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. It is later available during the level Repairs to be used to defend the UNSC Spirit of Fire's hull from Covenant boarders as Cyclopes repair the ship's power core.

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-existent 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

Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

• 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.
• The Gremlin plays a vital role in the Shield World level as it increases the amount of time the player has to complete their mission, though even positioned at each of the four pylons, it cannot stop the countdown completely. In the level Repairs, the Gremlin proves to be particularly useful in defending against attacking Covenant Locusts.

Gallery

• UNSC Gremlin.jpg

  Concept art of the Gremlin from Halo Wars.

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  A rear view of the Gremlin.

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  An army of Gremlins battle a trio of T-47B Scarabs.

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  An army of Gremlins attack a Covenant citadel.

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  Gremlins battle T-26 Wraiths.

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  A Gremlin EMPs a T-26 Wraith.

List of appearances

• Halo Wars (First appearance)