Future Fleet (2) : Corkscrew 51A

In the mid-2100s the DDS came to the conclusion that the evergreen Isometric platform was starting to reach the end of its potential so began a programme for a "future frigate". Very quickly the DDS decided upon using the then-new Rome 46A patrol ship as the basis for this new generation of frigates (later medium combat ships) which will form the core of the DDS patrol fleet for the next 20-30 years.

Corkscrew 51A (as the programme became) is based on the Rome design but is scaled up and will be a very flexible and versatile ship. Expected in 2114, finalised specifications have yet to be set but it is now expected to have 2 TPM VLS systems (32 cell and 16 cell) plus a Z7 cannon, a missile launcher able to fire a variety of ordinance (including TPMs too) and MRMs can be carried externally. It will also have some form of modular weapon/mission capability though this has yet to have been detailed, Rome modules will be incompatible.

A key part of the Corkscrew design will be a large docking bay able to take ships up to Falcon 47A size. Its top speed is likely to be in the 800c range though it will have worm drive too. The DDS have issued the following design concept and like the Warspite concept also recently announced whilst the final design may differ this should be considered more or less what the future of the DDS patrol fleet will look like.