Chimera

The Chimera is a modified mining rig with a mounted laser cannon, acting as a Chinese battle tank in the Fallout 3 add-on Operation: Anchorage.

Background
It was included in the Anchorage Reclamation simulation created by VSS at the behest of General Constantine Chase.

Specifications
The tank itself is basically a low chassis propelled by screws, with a laser cannon jury-rigged to the drill tower. Originally, it was a mining rig. The Chimera's turret cannot fully rotate, making the back of the tank a weak spot, similar to main battle tanks.

Gameplay attributes
The player character may encounter Chimera tanks twice throughout the campaign, a pair off in the distance during The Guns of Anchorage and at the fuel depot during Paving the Way. Only one chimera is ever actually fought, serving as a miniboss at the fuel depot. Walking into a Chimera while crouching will knock the player character down, causing damage.

Chimera tanks are described as being superior to any American tank available and are roughly on par with sentry bots and deathclaws in terms of durability and combat threat, although they are significantly larger. They are equipped with a unique laser weapon similar to Liberty Prime's eye laser. Chimeras take slightly increased damage when shot in the screws and noticeably increased damage when shot in the cannon or radar antenna.

Appearances
Chimera tanks appear in the Fallout 3 add-on Operation: Anchorage.

Behind the scenes

 * A cut reconstructed audio log mention the tanks, the voice line stating, "Chimera Tanks? Come on, man, even you have to admit these are sheer fantasy."


 * The Russian and German military both toyed with the idea of using screws for treads. The Russian vehicle, named the ZIL-29061, was designed to rescue cosmonauts in extreme off-road conditions.

Bugs
The tanks may not be hostile towards the player when first encountered.