Additionally, if one was pilot sniped (or hit by a neutron blast), then the laser turret turns white like for every other vehicle, but the actual vehicle remains the same color, even if it is captured by enemy troops. The laser turret on the back may sometimes disappear if it comes out of the fog of war. The Avenger suffers from some graphical glitches.The Avenger's laser pointer originally granted a damage increase, this has been changed to a rate of fire increase in the final game.However, prototype laser weapons have successfully been mounted on and tested with Avengers. The real vehicle uses Stinger missile launchers instead of lasers. This unit is named after the real life M1097 Avenger anti-aircraft and anti-missile system.When ordered to use laser-based support cost decreased from $2400 to $2000 (Alexander only).now available without the strategy center (Alexander only).
Zero Hour patch 1.02: now available without the strategy center (USA and Townes only).bomb trucks disguised as Avengers still have the Avenger turret (however the turret is lowered unlike the normal unit which has the turrets raised).The Laser tank fired more quickly thanks to the Avenger's targeting designator, which made the deadlier the duo quite deadly, not to mention covering both spectrum of anti-ground and anti-air combat. In particular, a strong combination involved with the Avenger consisted of General Townes's Laser Crusaders. Additional Avengers are used to take down large aircraft faster, like the Chinese Helix and cargo planes. The Avenger's PDL meant that these vehicles would have a hard time destroying an Avenger or any nearby troops unless greatly outnumbered. Used sparingly in most offensives due to its cost, it was still nonetheless an effective countermeasure against units that used rocket attacks, such as Rocket Buggies and missile-armed infantry. Due to its focus as a support vehicle, its point defense laser was not calibrated for targeting enemy infantry like the Paladin tank. In addition, the advanced technology of this system meant that in order to be manufactured, the base required a Strategy Center to be built first, meaning it was typically only available later in a conflict. They were also easy targets for hijackers, Jarmen Kell's snipe ability and any other units that did not utilise missile based weaponry. Because they utilised such advanced laser technology, Avengers were also quite expensive for most American generals to obtain (they were naturally cheaper for General Townes). Unfortunately, all of these equipment meant that the Avenger was slow and quite fragile, as well as possessing virtually no weapons for defending itself against ground forces, requiring an escort at all times. In this way, they improved the survivability of other US units in battle and were virtually untouchable by aircraft, falling only to vastly superior numbers. While the weight slowed down the vehicle somewhat, these lasers provided efficient anti-aircraft support.
Lastly, the Avenger had two large anti-aircraft lasers cannons mounted on the back of the vehicle. In addition, it was equipped with a Point defense laser similar to, but more advanced than that of the Paladin tank, providing impressive protection against enemy missile attacks both for the Avenger itself and nearby units. The Avenger could paint ground units with a laser designator, improving the accuracy of friendly units in the vicinity. Purchasable at any Strategy Center for $1500 The Avenger gains veteran status twice as fast.