The U-1bm booster module is an attachment intended to work with the U-1 Prototype Variable Mecha and enhance its speed. It was created in YE 39 with bootleg Aether technology.

The U-1bm is teardrop shaped, with the fat end being the point closest to the main body of the craft. It has the main layer as well as four petal like heat sinks that are folded over the body of the booster.

The U-1bm is based off of Yamataian Turbo Aether Plasma Drive propulsion systems. When connected to the U-1 the U-1bm is capable of boosting the speed of the mecha to .35c in fighter form and .33c in mecha form. It also can serve as a melee weapons system.

Attachment of the U-1b to the U-1 takes place between the two separated portions of the body in fighter form. When connected it fills the gap in the body of the craft. When in mecha form, the U-1bm is in a position that roughly looks like a large backpack.

The U-1bm has two modes of operation. Boost configuration, in which it increases the speed and maneuverability of the U-1, or strike mode, in which the U-1b allows two handles to be removed and held in the hands like sword blades. These handles are connected to the main unit by a conduit that can be run through the arm of the U-1, protecting the power conduit.

While in strike mode, the U-1bm can only accelerate the U-1 to .30c

These handles serve as sword grips for two blades formed by absorbing a portion of the systems thruster output for holding in magnetic containment as a blade.

The strike mode blade is a medium anti-starship weapon, and counts as such for the purposes of composing a load out.

To ease the strain of acceleration, the U-1bm includes a damping field. However, the field can only damp up to .35c, and any acceleration over that will be felt by the pilot. While this field is active, the pilot will by safe and system can operate for as long as it has power.

Limiter; the U-1bm is built with a performance limiter to keep the booster from going more than .35c, without the limiter, the U-1bm has a top speed of .40c

The limiter does, however, have a release command issue-able by the pilot, and the booster can operate for 5 minutes after the limiter is released. Five minutes of continuous use of the engines with limits released will result in stress to internal components of the engines to breach safety thresholds. This results in a threat of damage to the craft from breach in containment of aetheric energies.

It is recommended that the pilot allow the engines time to cool down between uses of the limit release, as continual bursts will also result in these breaches.

After the limiter is released the heat sinks fold up and allow greater heat venting. While the heat sinks are up, it also leaves behind a luminescent trail of plasma.

Alex Hart created this article on 2017/01/04 09:08.