With Ferret-E now in service with the DDS and Dinos work is now going on on the second generation model, the Ferret-G which has a dual air/space capability. To operate in atmospheres requires a hybrid engine that includes a jet turbine along with the existing plasma rocket as well as modified flying surfaces and of course a new control suite.
The Dinos are leading on the Ferret-G project but have run into a problem with an early prototype which went crazy following a lightning strike which is thought to have caused a major system malfunction. The drone no longer responded to control links and, as it was carrying a laser gun, was a threat to other air traffic. Indeed it was in "kill mode" meaning it could attack any aircraft it detected. A Dinomark commanded by Cruggson managed to catch and destroy the drone before it could do any harm. Dino engineers are now looking into improving the fuselage alloy to give improved lightning protection and improve the control circuit isolation.
