Surface-to-air missile site (Tiberian Dawn)



"SAM site destroyed."

- EVA

SAM stands for Surface-to-Air Missile. SAM sites, structures that fire such missiles, are constructed to provide defense against aerial threats.

Background
During the Second World War, the Soviets constructed SAM Sites to defend their installations from air attack. The design is carried to Nod by Kane. Global Defense Initiative developed it further to Advanced guard tower. The original sites used by the Soviets had launchers that were posted above the ground. The ones used by the Brotherhood of Nod were launchers that remained underground in protective silos; when underground, they were better protected against damage and could even just withstand an Ion Cannon strike. However, when an enemy aircraft was near, they would rise above ground, acquire the aircraft, fire, then recess back into the launcher to reload it's missiles. They require enough energy and can be operate autonomusly. SAM missiles are generally very accurate, capable of hitting airborne hostiles as they head towards a certain target. The missile is agile, capable to hit fast moving aircraft and have some capability to hit airplane flying high. They also have IFF system embedded. Unfortunately their sensor signature is clearly recognizable (although not easy to pinpoint).

SAMs were lucrative targets during the First Tiberium War. Nod forces constructed many throughout the lands that they controlled, threatening all air power of those who opposed them; namely, GDI's YF-23 Black Widows, A-10 and C-130s. GDI forces often had to assault these positions in order to ready the locations for aerial reinforcements or A-10 support. However, for this reason, Nod guarded these SAM sites with much zeal.