The DDS have officially unveiled its mid-life upgrade of the Pentekonter platform which will form the basis of the export Pentekonter reboot and the Pentekonter ILU in DDS service. Priority will be given to the massively successful export model which will be renamed Pentekonter Protector from 2115 (with low/minesweeper, medium and high-end variants). Existing customers with pending orders will be given the option of upgrading their orders to the new model though there may be a cost implication. The DDS say they will continue to build the older models until 2118 if customers do not want or can't afford the upgrade. Existing models will remain available on sale until the end of the year, after that only the Protector lines will be available.
The Pentekonter Protector will have updates across the board including a new top turreted Z5m main cannon, an upgraded engine based on the Corkscrew developed Y evolution of the HS-760, top speed will be increased to 700c. A TPM-VLS derived missile launcher will also be fitted though it will fire TPM, QPM or conventional missiles depending on the customer. The bottom of the hull will have an enlarged docking bay and more storage equipment. Sensors and computers will also be upgraded.
Although the Pentekonter ILU planned for around 2117-8 has not been officially unveiled yet it is expected it will follow mostly on the Protector lines.
