Combat Frame (Earlorania)

Overview

Exo-Amplification Combat Frames, better known as Combat Frames, are a weapon in use in the world of Earlorania, typically classified under Infantry Support Vehicles. Used by every major power, combat frames have become a staple in every major army. Thanks to their smaller sizes, only standing anywhere from 2-4 meters tall, their mobility and flexibility have been used to great effect to support friendly infantry forces in areas where conventional ISVs couldn't, such as wheeled or tracked armoured units and multi-legged walkers.

History

Conception

By the mid 2060s NGE, the thought of a bipedal vehicle was deemed as obsolete for combat purposes, with most nations opting for quadrupedal and hexapedal machines called 'walkers'. Many reasons included the lack of effective protection from anti-armour systems, the ineffectiveness of moving a bipedal vehicle, and the overall weakness of the standard upright position of a humanoid. However, the development of a bipedal vehicles for civilian use did not stop there, as the creation of the NERVE Suit allowed for the simple instinct of an action to be transmitted to a set of motors, mimicking the intended motion. Using a forced-feedback system, operators, as they were called, were able to get a sense of what they were feeling. These machines were dubbed, Amp. Frames

Tiansan Insurrection

In 2071 NGE, the Tiansan Insurrection broke out in the Xiunto Federation. The Federal Guard was deployed to retake the region from the insurrectionists, however, they were quickly beaten after a string of defeats on the outskirts of the Lingna Region. Once the Army was deployed, they faced heavy resistance from the jungles, with multiple armoured columns coming under fire as soon as they entered the province. The` Insurrectionists —backed by the Bastion— modified amp. frames from the local port, welding on steel plates to shrug off light arms fire, and equipping them with 50mm autocannons from the local garrison, the insurrectionists were able to quickly dispatch mechanized infantry. Their maneuverability also enabled them to quickly outrun tank turrets and hit weak spots on armoured vehicles.

Originally, to counter these modified amp. frames, Xiunto forces began utilizing MANPADs, however, due to the lack of effective computer systems in the rocket, they were quite easy to dodge. So, the Xiunto Federation began developing their own frames, dubbing them Combat Frames.

New Chauss Insurrection

During the New Chauss Insurrection in the United Elemental Republic, Bastion Insurrectionists utilized combat frames to counter the Special Law Enforcement in the city. Their superior armor and firepower proved to be too much for the SOLE officers present. However, once UEBDT forces arrived in the city, they used their own combat frames to clean up the remaining insurrectionists.

4th World War

During the 4th World War, every major faction deployed combat frames on a wide scale across numerous environments; ranging from the dense urban cities and forests as anti-infantry units, to the wide fields and deserts acting as anti-armour units. They were used during the first battle of the war when Xiunto Legion forces crossed the Leidenshaien border, engaging in fierce combat with Leidenshaien Border Army soldiers, and were a crucial part to ending the war in Saint Vakuloe.

Earloranian-Enqurasian War

By the time the Enqurasians had made their first assault on Earlorania, combat frames had evolved into significantly more maneuverable vehicles with internal weapons thanks to the rapidly advancing NERVE technology. These Earloranian combat frames helped hold off Enqurasian advances, however, with the Enqurasian's introduction of the Zu'reel suit, and subsequently, Heavily Armored Maneuverable Raiders (HAMRs), most Earloranian frames were unable to keep up with their immense agility and sheer firepower. THis would lead to the development of a Tactical Klefniers.

Types

Combat frames are separated into 3 primary categories according to their role on the battlefield; Infantry, Armor, and Gun frames. Each of these groups utilize vastly different tactics to one another.

Infantry Combat Frames

ICFs were the first form of combat frames ever developed, initially built up on amplification frames. They typically stand from 3-4 meters tall, and are bipedal. Most ICFs follow the same principal design, that being an operator pack in the back, a power-source in the chest, and cameras as the head. ICFs were made for the purpose of providing heavy firepower to support infantry in areas where conventional armoured units couldn't effectively be used, such as urban environments and dense jungles. Thanks to their manipulators, they're also used to help infantry in other tasks, such as setting up fortifications, removing large obstacles from roads, and moving supplies.

Armoured Combat Frames

ACFs were first developed to fight other combat frames, combing the agility of these frames with internal weaponry. They stand typically anywhere from 7.5-11.3 meters tall, and are bipedal. They have heavier armor and more active protection systems, allowing them to effectively deal with more firepower than ICFs. Unlike ICFs, some ACFs use a dual-pilot integration system, where each pilot controls a different part of the machine. This helps to ease the mental load on pilots and allows them to focus on other systems. ACFs would evolve to act as an anti-armor unit in dense combat environments, such as cities. Their agility allows them to maneuver tight streets, and their height, alongside the inherent lack of visibility in these environments, usually forces tanks and conventional vehicles into close quarters, where they're unable to elevate their turrets enough to hit core parts. The increased size of these frames also allows for more systems to be integrated into the frame, enabling effective warfare in unconventional environments, such as asteroids or the sea floor.

Gunnery Combat Frames

GCFs were developed as a 'spearhead' unit, made to lead charges into heavily fortified positions. Unlike ICFs and ACFs, GCFs typically lack a humanoid silhouette, being more akin to a tank with arms and legs. These frames are generally armed with a large cannon to neutralize defensive positions and structures, as well as numerous machine gun positions to defend against infantry. Gunframes are almost always quadrupedal, with the ability to fold their legs down to move like conventional tanks.

Generations

Combat frames are separated by generations, which each generation bringing in a new, major technological advancement that gives operators an edge on the battlefield. Infantry combat frames began with 1st Gen frames, while others such as armor frames began with 3rd Gen, and gun frames starting with 4th Gen.

1st Gen

1st generation combat frames bring in the core essentials to weapons platform, being the first generation. These technologies include manipulators, battery-core powered systems, and dedicated operator packs.

2nd Gen

2nd generation combat frames add onto their 1st gen brethren, bringing in an array of new technologies to enhance their combat capabilities. Technologies include the introduction of visor-controlled camera systems, where operators wear a visor connected to the frame's cameras, allowing them to move the primary sensory systems like their own head. Alongside this, combat frames would be introduced to rollover systems, essentially roller skate-like mechanisms that allowed combat frames to travel faster with less wear.

3rd Gen

3rd generation combat frames saw the introduction of more experimental technologies due to the 4th World War, such as internal weapon systems controlled by NERVE systems, electromagnetic joints which would repel off each other for increased response time, and the integration of AI systems to assist in combat adaptability and targeting. Armor Frames would be introduced in this generation

4th Gen

4th generation combat frames introduced the dedicated mobility frame, a frame that was solely dedicated to the movement of the combat frame that the armor and other systems would go over. This allowed for decreased maintenance and increased customizability. Gun Frames would be introduced in this generation

5th Gen

5th generation combat frames would see the introduction of new post-war technologies, fueled by Earlorania's rapid expanse into the solar system. This generation would begin the shift away from battery-core powered frames, into various new micro-reactors. This generation would also the the widespread adoption of pulse-jet boosters to aid in mobility. In addition, ejection systems would become commonplace.

6th Gen

6th generation combat frames would be developed in response to the increasing deployment of the Enqurasian's HAMRs. Their introduction would cause technologies such as the Quantum-state Carbon Reactor and the Conscious Resonance Pairing system, a system which aimed to have the combat frames feel like the actual body of the operator, allowing for more fluid movements and increased response times.

Combat Frames

This is a list compiling all known combat frames and their nation of origin, sorted by generation.

Generation 1

Tiansan Improvised Frames (Bastion)
JZ-73 Huān (Xiunto Federation)
Mark-1 Jumper (United Elemental Republic)
SAV-23 Fox Hare (Satonlious Federation)
FV. I-Type 986 Lineman (Federated Argoni States)
Mark-1 Um-Production Codejo (Republic of Umera)
Mark-1 SY-Production Bacalao (South Yukarta Federal Republic)
NZ-77 Jackal (Yoldenöw States)
RSGM-79 Lutador Móvel (Republic of Raxolia)

Generation 2

Mark-2 Merrick (United Elemental Republic)
Mark-3 Ervwyn (United Elemental Republic)
SAV-23A1 Fox Hare (Satonlious Federation)
Vkp.89 MB Läufer (National Republic of Leidenshaier)

Generation 3

Generation 4

KV-112 Björn (Republic of Sideria)
Ng'Fii-1 Muka'tek (Oceanian Federation)
A.Mark-6 Johnson (United Elemental Republic)
I.Mark-7 Wunthern (United Elemental Republic)
TZU-112 Kyam Feizo (United Republic of Taiju Sogotu)
FV. A-Type 1002 Canine Brawler (Federated Argoni States)
FV. C-Type 1009 Holland (Federated Argoni States)
ZZZ-24 Míhóu (Xiunto Federation)
KM-121 Arch Ace (City State of Kaylon)
KL-007 Zenits (Xefu Federal Republic)
ZH-4 Moghund (Khan Empire)
ZC-46 Kabuk (Khan Empire)
FV. I-Type 1021 Pikeman (Federated Argoni States)

Generation 5

KM-122 Arch Ace II (City State of Kaylon)
FV. A-Type 1056 Canine Sprinter (Federated Argoni States)
ZZZ-25 Yín bèi (Xiunto Federation)
G.Mark-8 Patva (United Elemental Republic)
ZH-5 Changva (Khan Empire)
KE-17 Stridsøks (Republic of Sideria)
I.Mark 9 Olson (United Elemental Republic)
A.Mark 10 Emra (United Elemental Republic)
KL-007F Zenits Kai (Federal Republic of Xefu)
A.Mark 10 Naval pattern Emra Orca (United Elemental Republic)
Tzu-112+ Kai Feizo (United Republic of Taigu Sogotu)
ZC-47 Yin Chao (Khan Empire)

Generation 5.5

A.Mark-10 C pattern Emra Custom (United Elemental Republic)
KM-122 Ω Arch Ace II Samael (City State of Kaylon)

Generation 6

TK-11 Mjolnir (League of United Nations)
FV. A-Type 1070 Feline Breaker (Federated Argoni States)