The Clone Air Force has announced the Future Universal Helicopter (FUHX) programme which will replace the iconic Z26 Halogen in CAF service by 2140. That is quite an ask as there over 8,000 Z26s in service! Many though are ageing types, some veterans from the Clone Wars and part of the FUHX programme will be to reorganise the CAF's helicopter force. It is expected scores of regiments will be disbanded and maybe half of the Z26s in service withdrawn without replacement. The current order for new build Z26WNG has been reduced and production will probably end in 2122.
FUHX will design and develop a replacement for the Z26 in the light attack, reconnaissance, liaison, transport and utility roles. The anti-tank and heavy attack roles are to be handed over to the Z50NG Advanced Dragonfly, an updated re-engineered version of the Z50. The CAF expected to built 400 Z50NGs and over 2,000 FUHX with deliveries of the latter by 2125. FUHX is the largest programme in the CAF since the K45C. It is not known if the Clone Naval Air Service will also replace it's Z26s with a navalised version of FUHX.
The Z50NG is expected to enter service in 2123 with flight testing of the prototype next year. Compared to the in-service Dragonfly the new version has a new tactical suite, new engines and improved armour and stealth.
