First Z26ZNX delivered

The first of one hundred Halogen Z26ZNX helicopters has been delivered to the Clone Naval Air Service (CNAS). The production line was re-opened due to delays in the Halogen replacement and the ageing state of the CNAS helicopter fleet. The ZNX is a minor upgrade to the previous final version the ZNS and will replace the oldest helicopters in the CNAS fleet.

The Clone Air Force has attempted to also get new build from the re-opened Halogen line though Admiral Anderson said that the production line will be closed once and for all when the new helicopters have been built for CNAS.

DF looking into "Chain Worm Drive" (Project Red Shift)

UNDF is looking into a so-called "chain worm drive" which is where multiple worm drives operate in series to result in extreme performance. It is thought that a Lavender 105A unmanned reconnaissance ship may be fitted with a second worm drive, this will then be used to perform double worm jumps in sequence. This could result in an equivalent speed of 10000ec!

However, there are a lot of unknowns with this technology. This is why DF want to test it with an unmanned ship first. If it is successful then DF are considering building a test ship based on the Type 35 platform with no fewer than four worm drives! This is known as Project Red Shift and could produce the ultimate rapid response ship. An equivalent speed of 20000ec would mean a ship could reach nearly all of UNDF in minutes.

One source says that tests with the Lavender could begin next year.

Anderson returns ashore to CNAS base

Admiral Anderson has returned to solid land after spending time aboard his floating HQ, the helicopter carrier CNS West Clone Republic. However, he has not returned to the Imperial Palace near to Ailier City. Instead, he has gone to North Point, one of the largest Clone Naval Air Service bases on the north coast of Ailier and also close to the largest Clone Navy base Rock Fall.

Anderson will live in specially converted and heavily largest new quarters at the base. Several hundred Clone Marines will be stationed at the base along with K45K fighters. A helicopter to take him to a carrier will also be kept fuelled.

Anderson said this new location will likely be permanent, he said he likes the sea air.

Black Triangles offered to Remedians

UNDF has offered the four Black Triangle 126A War Fighting Ships plus their tender ship to the Remedians to bolster their fleet. The Black Triangles are potent warships though have no current role in the UNDF fleet. The ships have been offered to the Remedians on an unlimited loan.

The Remedians have become increasingly concerned with the resurgent Utrek. UNDF have also increased their fleet deployment in the area. The Remedians are said to be seriously considering the loan.

DF to strengthen forces along Remedian flank

UNDF will send three more ships to strengthen it's presence in the Remedian Belt. The ships will be stationed at Remedia Prime and will perform patrols along the Remedian-Utrek border. Although the Utrek have not noticeably caused any issues for the Remedians, there is the worry this could change.

The Remedians have said UNDF should consider joining a grand coalition against the Utrek, though that itself is starting to fade away after the Clones said they are also not in a position to join in.

Two more Repulse join fleet

Two more Repulse 51B Medium Combat Ships have joined the fleet. These are 51-211 Hulcote and 51-212 Fulcote. These are the first ships completed of the second half of the planned Repulse 51B order. It has been reported that the ships have a number of detail changes compared to the first ten ships though UNDF have not stated what these are.

UNDF said they may add an extra five ships onto the order though funding is still being sought for this.