Grand Admiral, First Order Central Command
Intent: To upgrade the iconic Helldiver armor now that I have a better understanding of Star Wars tech, and give Helldivers a fighting chance against lightsabers and Mandalorians.
Development Thread: N/A?
Manufacturer: Shadowline
Model: ARA-09D
Affiliation: Shadowline
Modularity: None, but generally highly customizable in cosmetic ways.
Production: Minor
Material: Ceramic/Composite Carapace with Ablative Plastoid plates. Armorweave bodyglove.
Description:
One of the first major decisions made by Cyrus Tregessar after the formation of Shadowline was that the ARA-09B armor was inadequate for the needs of the Helldivers. Two new models were developed, with all agreeing that the second (the delta model) was superior. The 09B was relegated to mass production and general sale, while the new 09D was to be the improved standard helldiver armor.
Externally, the armor is the same. Internally however, it is quite different. The bodyglove is now fashioned from armorweave, giving increased resistance to the soldier within and limited lightsaber defense. Additionally a personal shield generator was built into the back. This is of very limited protective ability, withstanding a couple of shots in sequence at best, but it gives troopers a measure of protection that isn't immediately compromised after the first shot (and again, helps against lightsabers). The changes mean that the 09D model is somewhat heavier than the 09B suits, but this is generally offset by increased training standards.
The 09D model is NOT sold on the open market and is exclusive to the Helldiver mercenaries and other Shadowline representatives. There are a number of design markings and subtle cosmetic differences between the two suits, enough that anyone familiar with them would notice the difference. Helldiver practice is to treat anyone wearing delta suits as a thief or murderer, and respond accordingly.
Key equipment carried over from the bravo model is as follows:
Ceramic/Composite Carapace
Ablative Plastoid Plates
Advanced Integrated Tactical Helmet (Including HUD, comms suite, tactical display, laser rangefinder, IR optics).
Retractable elbow blades
Weight: 19 kg
Quality: 8(6)
Other Feature(s): The ablative plates provide the armor with increased resistance to initial penetration from most weapons, but are subsequently damaged in the process, reducing the overall effectiveness of the armor in subsequent shots/strikes in the same region of the armor. This is represented by the quality rating, which implies that the armor is rather more effective than average stormtrooper armor for the first few shots, but somewhat worse after that. The plates can be replaced with the right equipment and if there are spares in around an hour for the whole suit. Given that the Helldivers are not operationally supposed to engage in extended engagements, this was seen as acceptable risk-taking on the part of the design.
Overall the changes haven't made the armor merit a high protective rating, it simply gives that 8 a little bit more staying power.
