Northern Project is the 4th and last of the major exercises run by the DDS during the year and is a "full-spectrum mock war" that involves elements from as many parts of the DDS as possible. The exercise will be centred on Sanger Alpha and involve the DDS forces trying to "retake" DDS City on Proxima 7 which has been seized by an enemy power.
Remedian, Raegris, Porquatian and some guest Dino ships will be acting as the enemy. Porquatian troops are already at DDS City as an occupying force though its thought ISSF Prowler units are already in action against them observing and preparing for the arrival of the DDS relief forces. The ships involved are:
S107 Charm Quark (flag combat squadron)
S108 Tachyon
S209 Bombardier
S224 Fuji
H110 Puma
H129 Impregnable
H162 Polaris
H174 Evolution
M135 Fox
M179 North Sea
K108 Senaca (flag minesweeper squadron)
K205M Pindar
K214MX Hector
K112 Tactitus
L131 Tethys Ocean (flag amphibious/transport squadron)
L111 Pangaea
L116 Kenora
L156 North America
A109 Expeditor
A160 Heptane
A224 Rhone
A301E Marconi
The exercise officially begins tomorrow and will run for 8 days.
30.11.14
28.11.14
Quasar Update 2114
The Quasar 15A fleet is the corner stone of the DDS strategic fleet but is long overdue an update and fitting with worm drive. The reason for this is the small number of ships available (just 8) and the need to supply 6 to 2 strike squadrons.
The arrival of the Warrior 16A bomber means the pressure on the Quasar fleet has been lessened and Quasar Update 2114 will begin next month and continue into 2115.
Core to the update will be the fitting of worm drive, the Quasar is expected to have an equivalent speed of 5000ec like the Warrior. Quasar will also receive the Z7 cannon, a new ECM suite, improved internal security and an update to the SAS strike system.
The arrival of the Warrior 16A bomber means the pressure on the Quasar fleet has been lessened and Quasar Update 2114 will begin next month and continue into 2115.
Core to the update will be the fitting of worm drive, the Quasar is expected to have an equivalent speed of 5000ec like the Warrior. Quasar will also receive the Z7 cannon, a new ECM suite, improved internal security and an update to the SAS strike system.
27.11.14
DDS get T-62Y and T-55ZDM
The DDS have received the first production examples of its new T-62Y tank produced by its in-house company SMA. Full series production will begin next year after a thorough evaluation by DDS Terrestrial Forces' development unit.
The DDS have also received the first kits from the Dinos to upgrade around 150 of their existing T-55Z tanks to the improved T-55ZDM standard. The work will be carried out by SMA and mostly includes fitting a new turret. The DDS aim to standardise on the T-62Y but expect to keep the T-55Z in service until around 2120 hence the need for the upgrade.
The T-62Y will equip all 5 of the DDS' planned armoured regiments though only 3 are formed (a 4th is in training). The DDS expect to buy around 2000 T-62Ys.
The DDS have also received the first kits from the Dinos to upgrade around 150 of their existing T-55Z tanks to the improved T-55ZDM standard. The work will be carried out by SMA and mostly includes fitting a new turret. The DDS aim to standardise on the T-62Y but expect to keep the T-55Z in service until around 2120 hence the need for the upgrade.
The T-62Y will equip all 5 of the DDS' planned armoured regiments though only 3 are formed (a 4th is in training). The DDS expect to buy around 2000 T-62Ys.
26.11.14
24.11.14
DDS test LRM launcher
The DDS have finally successfully tested the launcher stage of its much troubled and delayed Long Range Missile (LRM) project, the counter to the Clones' CSM. The launcher stage is a development of the commercial Bright Spark rocket and was tested from a launchpad on Proxima 7 yesterday.
Development of the space stage is continuing and the DDS say they are close to begin tests of the vehicle, which is basically a one shot space drone fitted with a warhead. A mated test of the space stage and the launcher is set for next year and LRM-20 (the first 20 light year ranged version) is still planned for 2116 though some sources say this is a bit ambitious and any setbacks or delays will push it into 2117 or beyond.
Development of the space stage is continuing and the DDS say they are close to begin tests of the vehicle, which is basically a one shot space drone fitted with a warhead. A mated test of the space stage and the launcher is set for next year and LRM-20 (the first 20 light year ranged version) is still planned for 2116 though some sources say this is a bit ambitious and any setbacks or delays will push it into 2117 or beyond.
21.11.14
DDS firm up new Pentekonter and Rome orders
The DDS have confirmed that 4 Pentekonter 44M minesweeper/utility patrol ships will be built from next year. These will help add capacity to the minesweeping fleet and also provide more ships available for secondary duties.
A surprise is that the DDS will also built 3 more Rome 46A patrol ships. This is also to add capacity to the fleet (which is slightly depleted as 2 ships are reserved to act as flagships for the DDS Commander). They are expected in 2116.
A surprise is that the DDS will also built 3 more Rome 46A patrol ships. This is also to add capacity to the fleet (which is slightly depleted as 2 ships are reserved to act as flagships for the DDS Commander). They are expected in 2116.
20.11.14
Walrus SSBN launched
The first of 6 Walrus ballistic missile submarines has been launched by the Clone Navy. The submarines are expected to enter service from 2117 (it may now slip to 2118) and will be equipped with SeaGale missiles, some of which will be fitted for CSM.
This is intended as a key part of the Clone's astral missile deterrent along with the land mobile CSM now entering service.
This is intended as a key part of the Clone's astral missile deterrent along with the land mobile CSM now entering service.
19.11.14
Dinos believe Long Shot follow-up is lost
The Dinos have declared the Long Shot follow-up expedition as lost and think all 4 Dinomark PTs have been destroyed. It is thought they used telemetry from a drone Provider XMA transport (which is now returning to the DTA) and intelligence from undisclosed allies and third-parties to piece together the final movements of their ships and the suspected loss to the Terrasaurs.
Consul El Diablo has declared the Dinos will mourn and avenge the lost including the respected deployment commander Legate Hyperbole. What the Dinos will do next is likely to be decided after the Consul election in a few days.
Consul El Diablo has declared the Dinos will mourn and avenge the lost including the respected deployment commander Legate Hyperbole. What the Dinos will do next is likely to be decided after the Consul election in a few days.
18.11.14
UV208 : Rise Of Terra
- 3 Changes - Windy and SFX's ship starts to break down.
- Call The Kops! - Debris fields interest our heroes.
- That Would Be Uncool - Changes are a-foot in the Argon faction.
- Needs To Be Done Quick - Windy comes under attack by the Terib-Kan.
- Start Cooking! - Stinkyson's mission takes on a strange turn.
- He's Been In You - Windy and SFX are prisoners of the Terib-Kan/Terrasaurs.
17.11.14
Clone Space Navy get funds for new ships
After a blank few months of no new construction (with several ships held up and crews laid off) the Clone Space Navy has been granted 190 million zarks to restart construction this year and will get 410 million to continue it throughout 2115.
Despite a number of combat types being on order priority is likely to be given to new transports. Several Nerval TYBs dating from the Clone Wars remain in service and are struggling along despite being fatigue life expired. The Clones also need to boost their Freighter TYA fleet up to 70 ships to cope with the amount of traffic generated by the sprawling Clone Star Empire. Money will also be used to set up the production line for the new build Molentic Tuul MTM2 which is expected to be built from 2116, though with anything Clone space related this is depending on funding which is sometimes in short supply.
Despite a number of combat types being on order priority is likely to be given to new transports. Several Nerval TYBs dating from the Clone Wars remain in service and are struggling along despite being fatigue life expired. The Clones also need to boost their Freighter TYA fleet up to 70 ships to cope with the amount of traffic generated by the sprawling Clone Star Empire. Money will also be used to set up the production line for the new build Molentic Tuul MTM2 which is expected to be built from 2116, though with anything Clone space related this is depending on funding which is sometimes in short supply.
16.11.14
Windy remembered
Windscorpion died during a pursuit by Dino SS in October 2113, the DDS have seldom mentioned their former commander and icon since though the forthcoming monitor ship will be named after him as well as the main tower in the new DDS GHQ.
Today however his brother and current DDS Commander Firefly said in an interview with Proximan TV how every day he thought of his brother. He also said that Windy's demise had been quick and sad, driven into a rage by his son SFX's taste for Dino men, he had finally become unhinged and nearly started a war with the Dinos. "I think the time has come to remember his greatness. Over the last year we have been in a collective shock but the time has come to move forward."
Today however his brother and current DDS Commander Firefly said in an interview with Proximan TV how every day he thought of his brother. He also said that Windy's demise had been quick and sad, driven into a rage by his son SFX's taste for Dino men, he had finally become unhinged and nearly started a war with the Dinos. "I think the time has come to remember his greatness. Over the last year we have been in a collective shock but the time has come to move forward."
15.11.14
Dinos voicing serious doubts about Long Shot follow-up
A few months ago a small Dino Army expedition headed off to follow-up on some of the planets and peoples discovered by Ronald on his epic "Long Shot" mission from last year. Contact was lost with the expedition though this was expected due to the extreme distances involved. However the expedition have now failed to make 2 scheduled communications with a Sirikwan ship stationed at the edge of DTA space.
It could be the expedition has been unable to double back to make the communication for innocent reasons though it is feared the reasons are serious. It is rumoured the ships were sent to investigate the Terrasaurs and in that case the ships could be lost considering how dangerous the old Dino foes are.
It could be the expedition has been unable to double back to make the communication for innocent reasons though it is feared the reasons are serious. It is rumoured the ships were sent to investigate the Terrasaurs and in that case the ships could be lost considering how dangerous the old Dino foes are.
Other Fleet News (15/11/14)
- The Dinos have built a Dinomark XT and a Provider MX for their fleet.
- New Arit have received 2 more Shark SKH-EA frigates.
- The Bolitic are reported to have built another Furl (though this is unconfirmed and may be just the prototype entering full service).
- Porquat 640 have received their 6th and final (though are thought to want more) Pentekonter 632.
13.11.14
Dinos aim to "man-rate" interstellar teleport by 2117, have network by 2120
Despite a recent test of an inorganic item being destroyed in a recent test of a Deep Sub-space Burrowing Teleport (DSBT) interstellar teleport between Jeloka and Dino-Land the Dinos still think the new technology which uses deep sub-space tunnelling to enable instantaneous teleports over 3-5 light year distances will be "man-rated" for use by living creatures by 2117.
Chief Scientist Dougson revealed the Dinos have ambitious plans for the new technology which could one day be a real competitor to spaceflight. "A DSBT network between Dino-Land, Jeloka and other planets in the Dino Republic will be set up by 2120, we will aim to fully mature the technology and add the rest of the DTA in the 2120s."
Trips over 5 light years will need a relay and it is thought the failed test was a result of the first relay transmission with the item beamed via a Dinomark mid-way between the 2 planets.
Chief Scientist Dougson revealed the Dinos have ambitious plans for the new technology which could one day be a real competitor to spaceflight. "A DSBT network between Dino-Land, Jeloka and other planets in the Dino Republic will be set up by 2120, we will aim to fully mature the technology and add the rest of the DTA in the 2120s."
Trips over 5 light years will need a relay and it is thought the failed test was a result of the first relay transmission with the item beamed via a Dinomark mid-way between the 2 planets.
11.11.14
10.11.14
DDS to have talks with Repicans
The DDS has sent a mid-level diplomatic team to Repic to begin diplomatic relations with the Saurian planet. The Repicans are known to be a highly mercantilist society and therefore perhaps see profit in relations with the DDS. However as the Repicans are enemies of the Dinos (the Repicans joined the Bolitic during the ABBO-Bolitic War and remain Bolitic allies) a meeting with the DDS is not going down too well in Dino circles.
The DDS have stressed that this is just low-level "talks about talks" and that any alliances with the Repicans are unlikely.
The DDS have stressed that this is just low-level "talks about talks" and that any alliances with the Repicans are unlikely.
8.11.14
Starbotians withdraw 2 ships from Aldebra
The Starbotians have recalled 2 of the 3 ships they have stationed in the Aldebra system to help shore up their home defences after the Argon appeared in the Starbotian system. A DDS ship has reached Aldebra and is helping out with patrolling the UNP planet's system.
The DDS have requested the Free Eritran States contribute to guarding Aldebra as they are well placed to provide ships. Molab is preparing a ship to head out to the system where it will relieve the DDS ship later this month.
The DDS has reduced its alert status to GREEN reflecting the lessening of tensions.
The DDS have requested the Free Eritran States contribute to guarding Aldebra as they are well placed to provide ships. Molab is preparing a ship to head out to the system where it will relieve the DDS ship later this month.
The DDS has reduced its alert status to GREEN reflecting the lessening of tensions.
7.11.14
DDS announce plans for "Strategic Transport Arm"
Following on from the successful tests of worm drive on a Provider 71A the DDS has announced it will create sub-classes of the Provider and Extender 73A oiler which will form a "Strategic Transport Arm". It is expected that around 8 ships in total will be upgraded and will also receive improved communications and self-protection.
The ships will support the DDS' Rapid Reaction Squadron and form a pool of transports available for highly sensitive and important missions.
The ships will support the DDS' Rapid Reaction Squadron and form a pool of transports available for highly sensitive and important missions.
6.11.14
Clones amenable to DDS weapons-helicopter deal
The Clones have said they are interested in the DDS' proposed deal exchanging surplus Clone Army vehicles for UNP militaries and equipment for Cherrybee helicopters. The Shiner, who has masterminded the deal, has met with Deputy Emperor Sleeze on Cloneworld though the Clones are pushing for more locally made content in the helicopters.
The Shiner says the plan has been carefully costed and would cost the DDS just over a billion zarks over a 5 year period but in return they would have strong military forces on 6 key planets.
The Shiner says the plan has been carefully costed and would cost the DDS just over a billion zarks over a 5 year period but in return they would have strong military forces on 6 key planets.
5.11.14
Provider fitted with worm drive
Provider 71A transport A102 Skytrain has been fitted with a boosted version of the Electron worm drive. The ship has carried out a number of unmanned tests and has now begun a series of manned proving flights. Next year the DDS will begin worming a small number of Providers and Extender 73A oilers to form specialist strategic sub-classes.
Skytrain has been limited to 4000ec because of the longer time between charges of the worm drive though this is a substantial increase in speed over the usual cruise speed of less than 600c!
Skytrain has been limited to 4000ec because of the longer time between charges of the worm drive though this is a substantial increase in speed over the usual cruise speed of less than 600c!
4.11.14
DDS to perform upgrades for Solar Empire
The Solar Empire is a mysteriously named political entity on the Western Rim beyond DTA space. Little known it has though become in reach thanks to worm drive and now is a DDS customer too. The Solar Empire (which comprises of 3 inhabited planets in 1 system plus some mining colonies in nearby asteroid fields and a research base on a brown dwarf) has a small space fleet the core of which are 8 ex-Bolitic Helwins and the DDS are to upgrade and life-extend these in a 227 million zark deal.
The 8 ships will be extensively refurbished and modernised with new communications systems, new computers and internal security systems. They will also receive a new main databus and improved navigational systems. No weaponry will be upgraded though they will have sensor and shield improvements thanks to implanted UNP civilian grade components. The ships will also be standardised as they have various vintages and a number of equipment and system differences which has caused the Solar Empire maintenance headaches in the past.
The upgrades will be carried out by the Raegris next year.
The 8 ships will be extensively refurbished and modernised with new communications systems, new computers and internal security systems. They will also receive a new main databus and improved navigational systems. No weaponry will be upgraded though they will have sensor and shield improvements thanks to implanted UNP civilian grade components. The ships will also be standardised as they have various vintages and a number of equipment and system differences which has caused the Solar Empire maintenance headaches in the past.
The upgrades will be carried out by the Raegris next year.
3.11.14
Fleet News (03/11/14)
- L157 Central America is the latest Oceania 63A assault ship to enter service.
- A231 Tame is the final River 75B transport to enter service.
- M114 Phanerzoic has been fitted with worm drive.
TPM-3 test phase completed, cleared for service in early 2115
The 3rd generation Trans-Phasic Missile (or TPM-3) has completed its final round of testing and has been cleared for production. The DDS will begin this in Q1 2115 once engineering and training needs have been met and for the main TPM-2 production line to be modified. The DDS expected to have phased in TPM-3 production to all of its 5 production lines by 2116.
TPM-3 has a new triple-warhead option (though single warheads will be carried normally) and greatly improved stealth features including a signal management suite and a new low-emission ion engine. TPM-3 is also smaller (82% of the size of a TPM-2) though will be compatible with existing launchers. Dedicated launchers will be able to take advantage of the smaller size to increase weapon load in future years.
The DDS does not intend withdrawing TPM-2s which will continue software and component updates until 2119 when natural wastage is likely to have reduced stocks to a minimum. The two types will continue in service side by side (TPM-1 is still in service in any case though mostly in Canister TPM form).
TPM-3 has a new triple-warhead option (though single warheads will be carried normally) and greatly improved stealth features including a signal management suite and a new low-emission ion engine. TPM-3 is also smaller (82% of the size of a TPM-2) though will be compatible with existing launchers. Dedicated launchers will be able to take advantage of the smaller size to increase weapon load in future years.
The DDS does not intend withdrawing TPM-2s which will continue software and component updates until 2119 when natural wastage is likely to have reduced stocks to a minimum. The two types will continue in service side by side (TPM-1 is still in service in any case though mostly in Canister TPM form).
2.11.14
DDS plan for military equipment for UNP militias
The DDS have devised a plan to "flood" outlying UNP worlds (whether in DDS space or outside like Miliaris and Aldebra) with military equipment such as tanks and IFVs. The equipment would be kept in a working order scattered about the planets in secure locations and would be used by locally raised militias and UNP security forces in the event of an alien attack.
The equipment would also be available in theory to DDS Terrestrial Forces troops who would be rapidly deployed to trouble spots in days (bringing all their toys along later) though maintaining parallel training could be problematical. Naturally ex-Clone Army stocks would be the source of the equipment and the DDS have already enquired about around 1000 tanks, IFVs and other military vehicles as well as spares and supporting equipment.
Paying for it would be a problem as there is little funding for this at the moment however the DDS have come up with the idea for a "swap". Its known the Clones want a smaller helicopter than their iconic but rather large Halogen platform for patrol, policing and communications. Designing and building a new helicopter platform would take millions of zarks the Clone Air Force doesn't have at the moment. However the Cherrybee CBH-90 which is in DDS service could fit the bill. The DDS have proposed exchanging the ex-HCS arms for a number of new CBH-90s which the DDS would underwrite. It would be first non-indigenous aircraft operated by the Clones since the ancient second hand F-39 Gripens they operated in the early Clone Wars as a stop gap before the K40 Ford was available so would be controversial.
The equipment would also be available in theory to DDS Terrestrial Forces troops who would be rapidly deployed to trouble spots in days (bringing all their toys along later) though maintaining parallel training could be problematical. Naturally ex-Clone Army stocks would be the source of the equipment and the DDS have already enquired about around 1000 tanks, IFVs and other military vehicles as well as spares and supporting equipment.
Paying for it would be a problem as there is little funding for this at the moment however the DDS have come up with the idea for a "swap". Its known the Clones want a smaller helicopter than their iconic but rather large Halogen platform for patrol, policing and communications. Designing and building a new helicopter platform would take millions of zarks the Clone Air Force doesn't have at the moment. However the Cherrybee CBH-90 which is in DDS service could fit the bill. The DDS have proposed exchanging the ex-HCS arms for a number of new CBH-90s which the DDS would underwrite. It would be first non-indigenous aircraft operated by the Clones since the ancient second hand F-39 Gripens they operated in the early Clone Wars as a stop gap before the K40 Ford was available so would be controversial.
1.11.14
Clones deploy mobile CSM launchers to Taragargi
Taragargi is not the best known planet in the Clone Star Empire though it is notable by being the administrative capital of the cluster of CSE worlds near the Rim Worlds (known as CSE South West). It is now also known for having a deployment of Clone Space Missiles.
A previously unknown mobile launcher for the CSM (though based on an existing Gale-III mobile launcher) has appeared on the planet. CDF sources say 20 mobile launchers and a total of 30 missiles have been deployed to the planet. Based on Taragargi they can only really target Liberation (just) though can reach the other planets in the CSE's South West cluster. It is thought the deployment is being run mainly as a test for the viability of CSM being a counter-strike weapon.
A previously unknown mobile launcher for the CSM (though based on an existing Gale-III mobile launcher) has appeared on the planet. CDF sources say 20 mobile launchers and a total of 30 missiles have been deployed to the planet. Based on Taragargi they can only really target Liberation (just) though can reach the other planets in the CSE's South West cluster. It is thought the deployment is being run mainly as a test for the viability of CSM being a counter-strike weapon.
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