CNS Cloneworld, the first aircraft carrier of the new HCS Navy, has been launched at a lavish ceremony at the HCSN HQ at Reuilla. The Friar and HCSN head Admiral Alias launched the 23,000 ton warship. Work is now being carried out 26/7 to complete the carrier and prepare her for her planned entry into service in 2110 (though this may be delayed until 2111).
Next year the HCSN's fleet of F-40Ns will have their arrester hooks restored and be given an overhaul to prepare them for carrier operation. A ground based "carrier" has been built at Reuilla NAFB to allow for the training of pilots in carrier operations. The facsimile of a carrier deck includes an electric catapult, ramp and arrester wires. It is hoped to be able to field the jets on a carrier for real from 2112 with the F-45K planned to replace the elderly F-40Ns from 2115.
As for major escorts D01 Olana should enter full service within weeks with D02 Micom soon to enter trials. F01 Ailier will complete it's major refit and modernisation later in the Summer and should return to the fleet by the Fall. The HCSN plan a fleet of 4 Olana destroyers for the Cloneworld carrier group fleet plus the Ailier frigate which will act as a command ship for non-carrier operations. More destroyers will soon be ordered for the next carrier group for CNS Clone Empire which is now building and will be launched in 2110.
