Scorpion tank (Tiberium Wars)

The Scorpion Light Tank was created to supersede the aging Tick Tank from the Second Tiberium War. The new tank lacked the capability to burrow itself into the ground, but had upgraded armor and most importantly, a much better main cannon. Relative to the technological standards of the time, the tank was more powerful, faster, but had lighter armor than the tick tank.

The new tank, codenamed the Scorpion, has three unique design features - firstly, the front of the tank is sloped, with the back completely exposed. The gun is mounted on the front along with the crew and the whole thing rotates with the front armor. In addition, it moves on three threads. This configuration, while odd at first, provides excellent maneuverability, as the articulate rear tread allows for fast turns and reverse. The mobility and speed of the Scorpion tank also minimizes the danger of a rear-armor shot from enemy tanks. The driver is protected by Nod's trademark insect-like cockpit, also used in the Reckoner, Venom and the recon bike.

The main weapon is a classic 105mm APDS cannon, which is moderately effective against newer armor, such as the one in a Predator MBT. It can be upgraded to a Spitfire laser cannon, which increases its firepower dramatically, but increases the fragility, as it partially uses the space on the rear track. Another upgrade is a forward mounted dozer blade, which allows the light tank to crush enemy heavy infantry (e.g. Zone Troopers), a feat impossible for the default configuration, as well as remove minefields and crush disintegrators without any harm. It also increases the armor of the Scorpion.

The Scorpion's light weight allows it to be airlifted into and out of combat with Nod Carryalls, though the heavier Predators can be airlifted with GDI's own transports, the V-35 Ox.

Scorpions were widely used by Nod forces in all theaters, being cheap to construct, fast and available early in the tech tree. Only a War Factory is required to construct them and they were far cheaper than the Predator or the Devourer in addition to having superior speed and maneuverability. Having said that, if an equal number of Scorpions and Predators or Devourers face off, the Scorpions almost always come off worse. However, in superior numbers and/or with deft tactical handling (emphasis on superior numbers), Nod commanders can usually count on the Scorpion to carry them through. Of note is the fact that Scorpions were used by the Legendary Insurgent to defend a Liquid Tiberium lab in the Amazon Lab before subsequently destroying a GDI base located nearby. A small detachment of Elite Scorpion Tanks, Stealth Tanks and Venoms were also used to secure nuclear warheads from GDI in Australia and protect them from the initial Scrin attack before the transports and their warheads could be evacuated via Carryall Squad XO-17.