After a number of years successful service the Z5 cannon series is to be replaced by the Z6 next year. The Z6 has been called a "Generation 2.5" weapon as it will keep the weapon competitive until the introduction of the transphase Zip cannon in the next decade. It is known that the Zip cannon is behind schedule which is likely to be the reason for developing this "stop-gap".
The Z6 is fully multi-mode from the start and will be available in turreted and fixed versions. The key improvements over the Z5 include greater rate of fire, reduced maintenance requirements and integration into EA-X energy absorbent technology. This new defence system absorbs the energy from enemy beam weapons and the plan for EA-X 2.0 is for that energy to be recycled for use by a ship's own weapons. Z6 will be ready to use this though it likely to be a few years before this capability can be used.
No plan has yet been given for the introduction of the Z6 but it is likely to be fitted into Isometric ILU and late Panther and Solaris III builds next year to start with as these will already be in construction. Upgrading existing installations will take place at later dates.
