Laser turret (Tiberian Sun)

The Laser was a smaller cousin to the Obelisk, but like its larger cousin, still operated based on what appeared to be a directed beam of light.

Description
A Laser beam appeared to have been focused through what appeared to be a laser gun, while the Obelisk's beam came from what appeared to be a larger crystal. This seems to indicate that the crystal on top of an obelisk was simply a way to focus and direct the beam, and the actual laser was located inside the Obelisk structure for maximum protection. The laser, on the other hand, was almost completely exposed, and despite the armor plating, was not very resiliant. However, due to its small size, it mounted an internal power generator. Nod technicians, knowing that the weakness of the Obelisk was its incredible power drain, wanted to make sure that there was at least some defense during a power shortage at a Nod base.

Usage
Owing to its small size and low cost, lasers were deployed at most Nod bases and outposts, but unfortunately, performed poorly, so they were often backed up by either Tick Tanks or Obelisks of light. One glaring weakness was a lack of range: GDI's Titan assault vehicle had more range, and so could calmly stay out of the range of any lasers and pound them into the ground. Even against infantry, Disk throwers could be used in a similar fashion - proper targeting meant that the disks would bounce off the ground and come to halt near the laser. However, against enemies that did come into range, Lasers were reasonably effective against lightly armored vehicles and infantry, although heavily armored vehicles were much more difficult to deal with.