Clones reveal details of Halogen replacement, Z35 Courier

The Clone Defence Forces have finally revealed details of it's long delayed Z26 Halogen replacement, the Future Universal Helicopter (FUHX). The Z26 is a Clone War icon which has been built in the thousands, but it's replacement will be quite different.

The Z35 Courier is intended to replace the Halogen in the transport, multi-mission and reconnaissance roles. The attack role is already being taken by the Z50 Dragonfly. The Z35 is a simpler aircraft compared to the Z26, it does not have turbofans to augment performance (which has proven to be only useful in the attack role). The Z35 will have twin contra-rotating rotors instead of the ducted fan used in most Clone helicopter designs. Compared to the Z26, the Z35 will have 30% greater cargo capacity and a longer range.

The Clones say they plan to fly the prototype by 2130 with an entry into service by 2133.

UNDF increase alert status

UNDF has increased it's alert status to AMBER which means that, while no imminent attack is thought likely, UNDF will increase it's readiness and surveilance.

It has not been stated why the alert status was increased, a decision by UNDF Commander Torus, but it is likely due to the mysterious military build-up by the Clones in their Taragargi sector.

UNDF investigating mysterious build-ups in Taragargi sector

UNDF are looking into reports that the Clone Defence Forces have begun build-ups in the Taragargi sector of the Clone Star Empire. Orbital facilities at Taragargi and Geulis are being upgraded with more ships allocated to both planets. A military hospital on Geulis has also been reactivated. There are unconfirmed reports that work has begun on several new military bases on Taragargi, Geulis and Teriatri 7.

Several military ordinance factories on Colom are also reported to have been ordered to increase production. Several ships in the fleet have also had their major overhauls delayed.

UNDF are concerned that the Clones may be planning a new military adventure. Forces based at Taragargi would be well placed to launch an attack on UNDF South.

Clones slash number of K85QA1 in major change in COIN strategy

The K85 will remain part of the Clone Defence Forces for a long time yet though their end has now begun. The Clone Air Force has said it will cancel most of it's outstanding order for the fourth generation K85QA1 COIN aircraft. Production will end later this year. This will still leave over K85 3,000 in CAF service (and others operated by the Clone Naval Air Service) and there are plans to keep the type in service until 2150.

However, the fleet will begin to age and is expected to be greatly cut in numbers as the CAF withdraws from CSE-E.

The K58 Raptor will become the front-line counter-insurgency aircraft in CAF service. CAF are expected to place a huge order for an updated version which could replace hundreds of the oldest K85s.

K47 to be updated

The K47 Freedom light fighter was designed as a cheap, easy to maintain fighter for secondary planets in the Clone Star Empire and reserve units. Although it fulfilled the briefs from the Clone Air Force, the K47 was considered a bit of a disappointment and production has ceased after 360 were built (the original plan was for over a thousand!) The K59 Flashlight has now replaced it in production as a secondary light fighter.

The CAF are intending to keep the K47 in service into the 2140s though the oldest are now over ten years old and CAF is preparing to an upgrade. The K47MEC (Modernised Enhanced Capabilities) will be a rolling programme of upgrades and refurbishments to the fleet. As well as a full overhaul, MEC will include an upgraded tactical computer, improved communications, a higher bandwidth datalink and an infrared seeker. The upgrade will maintain compatibility with the latest and next generation of CAF air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

The first MEC is expected to be completed early next year.

Repulse enters service

51-213 Wilnecote, the latest Repulse 51B Medium Combat Ship, has entered service with the UNDF Space Fleet following the successful completion of it's trials. The ship will now join the UNDF patrol pool.

This is the 13th Repulse to be completed, seven more are due to be built by the end of next year. No more after that are expected to be built. The next Medium Combat Ship to enter service will be the Advanced Rome.