Work will begin on a prototype in the new year, the DDS say they hope to begin trials by the end of 2112 with production of a later series version possible by late 2113. NFS will be equipped with a Zip cannon and EA-X, possibly with direct energy recycling. It will have a crew capacity of 0 to 5 though the DDS say that unmanned operation will probably be seldom used. It will augment the small crew capabilities with existing remote crewing technology FIDO-VR.
- The DDS have also begun work on an improved version of its new generation Coril shuttle. The Coril 86C draws on improvements driven by export sales and will have a new cockpit, improved navigation and passive sensor systems. The DDS are also looking into the feasibility of increasing the speed to 275c (the current engine can be uprated to achieve this with a few modifications) with a few modest structural changes.
- The DDS has partnered up with Consolidated Spacecraft to use their M100B commercial launcher for the boost phase of LRM. Using a proven launcher precludes the need to design, build and test a DDS launch rocket. The DDS said that M100B will be modified to increase its payload by about 5% and also have measures to reduce IR signature. The first test of the LRM booster could now happen next year.
