The Guardian light walker had originally proved adequate in supporting the infantry in urban environments and difficult terrain, but it began to struggle as Axis anti-walker techniques improved. Although impressed by the capabilities of the new US Kodiak close assault walker the Commonwealth decided to instead field one of its own modern designs in this role. When the Hornet was unveiled for the first time, it was immediately apparent that the design owed much to the US Grizzly sharing an almost identical chassis. The Hornet is considerably larger and better armoured than the Guardian, and much like the Kodiak it mounts an array of weaponry.
Its quad-HMGs and heavy automatic cannon are more than capable of suppressing dug-in infantry and vehicles. Its utility arms can clear obstacles, build improvised defences and rip apart light vehicles. As it lacks dedicated anti-armour capability, Hornet formations usually include a Percival to deal with armoured threats.
