Reactive Armor

Description
Reactive Armor (sometimes called Blazer Armor) type of specialized armor that uses a series of microscopic explosions to reduce the effects of explosive weapons fire like missiles, artillery, and mortars. When these weapons hit a unit with Reactive Armor protecting the area, the damage is reduced by 50%. The microscopic explosives embedded in the armor redirect the force of the weapon away from the protected unit. This force redirect also reduces the armor-piercing effects of Tandem-Charge Missiles, Armor-Piercing autocannon ammunition, and BattleMech Taser spikes.

Though effective against missiles and artillery, the armor is no more effective than standard armor against other weapon types and physical damage. . In addition there have been several cases where lucky weapon fire has initiated an armor explosion, stripping the Reactive Armor away from the protected location, leaving the unit extremely vulnerable. Another drawback to the armor is its bulk: Reactive Armor occupies as much space on a chassis as standard Ferro-Fibrous Armor, but only provides as much protection as standard 'Mech armor.

Clan Discovery
The armor was developed by the Draconis Combine in 3063, but Clan Ghost Bear captured several samples during the Combine-Ghost Bear War. The Bear's Scientist caste was able to reverse-engineer the armor and put it into limited production two years later.

Revival and Innovation
The armor would be later enter more expansive production by 3081, being reclassified as Advanced Technology. By the thirty-second century would was used on a number of BattleMechs and combat vehicles. The development of Ballistic-Reinforced Armor during the middle thirty-second century would use the Reactive Armor and Hardened Armor as the basis for its combined effectiveness.