Production of the F-45A is winding up for the HCSAF (though will continue for the HCSN for a couple more years). Production of the next generation F-45C is not due to start until 2112 at the earliest (and is likely to be delayed until 2113/4). To bridge the gap at the factory some 200 of the earliest of the 900 F-45As built will be updated and refurbished.
Another refurbishment programme is the F-40S rebuilds and updates of selected F-40s in the still vast F-40 fleet (there are still 2500 in service). Extra funding has been allocated to push the number of F-40S up to 200, the HCSAF are still hopeful they can reach 350 eventually. As mid-programme F-40s are now beginning to reach the end of their lives the fleet will gradually begin to be run down though the HCSAF are hoping to keep around 1000 late-programme F-40s and F-40S into the 2130s.
The stealthy reconnaissance drone RQ-1 has been unveiled to the media, interestingly it uses elements from the now withdrawn RS-80 Spyder stealth bomber which saw some service during the Clone Wars. RQ-1 could begin flight testing in the early 2110s.
Around 45 of the oldest members of the core transport C-440 fleet will be refurbished and re-engined using the next generation engines used in the forthcoming C-440C. The C-440AM as it is known will also have a new glass cockpit and improved cargo handling equipment. The first C-440AM is expected to be rolled out by the end of the year.
Funding has been secured finally to restore 15 stored AH-50 Dragonfly anti-tank helicopters to service. The 15 refurbished and updated helicopters will join the existing fleet of 254 forming a powerful elite anti-tank arm.
