Powered Combat Vest

A deactivated PCV

The Powered Combat Vest (PCV) is a protective vest worn by the soldiers of the Hazardous Environment Combat Unit, over which an LC-2 Harness is worn. Part of the combat equipment used by the HECU in their initial incursion into Black Mesa and during the events that occur throughout Half-Life's storyline, the PCV is designed to protect the user from chemical, biological, radiological and physical threats during operations in the unit's defined battlespace. The vest increases the effectiveness and versality of the user, allowing them to operate in environments which are outside the normal bounds of the regular infantry.

The PCV is compatible with a gas mask resembling the M40 Field Protective Mask with built-in night vision goggles. In addition, the PCV includes a Geiger counter, morphine administrator (which allows the soldier to function normally even after serious injury), anti-toxin delivery system, tactical radio, and a heads-up display (HUD) in the protective mask lens which tracks the user's medical condition and weapon ammunition. The vest contains an on-board computer system that constantly monitors the user's health and vital signs, and reacts to any changes in the user's condition.

The PCV provides complete protection to the centre mass of the user, protecting the torso, abdomen, shoulders, and back. This is provided by an electrically powered system which stiffens the fibers of the suit to provide a hard, resilient layer of armor to absorb the kinetic energy. With a fully charged vest, the vest can protect the user several dozen rounds of small arms fire or even a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade. The PCV also provides protection from electrical and thermal damage, biological and chemical threats when sufficiently charged. The PCV can be charged by a variety of methods, including HEV batteries, civilian energy outlets, HEV chargers or military grade PCV chargers.