Scorpion tank (Generals 1)

"Scorpion, ready to sting!"

- Scorpion

The Scorpion was the GLA's Main Battle Tank (MBT). They were armed with a simple cannon. Scorpions, although modified slightly by GLA Arms Dealers, were antique tanks, though heavily converted and although quite fast were a poor match for more modern armour in direct combat. This was demonstrated amply in Iraq, when a division of Crusader Tanks took on an equally-sized division of Scorpions, and annihilated them all while suffering no losses. GLA commanders could even the odds somewhat by purchasing the Scorpion Rocket upgrade.

Resourceful GLA fighters could upgrade their Scorpions by salvaging parts from destroyed enemy vehicles.

Base

 * Scorpion Rocket - When purchased from the Arms Dealer, all Scorpions were given a crude rocket launcher. Able to fire at ground targets only.
 * Toxin Shells - Allowed Scorpions to fire shells laced with toxin. The toxin itself could be upgraded to Anthrax Beta (or in the case of Dr. Thrax, Anthrax Gamma).
 * Junk Repair

Salvage
In Zero Hour, the Scorpion could also be upgraded to a limited degree with salvaged parts. The Scorpion could be upgraded two times with salvaged parts from destroyed enemy vehicles. The first upgrade would improve its weak cannon, while the second and last upgrade will improve its cannon even more and add a second rocket to its weapons system, bringing the Scorpion tank at the same table with the Battlemaster and Crusader tanks.

Tactics/Counters
Speedy and inexpensive, Scorpions were good for hit-and-run missions early in a battle. The Scorpion's cannon was most effective against lighter vehicles and structures. The Scorpion Rocket upgrade was very useful, significantly adding to the Scorpion's firepower and giving it quite the edge against anti-tank infantry. Because they were cheap, GLA generals could also potentially deploy the Scorpion in large numbers and win through attrition. However, direct confrontation with technologically advanced US and heavy weapons was ill-advised in most cases. Scorpions were also highly vulnerable against anti-tank infantry and aircraft (although the Toxin Shells and the Rocket upgrade helped against infantry).