Gyrocopter
Gyrocopters are Dwarf Skycraft whose rotor blades are propelled by an ingenious lightweight Steam Engine. [2a][7][8]
In battle, Gyrocopters provide Dwarf armies with the speed and ability to strike anywhere that they lack since they do not use mounted troops.[1a][7][8]
Overview
These devices can take off and land vertically or even hover on the spot. Typically the engine is loaded with enough coal for eight hours of flight. [1a][7]
Gyrocopters were invented by the Dwarf Engineers Guild and are flown by members of the guild. It is easy to see why Dwarfs invented these machines considering their high mountain realm. Gyrocopters can take off and land easily amid the peaks, as the lofty pinnacles make excellent landing points.[2a][4][7][8]
Gyrocopters enable Dwarf strongholds to keep in contact by flying directly over the difficult mountain passes which may be infested with enemies. Supplies and messages can be dropped from a Gyrocopter directly onto a beleaguered Dwarf settlement, enabling them to hold out for longer and send word for help. [1a][7][8]
Needing much time and skill to produce, the Dwarfs produce relatively few Gyrocopters. But in the 2500s only smaller or conservative holds fail to have a small flight of Gyrocopters. [7]
Gyrocopters have such a high maintenance cost of it is normally funded by the crown. This leads their brave or even insane pilots be known as the King's Flying Corps. [1a]
History
According to legend, their Engineer inventor was inspired by watching Dragons swooping down from mountain crags and combined the idea of wings with that of engines used to drive drilling machines and flywheels from grinding machines.[2a][4][7]
Although invented many centuries ago by the Dwarf Engineers Guild, it took a long time to gain acceptance from more conservative Dwarfs. [4][7]
Over the years, bombs have been used to enhance the Gyrocopter's firepower. Originally the pilot had to manually light the fuse of the bomb and throw it overboard[Note1], but these days bombs are fitted to the stabilisers.[2a]
Variants
Gyrocopters armed with Gatling Cannons provide air cover for Dwarf Fleets, intercepting enemy flyers before they can attack the dwarf ships. [3a]
- Gyrobomber [4b][7]
- Scout Gyrocopter, also called Light Gyrocopter [3a][7]
- Heavy Gyrocopter, also called "Pack Mule" [7]
- Gyro Multi-seater[8]
Weapons and Equipment
- 3rd Edition: Bombs, Steam Cannon. [5]
- 6th Edition: Hand Weapon. (Steam Gun is a special rule) [1b]
- 6th Edition Revised: Nothing! (Steam Gun is a special rule) [8]
- 8th Edition: Hand Weapon, Steam gun. May exchange Steam Gun with a Brimstone Gun. (Bombs are special rule) [2b]
- W:TOW: Armoured Fuselage, Hand Weapon, Steam gun. May exchange Steam Gun with a Brimstone Gun or Clattergun. [4]
- Man O War: Twin Gatling cannons. [3a]
Gallery
Gyrocopters (4th edition)
Gyrocopters attacking
Gyrocopter of the Mountain Bolt Squadron of Zhufbar
Miniatures
Gyrocopter (4th edition)
Gyrocopters (4th and 6th edition)
Gyrocopter (8th edition)
Dwarf Gyrocopter for Man o' War
Gyrocopter for Warmaster
Quotes
| A Dwarf should have his feet on the ground or, more preferably, a hundred feet below it. But they're nippy little beggars, I can tell you, and useful for getting behind the enemy and givin' 'em a good wallop up the backside with that rapid-fire gun. |
Notes
 |
Note1 This seems to be a reference to the original 4th edition model of Gyrocopter.
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (6th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (8th Edition)
- 3: Sea of Blood Rulebook
- 3a: Airpower, pg. 21
- 4: Forces of Fantasy (TOW): Gyrocopters, pg. 28
- 5: White Dwarf 100 (UK): Thwoppa, Thwoppa, Thwoppa, pg. 53-54
- 6: Arcane Journal: Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Scout Gyrocopters, pg.44
- 7: Dwarf Players Guide: Steamcraft & Skycraft, pgs. 109-110
- 8: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (Revised 6th Edition), Gyrocopter, pg 42
- 9: Mad Inventions! Skalli Rudderson's Gyro Multi-Seater
- Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (4th Edition), Needs Citation