Solaris Update 2117

The first update programme of 2117 has been announced by NS, for its fleet of Solaris 037C fleet combat ships, like most updates this year it will be fairly modest. The upgrade will be carried out over the next 2 months during normal maintenance cycles and includes:

• Improved communications sub-system with enhanced data security
• Modified docking bay with improved layout for hosting small craft
• Enhanced main computer and tactical system with better datalinking including for course correction with the forthcoming LRM-20 interstellar missile
• New FASCHARG system to increase Z-cannon rate of fire
• Various minor improvements and updates

LRM-20 successfully hits target over 17 light years away

The long-running and much troubled Long Range Missile project, the NS equivalent to the Clone Space Missile, has finally held a successful full test from silo to a target light years away. A LRM-20 was launched from a silo at DDS City and hit a target on an asteroid 17 light years away. Although the warhead was inert the accuracy was sufficient to have destroyed the target if it had been armed.

In 2114 the then DDS Commander Firefly had reorganised the LRM team and restored the previously cancelled LRM-20 with the aim of limited operational capability in 2116 with full operational status in 2117. NS sources say these may be reached with 6 silos on Proxima 7 approaching completion.

In 2118 NS will field more silos on Proxima 5 and Solaris. An updated LRM roadmap shows a mobile launcher in 2118 and an improved missile in 2119. The follow-on LRM-100 and LRM-W projects are ongoing and still expected for the early 2120s.

LRM-100 roadmap published and LRM-W announced

2120 will be the entry into service date for the DDS' interstellar ballistic missile the LRM-100, which will have a 100 light year range. The DDS have published a preliminary roadmap for development of the weapon system which will be a rival to the HCS' CSM (though that is already in service). Work on the boost phase is already in process with a commercial rocket being used as the template. The DDS aim to start launch tests in 2113 with the boost phase cleared for service by 2116.

The space stage will be a new UCV and will derive from work on existing superluminal UCVs. The DDS aim to begin flight testing of the space stage in 2115. Work on the first silos is expected to begin in 2118 with the final tests of LRM-100 and an entry into service by the end of the decade. The location of the first silos is as yet undecided though Liberation would strategically be the best location as missiles there would be able to strike any part of the Clone Star Empire. Silos on Proxima 7 are also expected as these would be able to reach much of the DTA.

The DDS say that in the next decade they will develop a follow-on version of LRM with worm drive (LRM-100 is expected to have a speed of around 500c) called LRM-W though gave no further details. It is known that a 250 light year ranged version of LRM is also being considered.

LRM news

Development of the Long Range Missile (LRM) has begun with the 20 light year range missile expected to enter service before the middle of the next decade. The LRM will be launchable from space ships, orbital bases and also from planet based silos. In fact 4 sites on Proxima 5, Solaris, Rathun's World and Remedia Prime have been earmarked for the silos. The DDS have also considered submarine launched missiles but the cost of maintaining SSBNs has deterred the DDS for now but it has been kept as an option for the future.

The LRM is a strategic weapon, the DDS intending it to mainly a deterrence weapon but also suitable for first-strikes. The DDS intend to have around 100 missiles on readiness standby with a reserve of 150.

A 100 light year range version the Ultra Long Range Missile (ULRM) is also being looked at. With such a weapon missiles launched from Proxima 5 could reach most places in the Dino and Clone Empires for example. Missiles sited on Remedia Prime could reach deep into Utrek space.