USA-PA-8 Space SAMAS:
When the United States Space Force was formed, the leaders realized
that the troops would need a high mobility power armor for assaults on
moon or planetoid bases and internal combat in space stations or space
ships. This meant that they needed a fast and non bulky power armor. Various
power armor designs were studied including the SAMAS that was just entering
service with the army and the Marine Semper Fi power armor. After a large
amount of costly research, the United States came up with a completely
new power armor that cost three times the amount that a SAMAS would and
the project was rejected by the US Congress. The Congress then directed
the Air Force to complete a less expensive power armor. The final results
was the USA-PA-8 Space SAMAS.
The Space SAMAS looks much like a standard SAMAS without the wings or
intakes and no flat surfaces. In space, the wings are useless and in combat
within space stations the wings would actually be a detriment because the
wings would be too wide for the corridors. The engines are a thruster design
so intakes are not needed . While the engines are powerful enough for some
limited flight ability even in an atmosphere, the engines are far more
efficient in space than in an atmosphere. The engine designs come from
the canceled space power armors engines and the exhausts are slightly larger
than those carried on a standard atmospheric SAMAS. Also attached to the
either side of the thruster pack are two fuel tanks. The power armor also
has small clusters of navigation thrusters of the main thruster pack, on
the feet, on the front of the armor, and on the sides of the knees. This
duplication is so that if the flight pack is destroyed, the Space SAMAS
can still maneuver.
The electronic systems are very similar to those on a standard SAMAS
and it is easy for a pilot to learn piloting of the Space SAMAS (In game
terms, they use the same piloting and combat skills). The only major internal
change is that the space SAMAS has an extended life support system and
the radar and communications ranges have been extended. This life support
was extended because it may be expected for the power armor to operate
for extended periods and the armor cannot get oxygen from the air. The
Armor has a special recycling system that allows the power armor to operate
for up to 48 hours before needing a recharge. Coupled with this is a nutrient
paste dispenser, four gallons of water, and a waste recycling system. The
suits thermal insulation is increased and the suit can withstand up to
600 degrees centigrade. The radar system is extended in range when compared
to radar systems on Rifts Earth and the power armor has a long range laser
communication system. Te armor has lights added in the chest for work when
neccesary.
For weapon systems, the designers were very conservative and used already
designed systems. The power armor carries either that M-105 MWAS that is
virtually identical to the M-90 from the Semper Fi power armor or the USA-M31
Rail gun from the standard SAMAS. The power armor also has two mini missile
launchers in the left forearm. Both forearms also have a grapple system
that launches a grappling hook and cable.
Listed is the formula to allow player and game masters to calculate
the Power Armors velocity and distance traveled:
Velocity = Acceleration x Time + Initial Velocity
Distance Traveled = Acceleration x ½ x Time ² + Initial
Velocity x Time
1 G = 32 feet (9.8 m) per second ²
Model Type: USA-PA-8S
Class: Space Strategic Armor Military Assault Suit
Crew: One
M.D.C. by Location:
| M-105 MWAS Rifle: | 80 |
| USA-M31 Rail Gun: | 50 |
| [1] Ammo Drum for USA-M31: | 25 |
| Main Rear Jets (2): | 75 each |
| Forearm Mini-Missile Launcher (1, left): | 50 |
| Chest Lights (2): | 2 each |
| Hands (2): | 25 each |
| Arms (2): | 90 each |
| Legs (2): | 110 each |
| [2] Head: | 75 |
| [3] Main Body: | 270 |
Notes:
[1] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the
attacker to make a "called shot", but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.
[2] Destroying the head of the power armor will eliminate all forms
of optical enhancement and sensory systems. The pilot must then only on
his own human vision and senses. No power armor combat bonuses to strike,
parry, and dodge! The head is a small and difficult target to hit. Thus,
it can only be hit when a character makes a "called shot" and even then
the attacker is -3 to strike. If in space, this will also expose the pilots
head to vacuum and killing the pilot in most cases.
[3] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the armor down
completely, making it useless.
Speed:
Walking, Using Magnetic Boots: 10 mph (16.1 kph)
Running: 60 mph (712.6 km) maximum. Note that the act of running
does tire out its operator, but at 10% of the usual fatigue rate.
Leaping, in an Atmosphere: The powerful robot legs can leap
up to 20 feet (6 m) high or across unassisted by the thrusters. A jet thruster
assisted leap can propel the unit up to 100 feet (30.5 m) high and 200
feet (61 m) across without actually attaining flight.
Flying, in an Atmosphere: The rocket propulsion system enables
the Space SAMAS to hover stationary in mid-air or fly. Maximum flying speed
is 180 mph (290 km), but cruising speed is considered to be 100 mph (161
km).
Maximum altitude is 6000 feet (305 meters).
Flying, Space: The power armor does not have an effective top
speed but is limited by acceleration. The power armor can reach a top acceleration
of 0.6 G.
Range: Conditionally unlimited, while the fusion reactor gives
power for two decades of service, when the power armor is using thrusters,
it is limited by the power armor reaction mass. The reaction mass consists
of mainly Deuterium (Hydrogen 2) and Helium 3. The power armor can be refueled
at ground based facilities, space stations, and star ships as long as they
have the refueling equipment. The tanks are on either side of the thrusters
and can be replaced in two minutes each. The power armor carries 4 hours
of reaction mass for travel at 0.6 G of acceleration. If the power armor
uses more than half of its reaction mass when accelerating, the power armor
will be unable to decelerate fully and the power armor will normally only
use a third or less of its fuel on accelerating so it does not run into
a problem. If the power armor runs out of fuel then it must be recovered
by another vehicle traveling faster or be lost. The power armor can operate
with engines on standby to increase engines range.
Underwater Capabilities: Although not designed for underwater
use, it can walk along the bottom of the sea at about 25% of its normal
running speed. Using the jet thrusters, the SAMAS can travel on the surface
of water at 50 mph (80 km/42.5 knots), underwater at 40 mph (64 km/34 knots)
or fly above the water surface an normal speeds.
Maximum Ocean Depth: 2000 feet (610 m).
Statistical Data
Height: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
Width: 3 feet 3 inches (1 meter)
Length: 4 feet 8 inches (1.4 meters)
Weight: 320 lbs (145.1 kg) without gun
Physical Strength: Equal to a P.S. 30
Cargo: None
Power System: Nuclear Fusion with average life span of 20 years
Black Market Cost: If found it would probably be worth 3.5 million
for a new, undamaged, and fully operation power armor complete with missiles
and all weapons. The power armor would be worth about 2.5 million IOU in
the orbital community.
Weapon Systems
- Hand held Weapons: To increase the flexibility of the armor,
the armor was fitted to carry eiether the M-105 MWAS or the USA-M31 rail
gun. The M-105 MWAS is used on 80% of all Space SAMAS.
- M-105 Multi-Weapon Assault System (MWAS): This cannon, which
is virtually identical to the cannon used on the APA-15 Amphibious Assault
Power was selected in place of the original rail gun because the Ion cannon
has a much lower recoil which is important in zero gravity environments
and the Ion pulse gun has an unlimited payload as well. The weapon's only
difference from the M-90 MWAS is that the weapon has an integral laser
targeting system. The mini-missile launcher is often used to quickly open
hatches or blow holes through bulkheads and normally carries Plasma or
Armor Piercing rounds. Missile are assumed to accelerate at 2 times normal
mach speed in Gs greater than the starships speed when used in space. Missiles
can be launched at non moving targets beyond the powered range of the missiles
to hit targets without the chance of the launching ship being hit by missiles
itself but penalties exist when launching missiles beyond normal missile
range.
Weight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
Mega-Damage: Ion pulse Gun; 1D6x10+10 per multiple burst.
Mini-missiles; varies by missile type (Go to
Revised
bomb and missile table - 1D6x10 for Armor piercing and 2D4x10 for Plasma).
Vibro-Bayonet; 4D6
Rate of Fire: Equal to number of combined hand to hand attacks
(usually 4-6).
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in an earthlike
atmosphere and 32,000 feet (9,600 meters) in space for the Ion pulse Gun.
Missiles vary by missile type but missiles ranges are eight times normal in
space (Go to Revised
bomb and missile table). Vibro-Bayonet is used for close combat only.
Payload: Effectively Unlimited for Ion pulse cannon (Draws power
off the armor). The Mini-missile launcher has a payload of 12 mini-missiles
in a drum magazine.
Bonus to strike: additional +1 to strike using laser targeting
system
- USA-M31 Rail Gun: This is the same rail gun design that was
original rail gun on the atmospheric SAMAS design. The power armor computer
has special software that fires the main thrusters just as the cannon is
fired to compensate for the cannons recoil.
Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg) for the Rail gun and 190 lbs (86.2 kg)
for the ammo drum.
Mega-Damage: a burst of 40 rounds does 1D6x10, a single round
does 1D4+1.
Rate of Fire: Equal to number of combined hand to hand attacks
(usually 4-6).
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in an earthlike
atmosphere and 32,000 feet (9,600 meters) in space
Payload: 2000 round drum for 50 bursts. A second drum can be
hooked to the undercarriage of the rocket jets, but first the used drum
must be manually removed by another SAMAS or character with a strength
of 26 or higher before it can be replaced with the new one. Reloading a
drum will take about five minutes for those not trained, but a mere one
minute by somebody trained in the use of SAMAS power armor.
- USA M-17 Forearm Mini-Missile System: Like the standard SAMAS
design, the Space version comes with two single shot mini missile launchers
on the left forearm. Missile are assumed to accelerate at 2 times normal
mach speed in Gs greater than the power armors speed when used in space.
Missiles can be launched at non moving targets beyond the powered range
of the missiles to hit targets without the chance of the launching ship
being hit by missiles itself but penalties exist when launching missiles
beyond normal missile range.
Missile Type: Any mini-missile can be used, but standard issue
is armor piercing or plasma. Fragmentation will be used for anti-personnel
operations (Go to Revised
bomb and missile table).
Mega-damage: Varies with mini missile type (Go to
Revised
bomb and missile table).
Range: Varies with mini missile type, assume powered range is
8 x normal in space (Go to
Revised
bomb and missile table).
Rate of Fire: One at a time or in a volley of two.
Payload: 2 mini missiles
- Forearm Grapples (2): the power armor has two grapples that
are used for docking with vehicles that do not have landing bays and to
grab items. The grapples top is specially designed so it also acts as a
powerful electromagnet. The Grapple is fired at a target and can either
use the claw to grab the target or the electromagnetic to attract the object
if it is metal. The grapple has a breaking strain of 10 tons and the electromagnetic
on each can support up to 1 ton of strain.
Range: 164 feet (50 m)
Mega Damage: None (SDC Targets will take 1D4x10 SDC)
Rate of fire: Once per two melees rounds
Payload: 1 shot each but may be retracted an used again
- Energy Rifles & Other Rail Guns: The Space SAMAS can
make use of any other hand held weapon including rail guns, energy rifles,
energy pistols, and vibro-blades.
- Hand to Hand combat: See the Rifts source book for more details.
Special Equipment:
The Space SAMAS has all the systems standard to all Rifts power armor
with the following modifications:
- Extended Life Support: Unlike most power armors, the Space SAMAS
has an air recycling system. This allow the power armor to operate for
up to 48 hours before needing to be recharged. While it is not recommended
for power armor crews to operate for longer extended periods in the armor,
the power armor also has an external oxygen refill nozzle. The Space SAMAS
also has a nutrient paste dispenser with enough paste for seven days, has
four gallons of water, and has a waste recycling system The suit can also
withstand up to plus 600 degrees centigrade and minus 270 degrees centigrade.
The suit also has improved radiation protection and polarization.
- Extended Range Radar: The Space SAMAS has a extended range radar
system that has a range of 30 miles (48 km) in an atmosphere and 3,000
miles (4,800 km) in space. The radar system can track up to 48 targets
simultaneously.
- Laser Communication System: The Space SAMAS has a special extended
range radio and laser communication system. The radio system has a range
of 500 miles (800 km) in an atmosphere and 50,000 miles (80,000 km) in
space. The laser communication system is directional and has a range 1,000
miles (1,600 km) in an atmosphere and 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in space.
- Magnetic Boots: On both feet of the power armor are powerful
electromagnetic so the power armor can attach to ships and space stations.
Each Electromagnetic is capable of withstanding a strain of 4 tons.
Bonuses:
The power armor uses Power Armor Combat: Basic and Power
Armor Combat: Elite from page 45 of the Rifts Main Book with the following
bonuses and penalties to the skills:
+1 to strike in Long Range Combat
+2 to Dodge in space
-2 to Dodge in an atmosphere
[ Mutants in orbit TM, Triax TM are trademarks owned by Kevin
Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune ).
Copyright © 1998, Kitsune. All rights reserved.