Hijacker (Generals 1)

Hijackers were GLA-affiliated thieves capable of hijacking vehicles, seen during the War against the GLA.

Background
Hijackers run toward a target vehicle, force their way into its interior, and take over the wheel. They are completely inconspicuous to enemy units when idle. If the hijacked vehicle is American, the hijacker can escape the vehicle using its ejection system should it be destroyed, gaining the same veterancy as the destroyed vehicle, which can then be passed onto the next vehicle they hijack (similar to American pilots). They cannot hijack vehicles with passengers on board.

Since Prince Kassad's forces have a much greater focus on stealth, he equips them with better stealth gear, allowing them to conceal themselves even when moving.

In-game
Hijacking vehicles with veterancy will "promote" the hijacker, and if the vehicle is an American one, the Hijacker can eject out of the vehicle upon its destruction. If the vehicle stolen by a hijacker is destroyed by an aircraft, the Hijacker does not emerge.

Although they are fast runners, they are still vulnerable to anti-infantry weapons. Standard hijackers are stealthed while still, and become visible when moving, while Kassad's hijackers are stealthed at all times. They also lack weapons and can not attack other units.

Infantry transports such as assault troop transports and battle buses are immune to hijacking once loaded with passengers. Sentry drones are also immune to hijacking.

Changelog

 * Generals sneak peek patch 1.02:
 * build time reduced from 20 to 10 seconds
 * speed increased from 20 to 30
 * Zero Hour patch 1.03: can no longer capture occupied battle buses

Trivia

 * Due to engine limitations, capturing a crewless vehicle with a veteran hijacker does not pass on his veterancy bonus, and the hijacker will not escape if the vehicle is destroyed even if it is American in origin.