Despite being focused on directed forward assault tactics, the Pacific Rim Forces commanders recognised the threat posed by the HSD Vortex and its artillery options. Hoping that Komatsu L.S. could come through with the same level of success they had with their standard Decider model, PRF awarded the support VT contract to them without even considering other suppliers. WM in particular had a heavy class prototype hybrid assault/support design which seemed very promising, though it was not taken into consideration. Unfortunately, support role design was not a strength of Komatsu and the Volcanic design suffered for it.

The Decider Volcanic is based on the standard Decider platform, but with reduced armour plating in certain areas in order to allow for the structural enhancements necessary to accommodate support armament mountings. In keeping with the direct assault mindset of all the rest of Komatsu's products, the Volcanic incorporates a rifle option, but as with the standard Decider, does not mount any missile or grenade weaponry.

The single greatest pilot complaint feedback has been regarding the extraordinarily low torque rating of the Decider Volcanic. As of a result of this drawback, the Decider Volcanic can be difficult to properly deploy in mountainous terrain, which just happens to be the best environment for artillery deployment. Combined with an equally low balancer rating, the Decider Volcanic is difficult to pilot except on flat terrain.



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Almost as an afterthought, the Pacific Rim Forces modified a Decider assault platform for a support role. The single most detrimental aspect of this VT is its low torque rating, which makes for endless hill climbing or river crossing episodes and slow acceleration from a standstill.

With regard to weapon options, the 270-RI rifle might seem advantageous when compared with the close weapon load out options of the Vortex, but it proves to be ineffective for the most part. As with almost all support platforms, close range encounters should be avoided when possible as nearly all other VTs will be more durable and mobile. The 305-HW howitzer also has a much smaller effective hit area than the 370-HW howitzer, thus requiring either lock on or a very accurate touch with the aiming reticule.

Prospective PRF support pilots are advised to trade with HSD players for Vortexes (which are unlimited in supply as a bonus). If Vortexes are not available, the Decider Volcanic is a viable choice, but the knowledge that the position could be filled with a VT that costs half as much and gives identical, if not better, role performance makes the decision somewhat bittersweet. Many pilots claim that the 305-HW has a quicker refire time than the 370-HW model, and testing has proven that point to be valid, but the difference is only 1 second greater for the 370-HW. It then comes down to pilot preference, a greater damaging weapon with slightly longer time between rounds or more round saturation with less damage.

On a personal note, I've killed dozens of Decider Volcanics with a properly equipped Vortex simply because I was able to move around better in hilly or swampy terrain due to the torque profile.

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