European power armor

European power armor is a blanket term used to refer to the varied models of power armor utilized by the European Commonwealth before the Great War, its member states, and by survivors in its aftermath. While the models are more diverse in terms of design than their American counterparts, they are universally more dangerous or unwieldy thanks to being forced to utilize non-fusion power sources.
==Background==
Most models of European power armor began development under the unified Commonwealth government following the outbreak of the Euro-Middle Eastern War. Initial progress was made quickly, although the program lacked a power source that was both safe and possessed acceptable endurance. Attempts were made to develop suits utilizing fuel cells, batteries, or small traditional generators. Prototypes were developed, however, these energy sources proved generally impractical. Fuel cells tended to be too volatile, batteries lacked field longevity, and traditional generators relied too heavily on the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. With all of this in mind, in 2055, it was finally decided to utilize micro-fission reactors in spite of the safety concerns. The existing prototypes were adapted and by 2056 saw their initial deployment to hot zones within the Middle East. Within the following years, the design was refined and circulated throughout the Commonwealth as more suits were deployed. Despite all of their shortcomings, the suits were greatly appreciated by the soldiers that fought alongside them.
With the end of the war and the dissolution of the Commonwealth in 2060, the former member states scrambled to claim as many suits and relevant documentation as possible. While many scientists involved in the program fled to the United States, enough remained that a subsequent explosion of different models emerged.
==Characteristics==
Worn by various factions throughout the wasteland, European power armor is similar in construction to its American counterparts with heavy armor plating which shields the user from damage and an internal framework which increases the user’s strength. Where the two lineages differ greatest is their choice of power source. American suits universally utilize fusion cores while European suits utilize a mixture of micro-fission reactors, miniaturized RTGs, or other power sources, depending on the model. In general, however, European suits are bulkier and more dangerous to those in and immediately around them. In particular, it is not uncommon for their radiation shielding to fail, causing radiation poisoning, ghoulification, or outright death.
==Variants==
Post-Commonwealth Models
AR-3 "Tercio" power armor
Commonwealth Models
BA-56 power armor
Category:Armor and clothing