EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII
The EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII was the final version of the first generation of the EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor. This advanced power armor was developed with cutting-edge technology to provide the wearer with superior combat capabilities. The Mark VII model was the latest iteration of this armor system and was issued to a select few individuals, including at least one TODT officer - Hailey Warner - on April 13, 2658.
The EXCALIBER armor line was considered to be one of the most advanced and effective combat armor systems available in the 27th century. However, the high production cost of the Mark VII model ultimately led to its replacement by the EXCALIBER [GEN2] line. Despite being the final iteration of the first generation armor, the Mark VII was still a highly capable combat system. It provided superior protection against ballistic and energy-based attacks and had advanced sensory systems to enhance situational awareness.
Specifications and development history
Hypothetical model (2650)
GEN1
The Mark VII is a significant improvement over its predecessors in several ways. Unlike the previous models produced by the Office of Space Intelligence's Materials Group, a different supplier manufactured it, resulting in a lighter armor. Moreover, the armor incorporates cutting-edge nano-technological components, enabling the armor to repair and upgrade itself completely independently, without the need for outside assistance. This is a significant breakthrough, as it reduces the need for manual maintenance, resulting in a more efficient and reliable application. Another unique feature of Mark VII is its limited energy shield shaping, allowing it to provide additional protection to the wearer. The armor can recycle urine through specific calibration on a catheterized TODT. This environmentally friendly innovation is a remarkable leap forward in sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Hailey Warner's Mark VII suit shares a resemblance to the Mark V [B], which may be due to the TODT's choice of appearance. It seems fair to say that the Mark VII represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, exhibiting more advanced features, from autonomously repairing itself to recycling urine, increasing utility while decreasing reliance on external factors.
GEN2
The Mark VII platform saw some amount of iteration on the GEN2 platform of EXCALIBER development, though proved to be cost-ineffective to mass-produce and was never manufactured in large numbers. In light of the development of the more versatile GEN2 platform which enabled more economical optimization for the different TODT generations in service, the first generation EXCALIBER was mainly optimized for the TODT Commanders. However, a number of technologies developed for the Mark VII program were incorporated to the EXCALIBER [GEN2] system, with the NAVIGATOR variant receiving some such technologies for testing on ROUND-TABLE Defense Station. The closest GEN2 armor model to the Mark VII is the KNIGHT variant, though it is mostly unknown outside of the TODT special forces community.GEN3
The Mark VII has been selected as the testbed for the EXCALIBER Powered Assault Armor (GEN3) in March 2710. However, it is still uncertain if manufacturers will adopt the latest standards and cost accounting set by the United Nations Federation Government. The GEN3 Mark VII variant resulted from the successful efforts of the Mark VII and KNIGHT programs as well as other similar projects within the Materials Group. The design of this innovative armor was chosen by Dr. Ander from the Materials Group's ARTHUR development program. Its purpose is to provide the latest TODT and KNIGHT contingents with the most advanced technology available for warfare.
While the GEN3 Mark VII represents a significant leap forward for the Excaliber platform that is currently deployed in active duty, some components tested with the GEN1 and GEN2 Mark VII remain in the prototype stage due to unreliability or cost factors. These components include the integration of alien-derived nanomachine elements and full shield-shaping.
Overall, the development of the GEN3 Mark VII variant marks an important step forward in the use of cutting-edge technology for military purposes. The new armor is expected to provide superior protection and increased combat effectiveness to those wearing it, thus enhancing the safety and success of military operations.
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