Technological Overview

Armor: Within Exo technology there is two distinct forms of armor, standard and reactive. Standard armor forms the body panels and shell of every Exo from the light Scout-Recon Puma to the Stealth Panther and its RAM skin. Standard armor consists of a multi-layer ceramic and polymer laminate on top of an alloy frame. The outer most layer of the armor consists of a plastic-ceramic coating that accepts the application of paint while being able to regulate the temperature of the Exo’s internal mechanisms. The sub-layers of the armor are comprised of various types of polymer alloys, fibrous mesh coverings and ballistic grade Kevlar to help disperse kinetic energy over greater distances. The process of making the armor is a closely guarder secret, even the manufacturers who cut the armor into shape do not know the process for its construction. To help protect this valuable secret a small part of Fort Knox (Kentucky) has been retrofitted into a fabrication facility. Raw materials arrive at the site and a computer-controlled process mixes the materials and extrudes finished armor plates ready for cutting. The process is concealed in a special vault, only a handful of people know the codes to gain access to the vault, since the entire process is automated no support staff have access. There are only three copies of the chemical properties and construction method of the armor, One lies in the computer at Fort Knox, one resides in the NORAD mainframe and the third is in the United Kingdom MI6 Department of Intelligence.

The second type of armor is known as reactive armor. Currently there are three types of reactive armor, Stealth (described later), Reactive and Ablative. Reactive armor places pre-formed packages of armor and shaped charges all over the Exo. On impact from an enemy munitions the shaped charge detonated exploding outward (no damage inwards) pushing the armor plate outwards to absorb and redirect energy away from the Exo. The Reactive armor’s greatest liability is once that section has been used, it becomes vulnerable to attacks. For that reason Exo’s equipped with Reactive Armor are never too far from re-supply truck, bases and bunkers. Reactive Armor is best used by defense Exo’s where they can retreat and rearm when needed.

Ablative armor is a new design for Exo’s and has only been tested and released on a limited scale. Ablative Armor is a very expensive process where a specially designed reactive chemical is applied to the hull of the Exo. When an enemy heat source comes within a very small distance to the ablative coating the chemical evaporates. Enemy equipment such as Laser Designators, Incendiary Weapons and Incinerators all react with the armor causing it to evaporate. The particles released into the air by the evaporation process help absorb some of the energy directed towards the Exo. In the case of Laser Designators the Ablative Armor creates a ‘smoke screen’ preventing an accurate lock on the target. In the case of Incinerators and Incendiaries, the evaporated chemical serves to redirect some of the heat away from the target, protecting it from the full effect of the weapon. Ablative armor has been applied to Stealth class Exo’s so far and has done an excellent job of protecting the Panther Exo from laser designators, the Stealth Exo’s single greatest enemy on the battlefield. 

Cockpit: Since the very beginning of Exo designs the pilot has been placed in the only area large enough to hold a human body, the upper torso of the Exo. Located in the center of the unit it is the only area big enough, while affording the pilot the maximum amount of protection. The cockpit is a small cramped structure by any standards, and as such has placed very unique demands on the pilots who operate them. The smaller Scout-Recon variants are especially small and have thus required pilots of below average build. Many female pilots are assigned the Scout-Recon units for this very reason, as are male pilots under 5 feet 9 inches (1.85 m). All Exo’s have very similar internal structures, starting with the largest single piece of equipment in the cockpit, the Acceleration Chair, a sturdy alloy frame and padded seat where the pilot sits and is strapped into place by a 5-point harness. Access to the cockpit is gained through the chest/collar area. The entire sensor head and upper chest open upwards to allow entrance and egress from the Exo. In the field the Exo usually assumes a ‘bent-on-one-knee- posture, allowing the pilot to climb the Exo’s appendages to reach the cockpit or the ground.

Located directly under the pilots chair is the main computer housing, into which the pilot’s biometric history and operational directives are stored (see Main Computer for details). The pilot’s main body is locked in a relaxed sitting position, while the cockpits chair forms around their body to prevent jostling or injury. The head of the pilot is located in neck and head area of the Exo, allowing the pilot at least a small amount of ‘open’ space while inside, but even this area is extremely small.

The internal surfaces of the Exo area jungle of secured wiring harnesses, control units, data sub-processors and mechanical linkages. While some argue that the ‘open’ design is an accident waiting to happen, more then one pilot has been able to jump start there damaged Exo by making last minute repairs to damaged systems. Something that would not be possible in such a small place if access panels covered all the controls and mechanisms.

While most Exo’s on the open market are not hardened against biological and chemical weapons even the most basic military application Exo is. All combatant type Exo’s have had their joints sealed, turrets and linkages reinforced and even limited internal air supplies are basic equipment. However Exo’s can be retro fitted or stripped to become fully environmentally sealed or open to outside air. Fully environmentally sealed Exo’s are only deployed in clean-up operations where biological or chemical agents have been used, this includes ordinance disposal duty. The prohibitive cost of mass-producing the fully sealed units is too expensive a process for the average unit. Military commands of both the Alliance and the Axis realize that the limited environmental systems included for the Average trooper is enough to get them out of the danger zone before their internal air supply runs out. 

Controls: Controlling the vast amount of movements required by a humanoid robotic structure proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of Exo design. Limited physical controls had been develop for remote operated vehicles in the past, but even the most advanced systems of the time were simple too basic for a walking tank with arms, hands feet, fingers, etc. The entire Exo research program would have come crashing down around the designers feet had it not been for a member of the power plant engineering team. While the team assigned to the development of the control systems toiled an engineer by the name of Michael Seraph and his team worked on the development of the Exo’s power plant. Each section was up to this point kept separate from each other for security reasons. But as the development of the power train for the Exo progressed it became necessary for the design team to meet. When Michael and his team arrived at the military briefing the solution to the control system wheeled himself in. Michael was a paraplegic who lost the use of his legs when a drunk driver clipped his car and sent it into a light pole. Michael was also and engineering genius and had developed a control unit that was able to read the electrical impulses from his intact spinal cord and translate them into control commands for his wheelchair. Michael could control the speed and direction of the chair as if he were walking; the computer just interpreted the electrical signals from his nervous system into computer commands for the motors.

When the control engineers saw the technology Michael had invented for himself they went nuts. The solution to their problem had just rolled in. Taking the basics of his technology the design team developed a special telemetry suit that placed key sensors along the spinal column. The suit worked by reading the electrical impulses of the pilot and translating them into computer commands. Although the design worked well there was one major draw back. Each pilot has there own unique electrical signature, as well as motor control location. While basic biology places the nerves in a general area, each pilot’s suit must be custom built to place the sensor at exactly the right spot. But this too was only a minor drawback. As the control design evolved the engineers eventually placed electrical impulse transmitters into the suits as well. The new input feeds allowed the computer to transmit vital information such as ambient temperature, surface textures, ground conditions and even equilibrium.

The eventually finished design is the standard Exo Pilot Suit, currently being used by the Alliance is the Mark IV, Axis use there own version referred to by Alliance Intelligence as a Mark III equivalent. The Mark IV suit has three main pieces of equipment, the first is the electrical sensors called Biometric Receivers, the second is the electric transmitters called the Telemetry Transmitters and the final piece that dies the other tow together is the N.T.I.S., Neural Transceiver Interface System. This combination of technology allows the pilot to direct the actions of the Exo as if it were an extension of his or her own body.

As a back up and a means to operate secondary systems the cockpit is also equipped with a pair of multi-function joysticks reminiscent of a video game. These provide access to other systems such as rocket and missile targeting and sniper systems. The joysticks also allow the unit a very fine level of motor skills when the feedback from the Mark IV would be too great. In times of high stress where delicate manipulation of the suit is required a combination of controls are routed to the joysticks. Exo’s assigned to sniper duty often get ready for a shot using the Mark IV suit but switch over to the joysticks to prevent muscle tremor from being transmitted into the Exo’s arms or legs, or even trigger finger. 

Fuel: The Pratt & Whitney Motors, McDonnell Douglas, and Roles Royce Engines companies manufacture the turbine engines used in part as the power plant for the Alliance Exo’s. The advanced design of these engines has been created to operate on any combustible fuel supply. Although standard military issue fuel is a high efficiency fuel very similar to jet fuel they can in fact burn automobile gasoline, marine fuel and even kerosene in a real pinch. Although these various other fuels run at less efficiency then true Exo fuel, they can be used if no other source is available. Also should no gasoline or derivate fuel source be available, then the Exo can run on electricity. The super-conductive batteries of the Exo are normally recharged by the turbine engines when in use, however when the engines run out of fuel the Exo can run on battery power. When batter power runs out the Exo is dead. To recharge the battery with no fuel means the pilot must find an electrical source to directly recharge the Exo, such as the electricity in homes and power lines. The batter has a built in voltage regulator that allows it to recharge from any power source (of sufficient strength, no AA batteries) such as the electricity feed into homes. The Exo must be plugged in for 3 hours for every hour of battery charge needed. Therefore a full battery charge would mean the Exo would be out of action for a day or more while recharging. 

Hard Points: Hard Points were inspired by the adaptability of military airplanes. All military Exo’s have a variety of hard points. Most of these are designed to accommodate pre-designed weapon systems such as the Hughes, Raytheon Company, Gould Systems and Quantico Manufacturing Rocket Pods and Missile Racks. Other systems can also be mounted to a variety of hard point location such as ECM/ECCM equipment, extra ammo clips, grenades, and more. All Exo’s are based on a humanoid design; this provides them with a variety of standard hard point locations. Both Alliance and Axis Exo’s posses two shoulder hard points, although typically only one is used. Two hip hard points and one rear armor plate hard point surround the waist providing storage for ammo, hand weapons, tools and equipment. Some designed place grenade clip hard points on the shoulder armor and foot grieve armor plate. Regardless of the location the hard point serves as a way to affix extra equipment onto the Exo with out having to permanently mount them.

When an Exo’s hard point payload is determined special care must be taken not to unbalance the machine. While rocket and missiles are usually only loaded on one hard point internal equilibrium units are calibrated to compensate for the extra weight. Other concerns for hard points include stress, when a very heavy object is locked onto a hard point there is a risk of ripping the hard point off the Exo. Internal sensors keep a watchful eye on sheer-stress and weight, if there is a risk of damage, then the pilot is alerted by the onboard computer.  

Heads Up Displays: The core of the data interface for the pilot is the integrated HUD goggle, commonly called Holo-Goggles. Located on the pilot’s armored helmet is a pair of holographic screens that not only act as a HUD for data but also as the pilots eyes. Since the Exo is fully sealed against environmental conditions the pilot inside must rely on the Exo’s various optical sensors to get a picture of the outside world. The main optical sensor for the Exo is located in the head, and the view the pilot has is from this main sensor. The reason for this is so that the pilot can maintain a ‘human perspective’ of the world. By placing the sensors in the head of the Exo the head movements and eye movements can be mimicked by the sensors, giving the pilot the impression that the Exo is an extension of their own body, this reduces the amount of pilot fatigue and training time needed to pilot the Exo, its as intuitive as possible.

The HUD’s themselves are comprised of two off-axis high definition flat plasma screens with over 1000 lines of resolution. The screens are placed as a slight angle to each other so that the pilots own focal length creates a three dimensional image in the brain. Overlain on this image are vital Exo stats such as speed, direction, waypoint markers, critical systems, communications data and other basic systems information. The complete display package is known by the acronym IHADSS (Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System). The IHADSS is voice operated to change the mode of display, the main modes of display for the IHADSS are: Directional Mode, Tactical Situation Display, Systems Mode, Target Acquisition and Designation Mode and Sensor Mode.

Directional Mode allows the pilot a relatively uncluttered view of the world. Basic data such as directional headings, speed, navigational waypoints and engine status.  Tactical Situation Display projects current weapon status and payloads, information such as remaining ammunition, range to target, weapons range and other basic data. Furthermore enemy locations (that have been discovered thus far) are marked in reference to the Exo’s current location and direction. Systems Mode contains Exo operation data such as damage summaries, fuel, temperature, engine status, integrity, life-support status and other performance data. Target Acquisition and Designation Mode has been designed around basic sniper data requirements. The main optical sensor feeds data to the computer, the image of the desired target area is magnified and information about it is displayed. Targets can be logged for later reference or to transmit their location to other units. Scout-recon Exo’s make full use of the Target Acquisition and Designation Mode. Lastly there is Sensor Mode, this is the designation given to radar and topographical mapping of the terrain, waypoint information is displayed here, and is the mode most often used when simply marching from point to point. 

Main Computer: The last few month of the Twentieth Century saw an incredible growth in computer technology. Within a few short months of the new millennium the gig hertz barrier was broken for the average personal computer. The resulting computation power of the average computer grew by leaps and bounds. By the beginning of the 2010’s artificial intelligence and neural net technology was within our grasp. In 2016 a team of computer programming specialty, engineers, psychologists and behavioral experts succeeded in creating the first learning system ever created. The computer called the A1 (or AI) went on-line in June of 2017, by December of 2017 it has cured Cancer and found three new super drugs to replace Penicillin to which most of the population had become tolerant to). When the war broke out the A1 had its attention turned to designing a fast, stable and hardened computer for use as the Exo Central Processing Unit (XCPU). The XCPU project only took 29 days to design and construct using the plans created by the A1. The compact computer was as large as a baseball and was a self-contained computer module. Each pilot would then be assigned a XCPU that would contain all the pilots record, combat information and other relevant data. Each pilot would take the computer with him or her from machine to machine so that there was no learning process for the Exo to acquire.

The only down side to the computer was that they cannot be programmed, rather like a small child they must learn. At first al XCPU’s are placed in a teaching computer to instruct the new computer in the general operation of an Exo, how to move its humanoid appendages and control its various systems. When the teaching computer is through the XCPU contains a basic understanding of how to move, but like a child requires time to practice the skills they have been taught. As each pilot learns how to control there machines the XCPU learns how to respond to the pilots command and make the Exo do what is required.

More experienced pilots have reported that there XCPU’s have developed several habits and personality quirks that they were never designed to. XCPU’s are true learning machines, and after a long period of exposure to a specific pilot they have been known to take on the pilots personality traits. One Exo was caught giving a command officer an inappropriate salute, a functioned it learned from its pilot. The pilot was severely reamed out by the commanding officer. On more then one occasion soldiers have reported that Exo’s have performed an action on there own, including several reports of dodging an unseen attack from behind, thereby saving the pilots life. When the XCPU’s are examined there is only a record of a nerve impulse that was misinterpreted. Alliance Intelligence believes the XCPU’s are evolving into semi-sentient copies of their pilot’s neural pattern, even acquiring a ‘sixth sense’ about danger that humans are not subject to. This has then both excited and terrified. Could the XCPU’s become sentient, and who’s side would they be on?

When a pilot is killed in action the XCPU must be destroyed. Once a pilot has imprinted themselves of the XCPU it us unusable to anyone else. Only the original pilot is able to mesh properly with the computer. The XCPU learns to think like the pilot it was trained with, other pilots would simple argue with the XCPU, resulting in battlefield indecision or hesitation. Many soldiers name their Exo’s (or more correctly the XCPU’s) with pet names and treat them as living creatures, unable to see them destroyed at the end of the pilot’s tour. Several retired soldiers have officially had their XCPU ‘decommissioned’, while actually finding a way to smuggle them out of the military, linking them to personal computers or into civilian Exo’s (construction/labor). One recovered XPCU was installed in a robotic dog purchased over the Internet; it was very protective of its ‘master’. 

Manipulators: Kodiak Industries developed the standard military grade manipulators under a Department of Defense contract during the waning day of the Exo research project. Kodiak Industries was selected because there company had a long history or durable and powerful equipment and tools for various applications. There history of construction grade equipment could readily be translated into military application; both industries had similar design theologies. In construction loose wires; exposed control systems and hydraulic cables were a workplace hazard. In a military application these same flaws could lead to secondary battle damage or failure of a critical systems during combat. Under the DoD contract Kodiak developed a small selection of combat manipulators and industrial tools. The basic manipulator is a self contained unit requiring only minimal hook-ups the Exo’s superstructure, wrist connectors, power cables and computer feeds are all that connect the manipulator to the Exo, and can be removed and replaced in the field (with the correct tools and equipment) in under 15 minutes. The basic unit, referred to as the KM-01 is designed for the Scout-Recon, General Purpose and Command series of Exo and is a normal looking 5 fingered dexterous manipulate that looks very human. The second unit, referred to, as the KM-02 is a heavier unit used in Fire-Support and engineering duties, it has three main fingers and two thumbs, one on the top and one on the bottom. This configuration allows the KM-02 to exert more force and hold on to heavier objects then the KM-01. The last two standard units are the KM-03a and KM-03b; both are dedicated field support manipulators used in engineering and other heavy-duty operations. The 03a is a expanding lifting clamp used for heavy labor, forklift operations and alike. The 03b is a simple jointed claw used to grasp large objects such as missiles, trees, poles, Exo appendages and other large and irregular shaped objects. The 03b has a special ‘Sure Grip’ padding on the inside of the fingers to ensure a safe and secure grasp on even the most unusually shaped objects.  

Power Plant: During the development phase of the first Exo’s one of the largest stumbling blocks was the current level of technology surrounding the power plant of the Exo. A variety of power configurations were developed to solve the problem but none had all the attributes that were needed. Some provided the proper output, but had no endurance. Other power sources could provide energy for days, but weighted more then the Exo itself, while still others were simply to impractical or high maintenance. The final solution comprised the two most promising power plants into one effective, if not compromised, system.

A high capacity super conductive battery composed of Dilithium and Deuterium could hold a strong enough charge to power the Exo’s for hours in complete silence (and stealth), when the charge is exhausted a powerful turbine engine would recharge the battery while providing enough energy to power the Exo’s systems. This allowed the battery to be recharged even under battlefield conditions without the need for a stop over at a re-supply base.  Currently only two Axis manufacturers have the technology and expertise to manufacture the battery system for the Exo, one is General Dynamics and the other is General Electric. Both of these electronic and engine manufacturers have exclusive contracts with the Alliance to supply the Dilithium-Deuterium batteries.

The turbine technology is infinitely simpler to manufacture, in fact most engine companies who supply the air force with turbine engines for their airplanes manufacture some variety of Exo engine. Pratt & Whitney Motors and McDonnell Douglas manufacture the most common military grade engines. A special contract has been awarded to Roles Royce Engines for a quieter all ceramic engine used in the Alliances stealth Exo, the Panther. This all-ceramic engine is designed to not only be extremely quiet, but is has an extensive RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) skin and exhaust intermix chamber to reduce the heat signature of the engine when operating. 

Sensor Systems: While the entire Exo is covered in a variety of sensors and data collection units, when most people talk about the units main sensors they are referring to the Main Sensor Cluster located in the head turret. Every Exo has the basic sensor suite comprised of a multi optic sensor eye that can scan the normal visual range of colours, the infrared and the ultraviolet ranges. As well as sensors for thermal imaging and laser designation. The combination of all this data is handled by the onboard computer and feed to the pilots HUD and Holo-Goggles. The Holo-Goggles are also designed to be powered of an internal power source that allows a basic visual camera to send it information should the main sensor suite fail. Although the information from this direct feed is far less useful, it is still important should all power or sensor systems fail.

In case of critical sensor or computer failure the Main Sensor Cluster is mounted on explosive bolts. These bolts can be detonated by the pilot and will eject the entire sensor platform allowing the pilot to see outside the Exo with their own eyes. Although this compromises the suite environmental integrity, it allows the unit to continue to move and operate, even if that is only to beat a hasty retreat.

Various other sensors cover the Exo, providing the information the suit needs to operate effectively. These sensors include ground facing metal and radar detectors used to locate and avoid underground mines. Proximity sensors, temperature gauges, radar detectors, laser detectors and a slew of other systems are also included. All these sensors combine to provide the suits computer with information about the environment, the ground, enemy detection, enemy laser designators and other combat information. Furthermore highly sophisticated sensors are located in the manipulators of the Exo to give it a sensor of touch. Engineers struggled for a long time on how to quantify touch, in the end the solved the problem by avoiding it completely. One of the feedback systems of the Mark IV control suit included tactile input feed in the pilot’s gloves and along the spinal column. However the main computer is always monitoring the tactile feeds to prevent battlefield damage from being feed directly to the pilot’s nervous system. A faulty tactile sensor monitor could literally link the Exo’s battle damage to the pilot’s nervous system; the damage to Exo suffered would be translated into pain for the appropriate location on the pilot’s body. 

Stealth Technology: A variety of stealth technologies have been applied to all the Exo’s, none more so then the Panther. The most basic form of stealth common to all Exo’s is emissions control. Every Exo has its heat signature reduced by premising exhaust with cooler air. Key electrical and sensor systems are strictly controlled to reduce rogue signals from betraying its location. The more advanced stealth systems of the Panther include ceramic engine components to reduce its metal-signature, Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) skin, vectored armor plates to control the reflection direction of enemy radar. As well as a custom paint scheme or camouflage, that best reflects the surrounding area. Panthers have a one-way sensor plate mounted over the main turret sensor that prevents reflections from being picked up on. Other systems include a carbon-fiber hull that has a bare minimum of metal (like the engine) to reduce the metal (magnetic) signature of the Exo. Exo’s assigned to stealth duties are usually striped of large sensor reflective surfaces such as rocket and missile pods as well most have their main guns encased in special housings to reduce their heat and radar cross section. All stealth Exo’s and those assigned to recon have camouflage netting given to them to further conceal their units.

Electronic Counter Measures and Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECM/ECCM) is the last major category of stealth technology. The Panther is equipped with a powerful electronics suite that is designed to actively mask its radar, thermal and visual signatures. Laser range finders have their beams absorbed by the Skin, optical systems are confused by camouflage and radar is reflected harmlessly away. All the while the ECM/ECCM gear is transmitting false visual signals, altered thermal images and alike. The combined stealth technology package makes any Exo equipped with it a very dangerous piece of equipment. 

Synthetic Muscles: Once the Exo’s basic frame had been designed and its physical parameters established by the military, it became time to develop the muscles that would drive the Exo. Research was first done on hydraulic systems, forcing liquids into and out of alloy pistons. Although the hydraulic pressure system yielded exceptional strength and reliability, there were serious hazards in their use. The additional weight of the liquids required in pushing the pistons in and out, the valves, pumps and hoses needed to move the excess liquid proved to be both very heavy, bulky and subject to damage by battlefield conditions. The same was soon discovered of pneumatic systems, they too required a great deal of equipment to make them work, as well this type of system created a lot of noise. The designers of the Exo finally decided to take a more ‘organic’ approach to the research. Looking at simple exoskeleton type creatures such as spider and ants, they decided that a true muscle was needed, one that expanded and contracted in a very small space, and did not require excess mechanical apparatus to work.

They eventually found an obscure research note regarding and electrically controlled synthetic tendon called a piezoelectric ceramic tendon. The research proved that by applying a small current to the tendon that it would expand or contract, providing linear motion over a given distance. Armed with this new technology the engineers again looked at the biology of various animals, this time the strongest specimens they could find. In a rather humorous turn of events the muscular structure of al Exo’s is based on the muscle fiber layout of the Mountain Gorillas of Africa and the slang term used by the military to denote infantrymen is “Apes”. This coincidence was interpreted as a good omen by the designers, and has provided many officers and pilots with hours of jokes.

The internal structure of an Exo is based around an endoskeleton and exoskeleton combination. A basic endoskeleton is laid out and connected to the body of the Exo. The piezoelectric ceramic tendons, commonly called ‘PECT’s’ (a corruption of the word pectoral, a major muscle group in the chest), are then placed over the skeleton and anchored in place. The PECT’s are then covered in electrical connections and harnessed together into the Exo’s motor control box. An outer protective covering of fire-resistant Kevlar and a moisture seal are then sprayed on, the final step for the Exo is the addition of its external armor, the exoskeleton. 

Weapon Systems: A whole industry has sprung up to supply Alliance (and Axis) Exo’s with a variety of weapons including Cannons, Missiles, Lightening Fists, Bazookas, Mortars, Incinerators, Melee Weapons, and a few Specialty Weapons. The Exo has at its disposal a variety of projectile weapons ranging from small caliber machineguns all the way up to field guns. As well the Exo can pepper an area with missiles and rockets from both shoulder pods and bazooka’s. One of the most terrifying infantry weapons of all time, the Incinerator, has been rescaled for Exo use brining the terrors of fire to the battlefield once again. Even in close combat the Exo is armed to the teeth with Vibro-Weapons and chassis reinforcements. A small selection of specialty weapons has also evolved for unique missions, even policing duties has been accounted for in the weapons payload of the Exo. See the weapons section later for a full description of the weapons themselves and their categories. 

A Note About Damage

 Although conventional side arms inflict S.D. damage and Exo’s and Walkers are constructed of S.D.C. materials, the reinforced armor will not suffer damage from any of the conventional human scale weapons, with a few exceptions. The Barrett Model 82A1 Snipers Rifle, The M76, The Russian RPK, the MM240G Machinegun and the M203 Grenade Launcher can all inflict enough damage to pose a threat to Exo’s and armors. However even these weapon only inflict ½ their normal damage against the reinforced Exo armor.  Explosive, rockets and missile launcher such as the Stinger Missile inflict sufficient force to damage armor plates like the ones used by Exo’s and Walkers.