Paladin tank (Generals

"We Fight for peace!"

- The motto of Paladin Tank crews

The Paladin Tank is the most advanced USA tank.

Background
Entering battlefield service as an advanced prototype, the Paladin quickly gained favor with US Generals. While early in the GLA conflict Crusaders often made up the bulk of armoured offensives, as in the attack against GLA-occupied Baghdad, in the latter stages of the war the Paladin was increasingly common. Its main gun fired 'jet-assisted' shells, in addition to a anti-missile laser. The Paladin was one of the first US units to mount such a laser, which saw use later in the conflict in units such as the Avenger, and made the tank less vulnerable to enemy anti-tank weaponry such as rockets, although it did nothing against tank shells. The Paladin was notably quite expensive.

Due to the strength of these tanks the US government only distributes them to generals who had been promoted in an attempt to prevent too many of them from falling into GLA hands.

Tactics
"Enemies of the free world!"

- Paladin Tank

The Paladin, although costing more than most other tanks, fared better against rocket-toting infantry and was by no means slow or cumbersome. Nevertheless, it was ill-advised to send a squad of Paladins into battle with no protection from other units, especially against an experienced enemy. It should be noted that the tank's laser, as well as rendering upgraded Scorpion tanks unable to use their dangerous rocket launcher, was even capable of taking down Scud missiles, at least when fired from a Scud Launcher. The laser could also take down aircraft missiles. Though it may be pleasing to the eye, sending Paladins to duke it out with Overlords is typically not recommended, as the Overlord possesses far more firepower and armor for it's cost than the paladin, especially if upgraded with nuke shells and one of the Overlord's optional upgrades, and if equipped with a nuclear reactor, is capable of keeping the paladin in it's range long enough to finish off the tank.

Counters
Since the Paladin's laser had a limited rate of fire, it was still vulnerable to anti-tank infantry and aircraft, albeit less so than other tanks. Paladins, especially in groups, were highly vulnerable to Nuke Cannons. Jarmen Kell, GLA's elite sniper, could disable the Paladin by sniping the driver. Thereafter, any infantry unit could claim the tank for their own side. Regardless, like most USA Tanks Paladins will defeat even Overlords in groups.

Also note that none of the US Faction Generals will be able to use this tank (including General Towns despite its anti-missile laser). General Leang, however, is rumored to use Paladin Tanks as her standard MBT.

Glitches
In older unpatched skirmish games, the Paladin's laser occasionally destroyed launched Chinese nuclear missiles. The turrets also bent sometimes.

Trivia

 * The Paladin tank is actually an anti-tank version of the real life M109A6 Paladin Howitzer.