The HCSAF held a media day at Central AFB on Cloneworld and unveiled some new types to the media. The major unveiling was the AH-26X prototype. This is the next generation of the iconic HCS helicopter. It has new engines, sensors, rotor and a totally redesigned internal layout. The prototype will begin flight testing next year and the HCSAF are hoping to get the type into service in 2109.
Another HCSAF icon is the TR-72 Mustang reconnaissance aircraft and a new Elint version has been accepted into service. The ER-72ERS is a specialised Rint and Sigint version and will join the other Elint/Sigint aircraft in the HCSAF. Ten in total will be produced.
The small but valuable fleet of A-19B Borehole interdiction bombers will be receiving a MLU over the next 2 years. The A-19BEC has new attack sensors and will be able to operate the next wave of HCSAF air to surface weapons. The A-19BEC will have a much better anti-shipping mode too and it is possible they will be transferred to the HCS Navy.
The end of the RF-41 Flashlight was also announced however, the Mach 4 plane has been run down in service over the last few years because of the huge cost of operating it. The HCSAF said the type will be withdrawn by next Spring. The RF-41 was always a (very expensive) vanity project though had served the HCSAF usefully over the years.
