The Missileer, a missile carrier and arsenal ship, has begun trials. The ship is a modified version of the Provider and has 2 quad-bay missile launchers and is able to use targeting information from other ships as well as it's own.
The ship is a bit of a hack, using spare parts and used equipment to speed development. For example the missile launchers were to have been used on a Quasar ILU but as the update programme has been postponed due to the war the launchers were commandeered. The sensor suite has just been removed from SS Carboniferous as the ship receives an upgraded suite.
One problem is integration of the various systems which will probably take much of the rest of the year. The DDS also want to fit a Z5m cannon to it for self-defence. The shortage of TPMs is also proving a problem though this should be fixed by the time it enters service, the DDS are going to fit a small TPM production facility to the ship before it enters service in any event.
The key system aboard the Missileer is the fire control and targeting system that can take data from up to 24 other ships, integrate it with it's own and simultaneously track up to 64 targets using AI to select the best one to attack at any one time. The system is based on the Panther's tactical system though as this is unproven there is much work to do before it will be passed ready for combat.
As much of the Missileer's structure is still unused and there is some time before the ship can enter service the DDS are looking at adding other roles such as carrying UCAVs. The DDS have been working on a "space fighter" UCAV and this may be an extra role for the Missileer to carry, deploy and control these weapons.
