Chinese power armor



Chinese power armor was China's attempt to replicate the American power armor technology, and remain competitive against the opposing suits.

History
The arrival of the first West Tek production model of powered infantry combat armor (designated T-45) in early 2067 was a shock to Chinese military planners. The communists rushed to create their own version, but they were years behind the United States. Despite that, the United States military invested in the development of electromagnetic weapons to counter the threat of Chinese power armor in the event of its deployment.

The Chinese focused primarily on countering American power armor through the use of stealth armor, rather than brute force. As a result, the Chinese power armor remained a rare curiosity. Even among Chinese operatives on American soil, captured American suits (such as T-60 power armor) took preference, rather than their own designs, despite being deemed as vastly superior by Chinese sources. Development progressed to the point that a jetpack was created for the armor, to give it enhanced mobility, though the design is far larger and heavier than its American contemporaries.

Characteristics
The Chinese power armor is similar in general shape to its American cousins, combining features from several models with original ideas of Chinese engineers. It was a functional design, though seemingly unfinished, with units fielded with exposed wiring and tubing that had yet to be properly integrated and protected beneath armor plating.

Compared to the T-45 or T-60 series, it emphasizes curved surfaces to increase effective protection without sacrificing weight. It has distinct, semi-cylindrical pauldrons with forward-facing red tactical lights, similar to the Excavator power armor, and a tall power pack housing on the back, similar to the T-60 power armor. The main body has an organic shape similar to the T-51 power armor, with an additional armor plate bolted over the chest and fitted with a prominent red star to attract fire towards the heaviest armored element of the armor. The helmet assembly is completely original, with a spherical shape, trifocal lenses with integrated customizable lights (much like the X-01 power armor) and a top-mounted communications array.