Axis T-77A Rattlesnake Stealth Exo

The Rattlesnake is the only true stealth Exo produced by the Axis. Although ‘stealth’ conversion packages exist for almost every Exo in existence, only the Rattlesnake (in the Axis) was designed and produced exclusively to maximize the stealth technology available. When the Rattlesnake project began the Axis choose to use the Asp as the base to the Rattlesnake. Since the Asp was the most maneuverable and agile of all the Axis Exo’s its frame was a natural choice. Several production models of the Asp were shipped to three separate and secured locations. Where the weapons, armor and controls were stripped out and rebuilt from the ground up.

Over the course of the project the Rattlesnake began to take shape. The physical frame of the Asp remained (mostly) the same, but after that the Asp and Rattlesnake part ways. The computer and control system for the Rattlesnake involved the incorporation of new state of the art sensor and display technology. The cockpits controls are all digital readouts and computer controls. The final design of the Rattlesnakes cockpit would not look out of place in a science fiction movie. The armor of the Rattlesnake was also reworked. New armor plates were designed and coated with a special RAM Skin (Radar Absorbing Material) that could absorb many forms of energy including thermal signatures, visible light spectrum and LADAR/RADAR waves.

The armor is what gives this Exo its name, the telltale angles of a stealth equipped armor created the illusion of several diamond shaped patches on the Exo’s armor. The pattern reminded one of the technicians of a Diamond Back Rattlesnake he had seen in pictures, and the name stuck. Once equipped with its controls and armor the Rattlesnake entered a short shakedown period. In this time all the systems were put through there paces. It was also during this time that the Rattlesnakes weapons payload was determined. At first stealth treated weapons similar to those of the Asp were chosen. But many of the senior designers of the Rattlesnake felt that these less powerful weapons did not suit the performance capabilities of their new design. To that end the design team lobbied with the military to allow them to test a new weapons configuration for the Rattlesnake, a payload better suited to the units stealth abilities and performance.

The new payload was centered on small, long-range munitions able to target and destroy enemy assets at a long range. The main gun of the Rattlesnake was a specially modified medium rifle, the standard rocket pods seen on almost all Exo’s was dropped in favor of a more stream lined look to the Exo. However the Rattlesnake still needed a hard-hitting weapon should it come up against another Exo or armored unit at close range. So the Rattlesnake was equipped with a pair of heavy hand grenades. This combination of weapons has proven to work quite well with the Rattlesnakes stealth characteristics and performance. However the military insisted that a rocket pod hard point be maintained on the unit as a option. So the Rattlesnake also has two small rocket pod hard points (one per shoulder) to accept custom designed light rocket pods (fitted with stealth shielding) that can be jettisoned when empty.

The Rattlesnake has only seen limited use in the field so far. The cost of the Rattlesnake has meant that very few units exist, and those that do are closely guarded. Any mission a Rattlesnake is expected to perform is planned well in advance and with every conceivable variable. Only when a mission is assured of success are the Rattlesnakes issued their marching orders.

The success of the Rattlesnake and its stealth technology has prompted the Axis to look at adding stealth technology to other Exo designs. Currently the Cobra Command Exo is undergoing analysis as a potential new Stealth Combat Exo. However it will be at least a few years before this unit is complete and ready for production.

Statistical Data

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