Mobile Knight Phalanx

During the year 2998, researcher Sidonius Vangar proposed a new potential energy source. By deflecting ultraviolet rays into a specialized reflective chamber into a metal "core" in the center composed of an alloy made in a 0G environment, particles from the core gradually peel off, are supercharged from UV rays, and become a high-energy particle that would later be known as the Vangar Particle, or VP for short.
As the process for which VPs were produced can create an exceeding amount in a matter of seconds, early methods of harnessing this energy resulted in overloading, which usually led to brightly-colored explosions. Interestingly, it was also observed that VPs would generate different colors of light, depending on the composition of the alloy used in the core. When later attempts incorporated openings for excess particles to be vented out, it was discovered that the force at which they exited could also provide propulsion, if focused correctly.
The next breakthrough occurred in 3001, when a core from two different alloys was used in a Vangar Reactor. The conflicting particles generated a wave akin to an electromagnetic pulse upon collision, destroying delicate electronics and also interfering with longer wavelengths, such as micro and radio waves. This had caused the project to be deemed unsuitable for use in urban environments, but the war between the Terra Alliance that ensued the year after would see its use, later on.
An assistant of Vangar, Yamauchi Kazuki, proposed the creation of humanoid mobile weapons that utilized the Vangar reactor in space, to counteract the many space-based bombardments occurring. The term "Vanguard" would be used for these mobile weapons, and turned the tide of the war near-instantly.

By deflecting ultraviolet rays into a specialized reflective chamber (solar furnaces in GN Drives from AD) into a metal "core" (AC Gundarium based on certain metals having different properties in microgravity), particles from the core gradually peel off, supercharged from UV rays into a high-energy particle known as a Mega-Photon. (UC Minovsky particle) Technically not a photon, the term was coined upon observing that the particle generated light without heat. As the rate at which Mega-Photons are produced outnumbers the rate at which most machines are capable of utilizing, excess particles are vented out through thrusters, producing an interesting "glowing" effect, as well as providing propulsion.
(possible name: Vangar Particles, after discoverer > Vanguard units)

TAV-004T Takeminakata Training Type (Terra Alliance VAST planned/proposed in 3024, fourth unit built, Training designation)
A VAST (Versatile Armored Service Tank) based on the standard TA24-004T Takeminakata, but made to accommodate for an inexperienced pilot, as well as an additional cockpit seat for a secondary pilot.
Weaponry:
 - Combat Knives: Located in a pair of compartments in the unit's upper legs, these act solely for close-combat engagements, which the Takeminakata is notably not suited for, given its relative bulk.
 - Hi-Magnum: Considered a pistol-sized blunderbuss by some, and a literal hand cannon by others, this firearm is designed to end mid-range engagements with immense firepower. However, the caliber of the ammunition used for the gun creates a distinct recoil infamous among Terra Alliance soldiers, rookies and veterans alike. It has been decreed illegal since 3025 AC to have more than 3 bullets in a Hi-Magnum loaded at any time. This weapon is located on the backpack when not in use.
 - 76mm Rifle: A standard-issue magazine-fed rapid-firing rifle commonly seen on Terra Alliance VASTs.
Special Equipment and Features:
 - DOUBLE System: Short for Dual Operator Unifying Battle Layout Execution System, a second set of controls and seat are in the cockpit, allowing for functions to be relegated to a secondary pilot, or for the performance of advanced maneuvers with two properly synchronized pilots.

UVS-007  Julius (Unknown VAST sighted in 3040, second unit sighted in year)
An enormous black VAST that J pilots. Several thrusters line up in areas where they would not normally belong, and underneath the black armor seems to be even further systems that appear to be unused. In addition, the 3 "onboard AI" seem to hold more secrets than J himself. Just who is he, and why does he pilot the Julius?
Weapons
 - Phalanx Spear: Actually a pair of glaives, as they possess a wide bladed tip designed for both slashing and thrusting, the spearheads are located in the skirt armor, but the actual hafts are located in two compartments on the Julius' back.
 - Shield: Attached onto the left arm, it generates a concentrated Mega-Photon Field divided into six different sections, filling it with Mega-Photons, making it a lethal weapon in close-quarters, as well as an excellent means of defense. These sections may be turned on and off as necessary, so as to conserve energy.
 - Beam Shooters: Through the focusing of Mega-Photons through a small barrel, it is possible to release a "beam" of Mega-Photons, which can easily tear through enemy VASTs.
 - Orbital Busters: By attaching a large barrel stored on the unit's backpack over the arms, the Beam Shooters can be converted into a single, precise beam. However, as the modules used do occupy the arms, the Beam Shooters and Phalanx Spear become unavailable for use.
 - Core Blazer: By opening the plating in its midsection, the Julius reveals a partial Mega-Photon reactor, releasing the energy from it in a powerful stream of Mega-Photons. As this is directly derived from the VAST's reactor, it drains a great deal of energy, and repeated usage of this technique is ill-advised.
Special Equipment and Features
 - E^3 (Emotional Energy Engine): By siphoning off of what is said to be the pilots' spiritual energy, the Julius becomes substantially stronger, often increasing its output by 200%, as seen when the Eagle escaped.
 - Onboard AI: Artificial intelligence employed by the Julius, the three AI relay any and all information to J, in addition to handling most movements of the VAST. Combat data of the pilot and encountered enemy mobile weapons are also studied, so as to optimize performance.

UVS-006  Heracles
A bulky red VAST with gold highlights, it was designed specifically for Alchides, an immensely talented ace pilot who had left the Iskandar Militia for unknown reasons. The unit shares similar features to that of the Julius.
Weapons
 - Sleeve Vulcans: Rapid-firing guns are mounted over the arms of the Heracles, able to shred through unprotected VASTs with focused fire.
 - Shield: Attached onto the right arm, it is first revealed when the Heracles releases its first Layer, unfolding from the arm plates, providing additional protection from attacks.
 - Search Seekers: Remote weapons said to be controlled by the pilot's "spirit", they are equipped with a scattering beam cannon, though each only carry one use of the weapon, and require recharging by docking onto either the unit's backpack, or underneath the shield. In total, the Heracles has 16 of them- 8 on its backpack, 4 in its shield, and an additional 4 on the right forearm when the Second Layer is released.
 - Phalanx Spear: Unlike the Julius' twin spears, a single spear designed primarily for thrusting is stored behind the left shoulder, accessible once the second Layer is released. This spear utilizes a small Mega-Photon Field, much like the Julius' shield, to generate a powerful energized point. However, when the final Layer is released, the spear is able to access a different form, known as Blitzkaiser Mode, where an immensely large blade is generated, capable of cutting through even battleships.
Special Equipment and Features
 - E^3 (Emotional Energy Engine): By utilizing a pilot's "spiritual energy", the Heracles is capable of powering and maintaining most of its functions, allowing it to compensate for the burden of its armor. However, due to imperfections in the Heracles's E^3, it cannot allow for the machine to greatly exceed its normal performance, and if not properly synchronized with the pilot's spirit, can also cause mental instability.
 - ALTER: Short for Armament Layer Tri-Emancipation Regulator, this limits the unit's capabilities, due to imperfections in the Heracles's E^3, under three "Layers", so as to ensure the safety of the pilot and to keep the E^3 from overloading the unit.
	* First Layer: The sensor mask shifts to the sides of the head to form ear-like protrusions, revealing a visor underneath, while also releasing the latches for the Heracles's shield.
	* Second Layer: The visor opens, revealing two eyes, while much of the armor on the arms and legs is shed off, allowing for access to the last 4 Search Seekers and the Phalanx Spear.
	* Third Layer: The chin releases the faceplates, which slide back to reveal a more human-like face underneath and detaches the Sleeve Vulcans from the arms. While docked, the Search Seekers on the back serve as additional jets, providing further propulsion to the now fully unburdened mecha.

UVS-008  Atlas
A relatively lightly-armored VAST that shares technology with that of the UV40-002 Julius and the UV40-001 Heracles, it is specialized for atmospheric combat, able to reconfigure itself for both air and ground.
Weapons:
 - Phalanx Spear: A polearm stored on the tail fin, the spear head contains a small beam blade emitter, generating a spiral around to mimic the spinning of a drill.
 - Shields: A pair of shields on each forearm, they also function as wings for the Phalanx Lander configuration.
 - MP Rifles: A pair of rifles which focus Mega-Photons into a compressed container, and releasing them as a beam through an MP Field. They are stored on the backpack when not in use.
Special Equipment and Features:
 - E^3 (Emotional Energy Engine): Using a pilot's soul as a conduit, the Atlas is able to last for much longer than other standard VASTs, though its power is not as definitively pronounced than that of the Julius and the Heracles.
 - Phalanx Lander: The Atlas is capable of transforming into a high-mobility aerial fighter-like form, with access to its weapons.
	* Chest opens, arms straighten out, then collapse.
	* Cockpit flips up to form nosecone.
	* Legs fold in and flip around.
	* Tail fin flips over to form the third fin, with the spear sticking out slightly.

UVS-009  Hermes
The final and most stable Phalanx, it is primarily designed for high mobility.
Weapons:
 - Phalanx Spear Launcher: As opposed to wielding
Special Equipment and Features:
 - E^3 (Emotional Energy Engine): By concentrating a Mega-Photon Field onto a smaller frame, the spiritual energy of a pilot can be amplified to even greater levels, allowing for the E^3 to generate sufficient energy for the Hermes' high mobility, as well as even allow for brief bursts of speed, dubbed the "Phalanx Dash".