Alric Kuhn
Handsome K'lor'slug
Intent: To create a device that will allow NFU pilots to match the senses of force using pilots.
Development Thread: If Necessary
Manufacturer: Vanir Technologies
Model: VT-Nerve Helmet
Affiliation: Open-Market
Modularity: Minor
Production: Production: Minor-Production
Material: Dallorian Alloy, Aurodium
Description:
It is widely known and accepted that the force both enhances reaction times as well as increases perception of ones surroundings. Mastery of the force, and in turn mastery of these techniques allow a person to become better at certain tasks to even exceed the normal capabilities of their species. A grand, and perhaps the greatest example of this is a Jedi or Sith's ability to innately utilize a lightsaber to its fullest effect. Through the enhancement of the force a being is capable of combating pretty much anything and even deflecting lightsaber bolts without even a thought.
A well less known additive of the mastery of this technique is piloting.
Through the force, a pilot can, in the same way they master a lightsaber, increase their perception, reaction time, and corrective responses. This innate ability gives force using pilots an edge over those who are unable to touch the force. Indeed, as with the example of many famed force users it puts them in an entirely different class than even normal starfighter aces. This is a widely known fact among most pilots who have interacted and flown against those that can use the force. This is simply known, and until recently there was nothing that could be done about it due to there not being an effective counter against the heavy use of the force.
Vanir Technologies, ever at the forefront of improvement and pushing itself to the limit has sought not to produce a counter, but instead an equalizing factor.
That factor being the VT-Nerve Helm.
The VT-Nerve Helm is a system designed specifically to innately increase the interaction between pilot, and ship. The Nerve Helm system, of course is an entire operative measure, in that it's not just simply a piece of head wear one puts on to look fancy. Instead, the system is an interlaced electronic network that must be retrofitted into a ships innerworkings. The system is set up, connected to the vessels engines, reactor, shields, weapons, and most importantly sensors. Each individual system is then paired with a helmet.
Said helmet is then connected through a wired connected into the ship itself, meaning getting out of the vessel with the helmet on is not possible. What the system actually does is 'link' the vessels operations with the pilots own senses. The HUD display of the VT-Nerve Helmet is designed to innately follow eye movements, facial expression, and even the clicks of teeth. It feeds data at a direct thought and impulse, tapping into the ships own systems in order to faster react to the pilots directed action. A turn of the eye shifts the ships targeting sensors, a correctly timed blink presses the afterburners, the VT-Nerve Helm System is designed to improve the coordination between a ship, and its pilot.
It should be noted that this system is extremely sensitive, it often requires calibration and its use requires an expert. One cannot expect to perfect this system the first time it is used, in fact more often than not upon first use a Pilot often experiences a minor form of sensory overload.
Due to the close connection that the system harbors between Pilot and Ship, the damaging of the vessel can also harm the pilot. Though this is not a physical harm, it is a mental one. Since the system renders the vessel essentially an extension of the wearers body damage to the vessel can cause a sort of "phantom limb" pain, pushing the wearer into agony and even numbness should significant damage be sustained.
Lastly, it should also be noted that this system is not easy to install. Though it could be retrofitted into older vessels, doing so would be incredibly difficult. Similarly, placing the system into larger vessels proves to be insanely difficult, and so far all tests of putting the VT-NHS into capital grade vessels has completely failed. The largest ship, to date, that the VT-NHS was successful upon was the VT-Sliver. Tests on Larger vessels had...unfortunate ends for pilot subjects.
Primary Source: N/A
