GDI SAM Artillery

The GDI Watchtower Artillery

The GDI SAM Artillery is a Surface to Air Missile system mounted on a mobile piece of equipment.  Although it does not move on the screen, it is still considered a vehicle.  In reality, an artillery is somewhat like a trailer with a huge gun.  It's pretty effective since it can start hitting from quite far away and has the the longest anti-tank range.

I've not tried the SR Arms.  From my understanding, your effective range drops by a whole square, hence reducing the effective range from 3.5 to 2.5 but the artillery is armed with an arm that can grab targets and bring them in closer and do stronger damage.  I'm quite conflicted as I have set my defense to start picking up from as far as possible plus bringing in enemies closer faster doesn't really appeal to me.


STATS:

  Defense Points Usage:

• 30

Range (W/O SR Arms):

• 3.5 - Effective Range
• 5.5 - Maximum Range

Range (W/ SR ARMS):

• 2.5 - Effective Range
• 4.5 - Maximum Range

Strongest Against:

• Any Enemy Infantry

Weakest Against:

• Zone Troopers
• Any Tank (Except APC/Pitbull)
• Anti-Tank Aircraft

Special Upgrade:

Grabs in targets closer to you to get a stronger shot.  Reduces the effective range while increasing the firepower.  I've not gotten this upgrade because I don't see the point in reducing the range, which is the whole point of artillery plus the whole thing doesn't make any sense.

Upgrade Research Cost:

• Credits: $375,000,000
• Research: 750,000,000

Defense Research Costs:

• Credits: $100,000,000
• Research: 200,000,000

The SAM Artillery is very useful for picking off them pesky Firehawks and start damaging them from afar.  By the time they get to the artillery, they will be nicely damaged and not a lot left remaining.  I usually have 3 of those per base.