SAMAS

The ultimate evolution of modern mobility warfare, the SAMAS gave the 22nd century soldier the firepower and mobility of an attack helicopter. Resurrected by The Coalition States from the ashes of history, the SAMAS has proven to be the fast response nutcracker of their armed forces.
SAMAS is an acronym for Suit, Assault, Mobile, Airborne, Single (seat or pilot). Like most military acronyms, the name is given in supply logistics heirarchy order with the base noun first, followed by more and more detailed levels of descriptors; so it is best to read them in reverse sequence to make the most sense out of them: single seat airborne mobile assault suit. They are flying suits of power armor armed with railguns and mini-missiles. A SAMAS can rip through lightly and moderately armored opponents with little risk of counterattack as they zip past at speeds in excess of 200 kilometers an hour. They are equipped with bleeding edge electronics systems for targeting and collision avoidance. Even heavily armored opponents have a difficult time standing up to coordinated assaults from several SAMAS.

Utility

SAMAS were originally designed for close air support of ground combat and were capable of diving out of the sun to destroy enemy armor from above.

On Rift's Earth, however, the presence of Bullarum make flying at anything other than ground-hugging altitude a suicidal affair. But this hasn't prevented SAMAS from being effective combat units. Rather, the sheer volume of supernaturally armored enemies present on the planet has created a need only the SAMAS can fulfill. They are assigned to combat regiments to be the penetrating tip of the spear, opening holes in enemy formations and driving deep into the enemy's rear. On defense, their speed and firepower are perfect for scooting from enemy attack to enemy attack, blunting them to allow less mobile units time to recover and reinforce.
Alongside Skelebots and Dog Boy soldiers, the SAMAS is key to the military success and primacy of The Coalition States.

Access & Availability

There are thousands of SAMAS in Rifts Earth. Most are employed by The Coalition States, but quite a few SAMAS have made their way into the hands of private operators. There is even one painted bubblegum pink in the service of Brian's Kingdom.
Bandito Arms has recently achieved the ability to manufacture SAMAS as well, and can deliver about one a month to its eagerly anticipating clientelle.