- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I know, I know mechs are cliched (and mechas more so :p), but I just have to post this from my collection of sci-fi junk I've written with no real purpose:
Heavy Mechanized Body Armor Model 168A2 “Shootist” Configuration - The most mobile firepower available outside of a vehicle. The HMBA possesses unmatched resistance to ballistic and energy weaponry; it has nanite-embedded 4cm hard-plastic armor with a refractive coat and reactive add-ons, all covered by an advanced Argus laser anti-missile system. This unit is practically invulnerable to small arms fire. While the protection afforded by the HMBA is impressive, the trait it is known for is its vast array of potent weaponry. The Shootist’s armaments are as follows: one arm-mounted light gauss rifle, one shoulder-mounted Trident type plasma beam, one back-mounted automatic 130mm mortar, dual arm-mounted scattercannon (scaled-up shotguns firing either tankshot or sabot rounds), four automated point-defense machineguns firing the 10x71mm hi-explosive round, one chest-mounted plasma-based flamethrower, one shoulder-mounted rack of six 95mm Stalker emissions-seeking fire-and-forget surface-to-air missiles, and a special utility tow hook, commonly known as a beam harpoon (a spear connected to the HMBA by a spidersilk cable and with a plasma bore drill on the tip for climbing, hitching a ride on friendly vehicles, or snaring/impaling enemies). For every weapon except the Stalker missile rack the HMBA relies on a full MTHEMP-SA/X (motion, thermal, electro-magnetic pulse, seismic, acoustic, and spectral analysis) sensor suite coupled with a powerful active radar for its automatic targeting system. The radar has a maximum detection radius of 850m. The Shootist is powered by a fusion reactor in the back compartment, and the plasma generator is safely located within the Trident cannon itself. The HMBA’s maximum speed over rough terrain is 25kph. Its speed increases on paved ground but the handling becomes difficult. To move more quickly, the HMBA has jumpjets integrated into the boots for long jumps of up to 25m. One problem with the HMBA is its heat buildup – with multiple heavy energy weapons firing in quick succession the liquid cooling system can be overwhelmed in a matter of seconds, especially if the Trident or flamethrower is/are being fired. Firing after the critical temperature has been reached may cause a full system shutdown, and individual weapons systems may be damaged beyond repair. The interior of the Shootist can become dangerously hot for unaugmented humans when an overheat occurs. The interior consists of a thick layer of reactive gel that changes in temperature and density to protect the operator from extreme ambient temperatures and shockwaves and seal wounds quickly. The HMBA is sealed against a vacuum and possesses an oxygen recycler that can provide air for approximately one hour and thirty minutes even with elevated intake by the operator. A neural chip is not required for the HMBA (it is controlled by body movements and hand controllers – despite being 14' tall and weighing 16 tons, the HMBA is still body armor) but having one can greatly facilitate control of any type of mechanized armor. The visor sports standard visible spectrum and hyperspectral vision modes, with an intuitive threat-assessment based targeting program.