WHIRLWIND HYPERIOS
from Games Workshop Forge World

The Whirlwind Hyperios is a variant of the standard Whirlwind, one of a number of modified Whirwind types utilised by the Space Marine Chapters. The Whirlwind is an ancient design, and many different patterns have been employed down the millennia, some of these remain in service with various Chapters across the galaxy.

The Hyperios is equipped with automated tracking and targeting equipment and anti-aircraft missiles for close air defence. The Hyperios’ missiles each contain a small logis-engine, similar to that used by the hunter-killer missile, to seek out and destroy its target. Although anti-aircraft defence is its main role, the targeting array is versatile enough to be able to engage ground targets, effectively becoming a rack of hunter-killer missiles. This would only be used as a weapon of last resort, but Space Marine commanders need their combat vehicles to be versatile, as they often must fight whilst heavily out-numbered by their enemies.

As well as its logis-system and warhead, most of the actual missile contains the fuel it needs to fly relatively short distances at very high speed, intercepting fast moving in-coming aircraft. These missiles are not large enough to reach high-altitude, like a Manticore AA missile, but are highly effective against low flying enemy as they make strafing runs.

Type: Tank.

Weapons: Storm Bolter. Hyperios Anti-Aircraft missile launcher.

Crew: Space Marines.

Options: A Hyperios can be given any of the vehicle upgrades from the Space Marine armoury. This includes variations for specific chapters. (i.e a Salamanders Whirlwind Hyperios can take Reinforced Ceramite Armour etc).

Transport: None.

Heavy Support: A Whirlwind Hyperios is a Heavy Support Choice for a Space Marine force.

The Hyperios can be fired at flyers or at ground targets. To fire at aircraft it must remain stationary.