Difference between revisions of "Vacc Suit"

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A [[Vacc suit]] or vacuum suit allows [[lifeform]]s to work in a vacuum [[environment]]. At lower Tech Levels, vacc suits are unwieldy and uncomfortable, but they become lighter, more flexible and improved protections with each technological advance. Vacc suits consist of the suit, gloves, boots, and a standard helmet; they protect against temperatures from +100°C to -110°C and pressures of up to 5 atmospheres. {{Page cite|name=Imperial Encyclopedia|page=68|citeName=IE68}}{{Page cite|name=Traveller The New Era|page=336|citeName=TNE336}}
 
 
See also:
 
* [[Atmospheric survival suit]]
 
* [[Hostile environment suit]]
 
* [[Water survival suit]]
 
 
=== Description ===
 
The standard vacc suit, a mass-produced, fully outfitted soft suit designed for those who have little knowledge of space or don‘t need a more elaborate system. Every suit uses the standard [[portable life support system]] (PLSS) backpacks or connected to a central life support system via an umbilical hose. Either supply oxygen and power, and remove the exhaled gases and other wastes. It is equipped with a simple sub-regional range public frequency radio. It can be worn over normal clothing, and all control hardware is on a small front-mounted pack, allowing normal if somewhat cramped accommodation in most seating. It uses a standard PLSS-10 unit and a pair of fans for 12 hours worth of life support circulation (one for the body, one to keep the helmet defogged). {{Page cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 9|page=47|citeName=JTAS947}}{{Page cite|name=Central Supply Catalog|page=14|citeName=CSC14}}
 
 
The only rigid part of the suit is the front visor, so the entire suit can be folded into a relatively small space (such as a large attache case). While it has normal abrasion resistance, it is not self-sealing, provides no radiation protection, and only minimal protection against damage (a penetrated hit will cause slow leaks that will empty the suit in 10 minutes unless sealed with one of the two included sealant patches).{{Page cite|citeName=JTAS947}}{{Page cite|citeName=CSC14}}
 
 
There are two general types of vacc suits: soft suits, which consist entirely of cloth or fabric with an integrated heating/cooling system. These suits are more comfortable to wear but are more prone to puncture and have a smaller temperature range. By {{TL|14}}, the soft suits can be tailored to the individual user, to different fashion standards, and designed to be worn as clothing. Hard suits are built to [[Combat Armour]] standards but without weapons or vision enhancement gear. This provides greater protection against hazards, including radiation and greater temperature range.
 
 
There are two types of [[helmet]]s that go to with each vacc suit: soft helmets are easier to manage, put on, and take off. The soft helmet is a partly reinforced cloth and plastic covering held up by the air pressure inside the suit. Like the soft suits, the soft helmets are less protective and do not work in areas where the external pressure exceeds the air pressure in the suit. A hard helmet is a reinforced plastic or metal with clear visors. The hard helmets offer greater protection against environmental hazards. Both have automatic polarizer to reduce incoming light levels to viewable ranges.
 
 
=== Vacuum effects ===
 
Vacuum causes immediate and severe damage to lifeforms used to living in an [[atmosphere]] or [[hydrosphere]]. If they survive the exposure, the damage is severe, but evenly distributed over the body’s systems so that any individual part is only somewhat affected. Cosmetic effects will last well beyond the actual damage, and may require surgery in some cases. Penetrating hits to suits that aren’t self-sealing can also hurt a lot. This is known as “blowout”, but is not as catastrophic as it sounds: the closest body part is sucked up against the hole, at which point the skin ruptures and blood, air and body tissues begin spraying out into space. The localized tissue damage is extremely painful.{{Page cite|name=Central Supply Catalog|page=16-17}}
 
 
=== Low technology vacc suits ===
 
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
{{InfoboxGoods
|name    = Vacc suit
+
|name    = Generic Vacc Suit
|Type   = Protective gear
+
|alsosee =
|TL      = 4
+
|caption =
|weight = 18.0 kg
+
|cost   = Cr10,250
|size    = 21.0 l
+
|footnote=
|cost   = Cr22,500
+
|image  = [[File:Vaccsuit2.png|125px]]
|footnote=
+
|origin =  
 +
|ref    =
 +
|size    = 6 liters
 +
|TL      = 7
 +
|Type   = Protective Gear
 +
|weight  = 12.5 kg
 +
|manufacturer=
 
}}
 
}}
The {{TL|4}} vacc suit looks like - and performs like - something out of a Jules Verne novel. Bulky, ponderous and alarmingly prone to pressure leaks, this suit has no integral valves for use with individual air tanks (although such valves could be retrofitted with some effort). Instead, the suit's heat and oxygen supply is piped in through a dedicated umbilical tube. The umbilical tube has a variety of predictable drawbacks it limits the user's range, is an impediment to movement and is extremely vulnerable. However, as individual air tanks are not available until {{TL|5}}, it is the best the manufacturers can do. {{Page cite|name=Hard Times|page=89}}{{Page cite|name=Central Supply Catalog|page=15|citeName=CSC15}}
+
A personal [[Vacc Suit|vacuum]] or space suit and is designed to protect the individual from [[vacuum]], [[Tainted Atmosphere|tainted]] or [[Exotic Atmosphere|noxious]] atmospheres, and some radiation situations. {{Page cite|name= Characters and Combat|page=41|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
 
 +
It carries its own communicators, [[oxygen tank]]s for six hours, and other basic survival appurtenances. Use of a Vacc suit requires training. It acts as [[cloth armor]] when subject to attacks. Vacc suits are relatively bulky, and weigh 10 kilograms or more; the weight counts against personal weight allowances. This weight is reduced 2 kilograms per [[tech level]] as the suit gains increasing sophistication. For example, a {{TL|10}} Vacc Suit weighs 6 kilograms, and a vacc suit at tech levels of thirteen or more adds no apparent weight over regular clothing. {{Page cite|name= Characters and Combat|page=41|version=Classic Traveller}}
  
The {{TL|4}} suit is also noted for its inability to keep heat in and radiation out (in spite of the very heavy lead mesh).
+
A Vacc suit consists of a suit type, a helmet, and a [[Portable Life Support System]] backpack (PLSS). The standard vacc suit is a mass produced, fully outfitted soft suit
<div style="clear:both"></div>
+
designed for those who have little knowledge of space or who don't need a more elaborate system. Because of this, it is equipped with a 30 km space-band radio rather than the more expensive 500 km model. The suit itself is constructed similarly to the light duty
{{InfoboxGoods
+
soft suit, except that it has constant volume joints to allow its wearer more freedom of movement. The helmet is a lighter version of the early type and the Type B PLSS pack is standard. Mass and price include two oxygen tanks.
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=5
 
|weight=15kg
 
|size=16l
 
|cost=Cr16,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
{{TL|5}} vacc suits are more flexible than their {{TL|4}} predecessors, less prone to leaks, and equipped to accept either individual air tanks or improved umbilical connections. Heat comes from small electric warmers (powered by one hour batteries). Radiation protection, though better than the {{TL|4}} model, is still rather poor. {{Page cite|name=Hard Times|page=90|citeName=HT90}}{{Page cite|citeName=CSC15}}
 
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=6
 
|weight=7kg
 
|size=7l
 
|cost=Cr12,500
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
At {{TL|6}}, vacc suits become lighter, more rugged and much more flexible. Descended from high-altitude flight suits, these garments offer better radiation protection and greatly improved heating and personal comfort. Unfortunately, they are no more puncture-resistant than their predecessors. They can accept both umbilical connections and air tanks.{{Page cite|citeName=HT90}}
 
  
=== Middle technology vacc suits ===
+
All suits are capable of being operated using oxygen umbilicals connected to a spacecraft's or station's oxygen supply. The user may do this to supplement his PLSS
{{InfoboxGoods
+
pack or operate the suit off the umbilical alone.
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=7
 
|weight=13kg
 
|size=13l
 
|cost=Cr16,500
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
These are the first practical space suits. The {{TL|7}} vacc suit is suitable for careful, extended forays into vacuum and light radiation environments. They incorporate semi-regenerative life support via the PLSS for extended endurance, heating and cooling systems, waste-processing systems, nourishment dispensers and rudimentary diagnostics. It provides adequate protection against abrasion and minimal damage, but is still somewhat clumsy to use. The autonomy and endurance (6 hours) of the suit are paid for by its extra mass and cost. At {{TL|7}}, suits are usually custom-made for the user at substantial expense. {{Page cite|citeName=HT90}}{{Page cite|citeName=CSC15}}
 
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=8
 
|weight=14kg
 
|size=15l
 
|cost=Cr10,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
The {{TL|8}} vacc suit is a refined, less-bulky version of the {{TL|7}} model. Increased manual dexterity and radiation shielding are two important features. It is commonly used with a basic PLSS. Personal maneuver capabilities can be provided by the maneuver pack (also introduced at {{TL|8}} and fully integrated with the {{TL|8}} suit and PLSS combination).{{Page cite|citeName=HT90}}
 
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=9
 
|weight=8kg
 
|size=8l
 
|cost=Cr7,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
The standard vacc suit, typical for the interstellar traveler. Using a PLSS, the wearer can survive up to 48 hours. All suits have advanced internal diagnostics of the suit and the wearer, the latter allowing a [[Medical Scanner]] to be used without removing the suit. The suits also include a integral communicator. {{Page cite|name=T5 Core Rules|page=630|citeName=T5CR630}}
 
  
=== High technology vacc suits ===
+
Suiting up normally takes about 12 minutes, but this can be cut to three if sanitary
{{InfoboxGoods
+
connections and safety checks are not made. Total time spent is about 8 minutes under normal conditions or about 2 minutes under emergency conditions. The suit may be removed in about 4 minutes normally or 1 minute in an emergency.  
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=10
 
|weight=6kg
 
|size=8l
 
|cost=Cr7,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
At {{TL|10}}, holographic heads-up displays become common in hard-helmet suits. The display shows the condition of the suit and the current battery level and air supply.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}}
 
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
  
=== Very high technology vacc suits ===
+
Vacc suit technology begins for most races with underwater diving suits of various types from the earliest bathysphere to later, far more sophisticated [[Oxygen Rebreather|rebreather]] suits. Most [[sophont]]s achieve interplanetary space travel by the [[TL:7-9]] epoch and the first [[space suit]]s are designed to support life in a [[vacuum]].
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=13
 
|weight=4kg
 
|size=5l
 
|cost=Cr7,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
At {{TL|13}}, vacc Suits have a self-sealing option, allowing the suit to automatically seal itself against small punctures.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}}{{Page cite|citeName=TNE336}}. All suits have advanced internal diagnostics of the suit and the wearer, the latter allowing a [[Medical Scanner]] to be used without removing the suit. The suits also include a integral communicator.{{Page cite|citeName=T5CR630}} The hard helmets have holographic heads-up displays showing the condition of the suit and the current battery level and air supply.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}} Air and power are supplied by a PLSS. Personal maneuver capabilities can be provided by the maneuver pack.{{Page cite|citeName=HT90}}
 
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
|name=Vacc suit
 
|Type=Protective gear
 
|TL=14
 
|weight=2kg
 
|size=2l
 
|cost=Cr7,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
At {{TL|14}}, tailored vacc suits become available. These include a soft helmet which can be rolled into the collar and quick attach gloves. Other advantages of a tailored suit are style and status.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}}{{Page cite|citeName=TNE336}} Both normal and tailored suits have a self-sealing option.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}}{{Page cite|citeName=TNE336}}. All suits have advanced internal diagnostics of the suit and the wearer, the latter allowing a [[Medical Scanner]] to be used without removing the suit. The suits also include a integral communicator.{{Page cite|citeName=T5CR630}} The hard helmets have holographic heads-up displays showing the condition of the suit and the current battery level and air supply.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}} Air and power are supplied by a PLSS. Personal maneuver capabilities can be provided by the maneuver pack.{{Page cite|citeName=HT90}}
 
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
{{InfoboxGoods
 
|name    = Vacc suit
 
|Type    = Protective gear
 
|TL      = 15
 
|weight  = 2.0 kg
 
|size    = 2.0 l
 
|cost    = Cr7,000
 
|footnote=
 
}}
 
At {{TL|15}} all suits, including the tailored, are self sealing as a standard feature.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}}{{Page cite|citeName=TNE336}}. All suits have advanced internal diagnostics of the suit and the wearer, the latter allowing a [[Medical Scanner]] to be used without removing the suit. The suits also include a integral communicator.{{Page cite|citeName=T5CR630}} The hard helmets have holographic heads-up displays showing the condition of the suit and the current battery level and air supply.{{Page cite|citeName=IE68}} Air and power are supplied by a basic PLSS. Personal maneuver capabilities can be provided by the maneuver pack.{{Page cite|citeName=HT90}}
 
  
 +
An [[Aslan]] [[Corsair]] in a [[TL-10]] [[Armored Vacc Suit]] armed with a [[TL-10]] [[Accelerator Rifle]] conducting [[EVA]] to board enemy vessel. This [[Aslan]] is from [[Clan Htyowao]] during the [[Drinax Campaign]]. <br> [[File: Aslan-Boarder-RESIZED-T5-Joey-Docil 15-August-2019b.jpg]]
  
 
{{Basic}}
 
{{Basic}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name=Worlds and Adventures|page=17}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name= Characters and Combat|version=Classic Traveller|page=41}}
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 2|page=7|article=Ship's Locker}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 09|article=Vacc Suits|page=47-52}}
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 9|page=47-52|article=Vacc Suits}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name= MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy |page= 4 |article= Imperial Soldier’s Weapons & Armor Guide }}
|S4= {{Ludography cite|name=FCI Consumer Guide|page=15-17}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=The Traveller's Handbook|page=214}}
|S5= {{Ludography cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 23|page=45-46|article=Ships Locker: Vacc Suit}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name= Guns, Gadgets and Gear|page=47}}
|S6= {{Ludography cite|name=Imperial Encyclopedia|page=68}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Core Rule Book|version=New Traveller|page=98}}  
|S7= {{Ludography cite|name=World Builder's Handbook|page=34-40}}
+
| {{Ludography cite|name= Central Supply Catalogue|version=New Traveller|page= 24}}
|S8= {{Ludography cite|name=Hard Times|page=89-90}} - Low TL suits
 
|S9= {{Ludography cite|name=Traveller The New Era|page=336-338}}
 
|S10= {{Ludography cite|name=Central Supply Catalog|page=15-16,21}}
 
|S11= {{Ludography cite|name=GURPS Traveller|page=118}}
 
|S12= {{Ludography cite|name=Vacc suit|page=1-12}}
 
|S13= {{Ludography cite|name=T5 Core Rules|page=630}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
+
[[Category:Atmosphere equipment]]
 +
[[Category: Suit]]
 
{{LE}}
 
{{LE}}

Revision as of 13:24, 21 June 2020

Generic Vacc Suit
Vaccsuit2.png
Type Protective Gear
Tech Level TL–7
Cost Cr10,250
Size 6 liters
Weight 12.5 kg

A personal vacuum or space suit and is designed to protect the individual from vacuum, tainted or noxious atmospheres, and some radiation situations. [1]

It carries its own communicators, oxygen tanks for six hours, and other basic survival appurtenances. Use of a Vacc suit requires training. It acts as cloth armor when subject to attacks. Vacc suits are relatively bulky, and weigh 10 kilograms or more; the weight counts against personal weight allowances. This weight is reduced 2 kilograms per tech level as the suit gains increasing sophistication. For example, a TL–10 Vacc Suit weighs 6 kilograms, and a vacc suit at tech levels of thirteen or more adds no apparent weight over regular clothing. [2]

A Vacc suit consists of a suit type, a helmet, and a Portable Life Support System backpack (PLSS). The standard vacc suit is a mass produced, fully outfitted soft suit designed for those who have little knowledge of space or who don't need a more elaborate system. Because of this, it is equipped with a 30 km space-band radio rather than the more expensive 500 km model. The suit itself is constructed similarly to the light duty soft suit, except that it has constant volume joints to allow its wearer more freedom of movement. The helmet is a lighter version of the early type and the Type B PLSS pack is standard. Mass and price include two oxygen tanks.

All suits are capable of being operated using oxygen umbilicals connected to a spacecraft's or station's oxygen supply. The user may do this to supplement his PLSS pack or operate the suit off the umbilical alone.

Suiting up normally takes about 12 minutes, but this can be cut to three if sanitary connections and safety checks are not made. Total time spent is about 8 minutes under normal conditions or about 2 minutes under emergency conditions. The suit may be removed in about 4 minutes normally or 1 minute in an emergency.

Vacc suit technology begins for most races with underwater diving suits of various types from the earliest bathysphere to later, far more sophisticated rebreather suits. Most sophonts achieve interplanetary space travel by the TL:7-9 epoch and the first space suits are designed to support life in a vacuum.

An Aslan Corsair in a TL-10 Armored Vacc Suit armed with a TL-10 Accelerator Rifle conducting EVA to board enemy vessel. This Aslan is from Clan Htyowao during the Drinax Campaign.
Aslan-Boarder-RESIZED-T5-Joey-Docil 15-August-2019b.jpg

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.