Despite being the first company to build a fully battle capable Vertical Tank, Lycoming D.S. designed relatively few production models using 1st or 2nd generation technologies. After manufacturing processes for the Behemoth were finalised, Lycoming closed down all other 2nd generation research and focused on the development of 3rd generation Vertical Tanks. Lycoming is credited with the first viable 3rd generation operating system, developed under the name RIALTO. The Regal Dress series was built to take advantage of the 3rd generation advancements, and in order to capitalise on their substantial research investment, Lycoming produced two variants of the platform, the assault model Regal Dress N, and the artillery support model Regal Dress A.

The Regal Dress N was designed as a front line assault model, mounting a variety of 3rd generation weapons. The Regal Dress combat platform was initially designed to accommodate an electromagnetic launcher system, but power waveguide limitations similar to those suffered by the Prominence series cropped up and could not be resolved in time for the projected release date. To compensate for this oversight, Lycoming D.S. licensed Goodmans sniper rifle technology and OS sub-module as an optional weapon for the Regal Dress N. Additionally, a variety of self-guided and direct fire missile systems are included.

The Regal Dress N is a very capable assault VT in the hands of an experienced pilot. Its nimble handling and superior speed make it very dangerous against slower VTs. The Regal Dress N is only lacking in its durability rating, which is only slightly better than that of a Garpike or Siegeszug. It is for this reason that HSD command only allows pilots of superior ability to field Regal Dress N VTs, they must be able to properly utilise their advanced weaponry AND keep the vehicle out of harms way.

The Hai Shi Dao uses Regal Dress series VTs as its mainline platform for resident city defense forces. Over 80 units guard the capitol city of Xin Feng Tian and have seen action a number of times in its defense against both Pacific Rim Forces and Right Brothers attackers. Regal Dress N units are also the preferred VT of division commanders and have been encountered in this role in several theaters of operation.




The Regal Dress N would have been an ideal third generation assault platform if it didn't suffer from a rather low durability rating, which makes the choice to take it rather difficult when balanced against the cost and rarity of the unit. Coupled with this is the high sortie point cost for taking even a single unit. Thus, the Regal N is a rather dubious choice.

Not all is bad with this VT though. Being a third generation, it has the raw power, battery reserves and manueverability to out-turn almost every other second generation VT on the battlefield. The third generation classification also gives it 15 more chaff units than a first or second generation platform, enough to fend off an entire rack of homing missiles and still have a few left for the next encounter. The SL-GM gives it a nasty self-acquiring weapon option for close to midrange encounters. The 370-SR (also available on the half-priced Scare Face II) lets the Regal N perform in a sniper role, but usually at the expense of any homing missile options.

I have seen a Regal Dress N deployed in Campaign once. The rarity of these machines seems to be on a par with other third generation VTs, as such, players tend not to take them unless they are very comfortable with their teammates and their chances of winning against the opposition. In Free Mission, the Regal Dress N seems to be slighly more prevalent, but is still not nearly as popular a choice as the flagship third generation VTs of each faction.

General advice for Regal Dress N pilots is to understand that the VT is not as durable as other third generation VTs, or even some of the heavier second generation models (especially the Jaralaccs). For this reason, the Regal N is best employed in long distance combat roles where it can use its ranged weaponry to best effect. My usual loadout for a Regal N is 355-SB, HVM-LA, 135-MG, SL-GM which brings it right up to the MAX Weight loadout of 26. For sniper roles, I would suggest the following: 355-SB, 370-SR, PZ-MIS, 100-CG, SL-GM. T-GND can be swapped out for the MG/CG option in each loadout based on pilot preference as the weight allotment is the same.

m.0 - 430-SB
m.1 - HVM-LA
m.2 - empty
s.0 - 135-MG
s.1 - empty
s.2 - empty
Sub Tanks - 1

This loadout puts the VT one point OVER STANDARD which is acceptable given the performance of the 3rd generation balancer and the handling characteristics of the platform. The loadout above is built for two things only, a couple of long distance hits with the HVM-LA and a rapid approach to get right up on the enemy to use the 430-SB/135-MG combo to wear them down.

m.0 - 430-SB
m.1 - 370-SR
m.2 - empty
s.0 - 135-MG
s.1 - T-GND
s.2 - empty
Sub Tanks - 1

This loadout gives the pilot a sniper option instead of the HVM-LA direct combat weapon. Beyond this difference the two loadouts are essentially the same.

m.0 - 355-SB
m.1 - PZ-MIS
m.2 - empty
s.0 - 135-MG
s.1 - SL-GM
s.2 - empty
Sub Tanks - 1

This loadout is ideal for maps with long ranges of engagement over open areas. The objective here is to engage the enemy at extreme range and begin firing the PZ-MIS at them (usually in concert with other similarly outfitted team members). Ideally, you will run the enemy out of chaff as you enter the effective range of the SL-GM weapon, which is then fired and finds its target with deadly efficiency. Typically it will only take one full salvo of SL-GM to eliminate an opponent.