The K47 Freedom light fighter was designed as a cheap, easy to maintain fighter for secondary planets in the Clone Star Empire and reserve units. Although it fulfilled the briefs from the Clone Air Force, the K47 was considered a bit of a disappointment and production has ceased after 360 were built (the original plan was for over a thousand!) The K59 Flashlight has now replaced it in production as a secondary light fighter.
The CAF are intending to keep the K47 in service into the 2140s though the oldest are now over ten years old and CAF is preparing to an upgrade. The K47MEC (Modernised Enhanced Capabilities) will be a rolling programme of upgrades and refurbishments to the fleet. As well as a full overhaul, MEC will include an upgraded tactical computer, improved communications, a higher bandwidth datalink and an infrared seeker. The upgrade will maintain compatibility with the latest and next generation of CAF air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
The first MEC is expected to be completed early next year.
