EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV
The Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor was (despite its name) the first version of the EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor series-2. The suit was issued to Tactical Orbital Defense Trooper commandos on August 10, 2592, and was in service until it was replaced by the Mark V on June 20, 2608. A hybrid variant could still be requisitioned by TODT personnel as late as November 12, 2609.
Introduction
Developed for the Tactical Orbital Defense Troopers by the Office of Space Intelligence's Materials Group, the EXCALIBER powered assault armor was a radical redesign from previous large bulky exoskeletons, streamlining their design into a compact suit of armor practical for use in the field. The brainchild of Dr. Isabel Collins, the EXCALIBER armor represented her vision of creating a slim powered exoskeleton capable of taking full advantage of the physical capabilities of a TODT. Planning and research for the revised EXCALIBER battlesuit began in 2570; over the course of twenty-two years its development gave birth to many new technologies that would later see major adoption throughout the military. EXCALIBER is a sealed system capable of extra-vehicular activity or operations in toxic atmosphere and vacuum. It is hardened against electromagnetic pulse and radiation, and has filters that are completely effective at removing toxins and bacteria from local atmosphere. The armor's outer shell is composed of a multilayer alloy of remarkable strength which has been augmented with a refractive coating capable of dispersing a limited amount of heavy weapon impact. Underneath the alloy shell is a thick black armored poslaydian nanocomposite bodysuit. Underneath that layer is a gel-filled layer. The gel layer regulates temperature and can reactively change its density in a few seconds. The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environmental control computer and the occupant's special-issue neural interface. This network translates electrochemical signals to digital code and routes them through an interface connection at the rear of the skull. Through this interface the user's thoughts commands the armor's movement and weapons and input from the on-board sensors comes directly to the user's mind.Armor platforms
First prototypes
The first prototypes of the Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor were clunky and inefficient, taking up too much space and causing the wearer to move like a tank. But Dr. Collins was determined to create a sleek and nimble suit that would allow TODT commandos to move quickly and efficiently, even in the toughest of combat situations. With each iteration, the armor became more streamlined and lightweight, until finally the final version was ready to be tested at the Mars Testing Facility.
Functional prototype
As the functional prototype of the Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor was initiated at the Mars Testing Facility, Dr. Isabel Collins watched with bated breath. The sleek black armor hummed to life as it was powered on, its sophisticated systems coming online one by one. It was a far cry from the clunky prototypes of years past, and she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her.
The test subject, one of the most skilled TODT commandos, stepped into the armor and activated it. As he moved, the suit responded with lightning-fast reflexes, matching his every motion with perfect precision. The gel-filled layer adjusted to his body temperature, keeping him comfortable despite the intense activity. Dr. Collins watched as the commando ran through a battery of tests, each one designed to stress the armor to its limits. The suit held up flawlessly, its multilayer alloy shell dispersing heavy weapon impact and protecting the wearer from harm.
Finally, the tests were complete and the commando emerged from the suit, his face beaming with excitement and amazement. Dr. Collins knew she had succeeded in her mission to create a revolutionary new suit of armor that would change the face of warfare forever.
Initial production model
The initial production model of the Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor was a marvel of engineering and design. Produced by Mars Corps Armory, the suits were issued to TODT commandos on August 10, 2592 and were an instant hit. The suits were sleek and agile, allowing the commandos to move with lightning-fast speed and deadly precision. The gel-filled layer adjusted to their body temperature, keeping them comfortable and focused during even the most grueling combat situations. The armor's environmental control computer and neural interface made it easy for the commandos to control the suit's movements with their thoughts, allowing them to focus completely on the mission at hand.
The Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor quickly became a symbol of the TODT's power and skill in the United Space Command Armed Forces. With its superior technology, they were unstoppable on the battlefield.
Final production model
The final production model of the Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor was the pinnacle of Mars Corps Armory's engineering and design expertise. It boasted even greater agility and versatility than its predecessors, with a sleek and aerodynamic design that allowed for lightning-fast movement and unmatched precision in combat. The armor's outer shell was reinforced with an even stronger multilayer alloy, while its gel-filled layer was even more responsive, adapting to the wearer's movements with lightning-fast speed. But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Mark IV EXCALIBER was its advanced sensor suite, which allowed the wearer to see and hear everything in their environment with incredible clarity. The on-board sensors could detect even the slightest movements and sounds, making it nearly impossible for an enemy to catch the wearer off-guard.
Armor variants
Advanced Hardware Program
The Advanced Hardware Program was a top-secret project developed by the Office of Space Intelligence's Materials Group, aiming to create a variant of the EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor that could enhance the physical capabilities of the wearer. The project began in 2598, six years after the release of the Mark IV, and was only known to a select few within the TODT. Dr. Isabel Collins, who had previously designed the Mark IV, spearheaded the Advanced Hardware Program. She had identified several areas where improvements could be made, including strength, agility, and endurance. To achieve this, the team integrated new technologies into the armor's design, such as advanced neural interfaces and experimental energy shields.
The result of their efforts was an entirely new armor platform known as the EXCALIBER Mark IV-A. The armor's outer shell was identical to that of the Mark IV, but it featured an upgraded underlayer made of a lightweight carbon fiber mesh interwoven with poslaydian nanocomposites. This made the armor much more flexible, allowing wearers to move with increased speed and agility. The energy shields were also a revolutionary addition, allowing the wearer to deflect incoming projectiles and absorb energy attacks. The neural interface was also vastly improved, giving wearers greater control over the suit's movements and defense systems.
Suits
Base suit
The base Mark IV EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor was a marvel of engineering. Its compact design made it practical for use in the field, while its outer shell composed of multi-layered alloy made it incredibly durable and resistant to heavy weapon impact. Underneath the outer shell was a thick black armored poslaydian nanocomposite bodysuit that provided additional protection.
For added comfort, the inner skinsuit was made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material that regulated temperature and kept the occupant dry. The environmental control computer linked to the occupant's special-issue neural interface, translating their electrochemical signals to digital code, so they could command the armor's movement and HUD with their thoughts.
The armor platform was capable of extra-vehicular activity or operations in toxic atmosphere and vacuum, making it perfect for space-based combat. It was also hardened against electromagnetic pulse and radiation, making it ideal for use in nuclear or high-energy warfare.
Variants
Stealth Suit: The EXCALIBER Mark IV-S Stealth Suit was designed to give TODT commandos unrivaled stealth and concealment capabilities. Its outer shell was made of a specialized radar-absorbent material that made it virtually invisible to radar and thermal sensors. The suit also featured a cloak system that allowed the wearer to become invisible to the naked eye, making it perfect for covert operations.
The suits were specially designed to be as quiet as possible, allowing the wearer to take out targets without alerting nearby enemies. The suit's neural interface was also upgraded to allow the wearer to control the cloak and other stealth systems with their thoughts.
Heavy Suit: The EXCALIBER Mark IV-H Heavy Suit was designed to give TODT commandos unmatched protection. Its outer shell was reinforced with ultra-dense alloys and plating, making it virtually impervious to heavy weapon fire. The suit also featured a powerful energy shield that could deflect incoming projectiles and absorb energy attacks. The suit's onboard computer was outfitted with advanced targeting systems, making it easy for the wearer to lock onto enemy targets and deliver devastating blows.
The suit's increased weight made it slower and less agile than its counterparts, but its unmatched durability more than made up for its shortcomings.
Jet Suit: The EXCALIBER Mark IV-J Jet Suit was designed for airborne operations, giving TODT commandos the ability to fly and drop into combat zones from above. Its outer shell was modified with built-in jet thrusters, allowing the wearer to achieve flight and control their altitude with precision.
The suit also featured a specialized flight control system that made it easy for the wearer to maneuver through the air and avoid enemy fire. The jet suit was also equipped with a powerful energy shield that protected the wearer from incoming fire while in flight. Its on-board computer was designed to enhance the wearer's situational awareness, providing them with a detailed map of the battlefield and highlighting important targets.
While the jet suit offered unparalleled mobility and flexibility, it was also vulnerable to enemy fire while in flight. As such, it was primarily used for surgical strikes and quick assaults, rather than prolonged engagements.
Ranger Suit: The EXCALIBER Mark IV-R Ranger Suit was designed for long-range reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering operations. Its outer shell was equipped with specialized sensors and cameras, allowing the wearer to detect and gather information from great distances.
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