Enhanced Imaging

Developed by the Clans, Enhanced Imaging or EI is an advanced targeting and piloting system for use with humanoid shaped combat vehicles such as BattleMechs, Battle Armor and ProtoMechs. While offering considerable advantages, as well as serving as the only viable control method for ProtoMechs, EI inflicts serious side effects on the user, including possible mental instability, nerve damage and death.

Description

A system that uses a combination of advanced neural imaging circuitry embedded in the pilot's skin and a specialized neurohelmet to provide a direct interface with a ProtoMech. Invented by Clan Smoke Jaguar as a solution to the problems they were having with ProtoMechs, namely the fact that there was no room for a gyro or standard cockpit.

The EI system works on the basic principle of allowing the Proto-MechWarrior direct neural control, essentially making them feel and control the ProtoMech as if they actually were the machine. This eliminates the need for a mechanical balancing system, and means the pilot needs no systems in the cockpit beyond life support.

As an interesting side note, Clan Smoke Jaguar quickly found that the EI system was addictive - the pilots experienced intense feelings of pleasure upon initial "integration" (the term used for a pilot being tied into an EI system) which quickly turned into razor-sharp focus. The pilots generally feel incredible while in command of the ProtoMech - much more focused, empowered, and eager for battle. Pilots found themselves craving integration. Smoke Jaguar scientists developed a synthetic substitute drug to simulate the effects of integration, and satiate the pilots when they were not in their ProtoMechs, but it was not as effective as the actual experience.

Bibliography

• 1st Somerset Strikers - pg 98-100
• Battletech: The Animated Series
• LosTech: The MechWarrior Equipment Guide - pg 112-113
• Maximum Tech - pg 67-68
• Technical Readout: 3060 - pg 188-189
• Total Warfare