The second Cloneworld class aircraft carrier, CNS Clone Empire, has been launched on Cloneworld. It is due to enter service in 2111. Meanwhile the first ship CNS Cloneworld has been fitted with it's catapult system and will be able to begin aircraft operation trials when it begins phase 2 of it's sea trials next month.
40 F-40Ns have now been updated to N2 standard ready for use on the carriers. The HCSN have decided not to upgrade the remaining 21 F-40Ns. The N2 standard "re-navalises" the fighters with arrester hooks and other systems for carrier operations restored as well as support for the new AS-21 anti-ship missile. The 21 non-upgraded aircraft are expected to be gradually run down over the next couple of years. They will likely be supplemented with spare F-40s from the HCSAF if needed.
