Type-3 Flight Assistance Rig

A complex rigging of interconnected runic constructs allowing for human flight without the need for an airframe. The Type 3 is, as the name suggests, the third iteration of this construct produced by Ostrum Arcanum Works and incorporates a set of 3 paired stabilizer wings attached to the back via a full-body rig. These wings significantly improve the airborne handling of the device though do somewhat limit the wearer's mobility. The winged silhouette granted by these wings have also caused several soldiers to assign this particular variation the nickname "Fairy Suit".

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Flight is achieved via a levitateive force generated by a set of six "flight cores" two of which are mounted to the soles of the shock absorbing boots, with the remaining two mounted to the user's chest and back. By channeling raw mana through the runic mechanisms of the flight core one is able to cause the mana flow to ignite, generating thrust which can be mentally channeled by the user. Unlike conventional explosives this ignition produces no heat or light allowing it to be extremely efficient. A trained mage with sufficient access to mana is able to keep themselves afloat for as long as they are able to maintain consciousness. To ensure no disruption to the flight cores a series of 6 mana storage cylinders are attached around the operator's waist, forming an almost skirt-like arrangement. Each mana cylinder is wired directly into a flight core, with the rear two cylinders also being wired into the stabilizer matrix. Additionally, the cylinders are all wired together to ensure sustained power output even in the event one or more become damaged. The final, and most critical component of the standard Flight Assistance Rig is the stabilizer matrix. A series of interconnected arcane gears and weights which measure a wearer's orientation and, utilizing a series of runic commands, manipulate the output of the flight cores to maintain a stable orientation. Skilled operators are able to manipulate the matrix to allow for advanced flight maneuvers and improved handling, though this is generally not advised as forceful overriding or excessive maneuvering can damage the gearwork within the matrix. The Type 3 additionally adds a set of 6 wings organized into 3 pairs of 2, which vastly improve the stability of the flight rig, though many experienced users have noted that the increased stability comes at the cost of maneuverability and many aces still prefer the Type 2.

Item type

Magical

Creation Date

598

Manufacturer

Ostrum Arcanum Works

Related Technologies

• Runecraft

Owning Organization

Northern Confederation

Raw materials & Components

Unlike the previous Type-2, the Type-3 boasts a metal framing rig, and protective flak armor, instead of the all-leather construction of previous models. While the added weight would normally place additional strain on the operator during high-speed maneuvers, the metal rigging is able to safely disperse the weight to significantly reduce strain and injury. Additionally, the improved power output from the new Mark-VII Aerothaumic Cores results in no net loss in performance while increasing the maximum operational altitude.
At the heart of the Type-3 are the Mark-VII Aerothaumic Cores, primarily comprised of gold-inlaid Magwood paper wrapped around a mana-forged steel sphere submerged in blessed oil. Improved papermaking techniques have allowed each layer of the core to be made thinner than previous versions, allowing for more complex runic commands to be inscribed into the core. While the oil allows for waste heat to be readily transferred from the core during operation. 
Attempts to further enhance the flight rig by replacing metal components, specifically armor and structural materials with Mordrite have met with mixed success, and were ultimately canceled due to a shortage of materials.