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Im working on a Deep Strike Space Wolves force http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/665930.page
Its lacking a bit in vehicle killing power.
Im looking at possibly Dreads or GH with meltas to Droppod close to armour and take it out asap.
However browsing through IA Vol2: 2nd Edition im looking at other options like Tarantulas.

If im understanding right i can get a Twin Linked Las Tarantula with deep strike for 35pts, Deep Strike it from reserves near target vehicle and if i understand deep strike rules correctly will count as having moved at Combat Speed and as Artillery can therefore fire one weapon on the turn it deep strikes at its full BS3 so 1in2 chance to hit with reroll.

Now if i take a battery of 3 with 2 Las and 1 Melta all with deep strike for 100pts im assuming they count as one unit and so all arrive on 1 reserves roll but do they set up as a deep strike unit with place one and then others in base contact in a circle around it or do the Tarantulas each deep strike individually?

Basically i was looking at a Grey Hunter squad in drop pod as a sacrificial lamb to drop near a juicy tank and hopefully take it out with a melta however if im understanding these Tarantulas correctly could do the same only with more suitable weapons and at a lower points cost.

They deploy as a unit. Also, are't they only BS2?

The main problem with Tarantulas is their targeting rules. You basically can't tell them what to shoot at, they always shoot the closest target based on your choice at deployment (vehicles or not-vehicles).

Im looking at IA2 (2nd) which according to http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Forge_World_and_Apocalypse_Rules_Index is the current.

Tarantula BS3 T6 W2 Sv3+

Limited to targeting Vehicles wouldnt bother me as thats kind of the point any way.
Just looking at it as a cheaper alternative to
5 GH with 1 MG and Drop pod at 115pts
or
Dread with Multimelta and Drop pod at 130pts

While the Taratulas would arrive from reserves and not first turn DP Assault like the GH or Dread i think even with BS3 vs the BS4 of the Dread/GH the Tarantulas 2 TL Las and Multimelta would have more success taking out some armour while the Dread/GH would have 1 Melta shot and then likely be wiped out next turn.

Anyone had any experience using Tarantulas in this manner?

This is one of my favorite models and I'd love to find a use for it. But it's very difficult to do so.

I do not have any actual playtime with them, however, I'd ask you this....

Say you attempt to DS next to 2x vehicles and target vehicle A...but scatter closer to B...you'll be forced to shoot at B and it may be a complete waste of points.

IA2 (2nd) says has 2 firing modes.

Point defence: locked 90 degree field of fire with 36" range
or
Sentry: 360 degree field of fire with 18" range

Preferred target: Heavy bolter version will fire at nearest enemy NON-Vehicle and Las/Multi versions will fire at nearest enemy Vehicle or Monstrous Creature. If preffered target not in range will shoot at nearest target available.

So would shoot vehicle B until it is wrecked (immobilized it would continue to shoot at it) but with 18" range and 12" max scatter you could place 6" on far side of A. If it scatters further from A you will still be in range and if it goes towards B have good chance will still be closer to A.
Also if have a battery of 3 and first shots kill B then the other 2 will attack A.

Or if youve got Drop pods coming down first turn 10pts for a locator beacon might be worth it.