Bay 12 Games Forum

Operation Patient Rain (5): m1895, Happerry, 0cra, Aseaheru, Blood_librarian

A-(9) ILLUMINANT

The Illuminant is a less a revolution or an entirely new project than an ultimate refinement of our aircraft technology centered around recent breakthroughs in bio-computational engines.

It contains a Synth Oil reactor system, that spans the majority of the crafts core systems, and is engineered so that a singular, massive core provides for the demands of the entire craft while keeping a low maintenance profile. This creation is referred to as a GM-BP-S (Gel-Matrix, Bio-Paste Singular) Turbine. This thrust is then fed through an array of thrusting systems that allow an incredible speed, and allows it to fly in the atmosphere with damaged or destroyed maneuvering systems as well as precariously attempt to hover down onto a flat surface like a rocket. (it is not explicitly designed to do so, but none the less possible as demonstrated by the now Deceased
 Lieutenant Chuck Whimsy.)

Plasma diversion feeds are funneled into an electromagnetic Plasma accelerator cannon. Relying on 12 banks of solid-state quick-charge capacitors to deliver the energy required to launch the plasma as a bolt that is electromagnetically contained enough to be viable for aircraft combat while also allowing it to rapidly fire. The Main weapon achieves a 20-40 degree gimbal by pre-guiding the path with an under-barrel tesla that “paints” the path for the bolt to follow in both atmospheric and orbital conditions.  It is also designed to mitigate a Talon Laser Pulse: FireStorms emit a unique energy signature when they are charging up their main weapon, and simple predictive analyzation allows the  EPAC to fire a bolt of plasma that bursts into a cloud that refracts the TALON shot, effectively intercepting the explosive laser with an explosive bolt of plasma. The computational prowess of this task means that it can also shoot down Bird-Brain powered Shrikes through a similar process with roughly equivalent efficiency.

Two primary systems are designed with it to achieve this: the sensor system, and the previously mentioned Bio-Computational Engines.

The sensors require a large amount of space, the entire aircraft’s forward-swept wing is dedicated to this purpose, and effectively creates an antenna that is adept at receiving the infrared/Ultraviolet emissions that the enemy craft emit while utilizing GO-FAST fuel. (our craft emits the opposite range of emissions, whatever it may be, damn Merethians don't know true power.) As noted, the aircraft's wings are forward-swept to survive the incredible G-forces that the thrust vectoring equipment can create.

Outside of the upscaled plasma weapons platform and craft shape, the single largest divergence from other craft is the inclusion of a modified CryoStat tank with a semi-organic computer instead of a traditional avionics package & cockpit window. The Illuminated is connected to the plane through a series of radical bio-augmentations that allow neural fibers to access the pilot's brain. The user’s thoughts, dreams and fantasies are realities in this system, systemic sensory shifts or even wholesale illusions are now able to be invoked on the Illuminated by pre-generated computer “User elements” referred to in the lab as UE’s. The computational engines themselves translate mechanical and electrical signals into organic-friendly information bubbles and manipulatable hallucinations. This is possible due to the components of the electronic circuit boards, they integrate organic compounds such as amino acids into their structure. This grants a limited degree of latent autonomy into the aircraft. The central “brain” of the system monitors and adjusts the Plasma and electrical channels of the Illuminant and optimizes it by opening and closing routes that are the most efficient. Not only does this create a more efficient aircraft, but one that can re-route information, electricity, and energy around damaged components and continue functioning under battle-conditions.

Due to the relatively loose requirements for the augmentation process, anyone can become a pilot, and no longer are we logistically tied to Astral individuals for augmented pilots, yet we can still hold the edge of precognition in the skies upon our hated foe. A non-astral Illuminant Pilot is referred to as a Candle-Bearer, and an Astrally awakened Pilot is referred to as a Torch-Bearer. an Ace is a Bonfire Invoker.

The armor is thinner than previous iterations. This should mean roughly equivalent durability to the craft, due to its limited self-repair nature. Physically, it has two wings, forward set with sensors dotting its entire frame, as well as tuned recombinant-metallic rods on the surface that act as an antenna. Life support systems are simplified by the Cryo-stat to the point where they can reach a far higher up-time than an equivalent system.  It is notable for being the first spacecraft entirely assembled orbit (so it can fit in the elevator), and it is designed such that it never touches the ground outside of a crash landing, and mundane exercises such as landing equipment are forgone in place of an escape pod.

Each aircraft is deployed from the Elevator with a small “runway” consisting of an attachable set of systems that allow for an extended period in orbit before and after it is deployed on the Earth and must be towed with the Illuminated after each mission.

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