Guardian APC

The Guardian is a GDI armored personnel carrier used during the Third Tiberium War, a further development of the Mobile Repair Transport.

Background
Drawing on their seminal research on combining natural defense forms with historical combat tactics, the Dai Nippon/Skunk Works created several prototypes before accepting the ideal form of their new Turtle Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). The Turtle employs the same electromotive systems as the Mammoth: independent high-torque HTSC (High Temperature Super Conductor, a material widely used in the Mammoth's systems) electromagnetic motors with dual Mil-Spec CVJF (Combat Vehicle Jet Fuel) ducted turbine generators as the main power source.

The end result is an advanced, six wheeled transport, with all terrain capability and a dual barreled heavy machine gun capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets. It features a wedge shaped hull to provide protection from IEDs, a common weapon in urban warfare. One of the more interesting features is the high frequency low voltage Titanium alloy bi-metal articulated suspension, which can dynamically adjust its elevation in response to battlefield conditions.

In addition to transporting a single squad of infantry, the new APC is outfitted with mine laying equipment, allowing it to deploy a large minefield at any given location.

Any squad of infantry being transported inside may fire out of the APC, granting it greater offensive capability than when empty; for example, an APC transporting a Missile Squad will gain improved fire power against vehicular and airborne targets and when transporting Zone Troopers, the Zone Troopers will tear through vehicles. Additonally, it's twin machine gun can be upgraded to employ armour piercing ammunition.

Legacy

 * The Armadillo APC

Game Unit
The Guardian may carry one infantry squad. Troops may fire from within the APC but are killed when the vehicle is destroyed. By itself the APC can attack both land and air targets.

The Guardian may be upgraded with armour piercing ammunition.

Advantages

 * Very cheap to build at 700 credits
 * Exceptionally versitile, can handle almost any situation with the right squad garrisoned (ex; powerful anti-tank unit with Zone Troopers, dedicated anti-infantry with Riflemen or Snipers, etc)
 * Main gun effective against infantry and aircraft, potent counter with the AP Ammo upgrade
 * Fast and manuverable, able to respond quickly
 * Built at Tier 1, making it effective for early-game rushes and gaining map control

Disadvantages

 * Requires an infantry unit (and its associated cost) to reach its full potential
 * Relatively fragile, easily destroyed by massed anti-tank weapons or dedicated anti-armour units
 * Additional micro garrisoning each of the units, particularly with a lot of APCs, and any garrisoned unit is destroyed along with the vehicle