Future Fleet (4) : The upgrade timebomb

Since the advent of the G3 family of ships (i.e. Quasar, Isometric and Velocity) in the early 2100s the DDS has aimed for a service life of at least 30 years for its ships (though as yet of course has not tested this). This service life is split into 3 blocks of around 10 years each. At the end of the first block there comes the Intermediate Life Update or ILU which is a major upgrade of the ship and the replacement of worn components and structural elements. After another 10 years comes the similar Multi-Update Life Extension or MULE which will keep the ship viable for the rest of its life.

This is all very fine but because the DDS built so many ships at the same time this of course means that a lot of ship classes will have to receive their ILU or MULE at the same time! DDS Engineering has produced the following schedule estimate for a number of major classes.

As can be seen the crunch years will be at the end of the decade in 2119 and 2120 with multiple programmes ongoing simultaneously. One thing to note though that some ship classes (like the Provider) have been built over a long time so although their ILU will be taking place it will be well spread out. Other classes like the Freedom however have been built over a fairly short time period so their programmes will be intense.

The DDS are currently looking for leeway in their planned upgrade programmes thus an ILU/MULE here or there may be put forward or back a year or so depending on the condition of the fleet. The DDS estimate though that completing these projects will stretch the DDS logistically, shipyard capacity wise and of course financially to the limit. It is thought that no new ship building programmes will be able to take place from about 2117 onwards unless new capacity is bought online. It is possible the Raegris or another DDS ally could do some of this work of course.