This is an overview article, listing content appearing in multiple Fallout media. For information specific to a given game or TV series, consult the table on the right. |
T-45 power armor is a model of power armor in Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Fallout Shelter, Fallout: The Board Game, and Fallout Shelter Online.
Background[]
Created by West Tek,[1][2] the T-45 powered combat infantry armor was the first design of its kind pressed into service during the Sino-American War,[1] first deployed in 2067 on the Alaskan Front to counter the Chinese offensive. As the development of power armor by West Tek began only in August 2065, the T-45 lacked the mobility of future versions, but the ability to wield heavy ordnance and excellent protection proved to change the nature of modern warfare.[2] China immediately rushed to create its own version to counter the T-45, but lagged behind. The T-45 was effectively a stop-gap model utilizing existing technologies and manufacturing techniques. There were known design flaws by the West-Tek team, including a vital vulnerability below the welding plate that would be present in the T-60 model, but the management team including Bud Askins rushed the T-45 out as quickly as possible. This temporary solution would eventually become the mainstay of American power armor units, especially as subsequent upgrades reduced the impact of the mobility problems that plagued the early production runs.[3][Non-game 1]
The ability to operate crew-served weapons and heavy ordnance alone is one of the key advantages offered by the T-45d power armor. Although the T-45d (and indeed, no power armor to date) had no built-in weapons, the operator could use any kind of weapon that could be fired by an infantryman.[Non-game 1] Protection came in second. The use of steel plating offered a considerable advantage against most small arms and used existing technologies and materials, allowing the U.S. to quickly manufacture and deploy T-45d suits.[4] However, the armor had its limits and as the war with China dragged on, it became insufficient in both the ability to deploy firepower and protect the operator. However, as the T-51 power armor model did not arrive until 2076, the T-45d became the workhorse of the American military and a test-bed for related technologies.[Non-game 1]
The original prototypes survived to 2077 and were slated to become literal museum pieces at the Museum of Technology on the National Mall in 2078.[5] Harold Frost, one of the T-45's original designers, would later go on to design the Excavator power armor for the Garrahan Mining Company.[6]
Following the Great War, the T-45d power armor became a rare sight and a powerful asset for anyone who can procure such a suit. The principal operator of the armor is the Brotherhood of Steel and its offshoot chapters, with the largest known numbers being utilized by the rogue Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel and the loyalist Outcasts in the Capital Wasteland.
Design[]
The T-45 is designed for a single operator and is patterned after the human silhouette. It consists of three layers.[7] The first is a black body suit worn by the operator for comfort, insulation, and protection from injuries that may be sustained during the armor's operation. The second layer of the armor is part of the power armor proper. Commonly referred to as recon armor when used on its own, it is a full body suit made of thick, processed fabric with integrated metal plating that serves as a platform for attaching the armor and on-board hardware.[8]
The recon armor is, in effect, the underlying chassis of the T-45d power armor model. Its attachment points and power cell plug at the nape of the neck are essential for the operation of the full T-45d power armor, as the third layer consists of the armored plating (heavy armored plate combining titanium panels and a heat shield),[Non-game 2] protecting the power armor frame with its internalized motor systems, fusion core power system, and other vital parts that allow the operator to carry heavy ordnance into combat and bear the weight of the armor. Joints are protected by rubber-coated couplings, while the abdomen is covered in flexible armor reinforced with kinetic dampeners, balancing protection and agility. The breastplate protrudes forward, with a pair of radiation scrubbers underneath, connecting to the rear module via a pair of hoses.[Non-game 2]
The helmet completes the third layer. It's made from the same material as the rest of the armor with an air filter on the front with a voice modulator[Non-game 2] and a bullet-proof eyeslit,[9] using ballistic glass, and a pair of rubberized hoses providing filtered air for breathing.[Non-game 2] Peripherals include a targeting system on the right side, powered by a fusion battery, a drop-down sight viewer over the right eye, and an electric lamp in a protective casing, with external connection ports that allow the operator to listen to their surroundings.[Non-game 2][4][Non-game 3]
The armor could be further modified with a variety of modifications, including prism shielding, lead plating, or photovoltaic and winterized coatings, and the lining upgraded to provide additional protection.[10]
Unknown to the general public but discovered the hard way by U.S. military members (and remembered by some who survived both the Sino-American and Great Wars), the T-45's design featured an unintended fatal flaw consisting of a weld below its chestplate that left it vulnerable to penetrating rounds of moderate-to-high caliber. This flaw was apparently known to West Tek during the development process, but they decided to release the armor anyways, allegedly resulting in many US soldiers losing their lives during the Sino-American War. The flaw was seemingly never removed by West Tek either as it carried over into the design of the T-60 model, and most probably could be found in the T-51 model as well.[11]
Variants[]
T-45a model[]
An early version of the standardized T-45d, the T-45a model is similar in design to its successors.[12] though in-game, it offers less performance and protection than later models.
The T-45a model seen in Fallout 4 is visibly rusted and deteriorating, highly dissimilar to the later T-45 models with more polished gray metal chassis and increased protection.
T-45d basic model[]
The workhorse of the Brotherhood of Steel, the standard T-45d offers good performance and has been often modified by its owners for personal use. The most basic modification is an alteration of the sigils on the armor's pauldrons:
MP-47/A prototype medic power armor[]
A prototype variant of the T-45d power armor, created by an unspecified company in response to a government contract to create an onboard life support system for the armor capable of protecting the operator, allowing use without special training, and acting as an automated medic, injecting various medical substances into the operator upon sustaining injury. The MP-47/A model was a prototype demonstrating the functionality, using the same shell as the T-45 power armor, while incorporating a morphine delivery system with an onboard computer system. The system continuously monitors vitals and injects Med-X as necessary, while the feedback response system - using a Drill Sergeant personality - allows a soldier to simply enter the armor and operate it immediately.[13]
The prototype model had limited functionality as a production model had yet to be designed prior to the War, with the intention to feature an enhanced computer system providing command level data to field officers, an injection system capable of providing stimpaks and other chems, and a self-destruct routine, which would immediately deliver a lethal injection to deserters. These systems were disabled in the prototype in lieu of the defense contract being extended.[13]
Whether the company received the contract extension and began working on the production model before the War is unknown. By 2287, a modification of similar design was made available for all power armor models: a medic pump which automatically injected stimpaks to heal the operator upon taking significant injuries.[14] Auto-inject versions of stimpaks and super stimpaks were also created for use by personnel apart from PA operators.[15] The Big MT research company also worked on an incorporated drug delivery system utilizing both Med-X and stimpaks for their proprietary stealth suit Mk II, among other features.[16]
In terms of in-game mechanics, the suit will use Med-X from the player's own inventory whenever their health drops beneath 33% or a limb's condition falls below 25%. Med-X used in this manner will not lead to addiction.
Outcast model[]
Modified by the Brotherhood Outcasts to improve recognition at range, this T-45d power armor boasts a dark black livery with red accents and Outcast emblems on the pauldrons. It is worn with a matching Outcast recon armor, though the Outcasts tend to wear the armor regardless of their duty status.
- Linden's Outcast power armor, a unique variant optimized for heavy weapon use.
Tribal power armor[]
A unique, informal variant of the standard T-45d, created to evoke and reinforce the god-like status of Lord Ashur to the inhabitants of the Pitt. Without access to skilled armorsmiths and raw materials, Ashur is forced to keep his Brotherhood-issue T-45d power armor in working order with the use of junk material. The end result is a unique, copper-colored suit with yellow accents, and a patchwork of fixes and replacement parts, the most noticeable of which include the sleeve and glove of the raider iconoclast armor in lieu of a proper left arm, a brahmin skull instead of the left pauldron.
Copies of Ashur's slapdash armor set were created from other salvaged T-45 sets by Ashur's faithful, based on the image of their ruler.[17]
NCR salvaged power armor[]
A post-War variant of the standard T-45d, created from the suits of fallen Brotherhood of Steel paladins that were recovered by the New California Republic Army during the NCR-Brotherhood War. Although damage to the armored shell has been repaired, Republic technicians have notably stripped out the joint servomotors (eliminating the need for specialized training to be able to wear it) and replaced the back-mounted fusion cell with a custom-made unit. It is remarked that while heavy troopers outfitted with the armor are slow and clumsy, they are capable of taking a lot of punishment and still remain a threat in combat as a trade-off. To limit friendly-fire incidents, the armor's pauldrons were removed and identification markings (the bear and star on the chest and red stripes on the arms) painted on the armor.[18]
The in-lore removal of the joint servomotors translates to the NCR salvaged power armor being classified as regular armor instead of power armor in-game, thus one is unaffected by weapons that normally deal bonus damage against characters wearing power armor such as the pulse gun.
Scorched Sierra power armor[]
A unique variant of the T-45d model fielded by the New California Republic Army, the Scorched Sierra power armor is exceedingly rare and by 2281, only a single set was known to still be in use, operated by Colonel Royez while he was stationed near the Long 15. Instead of the base dark grey color of the T-45d, the Sierra power armor has a unique livery: Purple with golden accents on the edges, with additional neon green and red highlights on arbitrary points of the armor. A taxidermied bear's head has also replaced the left pauldron, held in place by a pair of bronze clips bearing the Republic's star.[19]
The Sierra power armor has been upgraded with additional onboard medical systems, helping regenerate the injuries of the user, and a back-mounted power pack superior to the production-run power cells used by the standard T-45d.[20]
Appearances[]
T-45 power armor appears in Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Fallout Shelter, Fallout: The Board Game, and Fallout Shelter Online, and is mentioned in the Fallout TV series. It would have also appeared in Van Buren, the canceled Fallout 3 by Black Isle Studios.
Behind the scenes[]
- The designation of the armor was first given in the Van Buren tech demo by Corporal Armstrong who wears the armor,[Non-canon 1] but the connection between it and the model seen in Fallout 3 wasn't made until the next main entry, Fallout: New Vegas.[21] Intended to be a back-in-the-day detail, the armor would have been further emphasized as antiquated surplus by the fact of relying on the limited supply of small energy cells, consumed by the armor at an alarming rate.[Non-canon 1]
- The Art of Fallout 3 states that the armor was created as a 3D model from scratch, in order to capture the mood of the game being developed.[Non-game 4]
- Though recon armor is modeled as a lightweight set of power armor with the armor plating removed, no explanation has been given by official sources for how it would be incorporated with the mechanical changes to power armor introduced in Fallout 4.[Non-game 3]
Gallery[]
References[]
Fallout canon overview |
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fallout 4 loading screens: "The T-45 series was the first version of Power Armor ever employed on the battlefield by the U.S. military. Many suits remain active in the Wasteland today, and provide their wearers with substantial protection."
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fallout 76 loading screens: "Built by defense contractor West Tek, the T-45 series of Power Armor was the first to be successfully deployed on the battlefield. Its introduction changed the nature of modern warfare."
- ↑ Fallout Shelter T-45d power armor item description: "Deployed pre-War against Chinese tanks. That's right – tanks."
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Armor appearance in the games.
- ↑ Museum of Technology terminals; research lead's terminal, Log Entry 20760307
- ↑ Garrahan Mining Headquarters terminal entries; project manager's terminal, Personal Logs
- ↑ Visible around the hood of the recon armor.
- ↑ Owyn Lyons: "Scribe Bowditch, I trust you are well. I'm here for your progress report on the modified Recon Armor."
Bowditch: "Ah... you're a bit early today, sir. Regardless, I'm happy to report that the development of the Mark II Recon Armor unit is proceeding as planned."
Owyn Lyons: "I'm pleased to hear that. Do you anticipate any setbacks? Last month's progress was, well... let's call it 'underwhelming.'"
Bowditch: "There may be a slight delay in the enhancement of the ambulatory gyroscope. A few of the parts I need were lost in the recent... inventory reduction."
Owyn Lyons: "You'll make do, Bowditch. You always do."
Bowditch: "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."
(Owyn Lyons and Bowditch's dialogue) - ↑ Ricky: "I was walking along, minding my own, and up pops one of them Brotherhoods. He yells "Hand over that laser rifle, asshole!" So I hand it over, just to make him think I'm scared! But really I'm not! I never am! Before he knows what hit him, I draw my 11mm machinegun and BAM! BAM! Right through the eyeslit in his helmet! D.O.A.!"
The Courier: "[Power Armor Training] What a load of crap. The eyeslits of T-series power armor are bullet-proof!"
Ricky: "Then I guess this dumb fucker's armor musta been... D-series or something! All I know is, he died up real dead when I killed him, okay?"
(Ricky's dialogue) - ↑ Fallout 4 power armor modifications.
- ↑ Dialogue spoken by the Ghoul in the Fallout TV series episode The Beginning.
- ↑ Fallout Shelter T-45a power armor item description: "Before Power Armor even really existed, this baby was born."
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Medic power armor manual: "MP-47/A Medic Power Armor
Security Clearance G required to read this manual.
Currently in prototype, the MP-47/A Medic Power Armor, referred to as medic armor hereafter, is designed to protect the soldier in the field and serve as an automated medic. The prototype unit only has Med-X delivery systems. The production unit will include stimpaks and other injectables.
User requirements for Medic Armor stated that "even a child" should be able to use it without reading this manual. Therefore an onboard computer system with verbal feedback response systems has been installed. The soldier in the field puts on the armor, and the armor does the rest. It automatically senses the limb condition of the soldier and applies Med-X only if needed.
If the defense contract is extended, the onboard computer system will be enhanced to provide command level data to field officers. A special self-destruct will deliver a lethal injection to deserters. Until the contract is extended, these systems remain offline." - ↑ Medic pump mods in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76.
- ↑ Auto-inject stimpaks in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on Lonesome Road.
- ↑ Stealth suit Mk II functionality.
- ↑ The Lone Wanderer: "You got anything for me?"
Everett: "Well, I'll be damned. That makes 100 ingots you found. And here I remember thinking you'd be lucky to bring back any at all. Ain't no question, you earned the treasure of my collection. This armor goes all the way back to when the Brotherhood tried to wipe out The Pitt. Some of the tribals who worshipped Ashur made it to look like their god. Try it on, and you'll feel a little like a god, yourself!"
(Everett's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Tell me about the heavy troopers."
Hanlon: "They have the best equipment the NCR can get its hands on, power armor salvaged from our war with the Brotherhood. Techs strip out the joint servos so you don't need special training to wear it. It feels like you're carrying a Brahmin on your back, but it can take a heck of a lot of punishment."
(Hanlon's dialogue) - ↑ Armor appearance.
- ↑ Armor gameplay characteristics.
- ↑ Seen in the item name of "Brotherhood T-45d power armor"
Non-game
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fallout Bible 0:
"2055 The West Tek Research Facility starts working on a new virus to kill the New Plague. Their viral research and close ties to the federal government eventually lead to them being chosen for the Pan-Immunity Virion Project twenty years later as well as Power Infantry Armor and laser research.
2065 August Increasing need for mobility in the United States mechanized cavalry leads the military to focus the efforts on creating a man-based tank - essentially, a two-legged walking armored unit: Power Armor.
2065-2067 Power Armor research grows and several prototypes are developed, many of which prove to be unworkable in the field. These prototypes pave the way for future advances in military, construction, and fusion technology.
2066 Summer Adding further insult to the Chinese-American relations, the first crude fusion cell is unveiled, one of the results of the Power Armor project. Devices designed for the fusion cell begin to be manufactured. Incorporating fusion power into the general US infrastructure begins, but the process is too slow to supply power to the regions that need it. Nearly eleven years later, few sections of the United States were supplied with fusion power.
2067 The first suit of Power Armor is deployed in Alaska. While lacking the full mobility of future versions, this Power Armor is incredibly effective against Chinese tanks and infantry. Its ability to carry heavy ordinance becomes key in various localized conflicts, and it has the power to destroy entire towns without endangering the wearer. China rushes to create its own versions, but they are many years behind the United States.
2074 Contrary to their claims of seeking only to retake Alaska from the Reds, American Power Armor units, infantry, and mechanized divisions are deployed to China, but they become bogged down on the mainland, putting a further drain on American resources and supply lines.
2076 June Power Armor prototype completed, resulting in the Power Armor players find in Fallout 1. This is the pinnacle of Power Armor technology before the Great War. Many of these units are sent to China, and they begin to carve a swath through the Chinese forces. The Chinese resources are strained to the breaking point, and the supply lines from the nations China has annexed begin to break down.
2077 January 22 The first domestic use of Power Armor within the United States for crowd and quarantine control. Units originally serving in China and the Anchorage Front Line find themselves fighting Americans at home. Food riots increase, and many civilians are killed. Several soldiers defect from the military both in Canada and the United States. They are captured, and are sent to military prisons.
2198 Enclave works on various new technologies, including Power Armor variations. None of these are much of an improvement over the conventional old school Power Armor, and some are actually worse.
2215 Under Presidential Order, Enclave scientists begin to work on an upgraded version of Power Armor. Many prototypes are developed and tested.
2220 October Enclave scientists develop a reliable version of the Mark II Power Armor. The prototype results (and accidents... and explosions... and deaths) are classified by order of the President Richardson for the sake of morale." - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Fallout T-45 Schematic Lithograph
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p. 200: "Which Power Armor will you choose?
The full suit of Power Armor has more damage absorption, but less mobility.
The Recon Power Armor is light armor, with extra speed and agility." - ↑ The Art of Fallout 3, p. 17: "The Brotherhood of Steel power armor was the first costume to be designed, and it was done entirely in 3D, skipping the concept art stage. This was an important piece to get right, as it had to feel true to the original, yet freshened and updated for this game's unique aesthetic."
Non-canon
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Prisoner: "{c16711680}Do you know how to use all that gear or is it just for show?"
Armstrong: "{c255}I am trained in the use of light and heavy assault weapons and have fifty three hours of field experience in the T-45d Power Armor, citizen. Most of those were during the Anchorage Reclamation."
Armstrong: "{c255}Well, here's the entrance to the vault, citizen. I have to head back to the City now. This T-45d eats up small energy cells like Chans at a rice buffet! Ha, ha, ha! Don't worry, though. We'll send those godless reds packing within the month!"
The Prisoner: "{c16711680}Thanks, Corporal Armstrong! Goodbye."
(Armstrong dialogue file)
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