The Kuromaki is a large, two-place fighter craft released in YE 45, for exclusive use by SAINT. It was specially adapted to be a stealthy Signal Intelligence and spying craft that could defend itself.

Designed as a supplement to, rather than a competitor for, the Next Gen Fighter Program, the OI-V5-1B Kuromaki was envisioned as a support fighter rather than necessarily a direct combatant, although it has the capability to defend itself. Developed alongside its more mainline sibling, the Nagamaki, the Kuromaki is essentially a 1A model that has been modified and specialized for a stealthy Signal Intelligence mission profile. As Origin did not have the stealth expertise, help from one of its partners on the project was necessary.

Ultimately becoming a joint venture between Yugumo Corporation, Ketsurui Fleet Yards, and Origin Industries, the Kuromaki retains its identity as an Origin starcraft, but integrates with the Star Army of Yamatai's fleets and maintenance schema better than previous Origin designs.

The Kuromaki is a large, heavy duty starfighter whose primary purpose is Signal Intelligence (SIGINT). Utilizing common systems preferred by its intended user, the Kuromaki is a large, stealthy fighter whose intended goals include long range, long term unassisted missions into contested or enemy territory, the ability to protect itself from enemies and pursuers, as well as the option for quick strike and insertion missions.

What are good uses of this ship?

• Signal Intelligence
• Ambush strike
• Stealth insertions

The Kuromaki has a roughly tubular main body, which is flanked on either side by boxy engine nacelles that also hold portions of its extensive avionics package. protruding from these angled boxy sections are a pair of cranked-delta wings, which have long, narrow gun pods protruding front and rear at roughly their midpoint. Angling upwards and inwards from these pods are a pair of support 'wings' which connect to and hold up the main sensor and communication projection dome, which consists of a thick, flat disc that is packed full of electronics. The front of the Nagamaki has a comparatively narrow cockpit protruding from the main cylinder, which sits atop a second, squashed cylinder, that terminates in a bulbous, rounded nose that houses even more avionics, sensors, and other electronic gear. There are three turrets on the Kuromaki, one on the underside of the nose, and one each top and bottom of the main engine toward the rear of the craft.

The Kuromaki is a fighter craft made for the Star Army of Yamatai. Being generally larger and heavier than its peers, the Kuromaki is more of a support fighter than a direct combatant, though it can hold its own against most enemies if need be. The following systems and components allow it to do so.

Crew: 2 operators are recommended, only 1 is required.

Maximum Capacity: There are accommodations for 2 humanoids, or up to two Separa'Shan or Kodians. About 6 humanoids can fit aboard in an emergency, but the cockpit would be cramped.

• Length: 17 meters
• Width: 14 meters
• Height: 3.5 meters (5m with gear down)

• Combined Field System: 18,750c
• Hyperspace fold: 0.5 ly/m
• Sublight HFT: 0.3c (0.375c with Aetherburner)
• Sublight CFS: 0.375c
• Atmospheric Speed : 1000 km/h
• Maximum Atmospheric Speed : Mach 4.5
• Range: The Kuromaki carries roughly two months worth of fuel.
• Lifespan: 10 years, but can be extended with proper maintenance
• Refit Cycle: Every 5 years or as needed for updates.

See Damage Rating (Version 3) for a guide to damage ratings to include.

• Shields: Tier 8 - Medium Mecha
• Structure: Tier 8 - Medium Mecha

The Kuromaki is a large fighter with a relatively roomy two-seat cockpit, in order to accommodate species that are larger than a standard humanoid. It is neither luxurious nor spartan, containing everything its pilot and copilot need to perform their missions.

The Kuromaki's large cockpit is covered by a layered Transparent Durandium canopy which is reinforced by Ceresium framework. Between the layers of Transparent Durandium is a variable opacity film which darkens based on the amount of power applied to it.

The Pilot seats are adjustable reclined, cushioned seats which have a semi-wraparound design that keeps the pilot snugly in place, but allows the pilot's arms and feet to move freely and control the ship. It contains a harness which holds the pilot firmly in place, but comfortably, allowing them to safely control the ship, even in zero-gee. The seats are mounted to an active dampening system which helps reduce the effect of inertial forces. These seats are also equipped with a SPINE interface.

Due to the amount of space in a Kuromaki's cockpit, a typical humanoid can recline the pilot's seat nearly flat, into a comfortable laying position, and a foot rest may be deployed to support one's feet, so that rest can be had on longer missions. Additionally, the headrest may be adjusted to act as an effective pillow to further facilitate this.

For Kodians pilots, a larger version of the pilot's seat is installed, however, it is incapable of reclining more than a few degrees backward, as there simply isn't enough room.

For Separa'Shan pilots, instead of a traditional chair, there is a cushioned backrest with a harness and adjustable armrests (Which house the optional control sticks) which is supported by a padded post that also houses the active dampening. This setup allows a Separa pilot to be firmly secured while allowing greater comfort for their tails, without sacrificing the active dampening properties. A SPINE interface is included in case the pilot has been enhanced with compatible equipment.

The Kuromaki can be controlled in several ways, from SPINE, Physical controls, and even Neural scanning systems such as those found in the Type 41 Helmet or Origin Armored Pilot Suit.

The manual controls on a Kuromaki consist of a Dual-yoke system which allows for the ship's maneuverability to be taken full advantage of. Controls can be tilted forward, backward, and to either side, and diagonally, as well as pressed inward, pulled upward, pushed forward, slid back, and slid diagonally in every direction. Each stick has three multi-position weapon selectors, an index-finger trigger, and two thumb buttons, the triggers controlling the primary weapons, the thumb buttons controlling the mounted weapons. At the Pilot's feet are a set of rudder pedals which help control the ship even further, as well as control the nose wheel for maneuvering on the ground. There is a full volumetric system in the cockpit, allowing for customizable displays and ease of input. If another control system is in use, the manual controls may be stowed out of the way by tucking into sockets that keep the cockpit cleaner.

The Kuromaki is a complex craft, with numerous systems fitted inside its hull in order to allow it to perform its primary tasks.

The Kuromaki utilizes a primarily Yama-Dura hull structure with armor composed of Endurium and Ceresium. All windows and viewports utilize Transparent Durandium.

The Kuromaki has an array of six Relay Deflectors which strengthen and modulate the effects of its CFS and shielding systems.

The Kuromaki is a specialized variant of the Nagamaki, which eschews the triple layers of systems for a more simplified electronics set up that is tailored toward its Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) mission profile.

• Compact Integrated Electronics System (CIES) - The Primary computer system, this runs the majority of the ship's functions.
• Type 44 EW Suite, which is run by an ELECTRA PORTAL computer.

The Kuromaki carries a relatively large, powerful sensor dome, which houses its SIGINT sensor package. This dome increases the maximum available range for collecting communications data, and electronic warfare purposes. This dome is capable of being removed and swapped as a single assembly in case it takes damage, so that the craft can be repaired more quickly.

The Kuromaki features several systems and items in order to facilitate pilot survival in case of emergency.

• The Cockpit block may be ejected in case of excessive damage to the craft. This block houses all of the life support systems, as well as an emergency beacon. It contains a Parachute that deploys if atmosphere is detected, as well as several small maneuvering rockets.
• Inside the cockpit is a Type 31B Survival kit, which contains survival supplies in case the craft crashes on a planet.
• The cockpit also houses a Yugumo Standard Damage Control Locker

The Kuromaki utilizes Star Army Standard Life Support Systems to support its pilots, as well as for maintenance commonality with other Star Army of Yamatai craft.

As part of the life support systems, as well as to support longer duration missions, sustainment lockers are provided in both sections of the cockpit for crew convenience.

• Pilot Sustainment Locker, Type 45

The Kuromaki uses five HFT engine/reactor units, four of which are CRUSH sized and one primary which is SLAM sized. The Kuromaki stores enough fuel for approximately two months of normal operations. These units provide both propulsion and power, and are also redundantly connected to the Vernier thrusters, of which there are eight- four in the nose, and four housed at the rear of the wing gun pods. The Kuromaki's five primary thrusters are augmented by Aetherburner assemblies, which can temporarily boost thrust and increase max acceleration and top speed significantly.

Additionally, the Kuromaki utilizes a Combined Field System which is supplemented by the effects of its Relay Deflectors.

As with most Star Army of Yamatai vessels, the Kuromaki primarily uses Combined Field System shields as defensive measures. In addition, the Kuromaki uses a traditional shield system, mostly for navigational duties, but also as an additional layer of defense. For maximum defense, the Scimitar runs three kinds of shielding. Each shield is generated from its own pod on either side of the ship, aside from the navigational shielding, which is contained in the nose of the ship. The two shield systems in the pods work in tandem, allowing the ship to survive many types of weapons. All three types of shielding are strengthened and modulated by the Relay Deflectors

• Combined Field System, housed in multiple locations throughout the ship, but primarily buried in center of mass.
• Electromagnetic shields are housed in the port wing pod. This creates a bubble which encompasses the entire ship.
• Gravitic shielding are housed in the starboard wing pod. This creates a bubble which encompasses the entire ship.

The The Kuromaki is used exclusively by Star Army Intelligence.

• 2 Tier 9 Origin Heavy Laser Turret Barrel assemblies, one set in each fixed wing pod.
• 4 banks of 40 Starfighter Mini Missiles Launchers, each holding one Origin Mini Missile or one Anti-armor sized "Suzukaze" Mini-Missile
• 4 Exterior Hardpoints
  • Up to 4 Tier 8 or 9 Baby Torpedoes¹⁾
  • Up to 4 Tier 8 OHI Long Range Missiles²⁾
  • Up to 4 Tier 0-5 Mini-Missile Pods loaded with Starfighter Mini-Missiles³⁾
  • Up to 4 Non-Weapon Origin Starfighter Accessories⁴⁾
  • Up to 8 Tier 9 OHI Standard Missiles⁵⁾
  • Up to 8 Tier 5 or 6 OI-Z3 Armiore Missiles⁶⁾
  • Up to 4 Tier 12 Ke-Z1 Series Anti-Starship Torpedoes⁷⁾
  • Up to 4 OI-Z1A Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (Including Sensor Missiles)⁸⁾
  • Up to 4 "Whisker" Sensor Drone⁹⁾
  • Up to 2 Variable Configuration Mission Adaptive Drones¹⁰⁾
  • Up to 2 Yomawari-Class NavComm Buoy in Launch Tubes¹¹⁾
  • Up to 2 EM-O2 "Houmen" Communication Satellite in Launch Tubes¹²⁾
  • Up to 4 Ke-V8-W3201 Decoy Launcher¹³⁾
  • Up to 4 Ke-V8-W3200 Targeting Module¹⁴⁾
  • Up to 4 Ke-V8-M4200 - Secure Mission Kit¹⁵⁾
  • Up to 4 Racks of Ke-V8-W4202 - Shi no Ame (Death Rain)¹⁶⁾
  • Up to 4 Racks of Ke-V8-W4200 - Moeru Suisei (Blazing Comets)¹⁷⁾
  • Up to 4 Racks of Ke-V8-W4201 - Nashi (None Shall Pass)¹⁸⁾
  • Up to 4 Tier 7 Ke-V10-W3900 Gun Turret Pods¹⁹⁾
  • up to 2 Spade Drones²⁰⁾²¹⁾
• 3 Tier 7 Heavy Lasers, mounted in turrets.
• 1 Omnidirectional Scalable Graviton Beam Projector Array

Kai created this article on 2023/04/02 00:14.

🚧 This article is a work-in-progress. Is it not currently approved.