Pulsar to receive final major update

The DDS have given clearance for a final major update to the Pulsar cruiser fleet before withdrawals begin in 2111. This update, the MULE3 update replaces the already planned P2108UA though the elements of that update will be rolled in to it. The MULE3 update will include :

• Refurbishing bridge to replace legacy consoles with standard wireless consoles with the latest software and user interface updates. As Pulsar is not a wireless ship the bridge will also have 2 multiplexers to integrate the wireless control into the legacy fibre optic control.
• Engine re-cored to ESRDA RBG-4502V (this was planned for last year but delayed as the existing T cores still had plenty of life in them). Dash speed boosted to 880c, cruise speed unchanged.
• Z5a cannon replaced with Z5g. This was intended to be Z5i but the new cannon is not available in numbers in time. This does mean the Pulsar's anti-ship combat ability is reduced as the Z5g is a ground attack weapon primarily. The attack system will also be updated to SAS2C.
• Blast Fragmentation Containment (BFC) force fields fitted. This new method of reducing blast shrapnel damage will be tested on the Pulsar.
• FIDO fitted to allow distributed operation.
• Compatibility with TPM-2 but it will not receive TPM-2 capable missile launchers.
  
• Various other system and communications updates.
  

MULE3 will begin in May. The update will be fairly cheap as much of the equipment like the Z5gs is re-used and the engines needed recoring anyway. This will be the last major update to the Pulsar with just bug fixes and tweaks in 2109 and beyond.