An advanced prototype, the Paladin tank fires a jet-assisted shell and automatically targets enemy missiles with its small, powerful laser. Still in development, the laser has a slow rate of fire, so the Paladin should be used with other anti-air defensive systems. Upgrades can improve armour and add a Scout or Battle Drone. The Composite Armor upgrade is developed at the Strategy Center. - Generals manual(src)
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The Paladin Tank was an advanced American main battle tank during the GLA Conflict.
An advanced prototype tank, the Paladin tank fired jet-assisted shells, and was armed with a point-defense laser. The laser was capable of intercepting missiles, and could also be used as a makeshift anti-infantry weapon, but had a slow rate of fire due to it still being in development. It could be equipped with composite armor and an aerial drone.
Upgrades[]
Drones[]
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A welcome addition. - Paladin upgrading with a Battle Drone.
Despite being costlier than most other tanks, the Paladin fared better against rocket-toting infantry and was by no means slow or cumbersome for its class. Often, the Paladin is used as a Scoprion deterrent, as its Point Defense Laser can nullify incoming Scorpion rockets, minimizing the losses incurred on its side of the shootout. Its double-duty capabilities also make it favorable for removing SCUD launchers and their ballistic missiles. On a lesser role, Paladins serve as close-range fire support against infantry, as the Point Defense Laser is potent for killing infantry in one to two hits.
Counters[]
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Doing what's right. - Paladin Tank attacking.
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The Paladin's laser proves to be an effective active protection system against missiles, but the laser's poor rate of fire leaves a lot to be desired. A common tactic is to overwhelm a Paladin with more missiles than it can handle.
In open combat, the Paladin's inability to outshoot artillery and outrun bombardment becomes an exploitable weakness. Additionally, against artillery units that do not use missiles or rockets, the Paladin's point defense laser becomes useless. The Paladin depends on a combination of armor, firepower and active protection to survive; abandoning the third feature forces the Paladin to fight short of one important combat perk.
Unconventional warfare such as vehicle theft and crew-killing is also a problem for Paladins. Jarmen Kell, GLA's elite marksman, could disable the Paladin by sniping its crew, leaving it open for commandeering.
When ordered to perform ability: Deploy Battle Drone (Unused)
A welcome addition.
It will be good for morale.
Something we can count on.
Cut Laser Paladin quotes[]
When selected
Keep those reactors safe back there.
Laser Paladin.
Lasers will keep it clean.
Setting our goals high.
When ordered to attack
Bringing home the bacon.
Protecting the modern world.
Punch 'em through.
Trivia[]
There several discrepancies between the cameo and the game unit, including the detailed turret, some model differences and red point defense laser.
In older unpatched skirmish games, the Paladin's laser occasionally destroyed launched Chinese nuclear missiles, usually in one shot. The turrets also bend sometimes.
As none of the specialized USA generals use the tank, the Paladin is unavailable to the player during most of the General's Challenge. The Paladin tank will be encountered on the final challenge level since it is General Leang's main battle tank, though she does have to spend a promotion point to gain access to it. The only way for the player to gain access to a Paladin during the challenge is by stealing one from Leang.
Originally Townes was to have his own unique version of Paladin Tank, but it was cut in the final game. The tank is still present in the game files though, and can be placed on a map via map editors.
In real life, M109 "Paladin" is a self-propelled howitzer, not a tank, with caseless manual loading and not designed for actual frontline engagement.
Synonymous with the Paladin tank's Point Defense Laser, real-life modern tanks like the IDF Merkava Mk. 3 and 4 employ the use of Trophy systems which function by launching projectile countermeasures to intercept incoming anti-tank missiles or shells detected within its radar, preventing the vehicle from being hit.