n-Core engine prepares for "nightmare" test

UNDF Engineering are reporting that static bench testing of the latest build of the n-Core engine, which will one day be powering the Advanced Rome, is going very well. However, the engine now has to face the Sustained Stress Test, said to be a "nightmare" for any new design. The test includes a full power run for several days followed by a series of maximum deceleration and acceleration events and then another multi-day run at maximum power. If there are any flaws in the engine design then this test will find them out!

If the test goes well, the n-Core engine will begin field tests next year. UNDF Engineering are currently working on a new engine build which will fit in the Advanced Rome design. Work has begun on the second ship which will be used to text the n-Core engine. The prototype will run initially with the e-Core engine used in the Classic Rome 46A.

Fleet news

Two Repulse 51B Medium Combat Ships have joined the fleet. The ships are 51-209 Caldecote and 51-210 Woodcote and have joined the DF fleet.

Half of the Repulse 51B has now been completed. DF say there will be no differences in the second half of the fleet.

Advanced Rome will be official name, Rome also renamed

UNDF has confirmed that the Advanced Rome 216A will be the official name of the next generation Light Combat Ship. They also said that the Rome 46A will be renamed the Classic Rome 46A.

DF also provided some more details of the Advanced Rome. The first few examples will use the same engine as the Classic Rome. The Advanced Rome will have a brand new tactical databus, this will be trialed on a Classic Rome later in the year.

Drone attack on Central Air Force Base on Cloneworld

A dozen drones, of the Molab type, are reported to have attacked Central Air Force Base in Ailier, Cloneworld. This is the headquarters of the Clone Air Force and a major logistics hub. The drones are reported to have struck a hangar, damaging a transport plane inside (type unspecified). A radar antenna was hit and badly damaged. No injuries are reported though an unofficial source says there were a number of minor injuries.

The attack is a major embarrassment to the Clone Defence Forces and a review of security is being carried out. The identity of the attackers is unknown. Analysis of a downed drone which did not explode indicates that the drones were built locally. Plans for the Molab drones were released onto the galactic internet and it is known that a number of insurgent groups have built them.

Admiral Anderson has ordered more anti-aircraft defence assets be mobilised in the area.

DF hunting for Von Kane

Kommandant Kurt von Kane, a former NS officer turned traitor and an MBO higher-up, was reported missing after the collapse of MBO-New Sparta. It is thought he escaped with a small MBO force though there also rumours of his death during space battles near Aldebra.

DF Intelligence say they are following up on a solid lead that von Kane and a group of MBO drones are hiding in the Rim Worlds. A DF team is said to be searching for them.

Dinomark HX begins testing

The next generation heavy cruiser for the Dino fleet, the Dinomark HX, has begin testing before an expected entry into service at the end of the year. The Dinos plan to build five of them, they will replace the Dinomark RS as the most powerful ships in the Dino fleet, though usually dedicated to home system defence.

The Dinomark HX is a development of the Bolitic Furl design, though has been heavily modified for Dino needs. The HX is said to be armed with twin fusion cannons, TPMs and auxiliary beam weapons.