Battle armor

"Battle-armored infantrymen wear powered suits of armor equipped with various weapons. Clan battle armor troopers, known as Elementals, are organized into 5-man Points. Their individually powered battle suits mount missiles, small lasers and anti-personnel weapons. Because Elemental armor can survive direct hits from BattleMech-class weapons, a single Point of battle armor can often disable or destroy a ’Mech. Clan Battle Armor pilots are also genetically bred to be larger and stronger than normal humans. Elemental battle armor was based off of Clan Goliath Scorpion undersea mining suits.

"Inner Sphere forces also field battle armored infantry in 4- to 6-man squads, depending on faction. Such equipment, though more diverse, remains rare and less powerful than Clan battle armor.

"Most battle-armored infantry soldiers receive extensive anti-’Mech training."¹

Summary

Battle armor was introduced, or rather reintroduced, by the Clans during their invasion in 3050. The invading Clans used Elementals in their forces, which confounded and caused great damage to Inner Sphere defenders. After this, the Inner Sphere attempted to reverse engineer the technology and succeeded with help from Star League-era data and captured Clan tech. In the current era all five of the Successor States have access to this unit type. ComStar and the Word of Blake have developed battle armor as well, due in part to ComStar's preservation of Star League-era technology.

Various types of battle armor exist, such as the famous Elemental armor, Inner Sphere Standard, Gray Death, Cavalier, Fenrir, and Raiden, but all are basically powered armor. This means that in addition to offering protection the suits can enhance the speed and/or strength of the wearer. In some cases this is just enough for the infantryman within to carry the weight of the armor itself, a load which can reach a ton or more. Some suits offer jump capability, increasing the maneuverability of the wearer. Integrated weapon systems, life support, and sensory equipment are common, though the exact capabilities depend on the armor in question. Elemental armor for example is known for its drug injectors which increase the durability of the already superhuman Elementals.

Used correctly, battle armored troops can easily outmatch their conventional brethren and even take out vehicles and 'Mechs. Their superior armor and weaponry, coupled with their roughly human size, make them good forces for fighting in built up areas where 'Mechs and vehicles have trouble maneuvering.

In addition to their use by military units, suits of battle armor are also utilized by private security and police forces.

Categories

• Assault Battle Armor
• Clan Battle Armor
• Standard Battle Armor
• Heavy Battle Armor
• Inner Sphere Battle Armor
• Light Battle Armor
• Medium Battle Armor
• Scout Battle Armor

References

1. "Battle Armor", Total Warfare, (Chicago: FanPro, 2006), 23-4.