Bucky
Vanguard-series BDU
Image Source: Here (Canon image)
Intent: To provide the Rebel Alliance's SpecForce Marine units with a reliable and durable armored battle dress uniform for duty aboard vessels and shore stations.
Development Thread: N/A
Manufacturer: Sunwing Defense Fabrication
Model: Vanguard-series
Affiliation: The Rebel Alliance (SpecForce Marines)
Modularity: Limited Modularity
Production: Minor (SpecForce Marines)
Material: Plastoid (Armored plating), Armorweave (Suit)
Classification: Multipurpose (Armored Spacesuit)
Weight: 7.9kg
Quality: 7
Special Features:
- Highly resistant to ballistics (Armored plating)
- Highly resistant to energy-based weaponry (Energy shield and armorweave)
- Vacuum-sealed and protection from extreme pressure, temperature, radiation, chemical exposure, and puncturing (SecondSkin Underlay)
- Lightweight and flexible, increased mobility
- Resistance to ion and EMP effects (Combat de-ionizer)
- Military Grade Heads-Up-Display
- Audio/Visual Recorder w/ Playback
- Polarized Anti-Flash lenses, Low Light Imaging
- Sonic Dampeners, Aural Amplifiers, Annunciator
- Multi-Frequency Targeting and Acquisition System
- Multi-Spectral Target Assessor
- Broadband Antenna
- Macrobinoculars (x10)
- Sensors (Visual, Motion, Audio, Thermal)
- Scanners (Infrared, Sonar, Radar, X-Ray)
- Encrypted Internal Comlink w/ HoloNet Uplink
- Environmental Control Board/Heat Regulator
- Nutrient/Water Dispenser
- Reserve Oxygen Tank (1 hour supply, 5 extra tanks in easily-reachable pouches)
- Oxygen Filtration System
Support Systems:
- IFF Circuitry
- Energy Sink
- Digital Life Support System Readout
- Magnetically soled boots
The design parameters revolved around the concept of "useful, durable, and lightweight" so that's exactly what Sunwing intends to provide. The armor itself is of an intricate layering of plastoid and armorweave components. Much of the vacuum-sealed underlay is covered by plastoid plating. Plastoid is a material which provides exceptional protection against ballistics, though there are several open areas in key joint areas to allow freedom of movement in close-quarters. The armorweave provides superior energy protection while also protecting against minor shrapnel and debris damage.
The Vanguard-series BDU was crafted with the SpecForce Marine in mind. Sungwing Defense Fabrication didn't want to just give them some spacesuit with armored plating on it, but rather to give them a cutting-edge tool to get the job done and get it done safely. Housed within the armor (primarily within its helmet) are numerous electronic systems. These range from motion sensors and target acquisition programs to simple temperature controls and an oxygen filtration system. The primary energy source for these support system components are located on the back of the wearer, though auxiliary power systems are housed within the lower part of the wearer's right thigh. These backup power cells are there just in case the combat de-ionizer doesn't completely fend off an ion or EMP blast.
The largest setback with utilizing this armor system is the cost. Producing such an advanced armored spacesuit such as this is extremely costly to both the manufacturer and the buyer, so the model is limited to only the SpecForce Marines. Sometimes there aren't even enough to fully equip each marine, so priority is given to marines who are in operational areas witnessing combat action.
Summarily, the Vanguard-series BDU is an effective and tech-reliant armored spacesuit for use within the Rebel Alliance. Only aboard Alliance-affiliated vessels or drydocks will you sight these, but you'd better watch out once you do.
Primary Source: N/A
