NanoPaint consists of Nanobots capable of altering their pigmentation. They
appear at TL12. NanoPaint is designed for vehicles but can be applied
to structures as well.
The nanobots come in a viscous electrolytic solution. The initial coat is
"programmed" while still in the can. A "Color Computer" sends a signal to the
nanobots through an "application rod," which is dipped in the solution. The
initial coat of paint is then applied through conventional means.
Subsequent color changes are programmed into the Color Computer which sends the
signal through the Application Rod, which is in direct contact with the surface.
Color change is communicated from one nanobot to the other, so long as they're
connected via the conductive coating. The Color Computer's power source supplies
the power needed for the nanobots to execute the color change.
At TL14, the Color Computer can interface with ship's sensors to come up
with a continuous camoflouge stream. The Application Rod then becomes a
transmitter, sending out a radio signal with the updated color scheme through
the vehicle's hull to the closest nanobots. These nanobots in turn pass along
the color scheme information to the others.
In game terms, this increasing the difficulty of viewing the object in visible
light. The paint does not mask IR signatures. In CT terms, this could mean a DM
of +1 for Surprise Rolls and/or -1 to hit the object. For task-based systems, it
could mean an increased difficulty level for target locks if the locator is
relying upon the visual spectrum.
Harsh climatic conditions and weapons fire adversely affect the nanobot coating.
If sufficient wear to the coating occurs, the conductive coating is unable to
communicate future color changes through the entire medium (GM's discretion).
| Color Computer and Application Rod: | 500cr |
| NanoPaint Cost: | 100 cr/gal (25 cr/L) |
| Survace Coverage: | 10 m2/gallon |
Power Requirements: Power is only required when color changes are to be made. Ideally, a plentiful power source will be nearby (i.e. fusion plant) for the unit to plug into. If not, 20 W/m2 will be required for each color change. For continuous camoflouge, this can range increase up to 72 kW-hours/m2 depending upon variances in the terrain. Color Computer power requirements are equivalent to those of a laptop.