Powered Body Armor

Powered body armor is used by heavy infantry soldiers and special operatives. With the exception of the helmet, powered armor is a one-piece armored exoskeleton with its own computer system, fully integrating infantry soldiers with the greater combat network. When worn, the armor seals off the user from the outside environment, allowing them to operate in extremely hostile conditions. It is effectively a vehicle that hugs the human body.

Basics

 * Powered armor is a full-body combat system.


 * Armored panels provide resistance against enemy fire.
 * An expansive exoskeleton enhances a user's natural physical abilities, allowing them to lift four times their body weight.
 * The armor's surface is covered in video fibers, allowing it to seamlessly reproduce the surrounding environment, effectively allowing the individual to "cloak."
 * Magnetic boots allow individuals to cling to metallic surfaces -- primarily uesd in zero-g environments.
 * Suit vents can be opened to make use of natural air, or be completely sealed to keep the user isolated from hostile environments.
 * Vents are programmed to auto-seal if poisons/contaminants are detected.
 * On-board oxygen tanks can provide pure air for up to two hours.
 * Suit battery is stored in an armored compartment at the base of the spine.

Computer Systems

 * A powerful computer is linked to the greater combat network, providing users with real time battlefield data.
 * The computer is capable integrating with the processors on board modern weapon systems, and with the suits of teammates.
 * Data acquired from targeting lasers can be uploaded to linked-in support teams, providing air squadrons and artillery groups with accurate firing coordinates.
 * All suit subsystems are constantly monitored and controlled.
 * Mission data, objectives, and supporting documents are uploaded and stored on suit systems.
 * Suit can also upload and live stream acquired data, including images and video.

User Interface

 * The suit's heads-up-display flags the location of friendly forces and any enemy forces that have been picked up by the combat network.
 * Interacting with the display is done via specific eye movements. held blinks, and voice commands.
 * Users can pull up live helmet footage of their teammates to observe distant engagements.
 * HUDs are shared between teammates, allowing individuals to flag their specific targets, preventing teammates from accidentally firing on the same target -- maximizing efficiency.
 * Night, thermal, and ultraviolet vision modes.

Usage
Powered armor is expensive to produce, so only certain members of infantry services make use of it. It is most often employed by elite heavy units -- such as Midnum commandos, Zalag shock troopers, Iduz rangers, and Sakir special forces. Most special reconnaissance and scout sniper units also make use of powered armor.

Many irregular operations, such as missions conducted underwater, in hostile atmospheres, or in zero gravity, require the use of powered armor.