The most important defence project for the HCS is now the F-45C/K which will define HCS air power well into the 2120s. The second generation F-45 is due to enter service in 2114 with the first flight planned for next year. Today the first prototype was rolled out for the media and will begin pre-flight testing before the end of the year.
The F-45C (and the F-45K which will form the backbone of Naval airpower) although is officially the second version of the F-45 is in reality a totally new aircraft which just happens to look a lot like the F-45A! It has been totally redesigned from scratch incorporating new technologies and will form the basis of future HCSAF plans for information rich battlespheres. The F-45C/K is also designed to be "optionally piloted", it will be able to operate as a UCAV with the flick of a switch. It will also have a hybrid cockpit with real-time overlay of tactical information with augmented vision on the pilot's helmet visor.
