The first example of the third generation Velocity destroyer, and the first to be built by the Raegris, the Solaris III class has now entered testing. As with all new tests it will undergo a longer testing than usual but can be expected to enter service around Easter. A DDS briefing to officers today revealed that the Solaris III is more than just the Velocity Mark 3.
The Solaris III will have new roles in the DDS with the Velocity finally, and at long last some say, given a true purpose in the DDS. The DDS intend to use the Solaris III as command ships for smaller deployments, which links up to one it's main selling points (in the vise of the Velocity-E export destroyer) as an affordable flagship and command ship for smaller fleets and remote deployments. Thus Solaris III will have the best C3 facilities in the fleet bar the Quasar cruisers (and SS Carboniferous).
However it will have another role which will be assisted by the C3 equipment which will aid it's autonomus abilities, that will be as a hunter-killer. The Solaris III will have excellent passive sensors and long-acting cloaking device and will be optimised for shadowing enemy fleets and pouncing when the order is given or an opportunity arises, as in the old days of submarine warfare. The DDS hope that the Solaris III will one day strike fear into the hearts of potential enemies and be a highly valuable part of it's portfolio.
