The HCS Kelsan bomber has begun it's testing programme following a 3 hour sub-luminal trip around Cloneworld. The first superluminal test will take place next week when it (probably) goes to Daggaddon. (The HCS are not publishing the test schedule but new ships always go to nearby Daggaddon on their first hyperspace trip!)
The Kelsan programme is a response to the DDS' progress in creating a strategic attack force and the ship has been designed and built in a remarkably quick time with the programme only starting earlier this year. Though analysts say the Kelsan is a fairly simple design and also drew on earlier aborted design studies.
All being well the first Kelsan should enter service next Summer. The HCS plan to build 20 ships, with them deployed in 2 squadrons of 8 each in the 2 halves of the empire with the other ships in a floating reserve. The full operational status of the Kelsan is reliant on a space launched version of the CSM being developed though this is not expected until around 2114. Until then Kelsan will use older and shorter range weapons.
