XRP12 Gremlin

The XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle (CSV), commonly known as the Gremlin, is a combat support vehicle used by the UNSC Armed Forces. It is used to hamper, interfere with, and disable enemy electronics in support of offensive operations.

Overview
The underlying technology of the Gremlin was designed during the early years of the Insurrection as a test bed for non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse technology, in the hope that it could be used to prevent weapons of mass destruction from being detonated. Though this technology was not new, it had never been functionally harnessed with such a great deal of precision. The resulting X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon was then mounted aboard a transport chassis, forming the basis of the Gremlin. After learning of the glassing of Harvest, the UNSC repurposed the Gremlin for use against the Covenant.

Like the SP42 Cobra, the Gremlin features a six-wheel drive system, with two at the front and the other four toward the rear, which allow the vehicle a considerable degree of speed and maneuverability. The driver sits in the front of the vehicle; instead of having a window to see through, the Gremlin features a one-way screen similar to the MJOLNIR armor's faceplate. The weaponry is mounted on top of the vehicle, allowing it to target and fire more easily. The XRP12 features no true armament, as it is equipped with only the X23 NNEMP cannon; thus, the Gremlin must be well protected by other forces.

Gameplay
In the campaign, the Gremlin is used to weaken the tractor beams in the level Shield World. In skirmish and multiplayer, the Gremlin serves as Professor Ellen Anders' unique unit and is produced at the firebase. Although the Gremlin's weapon initially has minimal effect against infantry units, it can become fairly dangerous against infantry when the Focus Lens upgrade is researched. Strangely, the Gremlin's EMP weapon is reasonably effective against Flood units and structures. It serves as an excellent anti-vehicle unit, as its EMP attack can prevent target vehicles from firing for certain periods of time and allowing other units to do extreme amount of damage with minimal threat of counterattack. In combination with the Cobra, these vehicles work very well together against all armored threats. However, while the Gremlin is an excellent deterrent to enemy vehicles, its almost non-existant armour makes almost any retaliation from enemy vehicles devestating; therefore, more well-protected units should be present to take the fire off of the Gremlin as it does its job. It also lacks any sort of air attack, making anti-air cover also essential in most cases.

Cost and upgrades
Resources: 200

Minimum Tech Level: 2

Population Count: 1

Upgrades:


 * Focusing Lens: Enhances laser attack's range and damage. 200 resources and tech level of three.
 * Chain Amplifier: EMP special ability can now hit up to three targets. 450 resources and tech level of four.

Trivia

 * The Gremlin and the Cyclops are the only known UNSC land-based vehicles named after mythological creatures instead of UNSC's tradition of naming vehicles after real animals.
 * The "Gremlin" moniker is a reference to the folkloric creature of the same name, which aviators sometimes jokingly claim cause mechanical problems in aircraft, which is ironic, as in gameplay the Gremlin cannot attack aircraft.
 * The Gremlin is similar in appearance to the cut Cougar unit. Its design was likely inspired by the Cougar.
 * In the Relocated mini-series of the popular machinima web-series Red vs. Blue, Sarge of Red Team "upgraded" their Warthog with an EMP cannon. Although it was intended to have a similar role to that of the Gremlin, his modifications caused the Warthog to stall every time it was fired. It is unknown if the EMP cannon concept was a reference to the Gremlin or merely a coincidence.

List of appearances

 * Halo Wars