Radiation Zone Assault Trooper

Radiation Zone Assault Troopers, also known as Radiation Troopers, but most commonly as Radtroopers, are members of the Stormtrooper Corps that are well equipped to operate in one of the deadliest terrain types: heavy radiation zones. While Spacetrooper suits are also able to provide ample protection against radiation, they are too cumbersome to operate within planetary gravities. Radtroopers are deployed into radiation-filled zones that contain assets that the Empire wants to acquire or defend. In some instances these areas have naturally hostile environments but there have been other cases where the Empire purposely exposed the environment to radiation through the use of neutron bombs in order to pacify resistance.

In such instances, Radtroopers enter areas after a neutron bomb attack to mop up any survivors and secure assets before the radiation subsides. Resistance is often minimal but some species in the galaxy are immune to radiation and offer significant resistance. Others are protected by wearing cumbersome spacesuits that significantly hinder their fighting ability compared to the lightweight Radtrooper armor. Consequently casualties are often high for those that engage the Radtroopers in combat.

=Equipment= The distinctive silver and black battle armor of the Radtroopers is a modification of the standard plastoid Stormtrooper armor and provides protection against radiation as well as biological and chemical agents. It is stress reinforced and contains a heat and radiation reflective coating. A lead-polymer substrate gives the protection needed to withstand a lethal Grade 5 radiation zone for several hours. The suit also consists of a one-piece wrap-around backpack unit that contains a heat and radiation cooling unit and a portable environment unit. The helmets are stress reinforced with automatic polarizing lenses, an integrated comlink, and breathing filters. The view plate contains macrobinoculars with a blast shield and UV sensors. Under the armor, the trooper is enclosed in a black two-piece temperature controlled and radiation sealed body glove.

Since radiation zones above Grade 4 can cause continuous malfunctions in most powered weapons, Radtrooper blaster carbines are more powerful than standard Stormtrooper issue weapons to compensate for the effects of malfunctions. Unlike most other Imperial combat units, Radtroopers receive extensive training with melee weapons which they often switch to when their blasters fail and are experts with vibroblades and force pikes. All Radtroopers are trained in the use of explosives and grenades, but thermal detonators are never used since their natural volatility is enhanced by high radiation. In addition to the standard stormtrooper utility belt, Radtroopers were issued a survival kit that includes radiation pills, detoxification hypos, a water purifier, a radiation meter, and a radiation tent.

=Sources=
 * Wookieepedia