With the first 2 examples of the second block of Rome corvettes, the Rome B, now entering test the DDS have announced details of what exactly has been changed. The Rome B is a "linear progression" said a DDS Research spokeswoman, "Using experience gained from existing Rome usage and combat experience to greatly enhance the capabilities of the Rome corvette".
The main change, as already announced, is the addition of the 5036-A combat management suite, a computer add on to existing tactical systems offering better data filtering and management and combat analysis functions. This has been married to a new databus and datalink multiplexer with double the bandwidth of before. The Rome B also has greater data output capabilities to external sites or other DDS ships allowing for seamless data integration.
The Rome B is also the first DDS ship to be fully compatible with the TPM-2 next generation missile (the Quasar ILU has the software and weapon storage facilities but lacks the modified missile launcher and some other auxiliary systems; these will be added next year for the second half of the ILU programme and retrofitted to existing ILU ships). The TPM-2 is not expected to be operational until 2108 Q4 but will need extensive field testing next year and the Rome B will probably be the ships to do it.
There are also a number of other improvements across the board from engine management to as mundane as the ship's entertainment system (the ships will have 2 24/7 gay porn TV channels).
