Displacer /P. W. T.
The PWT Displacer leverages off Manta technology and a miniaturized Pulse Wave Torpedo Launcher to provide a small, airborne weapons system of unsurpassed mobility nearly identical to the Launcher Hovertank of the last war.
The displacer is superior in both armor and agility to the standard Coelacanth chassis, while mounting a powerful PWT launcher in the turret. In addition to its ability to hover, it can move over 50% faster. The displacer chassis's armor is stronger than the standard SWS, and more uniformly distributed. In fact, there is only one weak point on the chassis-- its underside-- and even this weak spot is more resilient than the main armor of the standard tank.
The blaster provides powerful fire support that is absolutely immune to psionic attack, and carries 8 shots-- more than a trooper can normally carry. In addition, the automatic ammunition feed on the launcher precludes awkward reloading operations. However, the weapon has its drawbacks.
For one, Pulse Wave Torpedoes must be specifically manufactured for use on this system, and this is costly in Zrbite and time. Second, they are not as powerful as the Disrupter Pulse Launcher and cannot penetrate UFO outer hulls.
However, as one of the only two units which can fly outside of water, the Displacer/PWT sees widespread use, if not quite as widespread as the Displacer/Sonic.
Like all SWS's, its larger size precludes it from moving into confined spaces. However, the PWT's guidance system allows it to direct fire to areas otherwise inaccessible to SWS's.
The research requirements of the tank mean that, by the time the Displacer becomes available, commanders will typically have access to high-tech armor and alien weapons, making the Displacer less competitive with well-equipped soldiers.
Vital Statistics
| Cost: | Manufacture only. $900,000 |
| Manufacturing Requirements: | 1400 Technician hours, 25 Zrbite and 8 Aqua Plastics |
| Research Requirements: | New Fighter Craft, PWT Launcher |
| Hover Tank Specs | |
| Time Units | 100 |
| Health | 90 |
| Energy | 100 |
| Bravery | 110 |
| Reactions | 30 |
| Firing Accuracy | 60 |
| Throwing Accuracy | 0 |
| Strength | 60 |
| Psionic Strength | 100 |
| Psionic Skill | 0 |
| Armour | |
| Front | 130 |
| Left/Right | 130 |
| Rear | 130 |
| Under | 100 |
| PWT Turret Specifications | ||
| Ammunition | ||
| Type | Displacer PWT | |
| Damage | 140 High Explosive | |
| Rounds | 8 | |
| Manufacture Price | $15,000 | |
| Manufacture Requirements | 400 Technician hours, 5 Zrbite, 8 Aqua Plastics | |
| Sale Price | $31,500 | |
| Firing Modes | Accuracy | Cost |
| Aimed | 100%(n/a) | 66%(66) |
| Snap | n/a | n/a |
| Auto | n/a | n/a |
| Numbers in parenthesis are the actual values after modified by the chassis' abilities. Actual costs are in fixed Time Units | ||
Notes
- The Displacer/PWT is a good unit for base defense. First of all, any tank present on a base defense mission gets a free load of ammunition. Secondly, its combination of high firepower and psionic immunity are a huge boost to garrison-quality troops.
- Due to its thick side armour and resistance to explosives, the Displacer/PWT has little to fear from its own weapon. As long as the tank is at least 2 squares away from the centre of the explosion, it will not be damaged.
- The displacer, like all flying units, can avoid physical attacks like the Tentaculats or Hallucinoids by staying above ground level.
- Unlike the Magnetic Ion Armor, displacers can fly both in and out of water.