The essence of each Imperial Stormtrooper is the helmet. It is the most important piece of gear a Trooper will ever have - aside from prophylactics. The current -125/SHB model is the latest of many modifications to the original Standard Helmet, introduced decades ago. While the helmet is sturdy and reliable, the following Trooper Gouge cannot be emphasized enough:

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BUCKET AND IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!

Intake/Exhaust/Filter Apparatus

The Helmet features separate Intake and Exhaust Gas Manifolds. Breathable air is introduced through the externally mounted intake filters, passing through to the internal manifold. Exhaust is channeled through an exhaust manifold, porting the exhaust gases through the vents on each side of the Helmet. The standard external intake filters require little maintenance. Check the HH-25/T external housings to be sure the casings are free from defects or cracked surfaces. Check the front surface bio screens to be sure they are free of contaminates and/or debris. Such deformations or deposits of contaminants may cause unsatisfactory intake operation, resulting in faulty breathing and filtration processing.

The internal Main Filtration Unit (MFU) requires no calibration in the field. Integral sensors monitor the operational status of the filtration unit and will automatically switch to the Auxiliary Filter Unit (AFU) should the MFU fail. The AFU OPerational light shall be illuminated if the AFU is engaged. The AFU is not designed for prolonged operation. Power loss shall occur within two (2) weeks of continuous use. Once the AFU is activated, the MFU must be checked into the nearest repair station for testing and overhaul as soon as possible. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in death due to ingestion of known foreign biological matter, toxins, depleted oxygen supply, etc.

If the operational status of both the MFU and AFU are questionable in the field, personnel shall use decontamination kit IDK-978/C. Refer to the instructions provided with the kit.

Lens Calibration Routines

The latest version of the HGU-125/SHB features Holographic Imaging, protecting the Wearer from flash blindness and other harmful energy emissions. Since these helmets are currently available only in small numbers, many of the field units use non-holographic lenses. The remainder of this gouge pertains to the older- style lenses. The eye lenses may be set to Automatic (recommended) or Manual (not recommended) mode of operation. In Full Auto Mode (FAM), the lenses instantly compensate for varying light energy levels in a range of wavelengths. This protects the Wearer from temporary/permanent retinal damage by blocking out all harmful levels of energy known to cause this type of damage (Blaster flashes in the visible range for example).

If the Wearer selects Manual Mode, the lenses will NOT automatically compensate for dangerous levels of energy radiation. The wearer's vision may be impaired beyond the point of repair. However, in certain Tactical Environments (TacEn), it may be necessary to switch the lenses to Manual Mode to prevent known 'flicker' problems from inducing a false imaging pattern. If standard emissions have been screened prior to entering a Theatre Of Operation (TOP), should these conditions exist which induce the momentary 'flicker', selecting Manual Mode to override FAM may be engaged with confidence.

If the TacEn is not known prior to engagement in the TOP, it is strongly recommended to check to be sure the Lens Mode is set to FAM. An integral Imaging and Diagnostic/Calibration module performs routine diagnostic queries to guarantee paramount operational effectiveness.

Magnetic Field Generator

In Spacial Ops (Operations within a vacuum or loss of atmosphere) it has been suggested the Torso plate of Armor connects to the Helmet to form a pressurized environment. Your upper extremities are thusly protected from the vacuum… unfortunately the limbs are not. Unshielded exposure to a vacuum leads to an immediate explosion of the body. Your upper extremities would be sucked out through the internal shells of the armor. This is not a pretty site.

To neutralize this potential safety hazard, a Personal Magnetic Field Generator (PeMFiG) or MFG (it could happen) has been developed to protect the Wearer from exposure to a vacuum environment. The MFG is automatically activated and remains in STANDBY mode, anytime the Trooper is fully suited. Operating in STANDBY, the MFG's quadruple-redundant sensors will activate the Generating Mode (GenM) if a loss of atmosphere is detected. The Generation of the Magnetic Force Field is instantaneous, minimizing the total exposure time to the vacuum. The mean exposure time is measured in fractions of one millisecond.

As the operational parameters of this device are CLASSIFIED, refer to Field Ops Supplement 55-MFG/3.2 for additional information.

Communication Systems

The internal/external COMM system is a technologically advanced system second to none. The Helmet features internal and external transmission capability to ensure effective COMM in all tactical regimes. A dual redundant sensor detects the wearing of the Helmet, manual activation of the Main COMM system panel is not necessary. Dual 3-D Relational mic sensors located in the ear cups of the Helmet, detect audio signals in various bands and transmit these signals to internal speakers. This system permits the Wearer to hear sound above and below the unaided hearing levels. The mic sensor range (in terms of volume and bandwidth) is adjustable in a Manual and Auto mode). The internal speakers are also connected to the Main COMM system for ultimate receiving capability of nearly all known COMM sources.

The Main COMM system features various modes (Manual and Auto) to manage the functionality of volume, receive/transmit strength, search bands, etc. Operational parameters of this device are CLASSIFIED; refer to Field Ops Supplement 64-MCM/2.1 for additional information beyond the scope of this manual.

Internal Comlink System - Activated by the lateral movement of the jaw, the internal comlink permits the Wearer to transmit securely without the danger of audible detection. An integral noise-canceling microphone is located near the mouth and shielded to block out all audible forms of transmission clutter.

External Transmission System - If the lateral switch is not selected, audible transmissions are sent through the external speaker of the Helmet, encased behind the black speaker cover - vocabulator. Routine biologically driven audio signals (a sneeze or out-gassing gesture for instance) are automatically blocked by the noise-canceling mic and will not be transmitted.

 

As the Trooper's Helmet is considered the essence of its wearer, the White Armor of a Stormtrooper is his life; his heart and soul... much more than the mere essence of a dude clad in white plastic. The technical specifications of the Plasti Tech armored suit are Highly Classified. Refer to the Galactic Empire's PlastiTech Armor Owner's Manual - SHA-555/LDB-3. Translated: TK861 needs another YEAR of wearing his white armor before he can responsibly give you, the reader, the proper gouge. Should you have any contributions towards completing a section of Armor Gouge, please do not hesitate to send TK861 a comlink message. You will at least receive credit for your submission. Thank you. Now, back to some really bitchen stuff...

 

The unique Trooper body glove offers environmental protection second-to-none. The suit is calibrated to maintain a constant temperature, regardless of ambient temperature. The multi-layered suit features an exterior flex-crystalline shell interwoven with a composite fiber allowing the wearer's epidermal layer to "breathe". Yet the suit retains a seal in the presence of a vacuum. This vacuum suit (SIBG-1125/VS12) will protect the wearer against the effects of vacuum for all areas of the body, with the exception of the face and does NOT provide an oxygen supply.

The SIBG-1125/VS12 is categorized as a biologically manufactured suit. Given the biological composition, the suit requires no external power source. The suit should be inspected monthly for signs of fracture within the crystalline-fabric weave. Such a fracture or stress failure will have a jagged appearance along the fracture or stress point highlighted with a smoky-white appearance. Reported instances of this condition are RARE and have been found only in older, high time suits. The suit however, should be examined thoroughly prior to extended space travel or once each Imperial Galactic Month.

Four modules combine to complete the full suit, Upper "bib" piece and legs/torso, hands and cranial pieces. The Bio-features of this suit permit the overlapping interior layer to biologically "join" or mesh with the exterior layer of the other piece, forming a BioSeal. The inner liner absorbs certain bodily discarded material (sweat, natural loss of epidermal tissue, etc.) and sends it to the exterior shell via an osmosis process. During the transmission phase, the bodily-discarded materials are altered chemically and reach the BioSuits external layer as an inert, odorless gaseous state. In this fashion, the suit acts as a bio-motive check valve, permitting the filtration of suspended particles, while protecting the wearer from any sudden loss of atmosphere, due to vacuum exposure. This is why Science Fiction exists.

Manual cleansing of this suit is not necessary. The bio-driven decontamination process cleans the suit automatically. It should be noted however; certain biological functions (waste removal) are NOT authorized whilst wearing the suit. If a Waste Removal Unit is not available (as is the case in the combat field)... we feel we don't have to spell it out here. Take care of business Trooper, outside of the suit! Occasionally, the suit may be laundered using most available laundering units. The suit has been designed to withstand the laundering process without compromising structural integrity. The specifications and additional functional data are Classified. Refer to BioSuit Field Manual SIBG-1125/VS12-AD for other important information.

 

Firepower is the capacity to deliver effective fire on a target. A few accurate energy bolts wielded from an effective location that surprises the enemy is more effective than many weapons with a large blasting ability but without the element of surprise. Supporting that role, the Empire issues several standard varieties of Blasters to aid in rendering ground troops as an effective immobilizing force.

Standard Issue Hand Weapons

· BlasTech E-11 Blaster Rifle
· BlasTech DLT-19 Heavy Blaster Rifle
· ACME CHZ-9 "Cheesie" Compact Hand Pistol

BlasTech E-11

The Standard Issue BlastTech E-11 is a finely tuned weapon, modified over several decades. The initial design of the E-11 is considered by many to still be the ultimate architecture of a compact assault weapon. Featuring a rugged yet lightweight design, the Standard Blaster is still the preferred weapon for most regimes within the Combat Envelope. The compactness of this weapon makes it effective in most combat situations, be they within confined quarters or out in a wide-open Theater Of Combat as in the case of a desert planet on the ass-end of the Galaxy.

The E-11 is considered a slow-rate-of-fire weapon. Its popularity owes to the capability of the Effective Blast Radius (EBR). Although the Empire strives to great lengths to produce only the most efficient shooters within the Galaxy, most kills are produced as a by-product of EBR… The target was ironically within the Lethality Zone of the EBR.

Although the E-11 is considered a slow-rate-of-fire weapon, each discharge produces a significant amount of heat. Sustained continual use of the Blaster during a field engagement would render the barrel useless if it weren't for the Cooling Vanes located along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Chemically charged (the exact details of the composition are Classified), these cooling fins offer un-compromised heat sink ability for continuous use under heavy-fire engagements.

Periodically, check the structural integrity of the Cooling Vanes for visual signs of wear in the form of visible fractures. Micro fractures are automatically detected and self-sealed. These vanes have been designed to withstand tremendous force with little concern for casing structure failure. It is recommended however, to inspect the vanes, especially after prolonged-use combat engagements.

If a loss of chemical charge should occur within a vane, sustained fire mode is NOT authorized. The barrel of the BlasTech E-11 in this state may overheat, causing catastrophic failure of the Blaster. Death to the user may occur. Occurrences of chemical charge loss are extremely rare, but use caution... inspect your weapon!

The E-11 is charged using two forms of energy: A 100-bolt Electro-Crystalline power cell and a 500-bolt capacity plasma cell give the soldier a formidable cache of firepower. Periodically inspect the cell magazine receivers to be sure the tracks are free from debris and defects. Check the operation of cell-feed to ensure the cells lock into position freely and securely. The cell casings are designed to high tolerances and may be re-used with confidence, however recycling of said cells should only be performed at an authorized overhaul site.

Periodically check the barrel to be sure the inner channel is free of Foreign Object Damage type (FOD) material/debris. Failure to do so may lead to the destruction of the weapon and harm (death) to the user.

Field Servicing of this Blaster is covered under the BlasTech E-11 Field Service Manual. (All safety checks and routine/emergency repair procedures are discussed thoroughly in said manual.)

BlasTech DLT-19 Heavy Blaster Rifle

This endearing classic weapon has stood the test of time. Since the Empire was formed, the Heavy Blaster Rifle began its ongoing service as the Defender. Now nicknamed "The Sweeper", the DLT-19 discharges a tremendous blast bolt with long-range capability. The DLT-19 is the most dramatic and effective personally carried Trooper weapon. This single weapon, used correctly can replace the firepower of 3-5 Standard Blasters with equal destructive force. The EBR of the Heavy Blaster Rifle is approximately 3.2 times greater than the E-11 unit. Its un-daunting and legendary reputation of service proved that the DLT-19 was the perfect platform for defending garrisons. Now, this Heavy Rifle is the preferred weapon of single-purpose Assault Combat Teams for open-area engagements specializing in frontal and large-scale assaults.

The Heavy Blaster Rifle uses a canted spotting scope (older versions) - newer version of the Heavy Rifle use a top mounted scope - featuring both manual and automatic focusing and trajectory compensators (adjusting for ambient magnetic and force field anomalies, etc.). The scope is not serviceable in the field.

The folding stock permits the Sniper Trooper to wield this weapon with deadly precision. The muzzle blast/flash suppressor minimizes the initial blast flash to a nominal signature. To compensate for the increased recoil, a PlastiTheen stock absorbs much of the tremendous recoil created by such a powerful bolt as produced by the DLT-19.

The Heavy Blaster Rifle is charged using two forms of energy: A heavy-duty 50-bolt Electro-Crystalline power cell and a 200-bolt capacity plasma cell give personnel a moderate cache of firepower usage. Note the per capita shots of the E-11 outnumber the DLT-19 since the Heavy Rifle requires a greater charge per shot. Periodically inspect the cell magazine receivers to be sure the tracks are free from debris and defects. Check the operation of cell-feed to ensure the cells lock into position freely and securely. The cell casings are designed to high tolerances and may be re-used with confidence, however recycling of said cells should only be performed at an authorized overhaul site.

Periodically check the barrel to be sure the inner channel is free of Foreign Object Damaging (FOD) material/debris. Failure to do so may lead to the destruction of the weapon and harm (death) to the user.

Field Servicing of this Blaster is covered under the BlasTech DLT-19 Field Service Manual. (All safety checks and routine/emergency repair procedures are discussed thoroughly in said manual.)

CHZ-9 "Cheesie" Compact Hand Pistol

Known as the Cheesie Poof or Lollipop - because of its child's toy-like appearance and minimal blast signature, the CHZ-9b is well established as a quiet reconnaissance hand weapon. Favored amongst Biker Scouts and Point Assault Elements for undetected elimination of enemy sentries and biological surveillance/detection posts. This li'l sumbich fits in the smallest of gear utility compartments and is carried by many troops as a secondary or backup weapon.

The Lollipop pistol is charged using a single 50-bolt capacity mini-gas cell giving personnel a modest cache of firepower usage. Periodically inspect the cell magazine receivers to be sure the tracks are free from debris and defects. Check the operation of cell-feed to ensure the cells lock into position freely and securely. The cell casings are designed to high tolerances and may be re-used with confidence, however recycling of said cells should only be performed at an authorized overhaul site.

Periodically check the barrel to be sure the inner channel is free of Foreign Object Damaging (FOD) material/debris. Failure to do so may lead to the destruction of the weapon and harm (death) to the user.

Field Servicing of this Blaster is covered under the BlasTech CHZ-9b Field Service Manual. (All safety checks and routine/emergency repair procedures are discussed thoroughly in said manual.)

 

Due to Imperial Galactic Expansion, various backpack configurations have been produced to provide a wide range of specialized uses to Troopers. From automatic temperature control (for harsh environments), moisture collectors, specialized comm equipment, to providing suitable oxygen and stowage of personal field gear. Backpacks are vital gear for Troopers stationed on planets featuring harsh environments.

Compartments within the personal Trooper packs may be used to carry such practical gear such as Trooper's ID, payment vouchers, old Republican credits, additional power cells, prophylactics, etc. Due to the location of certain Backpacks when worn, the Thermal Detonator or O2 Supply unit must be removed from the Armor. A unique compartment within the pack accepts the Detonator/Supply unit and activates the O2 supply upon demand. The Detonator must be retrieved prior to triggering the device. (duh!)

Since many of these devices are Classified, for information on the functionality of a specific Trooper Backpack, refer to the appropriate Manufacturer's Manual.

 

1. I am a Trooper, fighting in the forces that guard my galaxy and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

2. I will never surrender of my own free will. I will not succumb to the efforts of an enemy throwing sticks and stones at me.

3. If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. My weapon will never leave my side; therefore I shall not be captured, for I will fight to the death before surrendering my weapon.

4. I will never forget that I am a Trooper, fighting for the Empire, solely dedicated to the forces that bind my Imperial way of life. I will trust in the Empire, without question. I shall defend the Empire, without question.

5. In the event of an unlikely Fall of the Empire, I shall instantly become a Soldier of Fortune and continue my mission in life as a Shock Trooper, hell bent on using my Blaster in the blink of an eye. I will strive to ask every life form for its Identification and be able to shoot straight.

6. I will never, EVER again allow a puny little Ewok to kick my armored ass!

 

End of Specification / 2000-23-02