Manual:Asylum/AWSC Infantry Classes
From FSDB
TERRAN INFANTRY
NOTE: Seen here are standardized personnel armor systems as encountered with Core Systems militaries serving under the AWSC. Colonials' outfitting can and does vary greatly from place to place. Competing battle armor from other defense contractors is also on the market. Finally, repossessed Tri-Axis armor is a common sight in the Minor Colonies and on the Rim, a result of the AWSC auctioning off most Tri-Axis military equipment to colonial garrisons to pay off some of its war debt and take care of re-arming the colonies in a single stroke.
LIGHT INFANTRY
(AWSC Armies, most AWSC Marine forces, AWSC Colonial Guards, Corporate security forces)
Cyberhead brand Rifleman Helmet™
Outstanding ballistic protection. Open face design; very similar to one of the OFW helmets. Integrated variable-tint retractable ballistic glasses, accepts Cyberhead-compatible breathing apparati, flip-down tactical eye-piece, integrated comm system. Includes built-in WolfEar headphones. WolfEars are electronically-controlled noise reduction headphones. Lowers the volume of loud sounds such as gunshots and explosions to protect hearing, but amplifies other noises to give the wearer superhuman hearing. An oft-used demonstration is the ability to clearly hear someone breathing in the next room when using full amplification. They can also focus on and clip out certain background noises, such as an engine or generator. In the event of a power loss to the Cyberhead, WolfEars can continue to function in reducing volumes, or may be removed completely to use the bare ear. Cyberhead's line of combat helmets are proudly made with full EM shielding, effective even against EM pulses. Cyberhead Rifleman 1. Cyberhead Rifleman 2. Cyberhead Rifleman 3.
Cyberhead brand DBA™
(Detachable Breathing Apparatus) Filters air in the event of hazardous breathing conditions. Includes speaking diaphragm, comm equipment, drinking insert. Can also be used with a portable air supply in the event of extremely hazardous breathing conditions. Designed for use with the Rifleman helmet, but compatible with most Cyberhead brand infantry helmets and accessories. Cyberhead DBA 1. Cyberhead DBA 2.
NSC TrooperSuit undergarment
Developed by Natick Soldier Services Center, manufactured by Draco Techsystems. Black one-piece full body undergarment with or without neck & head protection hood. Made of advanced interwoven ballistic fibers and filled with the latest in shear-thickening fluid (STF) technology for outstanding performance versus modern ballistic threats and high-speed fragments, and featuring a network of interconnected microcapillaries for circulating air over soldier's body to regulate skin temperature. Includes a full suite of medical sensors to detect and diagnose wounds to its wearer, and features pre-arranged MRPG tourniquets that can be tightened to control blood flow to wounded areas or set a broken bone. Finally, the TrooperSuit can be completely sealed against the outside environment in mere seconds with the touch of a button on its forearm control pad. The absolute best in modern infantry protection.
ThorCloth BDU overgarment
Comes in camouflage or solids. ThorCloth functions as protection against directed energy threats from stun weapons to low-intensity infantry lasers. ThorCloth is largely blamed as the reason directed energy has failed to catch on in small arms, as none so far except single-shot solid state lasers pack the punch to defeat ThorCloth's energy absorption and dissipation capabilities. Referred to as kevlar for lasers when it was first developed in the early 21st century, ThorCloth has continued to grow in effectiveness and importance. ThorCloth.
Ballistic plating
On chest, pelvis, shoulders, upper and lower arms, fronts of upper and lower legs. Plates use tightly interwoven carbon-based superfibers to give outstanding protection against even armor-piercing rounds, with overlapping ballistic scales behind them to stop any round that manages to penetrate the first layer.
Ballistic utility belt and harness
Ballistic drop-leg holster and munitions pouches
(Most equipment is made to be bullet and fragproof to add to protection while providing battlefield utility simultaneously. Note that not all forces use the original modular ballistic plate system; see note at the end of outfit list)
TruTactile protective gloves
Developed and manufactured by Pavo Tech Union. TruTactile technology "feels" objects it comes in contact with using its sensor-laden surface, then uses low-level electrical pulses to transmit signals to the nerves in the hand. The end result when the gloves are active is what the gloves feel, the hands also feel, with almost perfect accuracy. A self-adjusting fit ensures the best performance.
NSC TrooperBoot footwear
Developed by Natick Soldier Services Center, manufactured by Draco Techsystems. Uses all of the same technology as TrooperSuit, with the addition of a kinetic energy generator operated by walking or running and a powered ankle-brace to absorb force of impact from a high drop that would otherwise result in injury.
Designed to be fully self-sufficient, not be an overburdening weight even without artificial muscle, fully modular; pieces come on and off, quickly, easily, and as needed. Compatible with a number of standardized backpack models.
NOTE: Modular ballistic panels, while still in wide use with a secure future among Colonial Guards and most others, have begun giving way among offensive AWSC forces to a Draco-made fully articulated one-piece armor solution with a built-in artificial muscle system reminiscent of MFPA's built in artifical muscle network (though with lower load tolerances). See attached sketch. Light Infantry ensemble without modular ballistic plating or Draco armor.
Ballistic Protection Rating
Level III to Level VI depending on area impacted. Directed Energy Protection Rating: Level IV NBC Protection: Complete (with use of respirator attachment), but with limited exposure duration Vacuum Protection: None
ADVANCED LIGHT INFANTRY
(Coalition and Unified Powers Marines)
Comments: Coalition Marine Corps and Unified Powers Marine Forces only; MFPA is quite expensive, and to most bean-counters, not worth the cost for just a single man. MFPA contract was initially offered by USMC with Royal Marines' backing. After the first prototype demonstration, the rest of the Coalition got onboard, and following initial procurement, the UPMF switched over from its TrooperTech-based ensemble and got on the MFPA bandwagon as well. MFPA was developed and continues to be updated by a partnership between KDI, PTU, and C-DARPA (Kerella Defense Industries, Inc, the Pavo Tech Union, and Coalition Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
MFPA
(Marine Forces Powered Armor, "Mifpa") Helmet. Fully enclosed, self-seals with MFPA BDU headpiece, built in comm system, and pressure-assisted respirator. Heavily armored; built-in visor is goggle-style rather than full face (lens is ballistic ALON on outside, multi-function flexidisplay on the inside). Controlled hearing functionally equivalent to Cyberhead's WolfEar. Heavy magnetic shielding against EMPs and other interference. Cut high in the back to allow user to go prone or look up with knocking the back of his helmet against his torso armor.
MFPA Upper Body Armor
Made of flexible, interconnected ballistic scales, with carbon nanotube-based ballistic plates on top of those. Rigid ballistic plates are arranged to flex freely with human movement. Has a raised armored area behind the neck to make up for the high cut of the MFPA helmet. Hair-thin electrifiable barrier runs throughout armored portions of MFPA's torso armor. Power supply in back of armor zaps area being impacted at the moment of impact with a heavy burst of electricity. If a round or fragment penetrates to the electric layer, it is either partially or fully liquified. Electrical layer shuts off automatically (unless instructed otherwise by user) if battery power drops below 45% due to the high drain. Armored NBR (Nerve Bundle Reader) built into armor near spinal nerve bundle, non-invasively detects signals going to MFPA user's muscles. Corresponding MFPA artificial muscles and MRPG suit are flexed in unison with human muscles, adding to strength transparently.
MFPA Forearm Armor
Some protective qualities as MFPA upper body armor, but without electrical layer. Gloves transmit feeling to nerves through the skin like TruTactile gloves.
MFPA MRPG/ThorCloth BDUs
Functions just like a TrooperSuit, but with some key differences. Magnetorheological polymer gel filling functions both as an artificial muscle and ballistic protection. Running a small level of electric current through the gel stiffens it instantly, shutting it off relaxes it. Can course power through sections, and relax them gradually rather than instantly as well. This has its use in both muscle assistance, and redistributing the force of a particularly strong impact so that the force almost literally flows through and around the MRPG rather than transferring directly to the wearer. While it requires power as opposed to simpler, cheaper STF, MRPG is much more flexible as a multipurpose armor, as the ability to have an artificial muscle covering your body is worth the cost alone. Attached ThorCloth available in any camo/solid desired, just like ThorCloth-only BDUs. Has a more advanced circulation system than the TrooperSuit, with several strategically placed vents passively generating negative pressure and ambient airflow through the microcapillaries even without power (albeit not nearly as efficiently as when power is available). Keeps Marine cool no matter what. Vents can also be fully closed in a cold environment to seal in body heat. Finally, the MFPA BDUs can derive power from kinetic energy of Marine's movements to add to MFPA's charge.
MFPA Modular Load-bearing System
Belt system that accepts any and all compatible equipment-holding accessories, from pouches of all sizes to holsters and support unit kits. May be connected to torso armor to distribute weight. MLS may be removed and replaced by Light Machine Gunner's articulated arm without modification.
MFPA Leg Armor
Same protective qualities as torso armor, including electrical layer. Includes the boots, powered knees, and thigh armor. Like TrooperBoots and the MFPA BDUs, the boots in the MFPA leg armor include kinetic energy-based generators.
Loss of power:
As with the light infantry ensemble, MFPA is still usable in the event of loss or depletion of the MFPA Powercell. By using all high-tech, lightweight materials, the MFPA can be worn without burdening the user much beyond the level of a heavy infantry backpack, if even to that level. With the exception of the electric barrier, the rest of the MFPA's ballistic protection does not rely wholly on power (although the MRPG is not as effective without it), leaving the Marine with the vast majority of his protection intact. The hearing system loses the selective amplification and simply clips sounds to a non-damaging level, the communication system is lost, the respirator reverts to neutral pressure for normal breathing (to prevent suffocation in the unfortunate event the Marine is also incapacitated at the time) and, finally, the MFD visor ceases functioning and simply reverts to a transparent armor piece. The microcapillary circulation system works at a limited level without power through creation of negative pressure from heat, preventing the Marine from overheating (though he will certainly be hot; removal of helmet and fore-arm armor for better cooling is recommended, tactical situation permitting), and the kinetic energy generators in the MFPA BDU suit and MFPA Leg Armor boots can continue supplying low levels of power to essential systems like ventilation and the MFD every time the Marine moves. Critical MFPA components rated to resist water to 30m.
Ballistic Protection Rating:
Level V to Level VIII depending on area impacted. Directed Energy Protection Rating: Level VI NBC Protection: Complete Vacuum Protection: LIMITED/ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE ONLY
HEAVY INFANTRY
(EVA troopers, Mechanized Infantry, infantry operating in deadly atmosphere)
Comments: Designed for EVA troopers, then adapted to ground warfare shortly thereafter. Not seen except with Mechanized Infantry due to cost of procurement and maintenance involved in supporting M121-equipped infantry units. Mainly used by infantry operating on worlds lacking an atmosphere capable of supporting human life.
M121 PCIA
(Powered Combat Infantry Armor). Includes its own high-drain power supply, oxygen supply, communications equipment.
Full-face double-visor
(clear lens, brightness/laser protection gold lens). Clear inner lens features the ability to use multiple tactical displays in combat, or other displays for civilian EVA-use.
EVA-capable
Originally designed for EVA, so it's more than up to the job of operating in vacuum. Fully sealed against the outside environment, with internal pressure at a comfortable level equal to about 4000 feet MSL on Earth.
Magnetic boots
for walking on ship surfaces or maintaining orientation if artificial gravity is lost.
Fully powered movements
Uses an NBR to detect movements of the body and synchronize its motion exactly.
Protective Armor
As an EVA trooper's armor first and foremost, the M121 PCIA uses the latest and great in protective armor technology. It's impervious to normal bullets (it must be able to take hits from highspeed micrometeorites), as well as all but extremely high heat. The best way to take down PCIA is with high explosives and EM-accelerated weapons. PCIA is also well shielded against all forms of radiation, another requirement of operating in the vacuum of space.
M121 Mod F
(F for Flame) PCIA includes armored fuel tanks and arm-mounted flame nozzles. Constructed for use against hostile (and non-sentient) indigenous life on planet Trax, adapted for the same use elsewhere as well as vegetation clearing later on. Re-tasked and up-armored for use in an urban warfare and anti-infantry role by AWSC forces during the ISW.
Ballistic Protection Rating:
Level VIII to Level XII depending on area impacted. Directed Energy Protection Rating: Level IX NBC Protection: Complete Vacuum Protection: Complete
COVERT OPERATORS
(Spies, forward observers, short time-in-field snipers, saboteurs, etc.)
C-DARPA form-fitting StealthSuit
with removable hood. Active camouflage, usually muted gray in color when not stealthed. Camouflage works best when not moving, air distortions clearly visible in visible light spectrum when moving close to someone. Stealthed against infrared/thermal emissions, and mostly remains stealthed to infrared even when moving. Based off of MFPA's MRPG/ThorCloth BDUs, but heavily modified from the original design.
Varying levels of body armor
Armor portions don't cloak as well as the suit. Most go for standard or reduced-profile torso armor (required as it houses the power cells and computers that control the StealthSuit), a bit of arm armor with information systems built in, and leg armor derived from MFPA leg armor tech. Boots mask their own walking sound and use varied air cushion to silence movements.
Mostly medium to short short stature men, or women
To assist in stealthiness by keeping weight and size down.
Uses Cyberhead™ Phantasm model helmet
or C-DARPA developed aural/visual enhancement headset.
All components and weapons must be fitted with active camouflage
Or fit within an active camouflage-equipped holder.
Popular with limited engagement snipers
Though they tend to go with heavier armor since movement is not nearly so much of an issue as with Covert Ops. Snipers in the field for days or weeks at a time still go with the venerable ghillie suit due to power requirements being much too high for such extended use.
Ballistic Protection Rating:
Variable Directed Energy Protection Rating: Variable NBC Protection: Variable Vacuum Protection: None
EXPERIMENTAL
CLASSIFIED
Pavo Tech Union secretly developing combat armor that meshes latest technology with MFPA's usability and near-PCIA level protection. Undergoing active testing at Tau1 Gruis colony well away from prying eyes using specially-selected external help and an ex-military test subject not connected to competitors or governments. More information as it becomes available.
Ballistic Protection Rating:
Level X? Directed Energy Protection Rating: Unknown NBC Protection: Complete? Vacuum Protection: Unknown
