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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→Overview
Battlesuits are a type of advanced [[power armour]], with the larger models likened by [[Imperial]] observers to fast-moving (and infinitely more graceful) [[Dreadnought]]s.{{Fn|3}} They vary in size, from no bigger than a [[Fire Warrior]] in standard armour, to being twice as tall as a [[Space Marine]] (with the new [[XV104 Riptide]] having surpassed even this).{{Fn|3}}. Battlesuits vary in role, from battlefield infiltration to fire support. Most are designed to be worn by a single Fire Warrior and are packed with advanced weaponry and devices, including multi-spectrum sensors and scanners useful for detecting hidden enemies, and recoil absorption technology which, while not providing the same stability as [[Terminator Armour]], allows for accurate shooting of light weaponry while moving.{{Fn|1}}
Battlesuits are piloted directly by a neuro-link from the operator, which interfaces with the vehicle through a monofilament needle inserted through the back of the head into their brain. This allows the pilot to make the Battlesuit an extension of his their own body movements, allowing for fast and fluid reactions.{{Fn|17}} Modern Battlesuits are equipped with dense nanocrystalline alloy armor with liquid metal coatings, which while providing superior durability and protection to internal systems is also light enough to avoid unnecessary encumbrance. Damage to armor and internals can be transmitted to the pilot's nervous system as sympathetic pain via the inner cocoon, though only ever at level sufficient to inform pilots and never intense enough to distract.{{Fn|16a}}{{Fn|17}}
Only [[Fire Warriors]] who have served as standard troopers (or [[Shas'la]]) then passed the [[Trial by Fire]] can go on to become Battlesuit pilots.{{Fn|8c}} Anti-tampering systems are present to to prevent their use by unauthorized pilots, enemy or otherwise; during the mission to assassinate [[Commander Brightsword]], an Imperial saboteur attempted to pilot a Crisis battlesuit, but upon entering the suit's cockpit was fried to a charred corpse.{{Fn|5}}
