Chimera/History

The Chimera was first teased on the 3rd of June 2021. It will be added to the game in the NSOverhaul update, some time in 2021.

NSOverhaul Progress (News, 2021-06-03)
Two new vehicles will also make their way into the NSO lineup, the Chimera Battle Tank, and the Dervish Heavy Fighter. You'll hear more about these in later articles.
 * First teased officially.

Chimera Main Battle Tank (News, 2021-06-23)
The Chimera will be dispatched to provide a heavily armored ground combat platform for the Nanite Systems Operatives faction when the NSOverhaul releases.
 * Officially announced.

Configuration
A pilot-operated main cannon and forward-mounted secondary turret are complemented by four rumble seat passengers. The Chimera operates as a main battle tank and troop transport hybrid that functions best when all seats are filled, similar to the Colossus Heavy Tank.



Weapons
Both the main cannon and forward-mounted turret will have three weapon options available upon release.

The standard-issue main cannon is the CT-135, a balanced weapons platform with versatility in anti-infantry and anti-vehicle roles. The CT-150 Cyclops fires a high-velocity sabot payload designed to penetrate heavily armored targets at cost to explosive yield. The CT-102 Satyr uses a twin-barrel design capable of firing six times before reloading, it's like a more grown-up version of the Lightning's C75 Viper.

Forward turrets are mounted just beneath and ahead of the main cannon, and is operated by a secondary gunner. The default turret is the CT2-20 HCG, a heavy chaingun firing photonically propelled tungsten slugs that are capable of defending against an array of targets. For anti-air purposes, the Chimera can mount the CT2-8M Siren, which fires micro-missiles with a smart, proximity-tracking system that prioritizes enemy aircraft. Lastly, the CT2-XP is an experimental particle projection weapon that fires a dense photon blast capable of shredding heavy armor.

The four outward-facing rumble seats located toward the back of the vehicle allows for additional fire support from allied soldiers as they are ferried from base to base.

Maneuverability
The 6-wheeled Chimera uses an independent suspension system unlike any vehicle before it. The forward half of the vehicle can swivel left and right to provide enhanced maneuvering, and the independent suspension allows for easy off-road navigation. Unlike vehicles with lower clearance, the Chimera's chassis was designed to overcome obstacles with ease, and is at comparatively low risk of tipping over as the vehicle crawls along the battlefield. Its speed is similar to main battle tanks of other empires, and while its overall agility may be higher than a Vanguard or Prowler, it is incapable of turning while completely stationary.

July 1, 2021 Update (_Integration)
Filling the MBT lineup is the Chimera, a six-seat vehicle crewed by the pilot/cannoneer, a forward turret gunner, and with space for up to four rumble seat passengers. The independent six-wheel suspension and swiveling forward portion allow for enhanced off-road performance and maneuvering.
 * Added to the game.

Main Cannons

 * CT-135 - A balanced main cannon suited to both anti-infantry and anti-vehicle roles alike.
 * CT-150 Cyclops - A high-velocity anti-vehicle cannon capable of long-range combat.
 * CT-102 Satyr - A mid-range cannon capable of firing five rounds before reloading.

Forward Turrets

 * CT2-20 HCG - A versatile heavy chaingun turret with effectiveness in all combat situations.
 * CT2-8M Siren - Fires smart micro-missiles with anti-aircraft proximity tracking.
 * CT2-XP - A charge-up photon weapon that can demolish heavily armored vehicles.

You can learn more about the Chimera Main Battle Tank in this article: https://www.planetside2.com/news/chimera-main-battle-tank

July 28, 2021 Hotfix

 * Fixed an issue with the CT2-8M Siren firing projectile visuals from the wrong location.
 * Added the Chimera, Dervish, and Javelin to VR Training as NPCs.
 * Chimera now correctly plays its turning animations while reversing.

September 15, 2021 Update

 * Default Utility and Defense
 * Standard vehicles have received rank 1 Fire Suppression as the default utility item.
 * Standard vehicles have received rank 1 Nanite Auto-Repair as their default defense item, except for the Sunderer, which has received rank 1 Deployment Shield.
 * Chimera
 * Resist type 4 reduced from 87 to 80 for the ANT, Chimera, Lightning, Vanguard, Prowler, Magrider, and Sunderer.
 * Destroying enemy Chimeras with primary or secondary weapons no longer award Magrider kills.
 * Chimera has been given unique vehicle audio.
 * Chimera no longer uses a higher criteria for earning vehicle damage experience.

March 30, 2022 Update

 * Chimera
 * The changes here help compensate for the Chimera being a larger target, and give the non-Satyr main cannons more presence on the battlefield.
 * General
 * Chimera Health from 5000 to 5500
 * CT-135 (Chimera Main Cannon)
 * Direct damage from 550 to 600
 * Reload speed from 2.5sec. to 2.25sec.
 * CT-150 Cyclops (Chimera Main Cannon)
 * Direct damage from 800 to 900
 * HCG-20 (Chimera Forward Turret)
 * Projectile velocity from 550 to 650
 * Max damage range from 10m to 50m
 * Min damage range from 100m to 250m
 * Min damage from 167 to 143
 * Refire rate from 150ms to 171ms
 * Now has an Extended Magazine certification line.
 * Dev Note: Since the Chimera already had a unique "Basilisk" weapon, it's received some adjustments to set it apart. These weapons are now unlockable on the Harasser/ANT/Sunderer as well.