Shoulder modifications
Shoulder modifications are mobile fencer modifications that are equipped on the shoulder regions of a fencer chassis, allowing for extra firepower beyond hand-held armaments. The following are the most common types of fencer shoulder modification.
Shoulder-mounted guns
Shoulder-mounted guns are large, medium-caliber kinetic weapons specifically engineered for anti-armor fencer units. They are designed to be attached to the shoulders of dedicated anti-armor fencer platforms. Even so, they still face similar ammunition stowage demands, logistics problems, and weight issues as shoulder-mounted howitzers, albeit to a less severe degree.
Shoulder-mounted howitzers
Shoulder-mounted howitzers are large, high-caliber artillery weapons specifically engineered for heavy fencer units. They are designed to be attached to the shoulders of dedicated fencer artillery platforms, offering several key advantages that make them invaluable assets in long-distance combat, both in space and on planetary surfaces. However, their large weight, expensive cost, and logistical demand for a large, separate ammunition stowage makes both artillery fencers and these modifications a rarity.
Shoulder-mounted missile launchers
Shoulder-mounted missile launchers are advanced weapons systems engineered to enhance the combat capabilities of fencer units. These launchers are strategically placed on the shoulders of fencers, making them easily accessible and allowing for rapid deployment of guided and unguided missiles. They are characterized by their ability to deliver highly accurate and potent firepower over extended distances, and can be calibrated for anti-armor or high explosive operations. However, reloading is a major issue for these modifications; if no dedicated dorsal loading platform exists, they are considered “one-and-done” firing systems.
Shoulder-mounted point defenses
Shoulder-mounted point defenses are advanced systems integrated into fencer units to detect, track, and intercept incoming threats, such as missiles, projectiles, and other airborne hazards. These small kinetic or missile systems are strategically positioned on the shoulders, allowing for comprehensive coverage and rapid response to potential dangers. They are characterized by their ability to provide an effective and automated defensive layer for fencer units, sacrificing outright firepower.