SS Corkscrew is due to officially added to the DDS fleet next week but is unlikely to enter full service this year. Earlier the head of DDS Technology Sea Urchin explained why at a media briefing at DDS Engineering. He explained that new types of ship need a longer proving period than is usual for new ships (usually 1-2 weeks).
Corkscrew however will spent 4-5 weeks being tested from top to bottom. "Even down to the smallest component we need to rigorously test the new ship." As well as testing Corkscrew the DDS need to test the DDS around Corkscrew! How Corkscrew integrates with DDS networks and systems will be tested and DDS automated systems will need updating and calibrating with the new type.
Sea Urchin also explained that the Remedians, who will receive ships 2 and 3 early next year, will perform some training on SS Corkscrew in the early Autumn as will trainers from the DDS Space Academy and engineers from DDS Engineering. "By late November most testing and training will be done, we are hoping to have the Z7 fitted by then too. If all goes well Corkscrew could take part in an exercise before the end of the year."
