Shield Scanner

The Shield Scanner, also known as Scanner Type II or the Minesweeper, is the Synth counterpart of the mechanical City Scanner.

Application

The Shield Scanner is commonly used by Combine forces to drop Hopper Mines in combat areas and is equipped with a large pincer arm which is kept concealed behind an armored plate. These mines are typically dropped in areas in which the Combine forces aim to limit the enemy's movement, such as streets and alleys, though occasionally the Scanner will attempt to drop the mine on top of the target. When not handling mines, Shield Scanners are used for scouting and reconnaissance purposes. They also sometimes accompany Striders and act as spotters for it, searching buildings to report the positions of targets that may be hiding inside which the Strider would otherwise be unable to see.

Like the City Scanner, the Shield Scanner can take pictures of targets (with a longer-lasting flash) and are powered by a single Combine battery, which can occasionally be salvaged from a destroyed unit and reused for an HEV Suit. However, it does not mirror the City Scanner tactic consisting of attempting to crash into its attacker when critically damaged.