(TL9-12)
These suits come in reflex, nanoweave, and monocrys versions. They get full DR against cutting or piercing damage, and use their reduced DR vs. other attacks. These vacc suits do not inflate. They incorporate a mechanical counter-pressure (MCP) system which uses elastic layers in direct contact with the skin to prevent the expansion of gases and water vapor in blood vessels and tissues. This is more flexible and comfortable than the pressurized suits used at TL7-8. Several types are available. All require Vacc Suit skill to use.
Vacc Suit (TL9-11)
A vacc suit covers the whole body, including a rigid, removable helmet and life support pack. It’s usually festooned with exterior pockets, sticky patches, straps, and hooks for access to equipment, plus at least two lifeline hooks for safety when outside a vessel. The suit has a backmounted life-support pack (LSP), which provides heat regulation, cooling, and energy for the suit’s systems. It also includes an air tank with a 12-hour air supply. The suit has built-in biomedical sensors (p. 187). It is sealed with the addition of a vacc suit helmet (p. 180), providing climate control (-459° F to 250°F) (p. 171), pressure support (p. 171) up to 10 atmospheres, radiation protection (PF 2) (p. 171), and vacuum support (p. 171). A vacc suit takes 30 seconds to put on or take off, though this time can be halved with a successful Vacc Suit skill roll.
Different vacc suit models are available:
Civilian Vacc Suit (TL9)
An ordinary vacc suit worn by most spacers at TL9 and TL10.
Reflex, Nanoweave, and Monocrys Vacc Suit (TL9-11)
A heavy-duty tactical vacc suit reinforced with impact-resistant ballistic armor. It has a split DR: Use the higher DR against piercing and cutting damage, and the lower DR against all other damage types.
Smart Vacc Suit (TL10)
An improved civilian vacc suit design using advanced nano-catalytic systems to reduce the life support system’s bulk.
Sealed Combat Armor (TL9)
These enclosed suits of rigid combat armor are designed to resist ultra-tech rifle fire as well as explosive and biochemical munitions. Thanks to advances in micro-climate control systems and power supplies, they are comfortable to wear, but more expensive than flexible armor. They may be issued to regular infantry soldiers operating in highthreat environments, or limited to special units such as SWAT or hostage-rescue teams. Descriptions of various types are given below.
Combat Hardsuit (TL9-12)
This is a sealed suit of combat armor designed for operations in a terrestrial environment. It is heaviest over the torso, but articulated plates and molded pieces also protect the rest of the body. An anti-radiation layer provides radiation PF 2.
It incorporates an inner garment including biomedical sensors (p. 187), a waste relief system (p. 187), and a microclimate control system (p. 171). The back of the torso clamshells open so the user can step into the armor (it takes three seconds to step in or out). The helmet is not included.
When worn with either a combat infantry helmet (p. 180) or space helmet (p. 180) the suit is sealed, with climate control (-140° F to 140°F) and radiation protection (PF 5). A hardsuit isn’t pressurized and can’t operate in vacuum, but with air tanks and a mask or appropriate helmet, it can operate in areas with unbreathable or contaminated air.
Space Armor (TL9-12)
This complete suit of articulated and pressurized plate armor enables its wearer to operate in almost any environment. It could be the standard “space marine” combat armor. Other space crews may also suit up before entering a battle or visiting a hostile environment, and engineering crews may wear it for dangerous damage control tasks – the suit provides good protection against radiation and explosions.
The suit includes biomedical sensors (p. 187) and a climate control system. It is sealed if worn with a space helmet (below), providing climate control (-459° F to 250°F), pressure support (10 atm.), radiation protection (PF 10) and vacuum support. Each suit has a split DR: use its higher DR for attacks to the torso, and its lower DR for attacks to other areas.
Sealed Helmets
These helmets protect the entire head. They take three seconds to attach or remove. Each helmet has a split DR: use its higher DR for attacks to the skull, and its lower DR for attacks to the face and the eyes.
Combat Infantry Helmet (TL9-11)
This rigid full-face visored helmet is usually worn with either the combat hardsuit (p. 179) or a tacsuit (p. 178). It has built-in GPS (p. 74), hearing protection (p. 171), a small radio (p. 44), and an infrared visor (p. 61). Filter masks (see p. 177) are built into the cheek pieces. With the visor locked into place, the helmet provides an airtight seal to hardsuits and tacsuits.
Space Helmet (TL9-12)
These enclosed helmets are designed to be worn with suits that are sealed or provide vacuum support. There are three styles:
Bubble Helmet (TL9-12)
A fishbowl helmet made of rigid transparent plastic or diamondoid. The user should wear his own vision and communication gear.
Space Combat Helmet (TL9-12)
A heavily-armored combat helmet often worn in conjunction with space armor (pp. 179-180). It has hearing protection (p. 171), a small radio (p. 44), and an infrared visor (p. 61).
Visored Space Helmet (TL9-12)
An enclosed helmet with a transparent faceplate. This incorporates a small radio (p. 44), an infrared visor (p. 61), and hearing protection (p. 171).
Flexible Space Helmet (TL10-12)
Essentially a pressurized bag, this is made of light, flexible plastic, inflated by a puff of air from the suit. It can be rolled up and stored in a pocket; the user must wear his own communications and vision gear.