Melson warns Joshi of a plot in the Bolitic Confederacy.
23.11.16
20.11.16
Clones sign huge arms deal with Rectoids for warships, CSM
The Clones have agreed a 14 billion zark arms deal with their allies the Rectoids. The deal, one of the biggest, will be for 12 Molentic Tuul MTMR cruisers and for 45 CSM missiles with mobile launchers.
The Molentic Tuul MTMR will be a localised version of the pending MTM2 new build for the Clone Space Navy. The MTM2 had been subject to delays due to budget pressures and capacity but this order will allow a mothballed line to be reopened and should allow new MTM2s to also be built within the next few years.
The Clone Space Missiles to be bought will be the latest version with cold flame and other stealth features. A NS analyst said that CSM sites on the Rectoid planet of Rowacta could target most planets in the Free Eritran States (though not Molab).
No delivery dates have been announced yet though a Rectoid source said he hoped CSM would be operational within 4-5 years.
The Molentic Tuul MTMR will be a localised version of the pending MTM2 new build for the Clone Space Navy. The MTM2 had been subject to delays due to budget pressures and capacity but this order will allow a mothballed line to be reopened and should allow new MTM2s to also be built within the next few years.
The Clone Space Missiles to be bought will be the latest version with cold flame and other stealth features. A NS analyst said that CSM sites on the Rectoid planet of Rowacta could target most planets in the Free Eritran States (though not Molab).
No delivery dates have been announced yet though a Rectoid source said he hoped CSM would be operational within 4-5 years.
Clone missile development "dead"
A senior Clone Air Force general has warned that missile development is virtually dead in the Clone Star Empire (except for CSM) and that unless an urgent programme is launched immediately to design a new generation of short and medium range missiles then the Clone armed forces could be facing mass obsolescence with its weapons within 5-10 years.
General Rekenzie said that the missiles deployed today were largely those developed late in the Clone Wars. "The only missile system developed and deployed within the last 10 years is the SA-6A and that was an upgrade to the Clone Wars era missile." he said. Air-to-air was the same story with K45Cs using the same missiles as mid-period K40s did in the Clone Wars.
Another officer, General Wokok, disagreed with his colleague citing the development of a new cruise missile, an upgrade to the medium-range SA-8 and the SS-10 IRBM. However he did agree that apart from the SS-10 they have yet to enter service.
Much of the money available for weapon development has gone to big projects like the K45C and the Clone Space Missile though Rekenzie said that as these big projects are now in production there was the opportunity to develop new short-range and medium-range missiles. The question is, with budget pressures as tight as ever will the Clones be able to fund these programmes?
General Rekenzie said that the missiles deployed today were largely those developed late in the Clone Wars. "The only missile system developed and deployed within the last 10 years is the SA-6A and that was an upgrade to the Clone Wars era missile." he said. Air-to-air was the same story with K45Cs using the same missiles as mid-period K40s did in the Clone Wars.
Another officer, General Wokok, disagreed with his colleague citing the development of a new cruise missile, an upgrade to the medium-range SA-8 and the SS-10 IRBM. However he did agree that apart from the SS-10 they have yet to enter service.
Much of the money available for weapon development has gone to big projects like the K45C and the Clone Space Missile though Rekenzie said that as these big projects are now in production there was the opportunity to develop new short-range and medium-range missiles. The question is, with budget pressures as tight as ever will the Clones be able to fund these programmes?
17.11.16
Northern Project 2116 will include the Dinos / 2117 schedule
The final exercise of the year is Northern Project which is a "full spectrum mock war" involving as many aspects of the NS war machine as possible. In early December the 2116 edition will be held and it will include the Dinos as guests. It is thought about 20 Dinomarks and 4,000 troops will join the NS forces, the Raegris will also take part.
The exercise will take place in Dino territory on Xi and also in the nearby Rim Worlds. It is thought NS will "battle" the joint Dino/Raegris force culminating with an amphibious landing.
This will be the last time the NS follow this schedule for exercises. In 2117 there will be monthly smaller exercises as well as the "blue riband" Atomic Fist, Ground Shock and Civilian Partnership exercises.
The 2117 schedule is:
January : Dawn Rising 2117 (strategic reconnaissance)
February : Agile Response 2117 (mock space combat)
March : Ground Shock 2117 (ground attack)
April : Target Spot 2117 (special forces, info warfare)
May : Mass Field 2117 (ally co-operation)
June : Sharp Focus 2117 (mine warfare)
July : Atomic Fist 2117 (strategic attack)
August : Top Performance 2117 (mock space combat)
September : Civilian Partnership 2117 (humanitarian)
October : Long Patrol 2117 (long range operations)
November : Material Asset 2117 (strategic lift)
December : Winter Mists 2117 (full-spectrum operations)
The exercise will take place in Dino territory on Xi and also in the nearby Rim Worlds. It is thought NS will "battle" the joint Dino/Raegris force culminating with an amphibious landing.
This will be the last time the NS follow this schedule for exercises. In 2117 there will be monthly smaller exercises as well as the "blue riband" Atomic Fist, Ground Shock and Civilian Partnership exercises.
The 2117 schedule is:
January : Dawn Rising 2117 (strategic reconnaissance)
February : Agile Response 2117 (mock space combat)
March : Ground Shock 2117 (ground attack)
April : Target Spot 2117 (special forces, info warfare)
May : Mass Field 2117 (ally co-operation)
June : Sharp Focus 2117 (mine warfare)
July : Atomic Fist 2117 (strategic attack)
August : Top Performance 2117 (mock space combat)
September : Civilian Partnership 2117 (humanitarian)
October : Long Patrol 2117 (long range operations)
November : Material Asset 2117 (strategic lift)
December : Winter Mists 2117 (full-spectrum operations)
NS issues warning to Starbot
New Sparta has warned Starbot about its peace deal with the Argon. Deputy Commander Torus said that it would be a mistake to trust the Argon and allowing Argon ships in Starbotian space was a potential security risk for NS. "Freighters can easily be a cover for intelligence gathering or even staging posts for special forces missions." she said.
"NS will be increasing its patrols near Starbotian space and keeping an eye on what enters its space." she added.
"NS will be increasing its patrols near Starbotian space and keeping an eye on what enters its space." she added.
16.11.16
Starbot and Argon announce peace deal
Starbotian Commander K-2 has announced a peace deal with the Argon faction of the 7 Sa Sao. The Argon were in battle with Starbot only last year so the move has surprised many. K-2 said the time for enmity was over and Starbot needed new allies now it was no longer part of the DDS system.
Argon freighters will be allowed to enter Starbot space under the peace deal with similar rights for Starbot ships in Argon territory. Argon will also open an embassy on Starbot. Further discussions on closer ties will be held in the new year.
Argon freighters will be allowed to enter Starbot space under the peace deal with similar rights for Starbot ships in Argon territory. Argon will also open an embassy on Starbot. Further discussions on closer ties will be held in the new year.
15.11.16
Ren's Bay branch opens on GHQ Metro
The Ren's Bay branch of the metro that links up both sides of the major port at the north of Helnikan Island, home to NS GHQ, has opened. The opening is several months late after salt water was found to affect signalling forcing some modifications. Now regular shuttles will operate along the branch as well as through trains to the rest of the metro network on the island as well as freight trains of course.
Also opening is an extension from NS+'s base to the Quentin Hills Observation Point. Work is progressing on the next major extension to Henkly Point and the branch to Rotos Island. This is now expected to be finished in 2118.
Also opening is an extension from NS+'s base to the Quentin Hills Observation Point. Work is progressing on the next major extension to Henkly Point and the branch to Rotos Island. This is now expected to be finished in 2118.
14.11.16
13.11.16
9.11.16
Type 051B will be called the Vanguard / Z360
The second batch of 20 Type 051 Medium Combat Ships, which will follow on from the Corkscrew 051A in the early 2120s, will be called the Vanguard 051B the NS has announced. Most changes from the Corkscrew are still being decided upon but it is thought the Vanguard will be longer and have a second and separate docking bay to allow for even greater facilities for small craft including UCVs.
Weapons systems are still undecided as there are a number of new weapon programmes currently in development, however one was mentioned by NS for the first time today and it may debut on the Vanguard. The weapon is called Z360 and will be the next development of the Z-Cannon. In essence the Z360 is a merging of the Z7/Zip and the 360 CIWS systems. With 360 CIWS defensive energy beams can be generated from any point on the ship's hull to ensure 360 degree coverage. Z360 will turn this ability into an offensive weapon which will eliminate any blind spots and also make taking out the Z-Cannon on an NS ship much more difficult for an opponent. Z360 is expected to be ready to enter service around 2120 but will be tested in a couple of years.
Weapons systems are still undecided as there are a number of new weapon programmes currently in development, however one was mentioned by NS for the first time today and it may debut on the Vanguard. The weapon is called Z360 and will be the next development of the Z-Cannon. In essence the Z360 is a merging of the Z7/Zip and the 360 CIWS systems. With 360 CIWS defensive energy beams can be generated from any point on the ship's hull to ensure 360 degree coverage. Z360 will turn this ability into an offensive weapon which will eliminate any blind spots and also make taking out the Z-Cannon on an NS ship much more difficult for an opponent. Z360 is expected to be ready to enter service around 2120 but will be tested in a couple of years.
8.11.16
Knobhead may step down by 2120
When asked by a journalist if he hoped to be NS Commander long into the future he admitted the job was stressful and more difficult than he anticipated. He also said he did not think he would still be the commander by the end of the decade. Later on he clarified that he thought by 2120 it may be time to consider options.
Of course this has sparked a frenzy of gossip in New Sparta. Torus is considered the most likely successor to Knobhead though she also has played down talk of the commander stepping down. "Its still a long way away [2120]." she said at a meeting with fleet officers. It is thought she fears she could fail to be elected commander if the vote be held too soon and before she can consolidate her power base.
Knobhead's other sponsor in last year's election Sea Urchin said that maybe NS should move to a fixed term system for its commanders. "Maybe we should elect a new commander every 4 or 5 years."
Of course this has sparked a frenzy of gossip in New Sparta. Torus is considered the most likely successor to Knobhead though she also has played down talk of the commander stepping down. "Its still a long way away [2120]." she said at a meeting with fleet officers. It is thought she fears she could fail to be elected commander if the vote be held too soon and before she can consolidate her power base.
Knobhead's other sponsor in last year's election Sea Urchin said that maybe NS should move to a fixed term system for its commanders. "Maybe we should elect a new commander every 4 or 5 years."
5.11.16
Clones accuse New Sparta of hacking central systems
The Clones have accused New Sparta of launching cyber attacks against Clone Defence Force computer systems. The Clones say NS tried to break into the Clone Army Missile Organisation computer and access targeting systems for the CSM. The NS hacking attempt was unsuccessful according to the Clones.
NS cyber attacks were also launched on the Clone Air Force and Clone Space Navy networks the Clones claim. NS+ Commander Torus said the Clone accusations were nonsense. "NS has not been conducting cyber warfare against the Clones." she said.
However independent analysts say NS has been beefing up its "digital firepower" in recent years and now considers cyber warfare as a key part of its offensive portfolio.
NS cyber attacks were also launched on the Clone Air Force and Clone Space Navy networks the Clones claim. NS+ Commander Torus said the Clone accusations were nonsense. "NS has not been conducting cyber warfare against the Clones." she said.
However independent analysts say NS has been beefing up its "digital firepower" in recent years and now considers cyber warfare as a key part of its offensive portfolio.
4.11.16
Clones to shut shipyard
The Clones are to shut one of the 3 shipyards they have which can build warships. The move will save 1.1 billion zarks a year as all 3 shipyards have to operate at an uneconomically low rate to build the minimum number of ships. The closure of the shipyard is likely to mean the Molentic Tuul MTM2 will be delayed until 2120.
This is because the 2 shipyards that are remaining are currently building the Cosmos CS/CG and Shark SK family. A new batch of Kelsan KS bombers are also expected to be built before the end of the decade. The Molentic Tuul delay will also save the Clones a lot of money though strategically it is a problem for them as they needed the extra new ships to cover the gap while the large Soulaki SLM upgrade programme takes places from next year until 2120.
This is because the 2 shipyards that are remaining are currently building the Cosmos CS/CG and Shark SK family. A new batch of Kelsan KS bombers are also expected to be built before the end of the decade. The Molentic Tuul delay will also save the Clones a lot of money though strategically it is a problem for them as they needed the extra new ships to cover the gap while the large Soulaki SLM upgrade programme takes places from next year until 2120.
3.11.16
Fleet News 03/11/16
S131 Wild Swan is the latest Warrior 016A bomber.
A113 Crate has been upgraded to Skytrain 131A standard with the fitting of worm drive.
M130 Formidable is the latest Freedom 041B to be fitted with worm drive.
A113 Crate has been upgraded to Skytrain 131A standard with the fitting of worm drive.
M130 Formidable is the latest Freedom 041B to be fitted with worm drive.
1.11.16
UV230 : Re-United
- Down On The Kids - Krusty is given a new mission.
- Bare Back Man - Krusty's latest SS-CINT mission begins.
- Spasm Shot - Egonneck has a new ally in his search for Neverak.
- Why Don't You Dig? - Egonneck closes in on Neverak.
- Neverak - Egonneck begins his rescue mission.
- It's Great! - Will it be a happy ending for Egonneck and Neverak?
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