I want our best cannon cockers riding herd on the boots.Miles Quaritch ordering Lyle Wainfleet to distribute AMP suits to his men in a deleted scene.
The Mitsubishi MK-6 Amplified Mobility Platform, also known simply as the AMP suit or AMP Assault, is a distant descendant of the first military exoskeletons used on Earth in the mid-21st century. It was improved during military service in a myriad of combat theaters – from arctic to jungle to desert – over the decades. Sealed and pressurized models for toxic environments were developed as well. The suit is used extensively on the Moon and Mars colonies (where they are powered by fuel cells and/or monopropellant ceramic turbines). Its well-tested capabilities have proved invaluable in the deadly environment of Pandora.
AMP suits have been employed in service during the First and Second Pandoran War by Security Operations in order to fight and kill the Na'vi. The Na'vi name for it roughly translates as "shield that walks" or "not-demon walking".[1]
It has other various models such as the AMP Commando, AMP Grenadier, AMP Pyro, AMP Defender, and Combat Exo.
Description[]
Design[]
The full-body AMP suit
The 1.7-ton, human-operated, multi-purpose machine amplifies the strength and mobility of a soldier or civilian worker while providing protection from military and environmental threats. Unlike earlier designs in which weapons were integrated into limbs, the AMP suit is a multi-purpose machine, able to duplicate all functions of the infantry soldier. Since soldiers spend much of their time loading and unloading equipment, and performing other tasks besides operating weapons, it was determined that the AMP suit needed the same functionality as a human: two legs, two arms, and highly dexterous hands. This allows not only a wide range of functions, but allows the suit to operate a variety of weapons systems.
The suit's arms operate in a directly scaled relationship to the operator's arms, which allows better spatial positioning of the hands. The fingers and thumb are in direct 1:1 ratio. The servo armature has force feedback, and resists the movement of the operator's arms when the suit's limbs meet an obstacle. The operator can "feel" what the suit is doing. It is said that the suit can be operated in full darkness, by a skilled driver, by "feel" alone.
The driver is protected from the outside by a glass canopy that creates a breathable atmosphere inside the cockpit. While it provides excellent visibility in most directions, it's also a notable point of weakness; the glass is prone to cracking which both inhibits visibility and leaves the driver exposed to the outside air. In emergency situations, the canopy could be jettisoned entirely, requiring the driver to equip an exopack.
Using the suit, a driver is able to punch through a tree trunk, lift a half ton cargo crate, or rapidly build prefab units without a construction crew. In combat, the suit can provide heavy fire support to infantry units and protect its driver from harsh conditions.
Mobility[]
The AMP suit can be used to move cargo.
The legs are actuated by foot-pedals which amplify on an even larger ratio. In fact the leg sensors work slightly differently than the arms. Due to the confining spatial envelope around the feet and legs of the operator, the pedals cannot move in long strides, even on a scaled relationship. Instead, they sense the force and direction of the input and the on board computer triggers a corresponding programmed movement of the legs. So the operator creates pressure and direction "cues" which trigger leg movements. The suit executes the "intention" of the pilot, calculating terrain factors and momentum to perform balanced movement.
While an average pilot can learn to manipulate the AMP suit in combat conditions, it takes months longer to master the transition from supine to an upright position. However, through the use of gyroscopes and stability chips, AMP suits rarely topple. However, they are still vulnerable to tripping against a properly placed cable.[1]
Auto stability programming maintains center of balance. If the operator happens to be injured or killed, the AMP suit has an automated "walk back" feature. This was developed to protect the AMP suit, as it is a significant investment to the RDA.[1]
Armament[]
The AMP suit with a GAU-90.
Thanks to its robust design, the AMP has functionality as a lethal combat tool that can carry heavy weapons. On Pandora, SecOps AMP suits were used in conjunction with the 30mm GAU-90 autocannon, providing ground forces with sufficient firepower to deal with tougher opponents in dense foliage.
The other non-standard weapon is a combat knife of self-sharpening diamond-hard ceramic, as well as an optional flamethrower. To match the scale of the suit, the knife's blade is over three feet long and cuts through many metals. The knife is especially favored by Special Forces AMP pilots.[1]
Other variants of the AMP suit utilized submachine guns, Bush Boss FD-11 flamethrowers, or back-mounted GE-35K grenade launchers.[2] Prior to 2152, they were also seen throwing mines, which would explode after a short delay.
Variants[]
AMP Commando[]
The AMP Commando is an incredibly powerful AMP variant with enhanced sensors, armor and firepower. Its rear vents are covered with armor plating. Destroying it will alert the unit but will expose its weakpoints. They are the hunter-killers of the RDA and are designed for special operations; to seek and destroy dangerous targets with minimal backup. They are armed with the standard-issue GAU-90 and Combat Knife.
AMP Grenadier[]
This variant boasts devastating incendiary grenade launchers. Though the potential collateral damage caused by the explosive incendiary grenades is high, a single AMP Grenadier increases the strength of a squad considerably. Their armor is tough but can be destroyed to reveal weak points, although this may alert the unit. They wield the AMP Submachine Gun and two GE-35Ks.
AMP Pyro[]
These AMPs are an improved model with enhanced incendiary capabilities as they are armed with two dual Bush Boss FD-11s. The main role of these AMPs are in defoliant operations to clear large swathes of vegetation for human construction, but they could also be used offensively as well.
AMP Defender[]
The AMP Defender is among one of the most heavily armed and defended AMP variant and among one of the most dangerous. They made their first appearance in The Sky Breaker DLC as a new type of elite enemy to face against. As their name implies, their main role is to guard and defend incredibly important sites or equipment for the RDA against Na'vi incursions.
Combat Exo[]
The Combat Exo is a light and agile Exo suit which is efficient in combat but lacking in protection for the pilot. It straddles somewhere in the middle of a proper AMP Suit and a Skel Suit/Pandora Utility Suit. Its light-weight design allows for surprisingly agile movement and makes it practical for a variety of tasks. While not primarily designed for battle, the Combat Exo is very efficient as a combat unit when piloted by a skilled soldier. The biggest downside of this model is the removal of the protective cockpit canopy to bring its weight down even further. Already a safety concern during construction work, this exposure to the hazards on Pandora does not make this model a favorite with most pilots.
Mercer's Guard AMP[]
Mercer's Guard AMP is the final boss of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora main campaign. It is a specialized and heavily modified AMP deployed on the Western Frontier in order to eliminate high value threats to John Mercer. This AMP is one of the most experienced and dangerous AMPs in the western region of Pandora. This design combines capabilities from the Grenadier and Pyro AMPs. At medium distances, it will lay waste to the battlefield with napalm grenades. Closing in, it switches to the Bush Boss FD-11 flamer pistols, while being fully fireproof itself. The suit also has high mobility, which allows it to pursue its target relentlessly. It is also heavily defended, with its rear vents being covered with reinforced armor plating and the cockpit being extremely well-protected. Nevertheless, the grenade launchers and fuel tanks are still vulnerable to attack and the rear armor can be blown off to expose its weak vents which may alert the pilot.
AMP Smasher[]
The AMP Smasher was going to appear in Avatar: Pandora Rising, boasting a large hammer and two additional legs. It is unclear what it was designed for.
Service history[]
Avatar[]
The AMP suit in James Cameron's Avatar: The Game
AMP suits were prolific on Pandora, where they were mainly assigned to base defense, patrol duties, and heavy load moving. When Jake Sully first met colonel Miles Quaritch in Hell's Gate's vehicle hangar, Quaritch was preparing to activate and drive his AMP suit.
In the Battle of Ayram Alusìng, AMP suits supported the ground contingent, being deployed from ropes by Quaritch's C-21 Dragon assault ship and by ramp from Valkyrie 1-6. They were able cut down the first wave of Na'vi warriors and their direhorse mounts, but were unable to kill the much tougher hammerhead titanotheres as they charged. The entire ground contingent was wiped out, including AMP driver Lyle Wainfleet.
When Jake destroyed Quaritch's Dragon assault ship during the battle, Quaritch escaped in his AMP suit before the ship crashed. After landing, he came across the link shack Jake was inside and prepared to destroy it. Neytiri, riding a thanator, attacked Quaritch before he could fire, breaking his GAU-90 against a rock. Quaritch unsheathed the suit's combat knife and killed the thanator, trapping Neytiri under its body.
Jake appeared shortly after and the two engaged in combat, with Jake using the GAU-90's bayonet as a weapon before driving it into the AMP suit's canopy, forcing Quaritch to jettison the canopy and equip an exopack. Quaritch eventually gained the upper hand when he breached the link shack, exposing Jake's human body to the toxic atmosphere. Ready to kill Jake's avatar with his own Na'vi knife, Quaritch was hit twice by Neytiri's arrows. The AMP suit fell to the ground as Quaritch died, largely intact save for a damaged driver display and jettisoned canopy.
Avatar: The Way of Water[]
AMP suits arrive on Pandora.
Armed AMP suits were among the first RDA assets to disembark from a landing module after the RDA's return to Pandora. Some AMP suits were also shown at Bridgehead, but the type was not common outside of the base. Instead, the Skel Suit was used more frequently thanks to its lighter weight and better mobility, especially in maritime environments.
Recom Miles Quaritch encountered his previous self's AMP suit and body inside during his search for Jake's insurgency. He retrieved camera footage of his past self's final moments from the suit.
Avatar: Fire and Ash[]
Members of the Mangkwan meet the RDA.
A group of AMP suits were part of the RDA force seen meeting with Varang and the Mangkwan clan, presumably at their Ash Village.
Notable AMP suits[]
- 1 - Takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 2 - Takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 3 - Takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 5 - Seen during the RDA's return to Pandora.
- 7 - Takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 9 - Takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 11 - Quaritch's "Beyond Glory".
- 12 - Seen during the RDA's return to Pandora.
- 14 - Seen in Armor Bay.
- 15 - Seen in Armor Bay, later takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 17 - Lyle Wainfleet's AMP, crushed by a titanothere stampede.
- 18 - Walks past Jake Sully on his arrival in Hell's Gate, later takes part in the Assault on the Tree of Souls.
- 21 - Seen in Armor Bay.
- 26 - Jake Sully accidentally leaps in front of it when first testing out his avatar body, prompting the pilot to yell at him to watch where he's going.
- 27 - Seen in the Armor Bay. Was also seen loading the Daisy Cutter explosives on to modified Valkyrie Shuttle.
Quaritch's AMP suit (Beyond Glory)[]
Quaritch in his AMP suit
Miles Quaritch has demonstrated superior piloting skills in his AMP suit. Quaritch had nicknamed his suit "Beyond Glory" and had painted a dragon on the gun, consistent with his callsign, "Papa Dragon".[3]
Angela Harding's AMP suit[]
Angela Harding's suit
- Main article: Colonel Angela Harding's custom AMP suit
Angela Harding's insistence on being in the thick of the action has led to the design and construction of an extremely durable and deadly AMP suit. This modified suit combines features from the Grenadier and Pyro variants, built on a heavily reinforced chassis and servo system. Its armor is extremely resistant to damage and Pandora's environmental conditions, but like all AMP suits it has vulnerabilities in the fuel and weapons systems.
Trivia[]
Avatar Featurette- AMP Suit
- Similar suits are the Cyclops from Halo Wars, the mech Atlas used by Cerberus in Mass Effect 3, Titans from Titanfall franchise and the Armored Personnel Unit (APU) walkers from The Matrix series.
- James Cameron also had similar exoskeletons in the movie Aliens. Although the loader exosuits were made to lift heavy objects, one was used to battle the Xenomorph queen at the end of the movie.
Sources[]
- Pandorapedia.com - AMP suit article
