Shortly after the first Regal Dress VTs rolled off the production line, Lycoming D.S. began working on new VT for the Hai Shi Dao which would not have the power transfer problems that prevented the Regal N from equipping the electromagnetic launcher. This design would eventually become the Juggernaut, but the story of its development was more troubled than any other in VT history.

When Lycoming D.S. began testing their first Juggernaut prototype, Pacific Rim Forces covert operatives reported the astounding performance of the VT back to PRF Intelligence. Pacific Rim Forces command immediately recognised the threat that the Juggernaut model posed and put a plan into motion that they hoped would maintain the balance of power. In the middle of the night on June 2nd, 2085, a combined force of PRF commandos and Jaralaccs Mercenaries stormed the subterranean fortress where Lycoming was designing the Juggernaut. After overrunning the Hai Shi Dao defenses and securing the base laboratories, PRF intel specialists copied the design schematics for the Juggernaut. Unbeknownst to their PRF allies, the mercenaries also infiltrated intel gathering teams with the intent to gather marketable information on the 3rd generation electromagnetic launcher.

The VT produced from the stolen design was dubbed the Quasar. Pacific Rim Forces VT production engineers were able to modify the platform to accommodate a plasma torch option, in keeping with the mandate for VTs with melee capabilities. The resulting VT could now mount both PRF plasma torch options, which combined with 3rd generation override technologies allow the weapon to be repeatedly deployed without overheating the battery charging systems. Because the plans were stolen prior to the finalisation of the stabiliser and armour augmentation designs, the Quasar suffers from a finicky balancer and a slightly reduced durability when compared to the Juggernaut, but is still superior to any 2nd generation VT fielded by the PRF, HSD or Right Brothers.

The Quasar is an excellent 3rd generation VT, and the only one of its class fielded by the Pacific Rim Forces. It is typically used as a command model for PRF senior officers. Its high mobility and frightening speed make it a very formidable opponent. The Quasar was first deployed in August 2085 during the battle for the Yu Gi delta lowlands against defending Right Brothers forces.




"Queizar, more like Gayzar!" - BladeWing

The Quasar is probably the best close combat VT available in the 3rd generation offerings. No other 3rd generation VT offers a melee weapon option, a serious oversight on the part of the Juggernaut. The Quasar actually outperforms the Juggernaut in a few areas, namely maximum velocity and turning performance, whereas the Juggernaut has a higher armour rating and can load out more weaponry (STD weight capacity).

In the original Steel Battalion game the Quasar was introduced into the Campaign storyline as an experimental HSD VT found in Nan Jiang Factory. Eventually the prototype Quasar would develop into the Juggernaut platform, a fearsome Hai Shi Dao opponent encountered in only two of the missions. In Steel Battalion: Line of Contact, the Quasar serves as the elite command platform for the Pacific Rim Forces. The lineage and capabilities of the Juggernaut and Quasar are skewed slightly in order to maintain factional power balance between the VTs. The Juggernaut in LOC does not mount a melee plasma torch option but adds the AVTDV missile for extended long-range effectiveness.

Like all 3rd generation VTs, the Quasar has an impressive amount of battery power available which can quickly be replenished using Override. The Quasar capitalises on this ability with its plasma torch options, allowing quick recovery even after a missed strike; in all likelyhood the miss has carried the Quasar behind their target and the pilot can now use the VTs superior turning ability to attack from the rear, a win-win situation.

Negatives for the platform include a somewhat finicky balancer system, especially when overloaded and a torque curve that is more favoured toward high-gear manuevoures than low gear performance, making this VT more impressive on the open flats than in mountainous or swampy terrain or city street fighting. The Quasar also cannot load out any of the larger missile systems, guided or direct fire, leaving it a bit anemic when faced with long distance opponents (the only exception here being when the Rail-Gun is mounted).

In summary, the Quasar is the VT of choice when expecting close-quarters combat situations, the Juggernaut would be the better choice for distance engagements or missile boat loadouts. Both VTs are top-notch platforms, taking either guarantees a high-powered platform with an amazing ability to dish out punishment.