Adaptive Camouflage Poncho

The adaptive camouflage poncho is a stealth and concealment garment used by the Ryu and Liu Apparel Company beginning in YE 46.

Designer	Ryu and Liu Apparel Company
Nomenclature	RL-G1-1A
Manufacturer	Ryu and Liu Apparel Company
Availability	Mass Production
Price	500 KS

The concept of the adaptive camouflage poncho was first conceived by the Nepleslian Reds in YE 41 in response to the need for improved stealth capabilities during reconnaissance missions in hostile environments. Not having access to volumetrics camouflage technology, the Reds still wanted a garment that could provide both optical and thermal camouflage, making the wearer hard to detect within the visual and infrared electromagnetic ranges. The concept died a year later in the reformations on Fujiko IV that saw the creation of the Fujiko Development Corporation.

The initial prototypes made by Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing were found by a Ryu and Liu Apparel employee searching new fashion trends in a thrift shop in Shenhong City in YE 44. Purchasing the interesting ponchos, he discovered the basic thermal-optical effect when he charged one of the prototypes. While it was not perfectly hidden, the possibilities of the tech for the civilian was enough for him to immediately hand them over to the Research Department for integration with the developing Adaptive Nanoweave.

The adaptive camouflage poncho is designed as a lightweight, full-body garment that drapes over the wearer, covering them from head to toe. It features a hood and adjustable closures to ensure a snug fit, which minimizes the chances of detection due to loose fabric. Due to the choice of adaptive nanoweave, the poncho is capable of self-repair of minor tears and sensing its environment to adapt with changes. Many components common with modern clothing can also be added to the poncho with custom ordering with added cost.

Though spare components of the following are required for a full repair:

• Micro-Cameras and Display Panels: Embedded throughout the fabric, these components capture and display images of the surrounding environment, making the poncho nearly invisible to the naked eye.
• Thermal Regulation System: The poncho can manage the wearer's heat signature by absorbing, dissipating, or storing heat, effectively masking it from infrared detection.
• Photonic Crystals: These structures manipulate light at the nanoscale, creating dynamic colors through the interference of light waves. The poncho can adjust the spacing or alignment of these crystals to rapidly change its color, providing an additional layer of camouflage that responds instantly to environmental changes.
• Thermochromic Pigments: Integrated into the fabric, these pigments change color based on temperature, further aiding in thermal camouflage.

Those with a digital mind and the software possess the require computing power to manage stealth properties of the poncho. For those that lack a digital mind (implant or natural), command software can be installed into any device that has the equivalent processing power as the Aperture chipset. The poncho's native RSI-4600 chipset is largely used to house the adaptive nanoweave's firmware and diagnostic data.

Micro-batteries making use of Navitium nanoparticles are used to provide 2 days of continued use. These can be charged wirelessly or wired via connection points on the inside of the poncho.

Compared to more advanced stealth technologies like volumetric camouflage, which can create a fully immersive sense of depth and realism, the visual camouflage provided by the poncho has some limitations. The images projected by the micro-cameras and display panels are effective in most situations but are not flawless. A slight shimmering effect occurs, especially when the wearer is in motion, due to the micro-cameras and displays struggling to keep up with rapid changes in viewing angles and environmental lighting. This shimmering becomes more noticeable at higher speeds, potentially revealing the wearer’s presence if observed closely.

The poncho’s passive camouflage pattern adapts to the local environment, adjusting its color and texture to match surrounding terrain. In a forest, for example, it might adopt shades of green and brown with leaf-like patterns, while in an urban setting, it could mimic concrete or brick textures. However, these patterns may not perfectly blend with every detail of the environment, especially in rapidly changing conditions.

The poncho’s thermal camouflage is generally more reliable than its visual counterpart, effectively masking the wearer’s heat signature by absorbing, dissipating, or storing heat. However, the same shimmering effect seen in the visual spectrum can also occur in the thermal spectrum, though it is less pronounced. This effect might become visible if the wearer moves rapidly or if the thermal regulation system is unable to perfectly synchronize with abrupt environmental changes. Despite this, the poncho still provides substantial protection against most infrared detection methods, making it highly effective in low to moderate motion scenarios.

The adaptive camouflage poncho is a sleek, full-length garment inspired by traditional, minimalist designs. Measuring approximately 190 cm in length and 180 cm in width, the poncho provides comprehensive coverage and concealment. The design features a broad, overlapping front closure that ensures a seamless, secure fit around the wearer’s body. The poncho’s exterior is characterized by smooth, angular lines and a subtle metallic sheen, giving it a polished, high-tech appearance.

The poncho includes a spacious hood (45x35cm) that comfortably accommodates headgear (inside or external).It is integrated with the poncho's design to maintain its sleek silhouette while offering full head coverage. The poncho is made from adaptive nanoweave, featuring embedded electrochromic and photonic materials that allow it to dynamically change color and texture, blending seamlessly into any environment.

The fabric of new ponchos have a clean, smooth finish, free from the frayed edges or wear typical of combat usage, giving it a pristine, well-maintained look even after extended use. In its default state, the poncho displays a deep, matte onyx color, designed for minimal visual detection and to project an imposing, yet stealthy, presence.

To wear the poncho correctly, the user should ensure that the hood is pulled over the head, and all closures are secured to minimize movement. The poncho’s adaptive systems automatically activate when connected to a power source and controlling unit (be it wired or wireless), beginning the process of scanning and blending with the environment.

Cleaning and maintaining the poncho requires activating its maintenance mode through a connected device. In this mode, the nanites enhance the fabric’s rigidity, protecting the embedded electronics during washing. The poncho should be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Rejuvenation treatments are recommended once a year to refresh the nano and micro-scaled components, ensuring the poncho remains in peak condition.

Demibear created this article on 2024/08/10 23:30. Unless noted otherwise, all art was created with midjourney.com by demibear.

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