Aeronautica Imperialis

The encroaching swarm

Introduction

This is a fan made expansion for the games workshop game Aeroautica Imperialis. It allows you to
deploy the aerial swarms of the devouring hive fleets into the sky war. The Tyranid bio-craft are
slower than prey species fighters, and their weapons are very short ranged. However they make up
for these short comings with high manoeuvrability and their Gargoyle broods.

New special rules

Below are an additional three special rules
that the various races that fly the skies can
utilise
Melee
Some aircraft, such as Tyranid Harridans,
Chaos Heldrakes and the infamous Ork Dagga
Jet utilise weapons designed to tear apart
enemy craft as they fly pass them.
Weapons with the melee are used in the
movement phase. As soon as you have
moved through a hex containing an enemy
model at the same altitude (or 1 altitude
below if attacking a ground target), you may
declare you are making a melee attack.
Complete the attack using the firepower value
of the weapons being used, then finish the
planes movement.
Models may only make one melee attack per
turn.
Aerial mines
A few races, such as the T’au, make use of
floating mine fields to restrict the movement
of enemy forces.
Models with the aerial mine special rule can
be set up anywhere on the table more than 3
hexes away from the enemies deployment
zone and must be set up before all other
units. Aerial mines have a field size. This is
the number of mines that must be brought
together. When setting up a mine field all
mines must be within 2 hexes of at least 1
other mine from the mine field and within 1
altitude
Aerial mines may change their altitude by 1
during the movement phase and if they are at
speed 1 they may move 1 hex in any direction.
All mines in a minefield move at the same
time.
If an enemy model moves within 1 hex of an
aerial mine, or the aerial mine moves within 1
hex of an enemy, and within 1 altitude the
aerial mine will make an immediate attack. If
the attack hits then remove the aerial mine
from play.
Aerobatics
Some aircraft are incredible manoeuvrable
and are capable of quickly dropping through
the atmosphere, such as the Eldar Nightwing
fighters utilising their varied position wings.
Aircraft with the Aerobatics special rule may
decrease their altitude by 1 or 2 at speed 1-9,
not just speed 5-9.
 TYRANID AIR-SWARM
The Tyranid air swarms are the first broods deployed by encroaching hive ships against prey planets.
Their approach is likened to an oncoming storm, so vast are their numbers. The Hive mind utilises
them to corral the enemy, making feeding easier. They engage the enemy with overwhelming
numbers not caring for their own casualties.

Gargoyles- special rule

The monstrous flyers of the Tyranid airs-warm damage suffered. For each point of damage
are almost always accompanied by score of absorbed this way reduce a gargoyle
Gargoyles. Gargoyles are amongst the brood/flock ammo by one.
smallest Tyranid flyers, these 0.2 tonne
Example: A Harpy is shot at by a marauder
Gaunts cling to the hides of their larger
bombers lascannons. The lascannon causes 2
brethren. In battle these gargoyle flights can
points of damage. The Harpy decided to
be used to attack ground installations, or used
remove its Gargoyle brood (ammo 1) to
to defend their brood carriers.
reduce the damage by 1 to 1.
Gargoyles have three different uses in games
Jump troops
of AI. Weapon
Gargoyles can de deplored as jump troops
The gargoyle brood can be fired, just like any
(see page 65 of the Rynns world campaign
other weapon (using their profile), whilst not
book for these rules). For each Gargoyles as
a weapon in the normal sense, they make
jump troops reduce a gargoyle brood/flock
quite a mess of engines when they fly into
ammo by one.
them.
Example: A Harridan deploys three jump
Ablative armour
troops over a ground target. The Harridan
Tyranid flyers that are armed with gargoyles then decreases the ammo of each of its
can choose to use the gargoyles to absorb Gargoyle flocks by 1.
Tyranid Air-Swarm upgrades
Bio-plasma vents + 3 points Synaptic node +1 point

The bio-organisms has rear facing bio-plasma
sphincters, When used they give the creature
a surge in speed.
When activated in the movement phase a
model with Bio-plasma vents may declare that
it is using them. If so it can move an
additional 2 hexes, however it is only allowed
to use ace manoeuvres 1 and 2 if it does so.
This additional movement doesn’t increase
the models speed characteristic.
Rapid regeneration +3 points
The bio-organism is capable of healing even
the most grievous of wounds in a matter of
moments.
In the end phase, if the model is not at full
structure points, roll a D6. On a 6, regain 1
structure point
The bio-organism has an improved link to the
hive mind which improves the reflexes of
nearby Tyranid bio-forms, whilst at the same
time causes unease in enemy pilots
All friendly models within short range and 1
altitude gain +1 handling. All opponent
models within short range and 1 altitude lose
-1 handling.
Cluster spines +3 points
This Bio-organisms covered in scores of sharp
quills that it can fire at nearby enemies. This
quills are too weak to penetrate even light
fighter armour, but are more than powerful
enough to break the armorglas of the
cockpits.
Any Tyranid craft with this upgrade gains the
following primary weapon.

Brood mother +4 points (Harridans only)

Fire
This Harridan variant doesn’t just carry WEAPON FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
arc
Gargoyles, but it is capable of birthing scores Cluster
more. Front 4/0/0 5+ UL -
spines
In the end phase, if the total ammo of the
models is less than 6 then it may gain 1
Gargoyle brood. If it does so roll a D6. On a 1
or a 2 reduce the models Structure by 1.
 HARRIDAN BROOD MOTHER
Harridans are the largest flying creatures that the Imperium has recorded the Tyranid threat
deploying, only dwarfed by the floating brood spires. Harridans, are often used as brood carriers,
with scores of Gargoyles clinging to their bellies, allowing the smaller creature to travel further. In
battle Harridans use their massive bio cannons to blast apart their opponents with living shells.

Whilst to slow to every try to chase down imperial craft, they are agile enough to be able to attack
any aircraft that gets too close, smashing them apart with their scything talons.

As with all Tyranid organisms the Harridan is highly mutable with several variations being record.
Whilst the most common seen acts as a carrier for gargoyles, other variants have been seen.
Including one that has been mutated to carrier vast numbers of spore mines and act as a bomber.

HARRIDAN
CLASS: BOMBER SPECIAL: JUMP TROOPS

STRUCTURE 6 THROTTLE 1 MIN SPEED 1

TRANSPORT * ACE MANOEUVRES 1-7 MAX SPPED 4
FUEL - HANDLING 3+ MAX ALTITUDE 4
WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
Heavy bio cannons Front 4/3/2 4+ UL -
Giant scything talons - 2 3+ UL Melee, Extra Damage (6+)

ADDITIONAL WEAPONS

A Harridan may be equipped with three additional weapons, chosen from the following list at 4
points each.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Large spore mine Ground attack, Extra
Rear 4/0/0 4+ 2
cluster Damage (5+)
Tail gunner, gargoyles,
Gargoyle flock Rear 5/0/0 5+ 2
Extra Damage (6+)
 HARPY
The Tryanids constant mutation and variation makes cataloguing them an almost impossible feat,
though a feat the Magos Biologis still attempt. As such imperial navy and army units designate them
based on their primary weapons.

The Harpy is armed with a pair of Venom-shard cannons. The corrosive acid imbued crystals can
cause large amounts of damage as they shatter on impact, embedding shards of crytals in dozens of
places, these shards slowly leach out acid that can degrade airframes and cause wings to break off
minutes or even houses after the dogfight.

HARPY
CLASS: FIGHTER SPECIAL: JUMP TROOPS, AEROBATICS

STRUCTURE 2 THROTTLE 2 MIN SPEED 0

TRANSPORT * ACE MANOEUVRES 1-8 MAX SPPED 4
FUEL - HANDLING 3+ MAX ALTITUDE 3
WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
venom-shard cannons Front 3/2/1 4+ UL
Scything talons - 2 4+ UL melee

ADDITIONAL WEAPONS

A Harpy may be equipped with two additional weapons, chosen from the following list at 2 points
each.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Spore mine Ground attack, Extra
Rear 4/0/0 4+ 1
cluster Damage (5+)
Pair of Tentaclids Front 2-2-0 3+ 1 Aerial attack

A Harpy may take a Gargoyle brood at a cost of 3 points.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Tail gunner, gargoyles,
Gargoyle brood Rear 5/0/0 5+ 1
Extra Damage (6+)
 COCKATRICE
The Tyranid flyer class designated as Cockatrice carry a pair of strangle thorn cannons. Like all
Tyranid weapons they utilise living organisms are ammo. In the case of the strangle thorn cannon it
is a seed pod. If it is able to find purchase on a target aircraft the seed quickly grows sprouts and a
fully grown strangle thorn plant is formed in seconds.

A seething writhing mass of barded tendrils seeking out warm organic beings to consume. The last
thing many a marauder pilot has seen is a strangle thorn plant consuming his gunners and rapidly
growing towards the cockpit.

COCKATRICE
CLASS: FIGHTER SPECIAL: JUMP TROOPS, AEROBATICS

STRUCTURE 2 THROTTLE 2 MIN SPEED 0

TRANSPORT * ACE MANOEUVRES 1-8 MAX SPPED 4
FUEL - HANDLING 3+ MAX ALTITUDE 3
WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
Strangle-thorn cannons Front 2/1/0 5+ UL Extra Damage (5+)
Scything talons - 2 4+ UL melee

ADDITIONAL WEAPONS

A may be equipped with two additional weapons, chosen from the following list at 2 points each.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Spore mine Ground attack, Extra
Rear 4/0/0 4+ 1
cluster Damage (5+)
Pair of Tentaclids Front 4-2-0 3+ 1 Aerial attack

A Cockatrice may take a Gargoyle brood at a cost of 3 points.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Tail gunner, gargoyles,
Gargoyle brood Rear 5/0/0 5+ 1
Extra Damage (6+)
 CRONE
Crones resemble dragons of old. However instead of breathing fire they belch out streams of
digestive acid filled with phage cells. This breath attack is too short ranged for the Crone to easily
target other flyers. As such Crones use it to attack ground targets, flying in low and spewing out a
stream acid other the unfortunate GroPos.

CRONE
CLASS: FIGHTER SPECIAL: JUMP TROOPS, AEROBATICS

STRUCTURE 2 THROTTLE 2 MIN SPEED 0

TRANSPORT * ACE MANOEUVRES 1-8 MAX SPPED 4
FUEL - HANDLING 3+ MAX ALTITUDE 3
WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
Melee, extra damage 6+,
Bio acid breath - 2 5+ UL
strafing run only
Scything talons - 2 4+ UL melee

ADDITIONAL WEAPONS

A Crone may be equipped with two additional weapons, chosen from the following list at 2 points
each.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Spore mine Ground attack, Extra
Rear 4/0/0 4+ 1
cluster Damage (5+)
Pair of Tentaclids Front 4-2-0 3+ 1 Aerial attack

A Crone may take a Gargoyle brood at a cost of 3 points.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Tail gunner, gargoyles,
Gargoyle brood Rear 5/0/0 5+ 1
Extra Damage (6+)
 WYVERN
Some Magos Biologis believe that the Wyvern is the original strain that the Hive mind has adapted
into other roles. This belief is supported by the fact that Wyverns show very little splicing with other
creatures. In combat Wyverns seek to close quickly with enemy flyers before ripping them apart with
talon and claw. Such is their proficiency at aerial attacks a single Wyvern is capable of tearing apart
an entire flight of Valkyries in a single pass.

WYVERN
CLASS: FIGHTER SPECIAL: JUMP TROOPS, AEROBATICS

STRUCTURE 2 THROTTLE 2 MIN SPEED 0

TRANSPORT * ACE MANOEUVRES 1-8 MAX SPPED 4
FUEL - HANDLING 3+ MAX ALTITUDE 3
WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
Scything talons and
- 4 2+ UL melee
rending claws
Aerial predator: A Wyvern may make an Aerial attack against every eligible enemy model it moves
through, rather than just one

ADDITIONAL WEAPONS

A Wyvern may be equipped with two additional weapons, chosen from the following list at 2 points
each.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Pair of Tentaclids Front 4-2-0 3+ 1 Aerial attack

A Wyvern may take a Gargoyle brood at a cost of 3 points.

WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL

Tail gunner, gargoyles,
Gargoyle brood Rear 5/0/0 5+ 1
Extra Damage (6+)
 GROUND DEFENCES
MIEOTIC SPORE FIELD
Mieotic spores are giant spore mines. They float on the air currents and can stay aloft for days. They
have a low level of awareness of their surroundings and are able to propel themselves with small
bursts of gas. When they sense non Tyranid forms near them they try to close the distance. If they
get close enough they detonate, showing a large area with bone fragments and corrosive acids.

MIEOTIC SPORE MINE

CLASS: AERIAL DEFENCE FIELD SIZE, 4-9

STRUCTURE 1 THROTTLE 1 MIN SPEED 0

TRANSPORT - ACE MANOEUVRES 0 MAX SPPED 1
FUEL - HANDLING - MAX ALTITUDE 3
WEAPON Fire arc FPR DMG AMMO SPECIAL
Mieotic spores All round - 2+ UL Aerial mines
Mieotic spore mine cannot take any upgrades from the Tyranid air-swarm upgrade list

SPORE CHIMNEY
Even from the very start of an invasion the hive fleets begin to Tyranoform the planet, preparing it
for eventual consumption. Giant spore chimneys erupt out of the ground and emit clouds of spores
and phage cells, to travel on the winds to further Tyranoform the planet. These spores have no effect
on planes, however if pilots and crews were to inhale them they can cause rapid and painful death.
As such rebreathers must be worn at all times when battling the Tyranid threat.

The spore chimneys also produce larger spore mines and Mieotic spore to defend themselves from
attack and should always be treated with caution.

GROUND DEFENCE
SPORE CHIMNEY
STRUCUTRE FPR DMG SPECIAL
Effective altitude (2) , ground-
3 3/1/0 6+
to-air fire
In the end phase place a meiotic spore, at altitude 1, in an
adjacent unoccupied hex.
Deign notes

When designing this list I used both the rules from the current AI as well as the previous editions
rules.

The design philosophy was that the Tyranids should be slow but manoeuvrable. With the combat
between them being akin to a fighter attacking a helicopter.

When designing the list I use the Anphelion project as well as the Tyranid codex to work out what
sort of flyers they should have. In the end I decided to expand the number of flyers from 3 to 5. This
was to make arming them easier. As the Harpy had two different primary weapons to choose from
and it was easier to separate them out into two separate craft, then I decided to add in a pure close
combat variant as well

The Meiotic spore mines rules are based on the Tau drone aerial minefield rules in tactica
aeronautica, with a few tweaks to make them a bit more interesting

The Gargoyles were the hardest part to make. Naturally they would be jump troops, but I also
wanted to include their ability to swarm imperial aircraft and take them out of the sky bird strike
style, as shown in the books. I decided the easiest way to do that was have them as a rear facing
weapon. Thematically firing them would be them letting go and as they are travelling slower than
their carrier and the enemy craft they would just fall backwards and hit them.

Originally they were also used as bombs, but I decided that didn’t mesh with the jump troops of
other races not being able to attack ground installations. So I gave the Harridan spore mines, hey it’s
the ‘nids they can make new creatures if they want.

Their ablative armour rule came from a thematic point of view. If you are shooing at a Tyranid flyer
covered in gargoyles are you going to damage the flyer or the creature that is in the way?