The Head of DDS Research, Dr Forbidden, has kindly replied to your questions posed to him earlier this week.
North Korean Observer asked "Can you tell me your thoughts on the Dino's bubble shielding and do you think it will counter the effectiveness of your transphasic missile technology?"
Dr Forbidden : "Basically what the Dinos are working on is little mini-shields that wrap around an incoming missile. We are working on improving our targeting systems to enable our missiles to re-phase either inside the target or so close to the target that the Dinos cannot deploy a bubble. As with any weapon system there is always a continual race between the offense and defense sides."
Anonymous asked "What do you see happening to the Pulsar and Quasar classes? I heard a rumor about a second and improved block of Panthers. Also, any comments on their speed and firepower."
Dr Forbidden : "The Pulsar will receive a MULE3 update towards the end of the decade with a major rebuild around 2014. The Quasar ILU programme will be commencing in a year or so. We will keep our cruiser classes up to date. There are no plans for a second block of Panthers yet, we will reveal more details about our future destroyer in a media briefing next year."
Oily Maniac asked "Where do you see the DDS fleet in 20, 30 or 40 years time? Will we see ships the size of the Pentekonter but with a firepower of a fleet? Or will we see the return of the big ship?"
Dr Forbidden : "Its hard to tell but i think we have seen the end of the big ship now, the Panther is the future. No doubt smaller ships with massive firepower will be the roadmap for the forseeable future."
Captain Peter asked "Is it true the Pulsar and other modern ships are suffering from a bottleneck in tactical response now because the databus has not kept up with the technological advances in targetting and payload delivery. I read that in the recent battle against the Tarbotians the Pulsar's tactical sub-system could not keep up with the data being given it by the sensor array."
Dr Forbidden : "Yes and its a major problem we are urgently addressing. There is so much data flowing through the system now the data architecture of our ships is creaking. The Terran Sea introduced a new 1024-bit databus and we aim to upgrade other ships when they next receive updates."
Simon Webstar asked "When will the DDS be moving to wholly wireless control technology on their ships?"
Dr Forbidden : "Pulsar MULE2, Isometric IIU1 and Terran Sea have all introduced wireless control with a traditional fibre optic backup but with the TS Block 2 and new designs we will dispense with the wires. It brings a major cost saving and increases internal volume dramatically."
Finally Anonymous asked "I am currently studying chemistry at Wolverhampton University on Terra, i'd love to join DDS Research when i graduate! Is it possible?"
Dr Forbidden : "No."
