With the first 3 F-40N2s returned to the HCSN, the refurbished aircraft having their carrier operations equipment (arrester hooks, strengthened undercarriage et cetera) restored, training has begun on "CNS Plank". This is a simulated aircraft carrier at an undisclosed airbase location and has a landing strip complete with a steam catapult and arrester wires.
The first proper carrier CNS Cloneworld will not be able to be used for real carrier operations for a year or so but it is hoped by then the HCSN will have a pool of pilots who have some experience on the "plank". The F-40N2 also has had it's databus and pylons modified to allow it to carry the new anti-ship missile the AS-21.
