Filling the shoes of the M7 Decider as the primary assault platform of the Pacific Rim Forces was a tall order. Komatsu Land Systems spent millions in research and development costs to ensure that their successor VT was up to the demanding specifications of the PRF executive staff. The resulting VT proved to be one of the most versatile designs ever fielded in the history of vertical tank combat.

Komatsu L.S. retained the best aspects of their Decider design when creating the Prominence M1. PRF pilots had become accustomed to close range combat and the M1 design did not disappoint with the ability to mount both the original 205-PT plasma torch as well as the more powerful 22b-PT. In order to maintain an even footing with the seeking missile options recently deployed by the HSD (in the form of the Scare Face II's PZ-MIS) the designers incorporated the AS-MIS, a slighly less damaging missile, but with greater speed to target. The designers originally planned to incorporate an electromagnetic launcher system on the M1 but the power waveguide system of the VT could not be sufficiently upgraded prior to the production line start of the model. Problems with self-shutdown and ruptured batteries were the primary concerns.

The Prominence M1 was first field deployed as amphibious landing forces in the siege of the Xan Fong Lian Harbour in December 2084.



"It needs but one foe to breed a war...
...and those who have not swords can still die upon them."

After turn four of a round, any player aligned with the PRF faction will likely be spending the majority of their time in the cockpit of an M1. Unlike the VT from the original Steel Battalion game, the Prominence M1 in Line of Contact is a more limited platform, unable to mount either the railgun on the optional MM equipped armour. Despite these differences, it is still a very reliable machine and well matched against the HSD Scare Face II model, its most common opponent. In most respects, the Prominence M1 is a Decider with 2nd generation features (override and self-guided missiles).

The Prominence M1 is almost exclusively encountered in the Campaign environment, in Free Mission, the open access to more exotic VTs let this model slip by the wayside. I have encountered Prominence M1 models loaded out as "missile boats" where main weapon positions m.1 and m.2 are configured with AS-MIS. The intent here is to have more missiles than the enemy VT has chaff modules (which for 1st and 2nd generation VTs is 10 units). By having two "missile boat" configured VTs on a side and alternating fire a Prominence M1 side can quickly bring down an unprepared team.

m.0 - AS-MIS
m.1 - AS-MIS
m.2 - 315-TR
s.0 - 80-CG
s.1 - empty
s.2 - empty
Sub Tanks - 1

A balanced loadout (at 1 point less than STANDARD weight) that allows for quick weapon toggling between the two AS-MIS racks. Once a target has moved under effective missile range the 315-TR still gives an impressive punch.

m.0 - 315-RF
m.1 - 315-TR
m.2 - empty
s.0 - 80-CG
s.1 - 22b-PT
s.2 - empty
Sub Tanks - 2

A standard direct combat loadout with tons of extra fuel for override dodging and melee attacking. This should be the "default" loadout for new pilots unfamiliar with the quirks of effective missile ranges.