Laser tank

The Laser Tank was a futuristic replacement for standard US armour pioneered by General Townes. Based on a Crusader chassis (and thus often dubbed the 'Laser Crusader'), Laser Tanks had turrets equipped with deadly laser weapons, most effective against other vehicles and structures. The tank fulfilled the same role as the Crusader in Townes' forces, costing the same for him to acquire.

Much of the technology behind the Laser Tank remains classified. It is still unclear why, if Townes failed to maintain sufficient base power levels, the tanks became entirely inactive.

Upgrades

 * Scout Drone/Battle Drone/Hellfire Drone - One of these drones may be selected as an upgrade per unit. The Scout Drone, the most inexpensive, simply provides information to the tank crew that increases their sight range and reveals otherwise difficult-to-spot stealthy units in the vicinity. The Battle Drone is armed with a small machine gun, giving some protection against infantry, and may also repair its parent vehicle. The Hellfire Drone, initially made available later in the conflict, fires a small, but surprisingly effective missile against enemy units. Drones may be upgraded with Drone Armour.
 * Composite Armour - Available from the Strategy Center, this upgrade improves the armour of each tank.
 * Advanced Training

Tactics/Counters
The laser generated by the Laser Tank was more dangerous to enemy armour than even a standard 125mm tank shell. Only the Chinese Overlord could match the Laser Tank, and Townes' machine was far cheaper and faster. However, it still had the same weaknesses as the standard Crusader, namely a vulnerability to aircraft and anti-tank infantry. Therefore Laser Tanks were almost always deployed with some form of support, typically an Avenger, another unit reliant on lasers (Townes' speciality).