HK-Tank

The term HK-Tank, Ground HK,^[1] Cyberdyne Systems Series G Tracked Autonomous Fighting Vehicle^[2] or simply HK,^[3] refers to a wide variety of Skynet's ground-based combat Hunter-Killer vehicles.

Developed from the original T-1, the HK-Tank is several stories tall and vaguely humanoid in overall shape, possessing a rotating, conning tower-like "head", two steel "arms" equipped with twin-barreled directional plasma cannons, and two "legs" consisting of massive, individual tank treads. While formidably armed, the HK-Tank can be easily destroyed by a well-placed demolition charge.

With the increase of effective anti-HK tactics used by the Resistance to not only disable these units but to scavenge them for heavy weapons, power sources and armor, Skynet has started equipping some units with crew compartments, containing concealed endoskeletons to counterattack the human assault teams.^[4]

History[]

The Terminator[]

T1 HK-Tank satchel charged — HK-Tank being destroyed by a Canister bomb.

Kyle Reese and Corporal Ferro were trying to toss canister bombs to destroy an HK-Tank. Kyle tossed the charge successfully, but the other did not and was killed by the HK-Tank. (Its guns were exceptionally powerful as it blew Ferro to pieces, which doesn't occur in other future war scenes with victims of energy weapons, though it could be simply explained with The Terminator being the most violent incarnation of the franchise with subsequent media toning down the violence considerably) The HK-Tank was destroyed after a while when running over the charge tossed by Kyle.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day[]

In to the robot store — the HK tanks in the factory

Many Resistance soldiers were in the middle of a battle and fighting HK-Aerials and HK-Tanks.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles[]

Derek Reese and Martin Bedell were trying to destroy the "Ogre". Martin decided to carry the bomb to destroy the machine. He successfully destroys the Ogre, but lost his life. "Goodbye to All That"

Terminator Salvation[]

HUD HK Tank Salvation (video vame) — HK-Tank's HUD as it was commandeered by John Connor.

An HK-Tank was reprogrammed by John Connor and made to go to Skynet Central as cover for a rescue operation that John was attempting, but the tank was damaged by Terminators and turrets defending Skynet Central. Terminator Salvation (video game)

Terminator: Resistance[]

Several HK-Tanks are deployed by Skynet with at least two fought as bosses. One in the ruins of Los Angeles and another in the final battle against Skynet. The first HK-Tank is destroyed without support by stunning it with rocket launcher while also shooting it from behind at an exposed panel. This, along with several certain security codes obtained from them, enables the Resistance to reprogram and utilise one HK-Tank for themselves for the final assault on Skynet. Terminator: Resistance

Terminator: Resistance [Annihilation Line][]

In Bakersfield, there was a Skynet junkyard filled with the wrecks of many defective machines, HK-Tanks among them. One HK-Tank was deployed by Skynet to aid in the capture and killing of civilians that escaped from a Work Camp. The Tank soon became a problem for Kyle Reese and his team. At first, they tried to avoid it as they rescued various civilians from Skynet's forces, but later they had no option but to destroy it. Reese ordered Jacob Rivers to find an overwatch position while he and Ferro would move to destroy the Tank with can grenades. Under the watch of Jacob, Reese and Ferro got close enough to the HK-Tank. Reese successfully tossed his grenade, but before Ferro could toss hers, she was spotted by the HK-Tank and blasted by it. As Reese ran from the HK-Tank, the grenade detonated, destroying the HK-Tank. Terminator: Resistance [Annihilation Line]

Terminator Zero[]

In the year 2022, in an alternate timeline where the resistance is fighting against Skynet, numerous HK Tanks and HK Aerials are seen. The HK Tanks in the anime series bear a striking resemblance and appearance to the original HK Tanks that featured in both of the original 1984 and 1991 Terminator films in the franchise. And like the original variant of HK Tanks, they are also armed with two rotating arm plasma cannon turrets.

Variants[]

Amodelturret — HK-Tank turret in *The Terminator*

T2 HK-Tank left dual turret detail — HK-Tank Mk 2 turret in *Terminator 2: Judgment Day*

The HK-Tank seen in Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an HK-Tank Mk 2, an improved version built on the same chassis as the original HK-Tank. The Mk2 is better armored and equipped with dual plasma turrets on each weapon arm.^[5]
A different type of HK-Tank appears in the video game Terminator 3: War of the Machines. This variant lacked a "head" like the original model and instead had a cluster of large sensors on its front. Its arms are extended out further than the original model and mounted triple plasma cannons. It is also much smaller.
There is a concept art of the HK-Tank for the film Terminator Salvation. This version of the HK-Tank resembles an oversized version of the T-1 in Terminator Salvation. Note that this HK-Tank is mounted with miniguns just as well as the T-1.
In Terminator Salvation, the defense turret at the perimeter of Skynet Central appears to be a modified HK Tank with its treads removed, while the torso is mounted onto the wall. This allows it to rotate and effectively destroy incoming targets, but leaves it as stationary defense.
The HK-Tank in Terminator Salvation game is an earlier model of the tank. It is armed with dual plasma cannons and dual machine guns. Unlike its successors, this HK-Tank did not have a visible head.
In the mobile game Terminator Genisys: Future War, the HK-Tank is a buildable battle unit for the Skynet faction, representing the Siege troop type. Five different HK-Tank models are present in the game, each of which ranged from tier 1 starting units (NHA-10), to late-game tier 5 units (NHA-30). HK-Tanks are very effective against infantry and cavalry units but vulnerable to most airborne units.
The HK tank in Terminator: Resistance is equipped with a four tubed transporter erector launcher at the back. ^[6]