Chameleon Light Polarization Shield
Sarna News
The Chameleon Light Polarization Shield (also called the Chameleon LPS or CLPS) is a BattleMech stealth system developed by the Terran Hegemony in 2630 alongside the Null Signature System.[1]
Description[edit]
Though incapable of 'true' invisibility, the CLPS enabled a BattleMech to blend more cleanly with the terrain, blurring the 'outline' of a mech with a primitive mimetic system. Presumably less precise or responsive than modern optical camouflages, it was unique in that the protection offered is constant regardless of how quickly the 'Mech moves. Mildly useful at medium range, the CLPS was most useful at long to extreme ranges, and is noted as being effective against the naked eye of conventional infantry. Due to the system not masking the heat or electro-magnetic (EM) signature of the BattleMech it would be normally paired with the Null Signature System.[2]
As one of the key technological advances of the Terran Hegemony, the CLPS was jealously guarded. It was never deployed in large numbers, appearing only on one variant of the Exterminator used by the Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions. However, the system may have been installed on one or more versions of the Spector, or retrofitted into 'Mechs used by the SLDF Special Armed Services units. Due to their continued limited production of Exterminators, ComStar likely retained an understanding of the CLPS and would use the few systems they had to refine the concept. Ultimately with would allow the Word of Blake to develop the Mimetic Armor used by the Purifier Adaptive battlesuit in 3061. By 3070, the Void Signature system would evolve from these technologies, marrying Mimetic Armor's resolution with Null Signature System capabilities via an ECM suite.[2]
Though several Exterminators equipped with the CLPS were a part of the Exodus, the Clans saw it as a dishonorable tool used by inferior warriors and mothballed it. However during the Wars of Reaving, The Society would make use of both this system and the Null Signature System in their attempt to rebel against the Warrior caste. This would result in both technologies being formally officially banned as Dezgra technology.[citation needed]