Much to our surprise, Men at Arms data log has received an invitation to be the first civilian publication to get an in depth tour of that most ubiquitous of Imperial symbols, Stormtrooper armour. We would like to thank the brave men of the Imperial Stormtrooperr Corp for giving us this chance and for protecting the good and loyal citizen of the Empire. We would especially like to thank the 259th "Cleansing Rain" Stormtrooper Legion for being our tour guides.
The white hardshell is the most distinctive part of the Armours of the ISTC. It is intended to provide protection from physical blows, fire, directed energy and energized matter (plasma) attacks. It is quite light, with the basic Stormtrooper armour suit weighing only 5.2 kilograms. For the standard suit, this comes to seventeen individual pieces (not including the belt and helmet). It is attached to the undergarment and to other pieces of the armour by means of quick-release fasteners.
The material of the armour is actually a laminate. The outermost layer is composed of titanium-aluminde alloy micro-honeycomb. This provides rigidity, some physical protection and an ablative layer. The current standard issue suit uses fourteen of these layers, arranged in such a way that none of their hollow spaces are parallel to each other, and then bonded together using an epoxy of unknown nature. The outer layer is formed around a mould in a pure vacuum, and cured in an inert atmosphere under great pressure and heat. When struck by a physical force, such as a slug, melee weapon or first, it is curved so as to deflect all but a direct hit. When struck by a direct hit, it splinters quickly, and is designed to have have some chance of directly interfering with the workings of most virbo-edged weapons. When struck by a direct energy or energized matter weapon, it evaporates away, dispelling some of the heat from these weapons, and the vapor produced by the initial contact of the bolt helps to absorb some of the energy. This vapor is a fire suppresent, in an attempt to protect the wearer from flame projecting weapons.
The middle layer is boron carbide/carbon fiber laminate, which is applied directly to the hardshell from within. It is designed to be strong enough that an incoming bullet or fragment of shrapnel will crack and potentially shatter, loosing even more kinetic energy, while the armour layer itself delaminates, dissipating energy across a broader area.
The final, inner layer is made up of a metalloid mesh and a ballistic fabric that are quilted together. This serves many purposes. The first is to provide padding for the wearer, as the rigid outer pieces are far from comfortable. This padding also helps to dissipate physical impacts. The ballistic fabric is to contain spalling of the rigid armour, and to capture any projectiles that were able to penetrate the outer two layers. The metalloid mesh helps to disperse thermal and electrical energy across a greater area and period of time. It is to this layer that the connective straps are anchored.
When asked why the shin pieces for the left and right are shaped differently, the reply was a straight forward and, in retrospect, obvious one: so that they can be instantly distinguished by feel.
The piece of armour worn under the hardshell is really nothing more than a thinsuit, such as those sold by the Karflo Corp. It is intended to provide the wearer with a comfortable temperature from 50 degrees below to 100 degrees above Imperial standard, and a temperature that is at least not dangerous to human life over a span thrice that. The outer layer is contructed of the same ballistic cloth as is used in the shell, to give the Trooper still more protection, mostly from things like flying grit and sand, thorns, biting insects and the like.
The inside of the thinsuit is like most others of the kind. There are nearly microscopic filaments running through the inside of the suit which can transmit heat to the user, or draw it away from the user. It does much the same thing with harmful electromagnetic radiation, but only small doses, little more powerful than an active sensor scan. Microporous channels wick away sweat, preventing discomfort and sickness. It is airtight, meaning that it may be sealed for use as an emergency vacuum exposure or liquid immersion suit, or to block out harmful chemicals or microbes. (see the helmet for information on respiration)
The internal pressure of the suit may be adjusted to allow operation in high or low-pressure atmospheres. When used in high pressure, it is a trifle more bulky and uncomfortable, but the close cut of the inner skin and the tight fit of the armour pieces prevent excessive ballooning that would make it almost impossible to use. When used in low pressure, the suit itself is tight enough to act as a compression suit, which negates the need for a depressurizesion period.
While much of this is controlled automatically or from the helmet, there is still a control panel set into the center of the mid-thoratic panel of the hardshell. This is primarily used to make adjustments to the climatic setting of the suit before donning, these controls can be manipulated while the suit is being worn, and are useful for providing an emergency override on a damaged suit worn by a wounded comrade. The power source for this and the helmet, along iwht primary radiator unit is located on the back piece of the torso armour. This is connected to the inner suit and the helmet two small clusters of cabling between the ballistic quilt and the boron/graphite sandwich of the hardshell. This can provide a stormtrooper with up to a week of operating time under normal conditions, three days in extreme heat or cold or excessively high or low pressure, or two hours in vacuum.
While I have seen and worn many a brain bucket in my day, I've never seen one as nice as those used by the ISTC. Their grim, skull-like visage bespeaks their mission and the fate of those foolish enough to threaten the Emperor. It is my extreme pleasure to be able to take you inside one.
At first glance, it seem as if you would be able to see very much from those tiny lenses. In reality, those serve primarily as sensors. Those, along with the bands at the brow, temples and cheeks are actually looking at the world for the stormtooper. The information they receive is projected onto the inside of a clear visor within the helmet itself. Not only does this contain visible light, it can also project thermal, ultraviolet or light enhanced images, or even a composite image that has been adjusted to provide a "real world view". These are enhanced by a light duty motion sensor, at allows the where to automatically compensate lead for a moving target. Should the powersupply fail, the screen returns to transparent, and the wearer can see out the eyeholes in the helmet (albeit with limited visibility). But this visor is capable of so much more. Maps and floor plans, text, even remote sensor data can be spliced into it (how this accomplished, or what the source of this feed is, is classified). And yes, according to the manual, there is a delay. All of point two microseconds for the sonsor feed from your location. Your eye isn't that fast.
The black patches located at the ear serve three functions. One, they are the antennas for the comlink mounted in the helmet. To talk, just nudge the chin switch and go. To change networks, just nudge the switch next to it, and the new setting will be displayed on your visor. They also serve to allow you to hear. While they only provide human range and intensity sound, there is some talk that the next generation of suits will incorporate enhanced hearing. If you don't want to listen to the outside world, there is a tactile switch located over each ear on the outside. And while you are listening, they are designed to block noises of harmful pitch or volume.
The "muzzle" contains the exterior speaker. These may be closed for silence, left open for communication with individuals not on your com-net (or were signal stealth is an issue), or amplified for public address over background noise. The muzzle also holds the air filter. It is designed to catch harmful micro organisms and toxic chemicals before they enter the suit's atmosphere, and has a slight ionization field to block energetic particles. (In low-oxygen enviroments, an oxidizer cartridge may be used in place of the airfilter.)
If the filter "sniffs" something that it can protect you from, it sounds a warning and switches to internal air. This is provided by a tank of pressurized air that mounted in the same housing as the power source, and can provide a physically fit human with thirty minutes of air during moderate physical activity. There are a series of auto-inflating seals at the neck, which have a light layer of conductive mesh for a low grade amgnetic seal, which completely closes the inside of the helmet from the outside world. For extended periods in hostile atmospheres, there is a backpack available which can last an active individual three hours, and jacks into the two small nubs at the chin of the suit.
To remove the helmet, one must depress certian buttons on the thorax panal in the proper order and bite down on a switch inside the helmet. Other wise, while the helmet can be removed, a powerful electrical pulse is sent through the sensor, communications and enviromental systems, rendering them useless.
The contents of a Stormtrooper's belt is a mystery no longer. While the following list is the standard issue, it is often customized to fit the environment in question, usually with specialized survival and medical equipment.
The first thing that goes into the belt is the spare ammo, in the form of five powercells of the type used to power most personal weapons and electronics. Next in importance to the modern soldier is communication, in the form of a backup comlink. These are usually locally procured, civilian models, that have been fitted with new frequency regulators. These are followed very closely by medical supplies in the form of two medpacs (human only) and a small collection of drugs (analgesics, emergency pain medication, anti-pyritics, antibiotics, etc).
There is a 700cL filtering canteen and a weeks' worth of pill-form food concentrates attached to the belt along with a variety of basic survival equipment (a pocket flamer, two tabs of jelled fuel, a folding knife, snare wire, etc). There is also a 30m length of synthrope in a dispenser along with a folding grapple. For signalling purposes, there are two minatureized ion flares, one mini thermal flare and a tiny laser strobe. Finally, there is a small assortment of odds and ends, such as a miniature glowrod, a basic blaster cleaning kit, and the like stored on the belt.
These items can be expanded with the use of a wide, gauzy band with a pair of pouches (which is used by Scouts in place of the more confining belt) , a small pack that fastens between the back of the belt and the power source canister, or a much heavier frame pack. Specialized survival equipment that is added to these belt includes spare canteens, extra food packs, a survival tent and a long range communication system.
Scouttrooper Armour
Stormtrooper Scouts use a suit of armour that is designed to provide a minimum level of protection, without excess bulk. It was one of the first to provide a macrobinocular vision system and the ability to dispaly data on subwindows. Next to the basic Stormtrooper armour, it is the most common armour in the Empire.
Snowtrooper Armour
For this armour, the basic profile and consruction of the MkIII Stormtrooper Assault armour was retained for it's highly insulative construction. The bodysuit has been modified to provide comfortable operation in tempuratures as low as -80 degrees standard, for period of up to 20 days, with addition of the airtight sealing system.
Sandtrooper Armour
The highly detailed design of the MkIV Assault Suit was adapted for use in hot weather for it large surface area, allowing it to radiate heat in a more efficent manner. It has been further adapted by the addition of a moisture capture layer added to the lining of the bodysuit and more powerful cooling systems.
Seatrooper Armour
Seatrooper armour is derived from Scouttrooper armour, with the addition of an artifical gill, a deep-sea diving bodysuit, and an aquatic propulsion system. The swimmer's fins fold along the front of the shin when not in use.
Spacetrooper Power Armour
The only powered armour issued to the ISTC is the Spacetrooper armour. Consisting of two layers, the first being a standard Stormtrooper suit, which is then wrapped in a layer of heavy armour, weapons and enviromental systems. Standing over 3 meters tall, and two meters wide, it is the most recognizable and intimidating suit in the inventory.
Radtrooper Armour
The dangers of areas contaminated with high-energy radiation or heavy instustrial chemicals are well known. Engineers had a hard time designing suitable armour for the Radtroopers, but they finally produced this suit. While far from perfectly secure, such as a space suit would be, it does allow sufficent flexability to engage in close combat and use personal weapons.
Imperial Gaurd Armour
Origionally intended for fielding on Coruscant, it has become a familiar sight across the Core Worlds and on worlds of high importance. Issued to the Imperial Guards (not to be confused with the Royal Guards) on thier mission as law officers, it is well designed for civil protection and enforment duties, with full spectrum lighting, an integral ID reader and good protection to the occupent. Designed with a distinctive starburst visor, combined with it's crimson and black color scheme, make it stand out in the minds of citizens as a place turn in time of emergency.
Imperial Fireguard Armour
See the appropriate datafile
Storm Commando Armour
See the appropriate datafile
Royal Guards' Armour
Taking design tips from some of the most famous battle armours in history, including the armours of the Mandelor and Thyrsus militaries. It provides good protection from light weapons for a minimal amount of bulk. In Imperial Crimson and shrouded in cerimonial robes, it is stunning sight to behold.