Type 32 Pilot Pod "Rakkasei" Block

The Type 32 Pilot Pod Block, also known as the Rakkasei(Peanut) Block due to its appearance, is an armor frame and cover which both protects the Type 32 Pilot Pod and acts as the torso for a Frame or Mecha. It gets its shape because it is actually two balls for a pair of Project THOUGHT Frictionless Hybrid Joint or Project THOUGHT Simplified Joint ball and socket joints which are fused together in such a way that the upper part of the frame (chest, arms, head) moves about the upper half while the lower half of the frame (waist and legs) moves around the lower half.

The Rakkasei Block is an insert which allows the cockpit of a Frame or Mecha to be less rigid in relation to the rest of the mech than in a standard system. As such, a mech using this system can more naturally move, twist, arch its back, etc. The line bisecting the middle is the seam by which the system opens up, while the other lines are systems for mechanical joints to connect to. There is an inner ridge on the bottom to keep the system from being opened completely by prying tentacles, while there are several Yamataium telescopic rods on to to provide hatch access.

The benefits to this system are that this block and the pod within are the only “rigid” frame elements, with all other parts moving in relation to it, and that the top and bottom parts of the frame can be swapped out quickly and independently. It should be noted that the halves of this block are usually intended to stay affixed to the Mecha/Frame component they are part of, rather than being considered part of the Pilot Pod. This is seperate technology because it is the most basic part of the frame, upon which future PROJECT THOUGHT Mecha/Frame variants can be constructed.

Government: Possibly Yamatai Star Empire in future Organization: Project THOUGHT, possibly Star Army of Yamatai and Ketsurui Fleet Yards in future Type: Cockpit Housing Block/Mecha Main Frame Component Designer: Kage Yaichiro Manufacturer: Project THOUGHT possibly Star Army of Yamatai and Ketsurui Fleet Yards in future Production: Mass Production after unknown number of initial prototypes

Appearance: Symmetrical Peanut-like structure with rounded ends and narrower mid-section

Damage Capacity to be totaled into specific Mecha/Frame unit's specs.

The Block can be detached fully or telescoped along its central seam. Each half of the assembly is generally connected to a Mecha or Frame's upper and lower body. A ridge on the lower half prevents a Mishhu's curious tentacles from gaining easy admittance, as does the closing force of the telescopic Yamataium rods on the upper half.

Detachment is the swift separation of the upper and lower half of the block (and the mecha parts connected to them, allowing the Pilot Pod to be removed or inserted. This leaves the possibility to mix and match upper and lower halves of Mecha and Frames for various mission profiles.This can be done in a controlled manner on ship for swapping out the pod or swapping out Mecha halves, or it can be done in a rapid way to allow the Pilot Pod to eject from a damaged unit. This latter process is swift and is controlled by the Pilot Pod and the pilot within rather than the Mecha or Frame itself. Since the control systems are in the pod and the movement systems are built into the socket of the upper and lower halves of the Mecha, the Rakkasei block is a very simple construct.

Telescoping is when the halves of the block separate partially, but remain connected by the Yamataium Telescoping Rods. These rods lift up the upper half of the block and the Mecha to allow access to the Pilot pod within, as well as hand-grips for the pilot. This is how a pilot routinely enters and exits the unit, and how technicians gain access to the Pilot Pod's systems.

The construction materials of the Rakkasei Block vary, depending on the model of Mecha or Frame being used, but most are Durandium Alloy, Yama-Dura, or Yamataium. Zesuaium and even some with Xiulurium Coating are possible, but are not very cost-effective.