For the last few months 1211 Positron has been testing various new equipment that is expecte to be deployed on the forthcoming Quasar ILU programme. The DDS announced that 1201 Quasar and Positron will be the first 2 ships to enter the ILU programme in january of next year. The DDS expects the ILU, which includes a rebuild and replacement of much of the equipment to take 4 months per ships. Two ships can be upgraded at a time on the old Quasar production line rig.
The Quasar is likely to be re-engined with the Neptune E9 engine that uses hybrid technology. Top speed is to be boosted to a one-hour limited 950c dash and a sustainable cruise of 900c.
The real surprise of the DDS announcement was saved to the end. Two more Quasars are to be sold to the Raegris who bought 6 ships last year. The Raegris have recently made their Quasars operational and are very happy with them. The DDS hope to raise 2 billion zarks through the sale of 2 more plus spares and some updates. The 2 are to be sold after the ILU programme of the other 12 has completed. This is likely to take around 2 years if there are no delays.
