Hai Shi Dao commanders quickly recognised the weaknesses of the Vitzh model when used in a close combat capacity and contacted several VT manufacturers to provide a complement VT for their forces. Instead of choosing a front-line combat VT model, the HSD command chose to augment their Vitzh scout/attack squadrons with artillery support role divisions.

Goodman manufacturing won the defense contract and designed the model GU-004-A Vortex. Initial prototypes were found to have mediocre primary weapon mounting hard-points, and due to an immediate need for field readiness, the model was rushed into production with the ability to mount only a minimal primary weapon loadout. Goodman did use some foresight in the design of this model by incorporating an outstanding torque profile. The superior torque specification allows this VT to quickly climb mountainous terrain or cross swampy expanses quickly, to either escape attackers, or relocate to difficult to access strategic positions.

Hai Shi Dao standard operating procedures call for the fielding of one Vortex for every two Vitzh units. While these rules are often bent liberally in the face of actual combat, they have been proven effective in numerous engagements against statistically superior foes. Potential Vortex pilots should be aware that support role piloting requires a substantially different mindset than for other VTs designed for direct combat.




The Vortex mounts some of the most effective distance weaponry of the first generation VTs, but it is woefully weak up close. That said, the MK34-R, MK21-R and 120-MG primary mount weapons can put a tremoundous amount of damage on targets at medium to close range if used properly. In particular, the MK34-R can be manually straffed to reduce the rocket spread effect. Having all four rockets hit causes 2400 points of damage, which is enough to take down nearly any 1st generation VT. The relatively slow maximum speed of the Vortex means you can't outrun anything else in the game, unless you are going uphill or over water. Having the second highest torque in the game gives the Vortex the ability to rapidly climb hills, and cross water hazards in 4th gear.

Because it is so slow and turns like a garbage truck, the Vortex is a VT that must be used in concert with your teammates, preferably with them having marked enemy VTs with the marker launcher. The Vortex is not a frontline combat VT. Getting into a circle-of-death with other VTs will result in them getting behind you. The Vortex is best deployed to the rear of other combat VTs, providing support fire and distraction while your teammates engage the enemy.

The Vortex is not recommended for new pilots as it requires a different strategy and piloting mindset to use it effectively. The majority of a support pilots time is spent looking at the support minimap display on the second magnification selection, using the artillery puck to position fire. The Vortex seems to have an effective aim radius of about 120° centered, anything outside of that range is not guaranteed to land where aimed.