M9 Wolverine

The M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank, commonly referred to as the Wolverine, is a highly mobile United Nations Space Command anti-air vehicle.

Overview
As its name suggests, the M9 Main Anti-Air Tank is designed for anti-air combat. The M9 MAAT is not a tank in the traditional sense, having received the "tank" moniker due to the design of its chassis. The Wolverine is a development of the General Support Rocket Systems that have served alongside main battle tanks since the mid-twentieth century. In its arsenal are two pods of Argent V Missiles that are located on either side of the driver and gunner seats. These missiles are specialized to target and deliver their warhead to an aircraft with great speed and maneuverability. The missile pods are quite large and can be reloaded via a mechanical system in the Wolverine, which stores a small supply of missiles onboard, the exact standard amount is unknown.

The laser tracking targeting systems and anti-air capabilities of the Wolverine are second to none, but it can also angle its missile pods to launch missiles at ground targets, preferably stationary targets or structures. Although air vehicles generally know to steer clear, the Wolverine is quite vulnerable to anti-armor attacks both from vehicles or heavily upgraded infantry, possessing only light armor. However, it is a versatile unit for rough terrain operations.

The driver has the use of a pivoting XM511 Heavy Grenade Launcher for defense from ground attacks, which can potentially wreck soft targets, but this support vehicle relies on heavier units to defend it from a determined attack.

The factory that produced the Wolverine's design and parts, which was located on Mars, was bombed by insurrectionists in 2535, at least temporarily halting further production of the vehicle.

Gameplay
"This new UNSC vehicle has a specialized role: anti-aircraft.The Wolverine's surface-to-air missiles enemy aircraft and buildings, but its virtually defenseless against powerful enemy ground units, so you'll have to protect it. A potent counter-punch to enemy Banshees."

- GamePro, July 2008 Edition



Available inside the Vehicle Depot, the Wolverine can be built when reaching tech level 3 at a price of 300 resources per unit. It also has two upgrades:


 * "Volley": Wolverines can launch a barrage attack that engages both air and ground targets. Costs 400 resources and tech level 3 required.


 * "Dual Launchers": Increases the number of missile launchers for more damage. Costs 900 resources and tech level 4 required.

Alpha build stats

 * Air Damage: 14
 * Vehicle Damage: 5
 * Infantry Damage: 3
 * Structure Damage: 5
 * Defense: 14

Trivia

 * A wolverine is a carnivorous mammal, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming atmospheric vehicles after real animals, with the exceptions of the Cyclops and Gremlin, which are named after mythical creatures, and the Longsword, Shortsword, and Sabre, which are named after bladed weapons.
 * The M9 MAAT bears a resemblance to the M1097 Avenger Air Defense System used by the US Army in the 21st Century and to the much older American M3 and German SdKfz 251 half tracks of World War II.
 * The Wolverine is similar to the GDI Pitbull from Command & Conquer 3, as they are both anti-air units and the Pitbull carries a small mortar once upgraded, similar to the Wolverine's grenade launcher.
 * The Wolverine also bears a striking resemblance to the G.I. Joe missile tank of the same name, having similar roles and designs..

List of appearances

 * Halo Wars