WM carved out a unique niche for itself with their Falchion light attack platform. With the advent of second generation VT technology, WM immediately set out to develop their next light attack VT. Initial designs where hampered by limitations in balancer functionality due to the override capabilities of second generation technology. The Blade platform was delayed into production until balancer technology could catch up to the intended performance of the VT design.

The Blade is one of the most nimble VTs on the battlefield. Its light armour and high-cycle tuned turbine system allow it to reach astonishing land speeds on flat terrain. The light armouring allows it to be airdropped into combat zones. The Blade is primarily used in flat terrain battle theatres but may also be used as a scout platform. Its low armour rating gives it a rather diminished survivability when compared to other second generation VTs, but if placed in the hands of an experienced pilot it can be kept out of harms way and still mete out respectable damage.

The Blade was first deployed in December 2084 on the La Shi Fen plains against rear guard Hai Shi Dao forces retreating from the Qua Lo Fortress. Using their superior mobility, Blade units were able to cull individual Scare Face II and Maelstrom units from the main body force and either destroy or capture them.



"The God of War hates those who hesitate."

The Blade is the direct successor to the first generation Falchion platform, with all of the expected 2nd generation upgrades; override, guided missiles and F.S.S. However, when compared side by side statistically, the Blade only edges out the Falchion very slightly. For this reason, taking a Blade over a Falchion is a decision to be made carefully considering the platform capabilities are not that much improved from the Falchion.

As a light attack platform, the Blade is only bettered by the Rapier, which is considerably more rare in Campaign mode. Strangely, the Blade is not often seen in either Campaign or Free Mission due to VTs with better performance or more unique capabilities being available. Pilots who are accustomed to hit-and-run tactics will find utility in this VT, but it will not usually appeal to other role pilots. The Blade is best employed on flat outdoor mission maps, or if the pilot is rather adept in tight spaces, indoor fortress maps where the VTs impressive speed and close range weapons can be used effectively. Note that in the indoor scenario there is a higher likelyhood of enemies using a shoulder check move to unfoot a passing Blade, which can spell disaster for the delicate platform.

A typical loadout for the Blade would be two 270-AR rifles, and one or two racks of DP-MIS as the sub weapon, dependent upon Optional Part mounting capabilities. This gives the Blade some staying power in prolonged battles, as the 270-AR will rapidly deplete ammunition supplies. The 120-MG and 140-MG can be mounted, but I don't recommend them for the Blade because to use them properly a pilot must remain within close proximity to their target for an extended period of time to do any real damage. This kind of toe-to-toe battling is NOT what the Blade is designed for and will result in the VTs rapid destruction at the hands of a more durable opponent.