Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Personal Flight Suits (PFSs)

Technology that has been experimented with for many years, PFSs were designed to be a replacement for cars world over.

Of course, it didn't turn out that way. Between trying to regulate air traffic, licensing and training of people using the suits, concerns about mid-air collisions and running out of gas, most personal flight suits were deemed unrealistic for your average citizen. Of course, research continues, and it's possible that some prototypes or even government issued suits were created, which could have gotten into the hands of individuals.

Powered Parachutes:
This device (which exists today!) is basically a framed chair with a variety of fans, some of which blow up against a parachute, providing lift. While the speeds on this are not great, and it takes time to lift off (so it's not good for a quick escape), it does allow for limited flight. While generally flown "for sport", it can also be used for surveillance or to land on the roof of a building, though it isn't particularly stealthy. Still, it avoids radar, is fairly quiet (people inside a building might not be aware one is being operated), and can be colored to be slightly concealed against the night sky. This may be considered more of a vehicle than a personal flight suit, though some models exist which can be carried around like a large backpack, they are very heavy and bulky and completely non-concealable.

Personal Gliders:
While not technically flight, glider equipment can be built into capes or backpacks allowing the user to lock "wings" out from his back, and gliding down. Not useful for going ascending, though it can facilitate a jump off a skyscraper easily enough. Somewhat concealable, thought it will appear as a cape or backpack- best case scenario. Cyberware versions may exist which can fold into the body of a person.

Personal Cannons:
Not exactly a cannon, but a spring loaded funnel that fits around a person, who can lock it into place, bend down against the ground, and launch themselves up into the air. The descent proves to be its own obstacle, but this device can be concealed into large gowns or dresses. The device can launch someone up to 10*Rating in meters (with a R1 launching you 10M) up into the air, and some aiming can allow for landing on a building (though risky). While it takes skill to use, such things are concealable, very quiet, and amongst the stealthiest ways to "jump" onto a building's roof.

Jet Packs:
The ultimate in personal flight suits, the jetpack is considered the holy grail of personal flight. Able to achieve high altitudes and speeds faster than most cars, the jetpack's flaws are in its high fuel consumption and poor manuverability. Your speed (and small size) would allow you to bypass most radars, and quickly escape pursuit (though it will probably be clear where you land). The jetpack is loud and requires special piloting skill to avoid splatting yourself on buildings at high speed, though low speed and hover options are available. Some are even quite concealable as cyberware or as a backpack, though specalized helmets are required to operate at high speeds.

Note: Costs and cyberware equivelants are intentionally left out for GMs to decide as campaign world warrants.

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