Duraframe is an Enclave-based model name for the designation of a combat-model eyebot series, the assets of which were later diverted to the Hellfire armor project.[1]
The designation of combat model Eyebots were researched as part of a project at Adams Air Force Base.[1] Disappointed with the speed of the project's development, Colonel Augustus Autumn ordered the project to be hastened by Dr. Grant, a senior researcher on the project.[2] After a confrontation between Dr. Whitley and Dr. Grant, the project's assets were transferred to the development of Hellfire armor.[3]
In protest, Whitley sent Enclave Duraframe Subject E, the prototype and final functional model in the Duraframe Eyebot series, on a journey to the Navarro outpost.[1] Along with an audio log intended for Navarro scientists, Whitley included several databanks on the machine, representing the sum of the results of his research on the Duraframe Eyebots along with research into Poseidon Energy and the company's projects in the Mojave area.[4][5]
The Duraframe model is resilient, ED-E was struck by a .308 round, which the Courier notes would have destroyed most robots of the same size.[6]Arcade Gannon mentions that the robot lives up to its model name, having successfully traveled over 2,000 miles.[7] Should ED-E be repaired and activated, the information has the potential to allow the Mojave Brotherhood of Steel to create their own army of Duraframe Eyebots.[8]
Concept art, Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide/Behind the Bright Lights & Big City
References[]
↑ 1.01.11.2Whitley: "Subject E: Diagnosis complete. Begin Recording. My name is Whitley. I'm a researcher at Adams Air Force base. Until recently I was in charge of the Duraframe reinforcement project for the combat model Eyebots. Eyebot Duraframe Subject E is both the prototype, and the last functional model in this test group. I was prepared to make several significant upgrades to the machines. However, as the project was canceled and all Duraframe assets are being diverted to Hellfire Armor, I am sending this model to the Navarro outpost. If you are listening to this log from one of our Enclave Outposts in Chicago, give this unit whatever repairs it needs so it can continue to Navarro." (ED-E's dialogue)
↑ED-E: "<Distressed beeping>" Whitley: "Dr. Grant? What the hell do you think you're doing?" Grant: "Ah, Whitley, there you are. Orders from Colonel Autumn - he feels the Eyebot Duraframe project isn't advancing quickly enough. I'm to-" Whitley: "You didn't even disengage his damage-avoidance protocols! You're hurting him!" Grant: "Don't be ridiculous, it's just a machine. See here, I've already increased the navigation system's efficiency by 65%." Whitley: "Get the hell out of here!" Grant: "Fine, Whitley, it's your lab.At least until I tell the Colonel about this." (Grant's and Whitley's dialogue)
↑Whitley: "All due respect sir, I think you're making a mistake. We're close to a breakthrough with the Duraframe Eyebots, I can feel it!Yes, sir. Yes sir, I understand that we need the Duraframe assets for Hellfire armor, but-No, sir. Yes, sir. I understand, sir. I'll tell the team to start disassembling the ED series prototypes right away. ED-E, you little rascal. Were you eavesdropping again? I think those videos you watch are a bad influence on you. How much of that did you hear?" ED-E: <Sad beeping> Whitley: "Hmm... didn't Dr. Grant say she'd upgraded your navigational systems? I think I have an idea.... How'd you like to be just like RALPHIE?" (Whitley's dialogue)
↑Whitley: "Download Complete. Begin Recording. Navarro outpost scientists, I am glad that ED-E has reached you. You will find several databanks of information on this machine. Please handle this information with the utmost care as it represents the sum total of the results of my research on the Duraframe Eyebots. There are also several databanks with information on my research into Poseidon Energy and some projects they were working on in the Mojave area." (ED-E's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "I've heard some information from its logs, sounds like it is carrying some Enclave data." Lorenzo: "Really? What kind of logs? What kind of data does he have on it?" The Courier: "The logs spoke about Enclave Duraframe research and Poseidon Energy research." Lorenzo: "Did... did you say Poseidon Energy? I've been researching some Poseidon projects here. Do you think you could leave your robot with me for a few days? I have some materials that I can use to upgrade his armor while he's here." (Lorenzo's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "That was a .308 round. Probably hand-loaded - that would have destroyed most robots your size." ED-E: "[SUCCEEDED] <Pleased beeping>" (ED-E's dialogue (Lonesome Road))
↑Arcade Gannon: "Wow. That thing is definitely carrying around a bunch of Enclave intel. Adams is on the eastern seaboard of the country. Which means this little "Duraframe" sucker somehow managed to survive for over two thousand miles. Certainly lives up to its model name." (Arcade Gannon's dialogue)
↑ED-E possible ending slide: "With its logs cleared and its systems upgraded ED-E remained a vigilant and constant companion to The Courier. The Brotherhood used the information recovered from ED-E to create a small army of Duraframe eyebots."
Non-game
↑Joshua Sawyer on Tumblr: "Duraframe is the model type, not a specific material. [...] The Duraframe models were intended to see combat, unlike regular Eyebots, which served more as broadcasting/sentinel units. Whether that meant the Duraframes were made out of a different material or simply constructed differently (e.g., with armor plating) ambiguous."
