Rather than a simple update to the older model, the Mark 3 is a near complete rebuild, keeping only the shape. Starting in the crew compartment, while the Mark 3 has kept both crew seats from the Marks 1 and 2, the entire suite of controls is available from both positions, and one of the Talon's goals for the platform is to eventually reduce the crew needed to one. Otherwise, the key is in the modular hardpoints. Particle beams, plasma cannons, and even laser systems are planned for both of the main weapons hardpoints, although of significantly different scales. To go with the main weapons mounts, a centerline ventral "crotch mount" and two dorsal mounts round out the potential armament load. The ventral system is aimed to be primarily used either for a targeting pod, or an anti personnel system. Dorsally, the Talons are being more ambitious with a long list of projects, most significantly a series of proposals for either jamming or shooting down incoming missiles.
However, the new model Titan is not without drama. Rather than being a straightforward upgrade, the system had been iterated time and time and time again not only before and during the Third Tiberium War, but afterwards, in one of the most significant examples of scope and mission creep in recent history. Once funding actually became available, what had grown into a nearly 150 ton monstrosity, had to be pared down to a reasonable state. Working through the nights in shifts for three weeks, Talons engineers had to bring it down to something that could actually be fielded.
