Power armor



Powered combat infantry armor, commonly referred to as power armor, is an unique combat technology developed before the Great War by the United States defense contractors. It represents the pinnacle of personal defensive technology, combining excellent protection from small arms with the ability to carry heavy weapons into combat with ease.

History
With the resource crisis severely limiting the ability of the United States military to deploy combat vehicles, especially tanks and other types of armor, it began research efforts to create self-powered combat suits in August 2065. Mechanized cavalry units provided with them would retain the mobility of a soldier moving on foot while giving them the ability to use heavy weapons with ease. Research proceeded rapidly. While early prototypes were unsuccessful, lessons learned in the process paved the way for future advances in military sciences, construction, and fusion.

The most important achievement of this early stage of research was the development of a fusion cell. Crude, but effective, the design was unveiled to the world in the summer of 2066. It further strained Sino-American relations, after the United States refused to share its crude oil reserves with the Asian superpower. The invasion of Alaska in winter of 2066 forced the military and its contractors to cut corners and come up with a stop-gap solution. In 2067, the first West Tek production model of powered infantry combat armor designated T-45 was rushed to the frontline to defend against the Chinese attackers. Although lacking in mobility, this early model allowed soldiers to carry heavy weapons into combat, becoming key to countering masses of Chinese infantry and tanks. China rushed to develop its own version, but it was years behind the United States. Anticipating this move, the military invested in the development of electromagnetic weapons to counter the threat should it arise. In a way, China engineered its own demise, as the deployment of the T-45 also led to the development of the West Tek power armor frame, the basis on which all subsequent armor was manufactured.

Meanwhile, West Tek continued developing a superior model, designated T-51. By 2069, it was the largest contract of the largest defense contractor of the United States government. However, the ambitious nature of the project led to many delays and it took nearly ten years to complete the development cycle. In the meantime, the T-45d became the symbol of American might. Various modifications were developed and tested using it as basis, including the MP-47A unit, featuring an autonomous medical delivery system and rudimentary onboard AI.

In 2074, American T-45 model D power armor units, mechanized cavalry, and infantry divisions invaded mainland China. However, the invasion quickly bogged down as the T-45's aging design proved insufficient to overcome the Chinese defenders. The T-51 model power armor remained in development, with various production models being tested in combat conditions at Fort Strong in Massachusetts, troubleshooting the design. Problems were still present this far into the development cycle, delaying deployment. For instance, the September 2075 iteration had the desired mobility and protection, but were far from stable and soldiers tended to tip over on hard landings. Gyroscopic stabilizers and shock absorbers were subsequently added.

However, the problems were eventually ironed out and the joint efforts of West Tek and Fort Strong resulted in the first production run of T-51 power armor being sent to China in June 2076. It outperformed the T-45d in every aspect, providing the United States with the means to overcome Chinese resistance on all fronts. Many units were sent to China, where the renewed American offensive finally sent the People's Liberation Army into retreat. In January 2077, General Constantine Chase completed the Anchorage Reclamation, using winterized T-51b power armor troops as spearhead.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.43: "Chinese Army (Simulated) U.S. Army (Simulated) With conditions deteriorating between the United States and China, a military presence in Alaska was established to prevent a possible invasion across the Bering Strait. With increasingly scarce oil reserves, a last deep-sea deposit below the Pacific Ocean was claimed by China before allegedly being sabotaged by American special operatives. Strained relationships spiraled downward into conflict as China marched on Alaska, and the Sino-American War of 2066—2077 erupted. Under the command of General Jingwei, the Chinese Army usurped control of Alaska's oil pipeline and reserves. In response, the Americans began what came to be called "The Alaskan Reclamation Operation" (2067—2077). ''Under the leadership of General Constantine Chase, the U.S. Army battled fiercely to the front lines of the conflict before Chase began deploying specialized Power Armor units that began pushing the Chinese back. Future Power Armor suits were further refined as the conflict dragged on, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was reclaimed. With resources flowing through Canada, strained diplomatic tensions between Canada and the United States becoming problematic, and Canadian forces attacking the pipeline, the country was annexed. A combination of inclement weather, constant American bombardment and trench warfare, and U.S. Powered Armor unit attacks sweeping through mainline China, the Chinese supply lines weakened and finally broke down completely. By the beginning of 2077, the city of Anchorage was finally liberated, the Chinese eradicated, and the operation deemed a success. A commemorative memorial was erected in Washington, D.C., in honor of the soldiers who fought and perished for the greater American good. Violence between America and pockets of Canadian freedom fighters continued throughout 2077, until the Great War obliterated almost all infrastructure, commerce, and human life."'' (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide faction profiles) The completion of the Anchorage Reclamation also coincided with the introduction of the T-60 power armor, developed first as an upgrade of the T-45 series, then spun-off into a separate series. The Great War and the destruction of the United States ensured that the T-51 model B (T-51b) and T-60 power armor remained the most advanced designs to see mass production.

Shortly before the Great War, the U.S. government began the development of the the next generation of power armor, designated X-01. It represented a radical, new approach to designing powered armor, eschewing traditional design philosophies and was manufactured in limited amounts. Due to the threat of nuclear war, the armor was designed to be used after a nuclear apocalypse. While several prototypes were fielded by Presidential bodyguards, the prototype models suffered from design flaws that prevented full production. These design issues were not overcome before the start of the Great War, leaving very few units of X-01 produced, although the schematics were saved and backed up by the Enclave just prior to the bombs falling. It wasn't until the 2198 that the Enclave began to develop advanced versions of power armor anew. Due to a lack of success, the research stalled until Presidential Order mandated the development of an upgrade in 2215. Five years later, the first mass produced advanced power armor was developed and mass-produced for the use of Enclave field units. Existing T-51 stock was used for training troops on Control station Enclave and logistical duties.Fallout Bible 0: "2055			 The West Tek Research Facility starts working on a new virus to kill the New Plague. Their viral research and close ties to the federal government eventually lead to them being chosen for the Pan-Immunity Virion Project twenty years later as well as Power Infantry Armor and laser research. 2065	August		 Increasing need for mobility in the United States mechanized cavalry leads the military to focus the efforts on creating a man-based tank - essentially, a two-legged walking armored unit: Power Armor. 2065-2067			Power Armor research grows and several prototypes are developed, many of which prove to be unworkable in the field. These prototypes pave the way for future advances in military, construction, and fusion technology. ''2066	Summer		 Adding further insult to the Chinese-American relations, the first crude fusion cell is unveiled, one of the results of the Power Armor project. Devices designed for the fusion cell begin to be manufactured. Incorporating fusion power into the general US infrastructure begins, but the process is too slow to supply power to the regions that need it. Nearly eleven years later, few sections of the United States were supplied with fusion power. 2067			 The first suit of Power Armor is deployed in Alaska. While lacking the full mobility of future versions, this Power Armor is incredibly effective against Chinese tanks and infantry. Its ability to carry heavy ordinance becomes key in various localized conflicts, and it has the power to destroy entire towns without endangering the wearer. China rushes to create its own versions, but they are many years behind the United States. 2074			 Contrary to their claims of seeking only to retake Alaska from the Reds, American Power Armor units, infantry, and mechanized divisions are deployed to China, but they become bogged down on the mainland, putting a further drain on American resources and supply lines. 2076	June		Power Armor prototype completed, resulting in the Power Armor players find in Fallout 1. This is the pinnacle of Power Armor technology before the Great War. Many of these units are sent to China, and they begin to carve a swath through the Chinese forces. The Chinese resources are strained to the breaking point, and the supply lines from the nations China has annexed begin to break down. 2077	January	22	 The first domestic use of Power Armor within the United States for crowd and quarantine control. Units originally serving in China and the Anchorage Front Line find themselves fighting Americans at home. Food riots increase, and many civilians are killed. Several soldiers defect from the military both in Canada and the United States. They are captured, and are sent to military prisons. 2198			Enclave works on various new technologies, including Power Armor variations. None of these are much of an improvement over the conventional old school Power Armor, and some are actually worse. 2215			 ''Under Presidential Order, Enclave scientists begin to work on an upgraded version of Power Armor. Many prototypes are developed and tested. 2220	October		 Enclave scientists develop a reliable version of the Mark II Power Armor. The prototype results (and accidents... and explosions... and deaths) are classified by order of the President Richardson for the sake of morale."''

Subsequent research and development of new power armor models was hampered by the destruction of the oil rig by the Chosen One in 2242. The efforts began anew once the fleeing Enclave arrived in the Capital Wasteland and settled into Adams Air Force Base. The result was the next-generation Hellfire power armor: Pinnacle of post-War power armor design. 

Power armor models
All power armor models in the United States share a common heritage and basic design. Each power armor is built around the West Tek power armor frame with an internalized servomotor system, providing increased strength, resistance to trauma, and radiation protection. The operator controls the armor indirectly, using manipulators that steer the hands and feet, while being safely isolated from the environment. Of note is integrated hydraulic shock absorbtion system which allows the operator to jump from major heights without damage. The safety of airborne deployments depends primarily on the model of the armor, with the survivable height for early T-60 models being about one hundred feet, increased to more than three times the height in later iterations.

Naturally, the enhanced strength also allows the use of hard armored plating that would otherwise be impossible for the soldier to carry with ease. The basic version of each power armor is designated model A - the letter is usually omitted in this case - with subsequent revisions and upgrades distinguished using sequential letters: B, C, D, E, and F. Each represents an incremental upgrade over the preceding model. Beyond general revisions, a large number of upgrades and custom internals has been developed for the various power armor units, to increase their flexibility and performance on the battlefield.

The power necessary for the unit to operate autonomously comes from a fusion power plant integrated into the chassis of the suit, typically loaded on the factory floor with fuel to last a hundred years of moderate use. Salvaging power armor is also difficult, as the amount of firepower necessary to accomplish this feat renders the armor useless.

Although the United States military remained the principal operator of power armor, select private corporations had access to the technology. Most notably the Garrahan Mining Co., which used the West-Tek power armor technology to create a competitive powered mining suit, the Excavator power armor, in a bid to defeat its competitors and secure lucrative contracts for exploiting Appalachian natural resources.

Below is the power armor family as of the 23rd century:

T-45 power armor


The T-45 powered combat infantry armor was one of the earliest designs pressed into service in the Sino-American War. Created in January 2067 by West Tek, the T-45 was sent to the Alaskan Front to counter the Chinese offensive. The speed at which it had to be deployed, less than two years after the development of power armor began, resulted in the creation of a stop-gap model utilizing existing technologies and manufacturing techniques. However, its deployment changed the nature of modern warfare forever.

Although intended to be temporary, the T-45 became the mainstay of American power armor units, especially as subsequent upgrades reduced the impact of the mobility problems that plagued the early production runs.

Its variants include:
 * MP-47A prototype medic power armor
 * Tribal power armor (Ashur's power armor)
 * Outcast power armor (Linden's Outcast power armor)
 * NCR salvaged power armor
 * Brotherhood T-45d power armor
 * Scorched Sierra power armor

T-51 power armor




Its variants include:
 * Winterized T-51b power armor
 * Hardened power armor
 * Brotherhood T-51b power armor
 * Advanced T-51b power armor
 * Ultracite power armor

T-60 power armor


The T-60 series of powered combat infantry armor is an evolution of the T-45 power armor design. Originally an upgraded variant of the T-45, this stop-gap model was extensively modified and effectively reimagined, leading the United States military to reclassify it from an upgrade to a separate power armor model. Entering service after the conclusion of the Battle of Anchorage, mere months before the nuclear apocalypse, the T-60 was rapidly deployed and extensively used by the U.S. Army in all theaters to supplement the more difficult to produce T-51 power armor. Deployments of military units in T-60 power armor included the domestic front, enforcing order in the nation. By the Great War it was considered to be the most advanced model of power armor to see extensive use. 

Its variants include:
 * Tesla T-60

X-01 power armor


Its variants include:
 * Prototype X-01 power armor
 * Quantum X-01 power armor
 * X-01-I power armor

Advanced power armor Mark I


Its variants include:
 * Tesla power armor Mk I

Advanced power armor Mark II


Originally available in limited qualities, following its defeat the Enclave has designated the mark II as service uniform and manufactured it en masse once it gained access to Raven Rock and Adams AFB, eventually displacing the older mark I suits entirely. The mark II represents a significant upgrade over the regular mark I. It is composed entirely of lightweight ceramic composites, providing even more protection than the regular power armor.

Its variants include:
 * Tesla power armor Mk II

Hellfire power armor


The most advanced power armor variant in the wasteland is the Hellfire powered combat infantry armor, developed basing on regular power armor designs as early as 2080. After pooling resources from concurrent, cancelled projects into the Hellfire project, Enclave researchers at Adams AFB developed the heaviest, most powerful suit of armor in the wasteland.

Its variants include:


 * Hellfire Prototype

EX-17 "Excavator" power armor
Developed by Garrahan Mining Co., the "Excavator" class of Power Armor was intended to help human miners compete with the growing number of robotic replacements. The prototype Excavator armor never saw full production, despite being heavily advertised in Appalachia as the future of mining. This was due to Garrahan Mining Co. losing a competition against Hornwright Mining Co., where miners wearing the EX-17 competed against Hornwright's mining robots, thanks to Hornwright cheating during the competition. Afterwards, Hornwright Mining Co. bought out Garrahan Mining Co., including rights to the suit, and discontinued development shortly before the start of the Great War. The suit found new life in the form of use by the Responders and the dwellers of Vault 76.



Eastern Brotherhood power armor


A peculiar variant of power armor employed by the Eastern Brotherhood of Steel, with a distinctive, horned look. It's unique to its operation in Chicago.

Eastern Brotherhood advanced power armor


A more advanced version of the former, horned variant, composed of lightweight metal alloys, reinforced with ceramic castings at key points.

Fallout demo

 * The Fallout demo's item description makes no reference to the longevity of the T-51b power armor's fuel.

Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 3

 * The player must receive training to be able to equip power armor. Non-player characters do not have this restriction.
 * Likewise, weapons holstered on the back are positioned differently, with the barrel pointing upwards. Characters retrieve them under the arm, rather than over it. This was done to prevent clipping.
 * Power armor is also coded to emit sparks and sounds of hitting metal when the character is damaged.

Fallout 4

 * The Creation Club has added a suit of armor based on the Fallout 3 version of the Enclave advanced power armor, with the designation X-02. As Creation Club is not a canonical part of the series (as per the appearance of the Prey armor, among others), this designation is not included in the article.

Appearances
Power armor appears in all of the Fallout games in some manner.