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Fallout 3Power armor
Linden's Outcast power armor
Prototype medic power armor
Ashur's power armor The Pitt (add-on)
Tribal power armor The Pitt (add-on)
Fallout: New VegasT-45d power armor
Brotherhood T-45d power armor
Broken power armor
Scorched Sierra power armor Lonesome Road (add-on)
Fallout 4T-45 power armor
Fallout 76T-45 power armor
Fallout ShelterT-45a power armor
T-45d power armor
T-45f power armor
Van BurenT-45d power armor

T-45 power armor is a power armor model in Van Buren, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Fallout Shelter and Fallout Shelter: The Board Game. It is the first operational suit of power armor created by West Tek and played a major role in the Sino-American War.[1][2]

Background[]

T-45d power armor overview

The T-45d: Without and with the external armored shell.

The T-45 powered combat infantry armor was the first design pressed into service in the Sino-American War,[1] first deployed in 2067 on the Alaskan Front to counter the Chinese offensive. As the development of power armor by West Tek began only in August 2065, the T-45 lacked the mobility of future versions, but the ability to wield heavy ordnance and excellent protection proved to change the nature of modern warfare.[2] China immediately rushed to create its own version, but lagged behind. The T-45 was effectively a stop-gap model utilizing existing technologies and manufacturing techniques. This temporary solution would eventually become the mainstay of American power armor units, especially as subsequent upgrades reduced the impact of the mobility problems that plagued the early production runs.[3][Non-game 1]

The ability to operate crew-served weapons and heavy ordnance alone is one of the key advantages offered by the T-45d power armor. Although the T-45d (and indeed, no power armor to date) had built-in weapons, the operator could use any kind of weapon that could be fired by an infantryman.[Non-game 1] Protection came in second. The use of steel plating offered a considerable advantage against most small arms and used existing technologies and materials, allowing the U.S. to quickly manufacture and deploy T-45d suits.[4] However, the armor had its limits and as the war with China dragged on, it became insufficient in both the ability to deploy firepower and protect the operator. However, as the T-51 power armor model did not arrive until 2076, the T-45d became the workhorse of the American military and a test-bed for related technologies.[Non-game 1]

The original prototypes survived to 2077 and were slated to become literal museum pieces at the Museum of Technology on the National Mall in 2078.[5] Harold Frost, one of the T-45's original designers, would later go on to design the Excavator power armor for the Garrahan Mining Company.[6]

Following the Great War, the T-45d power armor became a rare sight and a powerful asset for anyone who can procure such a suit. The principal operator of the armor is the Brotherhood of Steel and its children chapters, with the largest known numbers being utilized by the rogue Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel and the loyalist Outcasts.

Design[]

FO76 Promo T45 Litograph 4

The T-45 is designed for a single operator and is patterned after the human silhouette. It consists of three layers.[7] The first is a black body suit worn by the operator for comfort, insulation, and protection from injuries that may be sustained during the armor's operation. The second layer of the armor is part of the power armor proper. Commonly referred to as recon armor when used on its own, it is a full body suit made of thick, processed fabric with integrated metal plating that serves as a platform for attaching the armor and on-board hardware.[8]

The recon armor is, in effect, the underlying chassis of the T-45d power armor model. Its attachment points and power cell plug at the nape of the neck are essential for the operation of the full T-45d power armor, as the third layer consists of the armored plating (heavy armored plate combining titanium panels and a heat shield),[Non-game 2] protecting the power armor frame with its internalized motor systems, fusion core power system, and other vital parts that allow the operator to carry heavy ordnance into combat and bear the weight of the armor. Joints are protected by rubber-coated couplings, while the abdomen is covered in flexible armor reinforced with kinetic dampeners, balancing protection and agility. The breastplate protrudes forward, with a pair of radiation scrubbers underneath, connecting to the rear module via a pair of hoses.[Non-game 2]

The helmet completes the third layer. It's made from the same material as the rest of the armor with an air filter on the front with a voice modulator[Non-game 2] and a bullet-proof eyeslit,[9] using ballistic glass, and a pair of rubberized hoses providing filtered air for breathing.[Non-game 2] Peripherals include a targeting system on the right side, powered by a fusion battery, a drop-down sight viewer over the right eye, and an electric lamp in a protective casing, with external connection ports that allow the operator to listen to their surroundings.[Non-game 2][4][Non-game 3]

The armor could be further modified with a variety of modifications, including prism shielding, lead plating, or photovoltaic and winterized coatings, and the lining upgraded to provide additional protection.[10]

Variants[]

T-45a model[]

FO4 T-45 Power Armor
Gameplay articles: Fallout 4, Fallout Shelter

An early version of the standardized T-45d, the T-45a model is similar in design to its successors.[11] In-game, it offers less performance and protection than later models.

In Fallout 4, the T-45a model is seen rusted and deteriorating, dissimilar to the later T-45 models with gray metal chassis and increased protection in-game.

T-45d basic model[]

Fo4 Power Armor T45
T45d Power Armor

The workhorse of the Brotherhood of Steel, the standard T-45d offers good performance and has been often modified by its owners for personal use. The most basic modification is an alteration of the sigils on the armor's pauldrons:

MP-47/A prototype medic power armor[]

Fallout 3 Army Power Armor
Gameplay article: Fallout 3

A prototype variant of the T-45d power armor, created by an unspecified company in response to a government contract to create a power armor system capable of protecting the operator, allowing use without special training, and acting as an automated medic, injecting various medical substances into the operator upon sustaining injury. The MP-47/A model was a prototype demonstrating the functionality, using the same shell as the T-45 power armor, while incorporating a morphine delivery system with an onboard computer system. The system continuously monitors vitals and injects Med-X as necessary, while the feedback response system - using a Drill Sergeant personality - allows a soldier to simply enter the armor and operate it immediately.[12]

The prototype model had limited functionality. If the defense contract was extended, a production model was to be designed: It would feature an enhanced computer system providing command level data to field officers, an injection system capable of providing stimpaks and other chems, and a self-destruct routine, which would immediately deliver a lethal injection to deserters. These systems were disabled in the prototype, until the contract was extended.[12]

Whether the contract was extended is unknown. A similar modification was eventually made available for all power armor models: The medic pump, which automatically injected stimpaks upon taking significant injuries.[13] Auto-inject versions of stimpaks and super stimpaks were also created, for non-power armor users.[14] Finally, the Big MT research company also worked on a stealth suit incorporating drug delivery systems for Med-X and stimpaks, among other features.[15]

In game terms, the suit will use Med-X from the player's own inventory whenever their health drops beneath 33% or a limb's condition falls below 25%. The injection cannot cause addiction.

Outcast model[]

Outcast T45d power armor
Gameplay article: Fallout 3

Modified by the Brotherhood Outcasts to improve recognition at range, this T-45d power armor boasts a dark black livery with red accents and Outcast emblems on the pauldrons. It is worn with a matching Outcast recon armor, though the Outcasts tend to wear the armor regardless of their duty status.

Tribal power armor[]

Fo3TP Tribal T45D power armor
Gameplay article: The Pitt

A unique, informal variant of the standard T-45d, as a result of the god-like status of Ishmael Ashur of the Pitt. Without access to proper workshops and raw materials, Ashur had to maintain his T-45d power armor in working order with whatever was at hand. The end result is a unique, copper-colored suit with yellow accents, and a patchwork of fixes and replacement parts, the most noticeable of which include the sleeve and glove of the raider iconoclast armor in lieu of a proper left arm, a brahmin skull instead of the left pauldron. Copies of the armor were created based on salvaged T-45d suits by Ashur's faithful, in the image of their ruler.[16]

NCR salvaged power armor[]

FNV NCR salvaged armour
Gameplay article: Fallout: New Vegas

A post-War variant of the standard T-45d, created out of suits salvaged from fallen Brotherhood of Steel paladins by the New California Republic Army during the NCR-Brotherhood War. Although damage to the armored shell has been repaired, Army technicians have stripped out the joint servomotors and replaced the back-mounted fusion cell with a custom-made unit. Troops outfitted with the armor are slow and clumsy, but they are capable of taking a lot of punishment and remain in combat. To limit friendly-fire incidents, the armor's pauldrons were removed and identification markings (the bear and star on the chest and red stripes on the arms) painted on the armor.[17]

Sierra power armor[]

Scorched Sierra power armor
Gameplay article: Lonesome Road

A unique variant of the standard T-45d power armor fielded by the New California Republic Army, the Sierra power armor is exceedingly rare and to date only a single soldier, Colonel Royez, is known to have used one. Instead of the base dark grey color of the T-45d, the Sierra power armor has a unique livery: Purple with golden accents on the edges, with additional neon green and red highlights on arbitrary points of the armor. A taxidermied bear's head has also replaced the left pauldron, held in place by a pair of bronze clips bearing the Republic's star.[18]

The Sierra power armor has been upgraded with additional onboard medical systems, helping regenerate the injuries of the user, and a back-mounted power pack superior to the production-run power cells the standard T-45d uses.[19]

Behind the scenes[]

  • The designation of the armor was first given in the Van Buren tech demo by Corporal Armstrong who wears the armor,[Non-canon 1] but the connection between it and the Fallout 3 power armor wasn't made until Fallout: New Vegas.[20] Intended to be a back-in-the-day detail, the armor would have been further emphasized as antiquated surplus by the fact of relying on the limited supply of small energy cells, consumed by the armor at an alarming rate.[Non-canon 1]
  • The Art of Fallout 3 states that the armor was created as a 3D model from scratch, in order to capture the mood of the game being developed.[Non-game 4]
  • Though recon armor is modeled as a light power armor with the armor plating removed, no explanation has been provided for how it's supposed to be treated with the changes to the power armor system introduced in Fallout 4.[Non-game 3]

Gallery[]

References[]

Fallout canon overview
  1. Only released games constitute canon, binding for the developers.
  2. All non-game sources or additional information are non-binding for the developer. They are categorized separately as supplementary or dependent sources, unless included in a released game.
  3. Cancelled games and games struck from continuity are explicitly classified as non-canon.
  1. 1.0 1.1 Fallout 4 loading screens: "The T-45 series was the first version of Power Armor ever employed on the battlefield by the U.S. military. Many suits remain active in the Wasteland today, and provide their wearers with substantial protection."
  2. 2.0 2.1 Fallout 76 loading screens: "Built by defense contractor West Tek, the T-45 series of Power Armor was the first to be successfully deployed on the battlefield. Its introduction changed the nature of modern warfare."
  3. Fallout Shelter T-45d power armor item description: "Deployed pre-War against Chinese tanks. That's right – tanks."
  4. 4.0 4.1 Armor appearance in the games.
  5. Museum of Technology terminals; research lead's terminal, Log Entry 20760307
  6. Garrahan Mining Headquarters terminal entries; project manager's terminal, Personal Logs
  7. Visible around the hood of the recon armor.
  8. Owyn Lyons: "Scribe Bowditch, I trust you are well. I'm here for your progress report on the modified Recon Armor."
    Bowditch: "Ah... you're a bit early today, sir. Regardless, I'm happy to report that the development of the Mark II Recon Armor unit is proceeding as planned."
    Owyn Lyons: "I'm pleased to hear that. Do you anticipate any setbacks? Last month's progress was, well... let's call it 'underwhelming.'"
    Bowditch: "There may be a slight delay in the enhancement of the ambulatory gyroscope. A few of the parts I need were lost in the recent... inventory reduction."
    Owyn Lyons: "You'll make do, Bowditch. You always do."
    Bowditch: "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."
    (Owyn Lyons and Bowditch's dialogue)
  9. Ricky: "I was walking along, minding my own, and up pops one of them Brotherhoods. He yells "Hand over that laser rifle, asshole!" So I hand it over, just to make him think I'm scared! But really I'm not! I never am! Before he knows what hit him, I draw my 11mm machinegun and BAM! BAM! Right through the eyeslit in his helmet! D.O.A.!"
    The Courier: "[Power Armor Training] What a load of crap. The eyeslits of T-series power armor are bullet-proof!"
    Ricky: "Then I guess this dumb fucker's armor musta been... D-series or something! All I know is, he died up real dead when I killed him, okay?"
    (Ricky's dialogue)
  10. Fallout 4 power armor modifications.
  11. Fallout Shelter T-45a power armor item description: "Before Power Armor even really existed, this baby was born."
  12. 12.0 12.1 Medic power armor manual: "MP-47/A Medic Power Armor
    Security Clearance G required to read this manual.
    Currently in prototype, the MP-47/A Medic Power Armor, referred to as medic armor hereafter, is designed to protect the soldier in the field and serve as an automated medic. The prototype unit only has Med-X delivery systems. The production unit will include stimpaks and other injectables.
    User requirements for Medic Armor stated that "even a child" should be able to use it without reading this manual. Therefore an onboard computer system with verbal feedback response systems has been installed. The soldier in the field puts on the armor, and the armor does the rest. It automatically senses the limb condition of the soldier and applies Med-X only if needed.
    If the defense contract is extended, the onboard computer system will be enhanced to provide command level data to field officers. A special self-destruct will deliver a lethal injection to deserters. Until the contract is extended, these systems remain offline."
  13. Medic pump mods in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76.
  14. Auto-inject stimpaks in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on Lonesome Road.
  15. Stealth suit Mk II functionality.
  16. The Lone Wanderer: "You got anything for me?"
    Everett: "Well, I'll be damned. That makes 100 ingots you found. And here I remember thinking you'd be lucky to bring back any at all. Ain't no question, you earned the treasure of my collection. This armor goes all the way back to when the Brotherhood tried to wipe out The Pitt. Some of the tribals who worshipped Ashur made it to look like their god. Try it on, and you'll feel a little like a god, yourself!"
    (Everett's dialogue)
  17. The Courier: "Tell me about the heavy troopers."
    Hanlon: "They have the best equipment the NCR can get its hands on, power armor salvaged from our war with the Brotherhood. Techs strip out the joint servos so you don't need special training to wear it. It feels like you're carrying a Brahmin on your back, but it can take a heck of a lot of punishment."
    (Hanlon's dialogue)
  18. Armor appearance.
  19. Armor gameplay characteristics.
  20. The item name itself; "Brotherhood T-45d power armor"

Non-game

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fallout Bible 0:
    "2055 The West Tek Research Facility starts working on a new virus to kill the New Plague. Their viral research and close ties to the federal government eventually lead to them being chosen for the Pan-Immunity Virion Project twenty years later as well as Power Infantry Armor and laser research.
    2065 August Increasing need for mobility in the United States mechanized cavalry leads the military to focus the efforts on creating a man-based tank - essentially, a two-legged walking armored unit: Power Armor.
    2065-2067 Power Armor research grows and several prototypes are developed, many of which prove to be unworkable in the field. These prototypes pave the way for future advances in military, construction, and fusion technology.
    2066 Summer Adding further insult to the Chinese-American relations, the first crude fusion cell is unveiled, one of the results of the Power Armor project. Devices designed for the fusion cell begin to be manufactured. Incorporating fusion power into the general US infrastructure begins, but the process is too slow to supply power to the regions that need it. Nearly eleven years later, few sections of the United States were supplied with fusion power.
    2067 The first suit of Power Armor is deployed in Alaska. While lacking the full mobility of future versions, this Power Armor is incredibly effective against Chinese tanks and infantry. Its ability to carry heavy ordinance becomes key in various localized conflicts, and it has the power to destroy entire towns without endangering the wearer. China rushes to create its own versions, but they are many years behind the United States.
    2074 Contrary to their claims of seeking only to retake Alaska from the Reds, American Power Armor units, infantry, and mechanized divisions are deployed to China, but they become bogged down on the mainland, putting a further drain on American resources and supply lines.
    2076 June Power Armor prototype completed, resulting in the Power Armor players find in Fallout 1. This is the pinnacle of Power Armor technology before the Great War. Many of these units are sent to China, and they begin to carve a swath through the Chinese forces. The Chinese resources are strained to the breaking point, and the supply lines from the nations China has annexed begin to break down.
    2077 January 22 The first domestic use of Power Armor within the United States for crowd and quarantine control. Units originally serving in China and the Anchorage Front Line find themselves fighting Americans at home. Food riots increase, and many civilians are killed. Several soldiers defect from the military both in Canada and the United States. They are captured, and are sent to military prisons.
    2198 Enclave works on various new technologies, including Power Armor variations. None of these are much of an improvement over the conventional old school Power Armor, and some are actually worse.
    2215 Under Presidential Order, Enclave scientists begin to work on an upgraded version of Power Armor. Many prototypes are developed and tested.
    2220 October Enclave scientists develop a reliable version of the Mark II Power Armor. The prototype results (and accidents... and explosions... and deaths) are classified by order of the President Richardson for the sake of morale."
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Fallout T-45 Schematic Lithograph
  3. 3.0 3.1 Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p. 200: "Which Power Armor will you choose?
    The full suit of Power Armor has more damage absorption, but less mobility.
    The Recon Power Armor is light armor, with extra speed and agility."
  4. The Art of Fallout 3, p. 17: "The Brotherhood of Steel power armor was the first costume to be designed, and it was done entirely in 3D, skipping the concept art stage. This was an important piece to get right, as it had to feel true to the original, yet freshened and updated for this game's unique aesthetic."

Non-canon

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Prisoner: "{c16711680}Do you know how to use all that gear or is it just for show?"
    Armstrong: "{c255}I am trained in the use of light and heavy assault weapons and have fifty three hours of field experience in the T-45d Power Armor, citizen. Most of those were during the Anchorage Reclamation."
    Armstrong: "{c255}Well, here's the entrance to the vault, citizen. I have to head back to the City now. This T-45d eats up small energy cells like Chans at a rice buffet! Ha, ha, ha! Don't worry, though. We'll send those godless reds packing within the month!"
    The Prisoner: "{c16711680}Thanks, Corporal Armstrong! Goodbye."
    (Armstrong dialogue file)
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