Friday 1 June 2012

Power Armour

The latest powered armour suits are currently being issued to units.  These new suits retain the features which have made power armour so effective but add new abilities to enhance their effectiveness.  It is envisaged that the 2 types of armour will function alongside each other for many years to come.  Though similar in appearance, there is little commonality of parts between the 2 designs, so they will not tend to be mixed within units.

Left to right: missile trooper, standard trooper, tribarrel SAW gunner
The older suits have a characteristically chunky appearance with the head sunk between the shoulders for added protection.

Rear view of old style power armour
Different back mounted pods provide attachment points for missile pods, SAW ammo packs or other useful items.

New style power armour equipped with grenade launchers (left) and LSWs (right)
The new suits have lowered the shoulders, resulting in an increase in situational awareness from the better view.  With newer technologies, the armour can be slimmer and more flexible without sacrificing any protection.  Units tend to be equipped with an even split of light support weapons and grenade launchers.

Rear view of new style armour showing manoeuvre packs
An enhanced firepower and manoeuverability pack adds to the effectiveness of the new armour.  In addition to making it jump capable, the pack includes 2 triple barrelled grenade launchers, one firing over each shoulder.  The grenades will usually be either smoke or high explosive depending upon mission requirements.

Comparison shot of old and new style power armour suits
These are the old & new versions of Ground Zero Games' NAC Power Armour.  They're painted in the same standard brown/grey/green camo as my other NAC troops.

My Tomorrow's War stats:

Old style armour:
Confidence: High
Supply Level: Normal
Tech Level: 2
Grid: Yes
Armour: Powered 3D
TQ/Morale: D10/D10
Weapons: Basic troops have assault rifle
Special troopers have either:
Tribarrel SAW (Med AP:2)
Missile pods (AP:2 AT:1(L))
Notes:
Advanced Sensors
Active Trauma Treatment
Intimidating
Inspiring


New style armour:
Confidence: High
Supply Level: Normal
Tech Level:3
Grid: Yes
Armour: Powered 3D
TQ/Morale: D10/D10
Weapons:
Troops have either LSW (AP:1)
or Grenade Launcher (AP:2 ATL:1(L)
Notes:
Advanced Sensors
Active Trauma Treatment
Intimidating
Inspiring

Manoeuvre pack adds:
Shoulder Grenade Launchers (AP:1 AT:1(L))
Makes armour jump capable (Move 8" standard / 16" rapid)


2 comments:

  1. I really like these. It's rather odd for me, but I prefer the older, chunkier models. Nothing wrong with the newer ones but the older ones look more Starship Trooper to me.

    I tell you what, you are one great commercial for GZG. I never would have bought any of their minis if it weren't for your blog. Great painting, great pics, let me see the great models. Keep it up, please!

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean - the older ones do look tougher and more compact.

      Thank you for the compliments! Look out for some painted Crusties that I've done for Jon, they should be visiting some shows with him soon!

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