M9 Wolverine

The M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank (MAAT), commonly referred to as the Wolverine, is a highly mobile anti-air vehicle used by the UNSC Defense Force. It is manufactured by Ushuaia Armory.

History
As its name suggests, the M9 MAAT is designed for anti-air combat. It is not a tank in the traditional sense, rather using a half-track design which enables it to operate in rough terrain; it received the "tank" moniker due to its development alongside the UNSC's main battle tanks, as well as due to its general architecture and framework. After serving in the Insurrection, the Wolverine was used to great effect in the Human-Covenant War, most prominently during military engagements on Harvest, Arcadia, Dwarka, Jericho VII, Miridem, and Troy. The Mars-based factory responsible for producing the Wolverine was bombed by Insurrectionists in 2535; this halted further production of the vehicle, at least temporarily. After the Human-Covenant War, the Wolverine was used in the Battle of Draetheus V against the Covenant remnant forces.

Design
The Wolverine's primary armament is the M260 Multiple Launch Rocket System, a development of the General Support Rocket Systems that have served alongside main battle tanks since the mid-twentieth century. This weapon possesses two pods of Argent V surface-to-air missiles that are located on either side of the driver and gunner seats; the weapon can be upgraded with two additional, smaller pods. 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 laser tracking targeting systems and anti-air capabilities of the Wolverine are virtually peerless, but it can also angle its missile pods to launch missiles at ground targets, preferably stationary targets or structures; because of this, Wolverines are sometimes used to provide indirect anti-armor support when main battle tanks are unavailable. Although air vehicles pose little threat, the Wolverine is quite vulnerable to anti-armor attacks both from vehicles or heavily armed infantry.

The driver has the use of a pivoting XM511 Heavy Grenade Launcher for defense from ground attacks. This weapon is deadly against infantry and quite powerful against light vehicles, but the Wolverine requires combined arms support for defense from heavier targets.

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.

Trivia

 * A wolverine is a carnivorous mammal, in keeping with the UNSC's tradition of naming atmospheric vehicles after real animals.
 * The M9 MAAT bears a resemblance to the M1097 Avenger Air Defense System used by the United States 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: Tiberium Wars in appearance, function, and armament; in addition to serving as an anti-aircraft unit, the Pitbull can carry 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 a similar role and design.

List of appearances

 * Halo Wars
 * Halo: Spartan Assault