate though and the Explorer could also boast massive cargo capacity, extensive research facilities and most importantly the ability to serve as a mobile dock for semi-independent ships. Its cargo bays were large enough to carry modular orbital units, waystations and even (more recently)message boats. It was the galleon of the Tau Empire and for nearly a hundred tau'cyr it was the only class of ship continually in production. During this time it moved from mark I to XXIII benefiting from a succession of improvements and special adaptations. Conflict with the Orks was the class' death knell. It was not a specialist warship and its weaponry was incapable of keeping Terrorships and Killkroozers at a distance. Work on the Merchant class was accelerated. When it was complete production of the Explorer dropped 85%. Refits have proceeded though and the profiles represent the most common variant in service and the most recent upgrade.

Prow Railgun battery (strength 6 battery, range 45, arcs FLR)
Port Launch Bay (strength 4, Barracudas or Mantas)
Starboard Launch Bay (strength 4, Barracudas or Mantas)
Port Gravitic hook (capacity 1 Orca)
Starboard Gravitic hook (capacity 1 Orca)
Dorsal Gravitic hook (capacity 1 Orca)

Prow Spinegun (strength 8 missiles)
Prow Railgun battery (strength 6 battery, range 45, arcs FLR)
Port Launch Bay (strength 2, Barracudas or Mantas)
Starboard Launch Bay (strength 2, Barracudas or Mantas)
Port Gravitic hook (capacity 1 Orca)
Starboard Gravitic hook (capacity 1 Orca)
Dorsal Gravitic hook (capacity 1 Orca)

Modelling note. To equip a Gal'leath class vessel with a spine gun requires the replacement of one segment of launch bays with additional stowage for the drone guided missiles, reducing the vessel's launch capacity.

This vessel may be the last of the Explorer class starships to be built on Tau. Explorer construction is now being wound down and most work involves converting the older Mk XXIII's to the Mk XXIV design developed by the Water Caste of Bor'kan. Kor'O Kessan is a veteran captain of this class of ship and together with the bulk of his crew was assigned his new vessel after surviving an attack by Ork pirates on the edge of the Damocles Gulf. The Dal'yth Gal'leath Kessan has been outfitted with Mantas and is to be the flagship for a major expedition into the Farsight Enclave under the overall direction of Aun'shi himself and including a scientific team lead by the venerated biologist Por'O Jess'l. Much of the Explorer's cavernous hold has been converted to laboratories preparatory to the mission.