A while ago the DDS announced they would purchase 10 modified Dinomark XTs to perform the littoral patrol and ground forces support roles. However now the DDS have said the order is not definite and will depend on the findings of a review after the Utrek war is over. The DDS have a gap in capability in the so-called "space littoral", the region of space between low orbit and high atmosphere. Conventional space craft cannot easily operate in this region the DDS call the Littoral Patrol Battlespace (LPB).
The DDS are currently investigating whether the Pentekonter OPV can be modified to perform better in this role though it is likely the order for Dinomarks will be carried out though with a changed specification. The initial specification of the proposed Fighting Falcon class was for a ship to provide the bridge between orbital ground force support assets like the Z5g equipped Rome and the ground forces themselves. Combat in the littorals was not considered a high enough priority but recent analysis has shown that this can be a vulnerability an enemy could use to great advantage. A DDS analyst said it was the DDS' "soft underbelly".
Dinomark XTs are good performers in space combat though do have a weakness in the transition realm between space and an atmosphere which is exactly where the DDS want the ship to be able to fight.
It is thought likely the review will look at options for improving the XT's performance in the littorals, the Dinos have already been asked for information on options. It will also look if the Pentekonter could be an alternative or whether a new clean-sheet class would be needed. A Pentekonter solution would be unable to provide ground forces support though.
"The Dinos have looked into improving XT littoral performance before." A DDS source said, "Though they haven't gone ahead with it for cost reasons, it is most likely we will be able to find a solution using XT but it won't hurt to have another look at alternatives."
