Vibroblade Katana
(Copied straight from .XML 'backup' file, needs formatting and corrections. ZM User (talk) 20:15, 22 April 2024 (PDT))
Aircrew Security Vibroblade Katana
When not active, Vibroblade Katanas look like a standard katana although with a black blade. They are issued as standard flight equipment to all pilots and crew of the A22 "Swift" Ground Attack Fighters.
Background
The A22 Swift vehicle was a success, but the program was a failure due to unobtainable flight crew requirements. In desperation the developers decided to limit pilot candidates to those who were willing to be down-sized to 135cm (4'6") in order to survive the G-forces. Then, they created a flight simulator "Swarm Attack - Air Power" for Earth's people to play with. This allowed prospective flight crew to self-select simply by managing the simulator.
While the Drop Marines had found it necessary to up-size their troops to 2m tall simply to compete physically with the Sa'arm, these flight crew were going the wrong way. What was worse, they were going to be flying a tactical platform that would put them on the ground in Swarm-held territory if they ever had to eject due to combat damage. The Dwarves were going to have to handle themselves in a one-on-one brawl with two-meter aliens who wanted to eat them, so they needed a personal weapon which would go with them.
They needed a weapon that would never run out of bullets or charges, and yet would take an adult Sa'arm apart before the Sa'arm could take them apart. The Vibroblade Katana or VK fills this need. However... The wielders would need significant training to ensure that they didn't accidentally cut their own heads off.
The blades are powered by energy cells concealed in the hilt. The system is charged while at base or in the fighter, but in the field, the scabbard functions as a solar charging unit while the weapon is sheathed. Each weapon is personally keyed to the owner and will only function while in his or her hands.
The blade is made of carbon fiber and some exotic materials and is both dull and brittle while not powered. When energized, the blade is effectively unbreakable and can cut through almost anything in time, including some structural metals. Unfortunately, tuning them to not cut flesh would make them useless in combat. Instead, the blades are tuned to not cut through some materials and the Swift crews' flight suits have embedded threads that the blades will actively resist cutting. Injuries are still possible but the severity and incidence of wounds from accidents should be drastically reduced.
Flightcrew are required to master the use of their VKs. Experts in oriental swordfighting were brought in to teach them. Upon completion of their training, each wearer is awarded a rank depending upon their demonstrated skill. Traditional ornamentation on the hilt wrapping shows the wielder's rank. All consist of a base color and an overwrap color:
- 1st belt - Shodan - black over black
- 2nd belt - Nidan - gold over black
- 3rd belt - sandan - blue over blue
- 4th belt - Yodan - gold over blue
- 5th belt - Godan- red over red - Wearer is entitled to be addressed as Master.
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