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Description
Results from testing the ZF01 prototype. The unit performs superior to all currently fielded MBA’s (Mobile Battle Armor) in its class. High mobility combined with its weapon load out gives it the ability to operate independent of most support.

New energy defense system is capable of detonating most types of anti armor shells and explosives launched at it from a forward arc. Smaller solid rounds are heated to a degree that they simply splatter off the ZF01’s armor. The system isn’t perfect however, and can be overloaded by weight of fire. It also struggles with extreme close range attacks.

The weapons it carries are energy based and require no ammunition. Twin energy pulse cannons. Direct hits will cause most armor to vaporize or melt. Shock Cannon: This weapon emits a massive cone shaped shock wave just in front of the armor. The force it puts out is enough to smash a tank at close range. The manufacturer even says it can deflect solid rounds launched at the unit if we allow the AI to do so. Which brings me to the more controversial design element.

We are not comfortable with the amount of AI required to operate this one. We had reports of the the ZF01 auto correcting piloting errors, which is fine on paper, but the fact that it will do this of its own accord is worrisome. There is even a report that during maintenance the ZF01 handed a tool to the mechanic servicing it. He was so surprised that he fell off the ladder, and the was caught before hitting the ground. The mechanic thought this was all a prank, but when he opened the armor up, there was no one inside. That mechanic has refused to do any more work on the ZF01. The manufacturers swear that this sort of behavior is impossible, and we have since asked for a way to completely decouple the AI system from the armor during servicing.

Other drawbacks to this prototype are the high cost, and the large amount of specialized training that is required to maximize it's potential. Despite this, we will move forward with a second round of testing on the ZF01 prototype and consider it for special operations deployments.

Description
Results from testing the ZF01 prototype. The unit performs superior to all currently fielded MBA’s (Mobile Battle Armor) in its class. High mobility combined with its weapon load out gives it the ability to operate independent of most support.

New energy defense system is capable of detonating most types of anti armor shells and explosives launched at it from a forward arc. Smaller solid rounds are heated to a degree that they simply splatter off the ZF01’s armor. The system isn’t perfect however, and can be overloaded by weight of fire. It also struggles with extreme close range attacks.

The weapons it carries are energy based and require no ammunition. Twin energy pulse cannons. Direct hits will cause most armor to vaporize or melt. Shock Cannon: This weapon emits a massive cone shaped shock wave just in front of the armor. The force it puts out is enough to smash a tank at close range. The manufacturer even says it can deflect solid rounds launched at the unit if we allow the AI to do so. Which brings me to the more controversial design element.

We are not comfortable with the amount of AI required to operate this one. We had reports of the the ZF01 auto correcting piloting errors, which is fine on paper, but the fact that it will do this of its own accord is worrisome. There is even a report that during maintenance the ZF01 handed a tool to the mechanic servicing it. He was so surprised that he fell off the ladder, and the was caught before hitting the ground. The mechanic thought this was all a prank, but when he opened the armor up, there was no one inside. That mechanic has refused to do any more work on the ZF01. The manufacturers swear that this sort of behavior is impossible, and we have since asked for a way to completely decouple the AI system from the armor during servicing.

Other drawbacks to this prototype are the high cost, and the large amount of specialized training that is required to maximize it's potential. Despite this, we will move forward with a second round of testing on the ZF01 prototype and consider it for special operations deployments.