11.9.09

HCSAF to revamp helicopter arm

The HCSAF has announced a 350 million zark programme to recapitalise and revamp it's helicopter force which has rather stagnated over the last few years. The AH-26X is still "delayed" though (a.k.a. dead) but there will be 100 new build C/AH-26WNG on top of the 50 already on order plus refurbishment for around 270 older C/AH-26s.

The heavy-lift CH-36 Helium will also be refurbished as many of these are now reaching the ends of their fatigue lives. 20 million zarks has also been allocated for initial development of a replacement due for 2120 at the latest. The AH-50 Dragonfly will be receiving a systems upgrade including enhanced sensors and a new radar. Finally 50 of the AH-75 Hornet anti-helicopter helicopter fleet are to be modified to give them a more general combat role.