The DDS fleet is remarkably young with nearly all current ships built since the start of the 22nd century. Indeed only a few of the Starsystem 91Bs date from the 2090s (the 2 Helwin / Alpha Centauri 93X ships could be older though Bolitic documentation is rather patchy). The oldest surviving Starsystem is M190T Beta Centauri which entered into service on the 31st of July 2094.
To celebrate its 20th birthday Beta Centauri visited the Proxima system (it is usually stationed at Liberation training DDS crews and performing back-up patrol duties) and led a small fleet of ships past DDS Orbital HQ. A veteran of several wars Beta Centauri continues to serve in its important role as training ship and reserve Medium Combat Ship. All being well the ship will see its 30th birthday and beyond as the Starsystems are set to remain in service until 2130.
30.7.14
Clones forge tight defence links with Telvin 802
Telvin 802 is already a top customer for the Clones having bought spaceships, air and land weapons in the past. Now they have come closer to the Clones by signing a "defence co-operation agreement". It falls just short of a mutual defence pact though includes stabling rights, shared intelligence, regular exercises and joint weapon development. As part of the deal the Clones will establish an intelligence gathering station in Telvin space.
Telvin are enemies of the Aritans thus this may cause some problems with CSE-DTA relations though the Clones were at pains to point out they are also friends with the DTA (and indeed recently scored a defence sale to New Arit).
Telvin are enemies of the Aritans thus this may cause some problems with CSE-DTA relations though the Clones were at pains to point out they are also friends with the DTA (and indeed recently scored a defence sale to New Arit).
29.7.14
28.7.14
Kantalda army base opens
Kantalda, capital of the province of the same name built on the conquered ruins of ABBO space, has continued its build up into a powerful hub of the Tarbotian forces and a potential starting point for any future attacks on the Central Powers including the DDS.
The first of 2 army bases has now been completed and will be home to a legion of Tarbotian army soldiers and heavy weapons. Around 400,000 troops are expected at the base by 2118. When the second base is completed by 2120 nearly a million troops could be stationed on the planet and half a million more elsewhere in the province.
Work continues on a major military space dock in the Kantalda system which could be home to a 60 strong fleet of Tarbotian warships. A DDS source has said that there is no doubt that in a few years Kantalda will be home to a very powerful Tarbotian force though it would not be sufficient to attack the DDS or DTA without a considerably greater reinforcement.
The first of 2 army bases has now been completed and will be home to a legion of Tarbotian army soldiers and heavy weapons. Around 400,000 troops are expected at the base by 2118. When the second base is completed by 2120 nearly a million troops could be stationed on the planet and half a million more elsewhere in the province.
Work continues on a major military space dock in the Kantalda system which could be home to a 60 strong fleet of Tarbotian warships. A DDS source has said that there is no doubt that in a few years Kantalda will be home to a very powerful Tarbotian force though it would not be sufficient to attack the DDS or DTA without a considerably greater reinforcement.
27.7.14
Sirikwan and New Arit buy Clone transports
DTA members Sirikwan and New Arit have teamed up to buy 45 K44/C-440 transports from the Clones. The aircraft will help augment military transport and communications on both planets. Although the planes will be bought jointly they will be operated separately by their respective air arms with maintenance handled by a joint-agency which will be set up with Clone help.
The value of the order is said to be around 700 million zarks and includes 10 years of maintenance support and spares.
The value of the order is said to be around 700 million zarks and includes 10 years of maintenance support and spares.
26.7.14
Three DDS ships will join DTA exercise
The DDS has accepted a DTA invitation to join an exercise being held next week involving the Dino, Sirikwanese and Aritan fleets. The Raegris were also invited but declined due to a lack of available ships.
Two DDS warships, probably Isometrics, and an oiler will set out tomorrow from Proxima 7 to join up with the DTA fleet near Xi mid-week. The DTA exercise will include mock combats and attack runs on ground targets.
Two DDS warships, probably Isometrics, and an oiler will set out tomorrow from Proxima 7 to join up with the DTA fleet near Xi mid-week. The DTA exercise will include mock combats and attack runs on ground targets.
24.7.14
Civilian Partnership may simulate asteroid strike
The next DDS exercise is Civilian Partnership 2114 due for September, this exercise trains the DDS in humanitarian and non-combat operations working alongside UNP agencies. It is rumoured that this year's exercise will take place on Liberation and could simulate an asteroid strike.
One source claims that the exercise scenario will be a medium sized asteroid striking the planet and the resulting disaster relief and evacuation response. No actual strike will take place of course and the DDS and Liberation government will be careful to highly publicise the fact beforehand, Last year's exercise was also held on the planet and simulated an orbital attack on nuclear power stations. One radio station thought the attack was real and sparked panic in some towns.
One source claims that the exercise scenario will be a medium sized asteroid striking the planet and the resulting disaster relief and evacuation response. No actual strike will take place of course and the DDS and Liberation government will be careful to highly publicise the fact beforehand, Last year's exercise was also held on the planet and simulated an orbital attack on nuclear power stations. One radio station thought the attack was real and sparked panic in some towns.
23.7.14
Clone Air Force to maintain 3000 K85s
The Clone Air Force say they will maintain a fleet of 3000 K85 COIN aircraft. As the number has just dropped below that figure due to older variants being withdrawn limited new production of K85NTs will resume once current production for the Clone Naval Air Service ends.
Around 800 of the current fleet are early models that date from the Clone Wars and are fast approaching their end of life dates. The CAF has decided to life-extend and refresh them to keep the fleet at 3000 until the next generation K85QA in the next decade. The K85 is one of the most important weapons in the Clone Armed Forces seeing action daily as it patrols the many words and theatres across the empire.
Around 800 of the current fleet are early models that date from the Clone Wars and are fast approaching their end of life dates. The CAF has decided to life-extend and refresh them to keep the fleet at 3000 until the next generation K85QA in the next decade. The K85 is one of the most important weapons in the Clone Armed Forces seeing action daily as it patrols the many words and theatres across the empire.
- The K3 Pterodactyl advanced trainer/COIN aircraft has successfully tested its hybrid turbo/ducted fan powerplant for the first time. Earlier flights have been with a traditional jet engine. The hybrid engine allows for greater economy but also very quiet operation which will be useful in counter-insurgency and covert battlefield surveillance. Similar technologies will be deployed with the all-electric K85QA. The K3 is set to enter service in 2116. A dedicated close support K58 is also being developed which is based on the K3 platform though this is further away.
22.7.14
21.7.14
SROPS upgrade announced
The DDS' fleet of Heron 76B SROPS (Short Range Operations Patrol Ships) has proven a highly valuable addition to the DDS portfolio in recent years and most DDS warships now carry one. The DDS have announced an upgrade to the fleet of 68 SROPS plus a follow-on order for 12 more of the type.
SROPS Revision C (likely to be called the Heron 76C) has improvements to the self-defence systems, improved computers, enhanced datalinking to the mothership and enhancements to the docking system. It will also have pylons for 2 TPM-2s with software support for firing the missile (currently SROPS can carry a Canister TPM). Upgrades will begin in the next few weeks.
SROPS Revision C (likely to be called the Heron 76C) has improvements to the self-defence systems, improved computers, enhanced datalinking to the mothership and enhancements to the docking system. It will also have pylons for 2 TPM-2s with software support for firing the missile (currently SROPS can carry a Canister TPM). Upgrades will begin in the next few weeks.
19.7.14
Terence held at secret Dino Army location
Legate Terence is being held at a secret Dino Army location following his arrest. Ronald has assigned Legate Malanson as temporary Minister of Science, Technology and Research in the meantime though Cruggson is pushing to be able to return to limited duties as he continues to recover from his shooting earlier in the year.
The details of Terence's arrest are still being kept under wraps though various media outlets are speculating it is to do with Cruggson's shooting and maybe even a wider conspiracy.
The details of Terence's arrest are still being kept under wraps though various media outlets are speculating it is to do with Cruggson's shooting and maybe even a wider conspiracy.
17.7.14
Legate Terence arrested
Legate Terence, the acting Minister of Science and Technology who is standing in for the convalescing Cruggson, has been arrested by the Dino Army according to unconfirmed reports in the Dino media. Why the Legate, who attends the Senate at the moment, has been arrested is unknown though it is speculated it could have something to do with Cruggson's shooting earlier in the year.
The arrest has shocked the Dino Army where Terence is well-known as a quiet and competent officer. His current location is unknown but he remains in army and not SS custody.
The arrest has shocked the Dino Army where Terence is well-known as a quiet and competent officer. His current location is unknown but he remains in army and not SS custody.
16.7.14
UV204 : King Of The Pirates
- Cautious + Conservative - Can Malanson and company escape the ABBO zombie lair?
- So Close To Disaster - Is Windy turning his back on the DDS?
- They're Dominating Now - Windy becomes involved in a pirate war.
- Violence + Violence - Can SFX survive the treachery of Borik Vor?
- Finding Top Gear - Windy makes his move.
- Brown Trousers Time - Windy plans to hit the Tarbotians hard.
- World Cup - Krusty is given an offer he cannot refuse.
15.7.14
Other Fleet News (15/07/14)
The Dinos / DTA
- A new Dinomark XT has joined the Dino fleet.
- The first Extender EDA oiler has also joined the fleet.
- A Dinomark XT has been built for the Voth Space Navy.
- Sirikwan have received 2 more reconditioned Nerval transports from the Clones.
Clone Defence Forces
- The Clones have received 2 more Shark SKB frigates.
Free Eritran States
- Molab have accepted into service 4 more refurbished Kalahati Tuuls.
- Molab have also put a bid in for the soon-to-be-withdrawn Remedian Perimpaz / Kalahati Tuul 2 ships.
- Castaris have received an Extender 110 oiler.
Bolitic Confederacy
- The final 2 Redhull 3605s have been withdrawn (and blown up).
13.7.14
DDS finally order Windscorpion 18A
The DDS have finally placed a firm order for 2 Windscorpion 18A Monitors, these ships will basically be massive guns (the ZMax) with an engine and basic crew facilities attached. They are specialised ships that will be designed for breaking up enemy formations mainly though will also have a ground attack role too.
Building specialised ships is a change of policy for the DDS though Director of Technology Sea Urchin says it is a change the DDS can now afford now the fleet is of a sufficient size to cover strategic and tactical needs. "Its time for one or two luxuries of which this ship is the first. They will add a great new option to our tactical matrix."
The first Windscorpion 18A is expected to enter service in 2117. The Coril 86B shuttle A572 Windscorpion will be renamed though this will occur when the first monitor is ready to enter testing.
Building specialised ships is a change of policy for the DDS though Director of Technology Sea Urchin says it is a change the DDS can now afford now the fleet is of a sufficient size to cover strategic and tactical needs. "Its time for one or two luxuries of which this ship is the first. They will add a great new option to our tactical matrix."
The first Windscorpion 18A is expected to enter service in 2117. The Coril 86B shuttle A572 Windscorpion will be renamed though this will occur when the first monitor is ready to enter testing.
11.7.14
Dinomark XT replacement moves closer
The Dinos have begun to reveal more details about Project GHT, the Dinomark XT replacement, now planned to enter service by 2116. The Dinos say that the final XTs will be built for the Dinos this year though production lines will remain open for export until 2118 at least depending on demand.
GHT will be similar in sized though cylinder shaped instead of a box according to the latest reports. It will be slightly shorter than the XT though will be wider and will have a 40% greater internal capacity because of the more efficient design.
GHT will be similar in sized though cylinder shaped instead of a box according to the latest reports. It will be slightly shorter than the XT though will be wider and will have a 40% greater internal capacity because of the more efficient design.
9.7.14
DDS to phase out TPM-1
The TPM-1 was the weapon that changed the face of space warfare more than anything else within the last couple of decades but with the ships in the DDS fleet that actually still need the missile reducing the DDS have decided it is time to end of life the missile in favour of the TPM-2 and the TPM-3 which is rumoured to be in development.
Canister TPM, a stand alone strap-on attachment using old missiles will remain in service though the DDS will end software and maintenance updates for TPM-1 by the end of 2114. The DDS will then aim to get rid of remaining stocks and convert any remaining launchers by the end of 2115.
Canister TPM, a stand alone strap-on attachment using old missiles will remain in service though the DDS will end software and maintenance updates for TPM-1 by the end of 2114. The DDS will then aim to get rid of remaining stocks and convert any remaining launchers by the end of 2115.
8.7.14
Solaris to receive big update
The DDS have announced Solaris 2114 Update A, this year's main upgrade of the 18 strong Solaris 37C fleet and its a big one. The Fleet Combat Ships will receive a large firepower boost putting them near the Type 35 in capability.
- Two TPM launchers will be fitted to either side of the hull, these are similar to the launchers used on the Type 35 and are quad-bay launchers. TPM load will be increased to 124.
- The Z7 Zip Cannon will be fitted as well replacing the current Z6.
- Worm drive recalibration will have to take place (as the hull form will change sufficiently to change the geometry), it is calculated worm drive speed will increase to 4900ec thanks to a more refined calibration.
- Communications will also be improved and there will be a number of other smaller updates.
Upgrades will begin in a couple of months.
7.7.14
Shiner removes remaining financial restrictions
The DDS' CFO The Shiner has removed the remaining financial restrictions on the DDS meaning that operations should now be back to normal. The ceiling on orders was already lifted but there were still restrictions on deployments and readiness to save money.
The DDS can now resume its normal operating rhythm as existed before the New Puritan Way crisis. Preparations for the next big DDS exercise Civilian Partnership 2114 can also now begin.
The DDS can now resume its normal operating rhythm as existed before the New Puritan Way crisis. Preparations for the next big DDS exercise Civilian Partnership 2114 can also now begin.
6.7.14
Type 18 to be named Windscorpion and Heavy Attack Squad
The forthcoming Type 18A gunship is likely to be known as the Windscorpion 18A class when it enters service. Firefly is said to be keen to honour the DDS' greatest hero who died last year. Two Type 18s are likely to be built and the other ship could be called Heavy Attack Squad which was the original name of the DDS. The name was only used for a short period but Firefly is said to like the nod to the DDS' history.
The official order for the Type 18 will be made in the next few weeks. The announcement has been delayed for political reasons but will be confirmed very soon according to reports in the media.
The official order for the Type 18 will be made in the next few weeks. The announcement has been delayed for political reasons but will be confirmed very soon according to reports in the media.
3.7.14
Fleet News (03/07/14)
- M204R Citix of Remedia II is the latest Corkscrew 51A to enter service and like the previous two is for the Remedian fleet. As they now have 3 Corkscrews in service the Perimpaz 39A ships H201 Lord Verin and H202 Citix of Remedia have been withdrawn.
- A230 Avon is the latest River 75B utility transport to enter service.
- The Isometric 41A M101 Cambrian has been fitted with a worm drive so it can act as reserve flagship for Caratore.
2.7.14
Rectoid ship enters DDS space
A Rectoid ship has violated DDS territory by entering UNP space near Barnard's Star and approaching the communications relay station near the star. Barnard's Star Relay is a key node in the DDS communications network for traffic between DDS Centre and DDS South.
The Rectoid ship was chased away by a DDS patrol. The DDS later protested to the Rectoids at their embassy on Cloneworld. The Rectoids said it was merely a navigational error.
The Rectoid ship was chased away by a DDS patrol. The DDS later protested to the Rectoids at their embassy on Cloneworld. The Rectoids said it was merely a navigational error.
1.7.14
Pro-DDS parties have lead as Proxima 7 goes to the polls again
Pro-DDS parties have a sizeable lead in today's re-run of the Proxima 7 election. The collapse of the New Puritan Way has not seen their constituent rally around an alternative. Various splinter parties and extremists are splitting the anti-DDS vote meaning that pro-DDS parties like the Popular Party should now be able to form the new government.
DDS Commander Firefly has however pledged to be more careful with DDS spending mindful that a lot of resentment exists and if it can collect around a rallying point like the Way then the DDS could be in trouble again.
The election result is expected by tomorrow.
DDS Commander Firefly has however pledged to be more careful with DDS spending mindful that a lot of resentment exists and if it can collect around a rallying point like the Way then the DDS could be in trouble again.
The election result is expected by tomorrow.
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