The small three man aircraft will be militarised to DDS spec which will include new radios, IR cameras, ECM and provision for carrying anti-ship missiles. However it is thought their main role will be to detect possible enemy targets for shipborne ISSF teams to check out.
Deliveries are expected to begin later this year. In DDS service they will be known as the RP-30 Canada Goose.
- The HCS Air Force has accepted its first KC-426 tanker into service, these tanker version of the small prop transport is intended to refuel aircraft like the A-85 but there is a problem... no A-85 COIN aircraft cannot yet perform inflight refuelling! To rectify this (due to the planned long range NTLR variant of the A-85 being cancelled) the HCSAF are to retrofit fuel probes to around 120 A-85NTs in service. The modifications will also include software updates to the plane's main cockpit display with a camera feed from the probe to assist the pilot. These modified planes will be known as the A-85NTIK.
- Three F-10S fighters from the DDS Terrestrial Forces Air Division have been taken to Cloneworld where they will conduct tests with a Tiamon TM carrier. The DDS are considering buying 2 of these spacecraft which can enter atmospheres to launch aircraft but first of all wish to test the Shark fighter with them.
- New Vosun, an independent planet of ethnic Vosunites separated from the rest of the Vosun by many light years (and the DTA and Bolitic Confederacy) have asked to join the DTA. Their application may be opposed by the Voth who have a mistrust of their former masters, however New Vosun has always been a fringe planet culturally and politically separate to the rest of the old Vosun-Voth Star Empire so some kind of accommodation may be found. The DTA say they will consider the application.
