Professor Wayne King-Meiouf of the University of ProximaThe DDS Air Force, just like the army (or shall i say the Air and Land Divisions of DDS Terrestrial Forces!) have always been rather unbalanced. They have always been designed purely to do a single job and not be multi-spectrum and balanced.
The DDS have often wanted a balanced force but budget pressures have put paid to that. However in recent times the DDS have gained a number of new warplanes however the fleet is as unbalanced as ever. Currently the DDS has a fighter with a limited ground attack role and 3 light attack or COIN types. Now the DDS are looking at improving their attack aircraft options.
The problem is how. The DDS do not really want to add yet another new type to their fleet, plus it would likely have to be an off-the-shelf purchase form elsewhere due to the reasonably modest number that would be needed. That would likely mean a Clone type and the DDS are already a bit sniffy about becoming overly reliant on Clone weapons.
The other option is to improve what they already have. The third generation F-10X will likely be a much improved multi-role aircraft but that is not due until the next decade. Budget and time will mean a substantial update of the current F-10S is out of the question. What has been proposed has been a modest retrofit of the current SEP standard.
The SEPA concept will add a multi-mission "hump" atop the fuselage which will include targeting sensors, ECM and improved communications. This would be coupled with modifications to the cockpit to improve the multi-mode displays. If the DDS go ahead with SEPA then new build could arrive next year and the existing SEP could be quickly updated.
Another option is to improve the NDAA A-12. Although its a fairly small light-attack type it is a very clean and stable aircraft and has a lot of room for expansion. One concept being considered is the A-12EA which would have a boosted powerplant, strengthened wing and improved attack sensors.
The DDS are likely to go ahead with both the F-10SEPA and A-12EA. It won't be as good as a dedicated attack aircraft like the Clone A-84 but will improve DDS capabilities and help the DDS Air Division's role as a supporting arm for land operations.
