The new HCSN aircraft carrier is expected to enter service before the end of 2110 and the HCSN is now looking at aircraft options for the carrier, CNS Cloneworld's, primary aircraft. In the previous navy a navalised F-40 was used the F-40N. Only 120 of these were built and when the old navy was disbanded they were given to the HCSAF. After attrition only 62 could be returned to the HCSN on reformation though a search across the Clone Empire has unearthed 6 more examples, though not all are servicable.
However it is not really enough for the HCSN who will field aircraft both from land bases and the carriers (a second will be built in the next decade). The HCSN is expecting to operate 20 fighters off their carrier and with reserve and maintenance units that number per carrier will be around 40. Thus the HCSN need at least 80 fighters just for their carrier wing alone.
There are a couple of options for the HCSN, one is to rebuild older withdrawn F-40s into new F-40Ns and the other is to create a navalised version of the F-45. The former option is cheaper but will reduce in a less capable and older aircraft. A navalised F-45 will be much more advanced (especially as it would be based on the 2nd generation F-45C platform), long-lived and would keep the HCSN in the loop with respect to updates and new technologies. Navalising the F-45 is a lot more expensive however. A decision is expected early next year but no matter what is chosen CNS Cloneworld will enter service with 10 plus year old F-40Ns.
