M1117 Lion Heavy Siege Tank

The is a heavy duty self-propelled assault gun, intended to break apart enemy fortifications with impunity. Built in response to the increasing number of enemy strongholds used on occupied UNSC worlds, the Lion uses the M1000 Tiger Heavy Battle Tank's hull and super structure, but teams that with heavier front armour, and a new assault gun, so it can safely approach an enemy stronghold and destroy it. 
In order to fulfil this role, the turret has been replaced with a fixed super structure, and a casemate carrying a 350mm rocket propelled mortar. These weapon fires a hugely powerful mortar intended to breach heavy fortifications with a high power shaped charge, then deliver a explosive charge deep into it's target. The ordnance could be pre-programmed before launch for 'hard' or 'soft' targets to maximise the destructive potential of the explosive payload. It kept the anti-air turret used by the Tiger, and one of the PALADIN Weapon Stations to provide close in protection. 
The vehicle carries with it 13 stowed rounds, including the loaded one, and has an internal crane and auto-loader to ease the loading process. Even with this, the loading process is slow and laborious, with the crew having to assist in the process. For extended bombardment, it requires a nearby supply vehicle to keep it topped up and loaded. 
The vehicle was originally used to oust Covenant warlords that had dug into the ruins of the Outer Colonies, but has been used with great effect against Insurrectionist, and against Covenant Remnant strongholds, being favoured during the UNSC's planet hopping campaign for it's ability to punch holes through Covenant defences. It was also effective as a breakthrough tank, cutting holes in enemy defences, and safely making it to the other side, clearing a path for friendly units. 
==UNSC remarks==
"During a counter offensive on Holy Watcher one of these things blew a hole through the exterior compound's walls, then the interior compound and when the Remnant sealed up their bunker it gave us a 'key'. The Brutes still looked confused when we ran through the dust and rubble on the other side of the bunker."
"Some say the demo mortar on the AVE is brutal on infantry but we hit a convoy of Shadows with this thing. Three of them in close formation, choked full of infantry. We just estimated how many there were, we found shit all traces of them in the two meters deep crater"
"We had a building fulla Remnants firing off heavy weapons at us, it woulda been funny to see the look on those Charlie Foxtrots faces. Fuel Rod Cannon rounds just bounced off our front plate, the few that exploded did jack shit. We gutted the whole front of the building in one shot in retaliation."
Category:UNSC Vehicles