Predator technology
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The following is a list of equipment and weapons utilised by the fictional Predators from the Predator franchise. The Predators are a highly advanced technological species, evident through their capacity for interstellar travel and their vast array of weaponry and equipment.
[edit] Equipment
[edit] Helmet
Various helmet designs are used by the Predators. These helmets contain a variety of functions which the Predators may require during a hunt. As well as protecting the Predator's head, the helmet acts as a respirator. It has a sound amplifier,[1] multiple vision modes,[2] a zoom function,[1] some diagnostic capabilities[3] and a recording system.[2][3]
The helmets have been shown to have access several different visual frequencies, the most commonly seen being infra red. Infra red is effective for tracking humans, but useless in a xenomorph hunt.[4] Also available is an Ultraviolet spectrum[2] and a mode used to track xenomorphs[4]. Additional vision modes are available to determine the health condition of targets.[4]
Housed within the helmet is a targeting and tracking system for shoulder based plasma casters.[1] A shoulder mounted plasma caster uses this laser target designator, which comprises three corners of an open triangle, to aim at the designated prey. Incorporated to finalize the shot is a lock-on system, as a quarry is decided upon, the designator will zoom a triangle in on the prey from the HUD, which will flash and turn solid red, then fires.[1][2][4][3]. This also has a zoom capability so the Predators can see and aim over great distances[4]. This tracking system also allows the Predators to plot trajectories of thrown objects.[1]
Another feature of the Predator's helmet is its voice translator/recorder. This device can both record and play strips of audio, which a Predator may use to express meaning or catch prey off guard, or to simply listen to the voices of their prey, as if to study their language.[1][2] The helmet also is used to analyse the materials.[2] The helmet also seems to affect hearing as well; in Predator, when the Predator took its helmet off, it heard things at a much higher pitch than before and slightly more distorted.
In the Aliens versus Predator video games, the Predator has four vision modes, regular vision (to fit in with the first-person shooter genre), thermal (spotting regular beings like humans), electric (gives a red background, used spotting xenomorphs by their white outline), and Predator vision (gives a green background, used for spotting other Predators and Predator technology, shown in a white outline).
In Predator: Concrete Jungle, the Predator's helmet offered four types of vision and varying diagnostic functions for each: Normal Vision, which was the same as a human and had no diagnostic; Thermal Vision, which highlighted heat signatures and could analyze health and armour weaknesses in prey; Tech vision, which contrasted energy sources, xenomorphs and analyzed a prey's weapon systems; and Neuro Vision, which exposed the prey's current emotional status (calm, panicking, hostile, etc.) and, on scan, would show the target's affiliation and rank.
[edit] Design
In the first Predator, the helmet was originally designed to look like a mechanised version of the creature's face. The prop was scrapped, as it was felt that it gave away the Predator's final appearance too early.[5] The original design would reappear in subsequent films as the helmets of background or secondary Predator characters.[2][4][3] In Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, concept artist Michael Broom drew the helmet of the Wolf Predator as being made from a trophy skull, while Chris Ayers drew the helmet as identical to that appearing in Predator 2, with the addition of a spiked reptilian hide strapped to it.[6]
[edit] Cloaking device
Typically reserved for hunts against quarry which shoot back[7], the cloaking device provides the Predator with active camouflage, bending light around the wearer[2] and projecting a semi-transparent image in front of the Predator, rendering it partially invisible. The device is also used to mask Predator ships moving within enemy territories. Though effective in dry terrain, contact with water renders the device inoperable.[1][2] It is ineffective against xenomorphs, due to their shark-like senses.[4] When a Predator activates it, their helmet's lenses briefly glow yellow or blue.[1][3]
The cloaking effect was executed by Joel Hyneck.[5] According to Predator director John McTiernan, the scenes in the film of the cloaked hunter were the reason Jean-Claude Van Damme left the set 2 days in production, as he was unhappy with being cast as an uncredited special effect. Wind and water fans were used to simulate the Predator whenever walking on water.
[edit] Medicomp
The medicomp is a small case that contains various medical supplies should the Predator ever be injured. This healing kit contains enough tools to perform minor surgery and repair superficial wounds. Among the medical supplies are vials of liquid which, when mixed with heated minerals, creates a regenerative sludge that can be used to cauterize wounds.[2] Also contained are a shrapnel extractor,[1] wound staplers,[1] one stimulant shot,[2] and one antiseptic tube.[1]
According to Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem model supervisor Nick Seldon, the use of staplers to close wounds as opposed to needles was done as a nod to the fact that the Predator's hide is too thick for surgical needles.[6]
[edit] Plate armor
As with the helmet, the body armor (known in the Predator language as Awu'asa)[7] varies in appearance. Most Predators wear a breastplate which does not cover the midsection. It is made of a very durable metal able to stop bullets[1][2][4][3] as well as delay the corrosive effect of xenomorph blood long enough for it to be taken off.[4] The plating is made of several layers, resulting in better durability. Also worn are a gorget, pauldrons, spaulders, tassets and greaves as well as foot armor made of the same unknown alloy. Though very light and strong, a Predator's armor can be pierced by a xenomorph stinger.[4][3]
The Aliens versus Predator video games portray the plate armor as being indestructible as a gameplay element, making the Predator the most durable player-controlled character.
The original plate armour was designed by John Rosengrant.[5]
[edit] Sat-com
The sat-com is a portable computer which shows the schematics of some determined object or building, as well as working like a positioning unit. When activated it displays a miniature which is projected out of the wrist computer as a 3-dimensional holographic image.[4][3] The sat-com will also display the position of laser nets and mines in the area, as well as their projected area of effect.[3]
[edit] Weapons
Predator weaponry varies from hunter to hunter. Older warriors tend to disdain the use of firearms, preferring to use melee weapons in order to increase the challenge.[7]
A forensic scientist in Predator 2, upon examining one such weapon, found that it did not correspond to any known Earth element.
[edit] Ceremonial dagger
The ceremonial dagger appears in the Alien vs. Predator film, attached to the right shins of all three starring predators. It is treated to resist Xenomorph blood.
[edit] Combi stick
The combi stick closely resembles a telescopic spear. It can pierce through many materials such as body armor and steel. There are two variants; a large, bronze coloured version[2], and a sleeker, silver version with protruding blades.[4] Both this and the shuriken are made of materials that are somehow resistant to the acidic traits of xenomorph blood.[4][3]
The original combi stick was designed by Mark McCreery.[5] The combi-stick prop used in Predator 2 was apparently stolen after production finished.
[edit] Gauntlet plasma bolt
Featured in Predator 2. It fires a small plasma bolt from the Predator's left wrist gauntlet, which seems to be only moderately effective, but still causes a reasonable amount of damage as the protagonist of Predator 2 had to hastily remove his body armor, as it was glowing red.
[edit] Glove
A strength enhancing gauntlet which releases some form of kinetic energy with explosive force on impact.[3] Used as a means of demolishing objects such as concrete from all directions, it provides quick access to the path wanted.[3]
The power glove was originally drawn by production designer Farzad Varahramyan to encompass the Predator's whole arm, and have a retractable shield.[6]
[edit] Laser nets
The laser net is a flat triangular-shaped device that, when deployed, automatically secures itself against a solid surface.[3] When activated by remote, the device will produce multiple laser beams stretching across a spacial void until they make contact with an adjacent surface. The lasers do not damage or cut into the adjacent surfaces they touch, but do cut and slice through organic material.[3] When two or more laser nets are placed across from each other on parallel surfaces and activated, a laser "grid" results, disallowing all but the smallest creatures to pass through.[3] A Predator places these devices behind himself to prevent any possible attack from behind while tracking prey and also has the added, if unintentional, effect of providing contrast against the surrounding area making prey easier to see.[3]
[edit] Sword
In Predator 2, the Elder Predator is holding a sword. It is unknown if this weapon is used during a hunt, or is merely ceremonial.
[edit] Netgun
Two versions of the netgun appear. The first is seen in Predator 2, where it is a gun-like weapon that fires a man-sized net at its target, who is violently thrown and trapped against the nearest surface. The net then begins to constrict itself and cut apart the trapped individual inside.
A second version of the netgun was seen in the movie Alien vs. Predator, where it is seen to be a smaller version mounted on the Predator's wrist gauntlet and can load three nets in the three barrels alongside each other. Though resistant against edged weapons, it is not resistant to a xenomorph's acidic blood[4] or Predator weapons.[2]
In the video game Aliens versus Predator 2, the net only traps the victim to maintain the balance of game play. The opponents captured in nets are allowed to cut their way out with melee weapons.
[edit] Plasma caster
The plasma caster is a shoulder-mounted energy weapon. A triangular Laser range-finder is used to assist aiming the shot. The laser sight can be part of the Predator's helmet,[1][2] although some casters have their own laser sights without need of a helmet.[2][4] In both set-ups the plasma caster moves with the Predator's field of vision. It fires a bright blue[1] or gold[2] plasma pulse in a straight line. The pulse can be controlled to fire with more powerful charges ranging from minor stunning/wounding blasts[1] or powerful enough to sunder the atmospheric plating of interstellar aircraft.[3] The plasma caster and respective tracking servos are some of the most vulnerable articles of equipment carried by the Predator, being easily damaged.[2][4] The plasma caster can also be used as a hand held weapon.[3]
As a gameplay element in the Aliens versus Predator video games, when used in conjunction with the correct vision mode, the plasma caster automatically targets an enemy and the shot is normally a guaranteed hit, (especially against human targets) provided that said enemy does not take cover in such situations, although fast xenomorphs may escape.
The original Predator plasma caster was designed by Steve Wang[5] and was redesigned by Farzad Varahramyan for subsequent appearances.[6]
[edit] Scatter gun
In Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, the scatter gun is derived from the plasma caster. It is used when Wolf's plasma casters are rendered useless, forcing him to use one as a makeshift pistol. In the Aliens versus Predator: Requiem game for the PSP, the scatter gun is called the hand cannon.
[edit] Self-destruct device
Each Predator carries a self-destruct device mounted on their wrist computer. Once activated this device begins a relatively short countdown. Red LEDs of Predator numerals on the Predator's gauntlet serve as a warning that the bomb is about to explode. The detonation of the bomb results in a small nuclear explosion which destroys an area equivalent to 300 city blocks.[2] The device is usually used as a means of retaining honor, much like Japanese sepukku, allowing the hunter to commit suicide when he has been mortally wounded or inescapably trapped, in order to preserve his honor and remove any evidence of his existence. A similar device is found on Predator starships[3].
[edit] Smart disc
The smart disc is an extremely sharp circular weapon that is thrown like a discus and returns to the user like a boomerang. This weapon is extremely powerful, shown to easily cut through flesh and bone.[2] It also has a hand grip for use as a slashing melee weapon as well.[2]
It is stated in the video game Aliens versus Predator: Extinction that the disc is mentally controlled by the Predator; Predators who train their mental capacity are able to do this. The discs may also be upgraded to have a rotating laser covering the edge. Also in the Aliens versus Predator first-person shooter games, the smart disc had a homing device when used in conjunction with an appropriate vision mode, and could be retracted at will. The smart disc was designed by Mark McCreery.[5]
[edit] Shuriken
The shuriken behaves much like the smart disc, however, it is constructed with retractable blades, and can also be used as a melee weapon. It is immune to a xenomorph's acid blood. The blades are strong enough to break a xenomorph Queen's head armor, though it cannot seem to actually cut it.[4][3]
The blades extend and retract by a Predator holding it at his finger-tips and flicking his arm.[4][3]
[edit] Solvent
A highly potent, corrosive blue chemical which dissolves organic material, including xenomorph carcasses. This substance is used to eliminate evidence of a Predator's presence, such as corpses, and can also be used as a weapon. The substance reacts violently with water. A small amount of the solvent can vaporize large quantities of water.
[edit] Spear gun
A spear gun which fires small bifurcated metal darts at high velocity. This weapon was briefly seen in Predator 2 and is available in the Aliens versus Predator video games as well as in Predator: Concrete Jungle. Although the rifle itself is barely visible in Predator 2, the spear gun is designed in a shape of a rifle in the Aliens Versus Predator games.
[edit] Whip
A segmented hand held bull whip capable of cutting targets in half, after it wraps around them and is pulled taut. It is made of acid resistant material.
Concept art by Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem production designer Farzad Varahramyan show that one original concept for the whip had it sporting an amputated alien stinger on it's tip.[6]
[edit] Wire
In Alien vs. Predator, the Predator uses some form of a noose to garrot a mercenary when the team is walking down a corridor. It is also used to hang defeated prey upside down by the ankles.
[edit] Wrist blades
Wrist blades (called ki'cti-pa in the Predator language)[7] are a common melee weapon for most Predators.
The blades range from 12 to 18 inches long and retract from a wristband. They are forged from an unknown alloy[2] which is almost unbreakable, but not totally immune to xenomorph blood[4]. Some wrist blades can be reversed so that the sharper end can be used more effectively in an outward swing.[4] In the first Predator film, the Predator uses lasers to heat the blades for more powerful blows. The blades can be fired from the housing/slide in case of emergency, or reversed to execute a back-handed slash, or have them spread apart to make attacks with larger (more spread-out) wounds or to dissaude prey from moving by trapping their head between the blades. These blades are serrated to cause maximum damage when stabbing and/or pulling the blades free, double-edged, and occasionally both top and bottom are edged,[citation needed] removing the need for the reversing blades.In Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, Wolf's wristblades were treated to resist the effects of Xenomorph acid.
In the computer game Aliens versus Predator 2, a scientist's medical report of a Predator indicates that the wrist blades wristband was grafted to the Predator's arm and removing it caused a pulmonary arrest. The researcher speculates that the cardiac arrest may be an anti-tampering mechanism and comments, "What kind of society would rather have its warriors die than be disarmed?"
[edit] Arm blades
Arm blades are similar to wrist blades, but are much longer than most wrist blades. In Alien vs. Predator, only the Predator nicknamed Chopper has these arm blades.
[edit] Weapons and equipment in expanded universe
[edit] Bolas
Used once in the Predator: Big Game comic, the bolas carry a powerful electrical current, which instantaneously kills victims on impact.
[edit] Burner
Confusingly, this term has three definitions. The first refers to a flamethrower like weapon, meant for mass-effect attack strategy, that eliminates multiple aliens or humans with a 5-foot-wide, 90-foot-long line of flame which burns almost everything. It also refers to a long rifle with a button for a trigger in the Alien vs. Predator novels. This weapon is highly effective against anything up to and including a xenomorph queen, taking its head off with one shot to the neck. It is too powerful to be issued for normal hunts and is only used for warfare or queen stealing raids on alien hives. Finally, burner seems to be a blanket term for any plasma based ranged weapon as Noguchi's shoulder cannon is referred to as a shoulder-burner in Alien vs. Predator: War and Alien vs. Predator: Hunter's Planet].
[edit] Chemical sprayer
Almost identical to the burner, the chemical sprayer can project hazardous toxins or sprays of acid towards a nearby foe. Predators usually use this weapon with the intent to capture rather than kill their prey. It is most used when energy weapons are too dangerous to use, (i.e., an inflammable or explosive atmosphere).
[edit] Energy fletchette
A rapid fire, wrist mounted energy weapon that fires golden plasma projectiles that do little damage but take up a considerably small amount of energy. Featured in the game Aliens versus Predator 2.
[edit] Glaive
This weapon appeared in the video game Predator: Concrete Jungle. It can be used as an alternative for the combi stick. It looks very similar to the combi stick, but with a large blade on the each end rather than strong pointed tips. In this respect it is used much like a sword with cutting blows rather than a bone crushing powerful spear like the combi stick. It can be used as a single-handed or double-handed weapon. In effect, it's a double-edged axe that can fold away, like the maul.
[edit] "Hard Meat" armour
Seen in Aliens versus Predator, "Hard Meat" armour is fashioned from the acid-proof exoskeleton of a xenomorph drone. It is worn by the veteran warrior Dachande (known as "Broken Tusk" to his human comrades). Though highly resistant, it offers little protection against the savage attacks of a xenomorph queen.
[edit] Katana
Seen in the Predator 2 comic prequel Predator: 1718, the katana has an extremely sharp, retractable blade that can cut through bone.
[edit] Maul
The maul is a very long, barbed, arrowed, blade that the Predator holds in its hands or slips onto its arm. When held, the direction of the user's arm is the same direction is the blade, like a tonfa. They appeared in the game Predator: Concrete Jungle. These blades are very powerful and can easily slice humans in half. The blades can be folded in half with a 'snapping' action and when they are held upside down, they are longer in the back, which makes them perfect for a backwards stab. In the game, they can be used in combination with the wrist blades to make a sort of dual wielding blade. The blade is about 5 1/2 feet long.
A similar weapon made a brief appearance in the film Alien vs. Predator (see above), being attached to the forearms of the Predator called Chopper (named after the two large blades on his forearms) by the crew of the film. Though they were seen attached to his arms through his part in the film, he never had the chance to use them as he was killed from behind by a xenomorph.
[edit] Plasma pistol
A hand-held weapon featured in the Alien vs. Predator video game series. The firing mechanism differs between the two games. In the first game, the mechanism is fired in a parabolic arc, while the second game portrays it as firing in a straight line. In the second game, the secondary fire fires a burst in an arced trajectory, capable of stunning xenomorphs and even jamming electronic equipment temporarily.
[edit] Tag
Used in the Predator: Concrete Jungle comic, the tag is a small circular tracking device that is used on prey which the Predator wishes to continuously bait rather than kill outright. The bottom portion of the tag is coated with hook-like barbs which are inserted beneath the target's skin to prevent removal.
[edit] Throwing mines
In the games and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, various mines, traps, and charges are shown to be used by the Predators. These include:
- Fire trap: An explosive mine. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
- EMP mine: Disables mechanical devices. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
- Sonic trap: Used to stun and temporarily paralyze an enemy or prey. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
- Plasma mine: Vaporizes the flesh off the enemy, leaving just the skeleton. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
- Remote bomb: Detonated by the Predator or it explodes when in contact with a target. Can be stuck to surfaces. Featured in Aliens versus Predator 2.
- Laser trap: Creates a laser field that can easily cut through flesh (See above laser net).
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Jim Thomas, John Thomas (writers) and John McTiernan (director). (1987). Predator [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Jim Thomas, John Thomas (writers) and [[Stephen Hopkins (director)|]] (director). (1990). Predator 2 [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Shane Salerno (writer) Colin and Greg Strause (directors). (2008). Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Paul W.S. Anderson (writer/director). (2005). Alien vs. Predator [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ a b c d e f Jody Duncan & James Cameron (2007). The Winston Effect: The Art and History of Stan Winston Studio, pp.336. ISBN 1845761502.
- ^ a b c d e Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr (2008). Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem - Inside the Monster Shop, pp.128. ISBN 1845769090.
- ^ a b c d Perry, Steve & Perry, Stephanie (1994). Aliens vs Predator: Prey, pp.259. ISBN 0553565559.
