Tesla trooper (Red Alert 2)

The Tesla trooper is a heavy Soviet anti-surface infantry unit in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge.

Background
Advancements in technology made by the Soviet Union as part of their covert rebuilding program allowed the Tesla coil to be miniaturized into a perfect man-portable form. While early attempts at such a weapon were made and fielded by the Union before, it was not until the invention of a Tesla-powered battle suit that its full potential could be reached. The end result is a sealed, insulated combat uniform with a Tesla coil gauntlet, powered by a miniature back-mounted Tesla generator. Typically worn with an insulated jumpsuit underneath and red overalls on top, it is used by specialists in tank warfare, owing to it being uncrushable by tanks. In a pinch, they can also power up Tesla coils.

Deployment history
Lt. Eva Lee briefed the Allied commander about Tesla troopers during Operation: Hail to the Chief, describing their power against tanks and their ability to power up Tesla coils with their extra energy. This ability was later seen during the liberation of the city.

The Tesla trooper was first made available during the Soviets' invasion in New York and played a significant role in Paris, turning the Eiffel Tower into a gigantic Tesla coil.

In-game
Tesla troopers are best used as static defenses or escort for an armour column, as they are effective against infantry, yet particularly devastating to enemy tanks (which cannot crush them). Tesla troopers can charge up a Tesla coil for a slow-recharging, but devastating bolt of increased range and power. If three or more Tesla Troopers charge the same Tesla coil at a time, it will become independent of base power supply. It is best to wait until a cloning Vat can be built because it will produce two Tesla troopers for the price of one. They can be overwhelmed by GIs, though, so they are best to be escorted by conscripts or flak troopers. Since the range of their Tesla weaponry is barely beyond that of an attack dog, and their movement speed one of the slower amongst infantry, long ranged anti-personnel units pose a particular threat to them.

When they reach the elite rank, their Tesla bolts can bounce to two other targets, so an elite Tesla trooper has a chance to damage up to three enemy units with one bolt.

Aftermath
After the Psychic Dominator Disaster, the Soviets introduced a new design of their Tesla trooper. It was more powerful and cheaper than the old version, but more vulnerable to tanks as it could be crushed by them. They can also no longer charge Tesla coils. After Anatoly Cherdenko's trip to 1927, the Tesla troopers were modified and were able to charge Tesla coils and were uncrushable again.

When selected

 * Tesla suit ready.
 * Charging up!
 * Electrodes ready!
 * Checking connection.
 * Extra crispy! (cut)

When moving

 * Going to source.
 * Moving out.
 * Yes, comrade.
 * Surging forward.
 * Electrician in the field.
 * Rubber shoes in motion!

When ordered to attack

 * 2000 Volts coming up!
 * He's fried.
 * Completing circuit.
 * Let the juice flow!
 * Commencing shock therapy.
 * Congratulations, you've been discharged! (cut)

When suppressed

 * Ground yourselves!
 * Reinforcements!
 * I am hit!

Cameos
Alpha cameo:

In order: English, French, German, Korean, Chinese. Top row is standard, bottom row is veteran.

Trivia

 * The Tesla trooper bears a striking resemblance to Juggernaut from the X-Men franchise.
 * Two quotes were cut from Red Alert 2, but were found in early beta versions of Red Alert 3. They are often restored in mods.
 * Due to an error in animation sequencing in art.ini, the walking animation when facing east will show the first frame of the northeast-facing animation in the game.