T-51 Power Armor

T-51 power armor or T-51 powered combat infantry armor was first introduced in the Battle of Anchorage, recognized as the pinnacle of mechanized protection before the Great War.

Background
Following the successful deployment of the first operational power armor in 2067, the T-45 power armor model, West-Tek began development on an improved model. The company partnered with the United States government, and by 2069, the T-51b model served as their largest contract.

The development of T-51b prototypes hastened two-fold as the T-45 models struggled in mainland China, with production models tested in combat conditions at Fort Strong in Massachusetts. A prototype tested in September 2075 had the desired mobility and protection but landing tests proved the armor lacked stability. Gyroscopic stabilizers and shock absorbers were subsequently added to rectify the situation. The first production run of T-51b suits were sent to China in June 2076. Word reached Fort Strong that Chinese troops were surrendering as soon as they spotted soldiers wearing T-51b, carrying 5mm miniguns, and the renewed American offensive caused Chinese supply lines to break down.

In January 2077, General Constantine Chase completed the Anchorage Reclamation, using troops fielding winterized T-51b power armor as spearhead to minimize casualties. Chase began deploying the specialized power armor which successfully pushed the Chinese back, resulting in the liberation of Anchorage, and the operation is deemed a success.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.43: "Chinese Army (Simulated), U.S. Army (Simulated) ''With conditions deteriorating between the United States and China, a military presence in Alaska was established to prevent a possible invasion across the Bering Strait. With increasingly scarce oil reserves, a last deep-sea deposit below the Pacific Ocean was claimed by China before allegedly being sabotaged by American special operatives. Strained relationships spiraled downward into conflict as China marched on Alaska, and the Sino-American War of 2066—2077 erupted. Under the command of General Jingwei, the Chinese Army usurped control of Alaska's oil pipeline and reserves. In response, the Americans began what came to be called "The Alaskan Reclamation Operation" (2067—2077).'' ''Under the leadership of General Constantine Chase, the U.S. Army battled fiercely to the front lines of the conflict before Chase began deploying specialized Power Armor units that began pushing the Chinese back. Future Power Armor suits were further refined as the conflict dragged on, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was reclaimed. With resources flowing through Canada, strained diplomatic tensions between Canada and the United States becoming problematic, and Canadian forces attacking the pipeline, the country was annexed.'' ''A combination of inclement weather, constant American bombardment and trench warfare, and U.S. Powered Armor unit attacks sweeping through mainline China, the Chinese supply lines weakened and finally broke down completely. By the beginning of 2077, the city of Anchorage was finally liberated, the Chinese eradicated, and the operation deemed a success. A commemorative memorial was erected in Washington, D.C., in honor of the soldiers who fought and perished for the greater American good. Violence between America and pockets of Canadian freedom fighters continued throughout 2077, until the Great War obliterated almost all infrastructure, commerce, and human life."'' (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide faction profiles) In addition to the war against the Chinese, units in T-51 were also deployed to eradicate individuals resisting the United States annexation of Canada, and from January 22, 2077, onwards, to break protests on the homefront, particularly the food riots. After the Great War, the T-51 was utilized by various wasteland factions including the Brotherhood of Steel, mercenaries, and the Enclave.

Design
The armor was adaptable, created using a poly-laminate composite. The armor's shell was designed to be both lightweight and capable of absorbing over 2,500 Joules of kinetic impact. The armor was constructed with a 10-micron silver coating that reflects lasers and radiation and included features such as a headlamp, micro-motors, hydraulics, a back-mounted TX-28 MicroFusion Pack and HiFlo hydraulic system. In addition, users could survive for weeks without water while wearing the armor, which could also undergo a process called hardening to increase its effectiveness.

The armor has to be custom-fitted to each operator, who then benefits from increased strength. If it remains airtight, the armor serves to shield users from radiation. Apart from military use, the corporation Grafton Steel attempted to create their own variant, codenamed Project Phoenix, resulting in reaching the prototype stage before the war.

T-51b power armor


The pre-War model is seen throughout the wastelands, some of which serve as a faction disguise.

Winterized T-51b


A pre-War variant of the T-51b power armor adapted for fighting in arctic environments. The armor is painted to blend in with the snowy environments and features stars, serial numbers, and flag decals.

Brotherhood T-51b


A post-War variant of the T-51b, used by the Brotherhood of Steel as its service armor in the American southwest. They are gray in color, with a Brotherhood of Steel logo.

Ultracite power armor


A post-war variant of T-51 that uses ultracite in its design, this variant was developed by both the Brotherhood of Steel's Lost Hills and Appalachia chapters.

Strangler heart power armor


A post-war variant of T-51 that is completely overrun by strangler vines. When the full set is equipped, the wearer gains the strangler heart set bonus. This adds acid damage to all armed attacks and makes nearby enemies take acid damage.

Behind the scenes

 * The game and cutscene model of the armor was created by Tramell Ray Isaac for Fallout.
 * According to Tim Cain, the drop-down optic on the helmets is directly taken from a similar optic used by a cult in the film The City of Lost Children.
 * Due to technical issues, the art model needed to be redesigned for the cancelled Van Buren.