Virtual Reality Piloting Pod
Sarna News
Description
Proposed by Professor Burke Kale in 3047, the Virtual Reality Piloting Pod (or VRPP) was designed as a simplified version of the DNI project, but was actually a cover for continuation of his DNI research. Instead of connecting the pilot directly to the BattleMech, it used a more advanced version of the Neurohelmet sensor technology to read the pilot's mind more accurately and moved most all manual functions into the Neurohelmet control. This required the VRPP Neurohelmet be integrated into the cockpit to provide the MechWarrior a completely simulated 3D environment of the world around them which took advantage of the Torso Cockpit's limited view. By eliminating all the manual controls and moving to a purely electronic interface, the system decreased the cockpit size[1] and allowed for taller MechWarriors than previously possible.[2]
The VRPP suffered none of the inherent dangers or risks associated with the DNI system to the MechWarrior. Unfortunately, the DNI and VRPP were linked in the minds of the commanders involved, so when the Federated Commonwealth decided not to pursue the project the VRPP was mothballed along with the DNI. Instead they devoted funding to the Small Cockpit and Torso Cockpit systems.
The VRPP technology was implemented into two prototype P1-WF Wildfires and used by the short-lived Seven Deadly Sins Stables on Solaris VII, in an attempt to recover Professor Burke Kale and his stolen DNI technology in 3053.
The biggest drawback to the VRPP was its severe sensitivity to electromagnetic interference. In fact the VRPP was affected by some planetary magnetic fields and magnetic fields generated from powerful lightning storms. This sensitivity combined with the greater prominence of ECM on the battlefield, led to the project's cancellation.[3]
Notes
Game Notes
The Virtual Reality Piloting Pod was a highly advanced cockpit design that allowed for the pilot to function at a higher level of efficiency. (This resulted in a -1 modifier to gunnery, -2 modifier to piloting skill and +3 to initiative using optional Solaris VII initiative rules.) [4] The drawbacks of the system were relatively minor. Mechwarrior's had to get used to the advanced interface of the VRPP, with a solid day of training they could gain the advantages. Otherwise they suffered a +2 to the gunnery and piloting skill rolls, which will the bonuses of inherent in the advanced system working out to just a +1 to gunnery penalty. [5]
However the Interstellar Operations version doesn't apply the bonuses if a warrior is unused to the system until they get used to the system the penalties override the benefits until they adjust to the use of the system.
If hit by a TSEMP, BattleMech Taser, an EMP mine, or hostile ECM, the VRPP-equipped 'Mech becomes completely blinded.[6] The blinded 'Mech cannot use any weapon, and also replaces the -2 Piloting Skill modifier with a +3 Piloting modifier. These penalties remain as long as the unit is exposed to the disruptive effects. Friendly units can provide ECCM support to the VRPP-equipped 'Mech, but the interference generated replaces the VRPP bonuses with a +2 modifier to Gunnery and Piloting.[7]
The VRPP is based on a Torso-Mounted Cockpit but weighs only three tons. The MechWarrior is protected from head hits, but heat can affect the MechWarrior. If the 'Mechs Life Support system is damaged and the 'Mech overheats between 1-14 points, the MechWarrior takes a pilot hit. If the overheat level is 15 points or higher, the MechWarrior takes two pilot hits; This replaces the normal MechWarrior damage from overheating. Unlike the typical torso-mounted cockpit, the VRPP can only handle two critical hits to the sensors before the unit cannot see and is unable to use its weapons.[7]
As mentioned, the VRPP weighs 3 tons. The head receives two Sensor critical slots, each of the three torso locations receive a Life Support critical slot, and the cockpit critical slot is placed in the center torso. The VRPP can be protected by component armor, this costs 1 ton. The VRPP cannot be combined with cockpit command modules or other cockpit types. A 'Mech with a VRPP cannot have the Cramped Cockpit Design Quirk.[7]