Following the lukewarm success of the Prominence M2, Komatsu L.S.. set out to correct all of the issues reported with the powerful, yet troubled, assault VT. Starting over again with a core Prominence M1 frame, Komatsu design engineers used feedback and design review data to perfect the resulting M3 platform. The entire power waveguide system was enhanced to allow tremendous energy handling, both the plasma torch and railgun could be simultaneously mounted. The optional armour and missile pod options from the M2 model were retained, but modified to weigh nearly a third less and still have the same defensive capacity. Finally, in response to a request for an artillery option, the platform may also mount a limited howitzer subweapon making it a highly versatile and powerful VT.

The cost of all of the advancements and improvements was a shortage in the necessary components to actually produce the platform en masse. As a result, the priviledge to pilot the Prominence M3 was often limited to battalion commanders or pilots of exceptional skill. When compared to the M2, the M3 is a vast improvement across the board, particularly in its stabiliser and veering specifications. The counterbalance inertial damping wing was no longer required, which added to both mobility and a reduction in target profile.

The Prominence M3 was first fielded in July of 2085 but did not see direct action until August during the assault of the Xen Feng Tian Supply Base. Prominence M3 units continue to be successfully fielded to this day.



"Professional soldiers are predictable;
  the world is full of dangerous amateurs."

With the introduction of the Prominence M3, Komatsu fixed all the problems that had plagued the Prominence M2 platform, most importantly the pathetic turning performance. Encountering M3 models can be very dangerous due the impressive arsenal they are capable of loading and their respectable battlefield speed. The same Rail Gun dodging rules that apply to the Prominence M2 also apply to this model, as does the attack tactic of using a rapid fire rifle to incite enemies to slidestep and use up their battery power. The best method of dealing with M3 units is to not engage them alone. Constant fire from two or more attackers will force an M3 pilot to choose between using their Rail Gun or slidestepping to avoid the incoming rounds.

Prominence M3 models are one of the more sought after VTs in Campaign, and are encountered often in Free Mission matches where Rail Guns are allowed. One of the greatest strengths of the M3 platform is its ability to mount multiple self-guided missile systems. Under its Main Weapon category it may mount the AS-MIS (and with its weight capacity, multiple units of them). Under its Sub Weapon category, the MM armour is fixed mounted by default, and the SL-GM may be outfitted in slot 3. The MM missiles have a particularly nasty attribute of being able to home in on VTs which are shut down, making them a "no aim" option to take out VTs just starting up at spawn points.

m.0 - 355-RF
m.1 - empty
m.2 - empty
s.0 - RAIL-Ga (fixed)
s.1 - MM (fixed)
s.2 - 22b-PT
Sub Tanks - none

A good balance of directfire weapons and close-range melee capability. Right at STD so no decrease in mobility performance. No extra tanks though, so watch the fuel...


m.0 - 315-RF
m.1 - empty
m.2 - empty
s.0 - RAIL-Ga (fixed)
s.1 - MM (fixed)
s.2 - 305-HW
Sub Tanks - none

Throw on a howitzer for some indirect fire fun. 315-RF and rails for direct engagements.