Difference between revisions of "Reactive Armor"
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | '''Reactive Armor''' (sometimes called '''Blazer Armor''') | + | '''Reactive Armor''' (sometimes called '''Blazer Armor''') was an [[Experimental Technology|experimental armor]] that uses a series of microscopic explosions to reduce the effects of explosive weapons fire like missiles, artillery, and mortars. When these weapons hit a unit with Reactive Armor protecting the area, the damage is reduced by 50%. The microscopic explosives embedded in the armor redirect the force of the weapon away from the protected unit. This force redirect also reduces the armor-piercing effects of [[Tandem-Charge Missiles]], [[Armor-Piercing]] autocannon ammunition, and [[BattleMech Taser]] spikes.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282</ref> |
Though effective against missiles and artillery, the armor is no more effective than standard armor against other weapon types and physical damage.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282, Reactive Armor takes standard damage from energy and ballistic weapons.</ref> In addition there have been several cases where lucky weapon fire has initiated an armor explosion, stripping the Reactive Armor away from the protected location, leaving the unit extremely vulnerable.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282 - "...any a penetrating or 'Floating' critical hit to a Reactive Armor location requires an additional 2D6 roll. (Against a non-’Mech unit, this occurs any time the unit suffers a critical hit of any kind to a location still protected by Reactive Armor.) If this roll yields a 2, all remaining armor in the location (including front and back in the event of torso hits) is destroyed and the internal structure in that location suffers an additional 1 point of damage (with additional critical hit effects checked as normal)."</ref> Another drawback to the armor is its bulk: Reactive Armor occupies as much space on a chassis as standard [[Ferro-Fibrous Armor]], but only provides as much protection as standard 'Mech armor.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 280, "Advanced Armor Table" shows Reactive Armor provides 16 points per ton, occupies either 14 (Inner Sphere) or 7 (Clan) critical slots.</ref> | Though effective against missiles and artillery, the armor is no more effective than standard armor against other weapon types and physical damage.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282, Reactive Armor takes standard damage from energy and ballistic weapons.</ref> In addition there have been several cases where lucky weapon fire has initiated an armor explosion, stripping the Reactive Armor away from the protected location, leaving the unit extremely vulnerable.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282 - "...any a penetrating or 'Floating' critical hit to a Reactive Armor location requires an additional 2D6 roll. (Against a non-’Mech unit, this occurs any time the unit suffers a critical hit of any kind to a location still protected by Reactive Armor.) If this roll yields a 2, all remaining armor in the location (including front and back in the event of torso hits) is destroyed and the internal structure in that location suffers an additional 1 point of damage (with additional critical hit effects checked as normal)."</ref> Another drawback to the armor is its bulk: Reactive Armor occupies as much space on a chassis as standard [[Ferro-Fibrous Armor]], but only provides as much protection as standard 'Mech armor.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 280, "Advanced Armor Table" shows Reactive Armor provides 16 points per ton, occupies either 14 (Inner Sphere) or 7 (Clan) critical slots.</ref> | ||
The armor was developed by the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[3063]], but [[Clan Ghost Bear]] captured several samples during the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]]. The Bear's Scientist caste was able to reverse-engineer the armor and put it into limited production two years later.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282</ref> | The armor was developed by the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[3063]], but [[Clan Ghost Bear]] captured several samples during the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]]. The Bear's Scientist caste was able to reverse-engineer the armor and put it into limited production two years later.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 282</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | The armor would be later enter more expansive production by [[3081]], being reclassified as [[Advanced Technology]].<ref>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 206 JIHAD TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT TABLE - Reactive Armor is reclassified as Advanced Technology.</ref> By the [[32nd Century]] would be employed on number of BattleMech and Combat Vehicles. The development of ''[[Ballistic-Reinforced Armor]]'' during the [[32nd Century]] would use the Reactive Armor and Harden Armor as basis for its near combined effectiveness.<ref>''[[Era Report: 3145]]'', p. 120 Ballistic-Reinforced Armor - Reactive Armor is one two components the B-R is based on.</ref> | ||
Revision as of 13:27, 2 September 2013
Description
Reactive Armor (sometimes called Blazer Armor) was an experimental armor that uses a series of microscopic explosions to reduce the effects of explosive weapons fire like missiles, artillery, and mortars. When these weapons hit a unit with Reactive Armor protecting the area, the damage is reduced by 50%. The microscopic explosives embedded in the armor redirect the force of the weapon away from the protected unit. This force redirect also reduces the armor-piercing effects of Tandem-Charge Missiles, Armor-Piercing autocannon ammunition, and BattleMech Taser spikes.[1]
Though effective against missiles and artillery, the armor is no more effective than standard armor against other weapon types and physical damage.[2] In addition there have been several cases where lucky weapon fire has initiated an armor explosion, stripping the Reactive Armor away from the protected location, leaving the unit extremely vulnerable.[3] Another drawback to the armor is its bulk: Reactive Armor occupies as much space on a chassis as standard Ferro-Fibrous Armor, but only provides as much protection as standard 'Mech armor.[4]
The armor was developed by the Draconis Combine in 3063, but Clan Ghost Bear captured several samples during the Combine-Ghost Bear War. The Bear's Scientist caste was able to reverse-engineer the armor and put it into limited production two years later.[5]
The armor would be later enter more expansive production by 3081, being reclassified as Advanced Technology.[6] By the 32nd Century would be employed on number of BattleMech and Combat Vehicles. The development of Ballistic-Reinforced Armor during the 32nd Century would use the Reactive Armor and Harden Armor as basis for its near combined effectiveness.[7]
References
- ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 282
- ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 282, Reactive Armor takes standard damage from energy and ballistic weapons.
- ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 282 - "...any a penetrating or 'Floating' critical hit to a Reactive Armor location requires an additional 2D6 roll. (Against a non-’Mech unit, this occurs any time the unit suffers a critical hit of any kind to a location still protected by Reactive Armor.) If this roll yields a 2, all remaining armor in the location (including front and back in the event of torso hits) is destroyed and the internal structure in that location suffers an additional 1 point of damage (with additional critical hit effects checked as normal)."
- ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 280, "Advanced Armor Table" shows Reactive Armor provides 16 points per ton, occupies either 14 (Inner Sphere) or 7 (Clan) critical slots.
- ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 282
- ↑ Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 206 JIHAD TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT TABLE - Reactive Armor is reclassified as Advanced Technology.
- ↑ Era Report: 3145, p. 120 Ballistic-Reinforced Armor - Reactive Armor is one two components the B-R is based on.