The Velocity class destroyer had a difficult start, canceled and then resurrected production was restricted to a small jig which means production is slow and can only be done one ship at a time. It takes around 11-12 months to build each ship. However the DDS are now looking at ordering more Velocities of a expanded varient.
There have been designs for a larger Velocity for some time now. The current type, the Velocity S, was meant to have a fuselage plug but this was cut for cost reasons. The DDS are now looking at an improved Velocity as they feel it has export potential.
The Velocity was designed as a high performance and long range destroyer able to act on it's own for extended periods. Thus the DDS feel it would be suitable for smaller navies which are the primary customers for DDS ships. A Velocity can operate alone without extra support assets and thus is a potent and cost effective ship.
It is understood Windscorpion has given the go-ahead for preliminary design work on a lengthened Velocity. Its thought the extra space will allow the Velocity to have a larger docking bay (2 SROPS or 1 SROPS + Fulcrum/Coril) is desired, extra weapon load and further improved endurance. A full announcement will be made later this year if the concept designs are liked. If the DDS go ahead with this they would get the Raegris to build the ships first for the DDS and then export orders.
