The Clone Defence Forces have finally revealed details of it's long delayed Z26 Halogen replacement, the Future Universal Helicopter (FUHX). The Z26 is a Clone War icon which has been built in the thousands, but it's replacement will be quite different.
The Z35 Courier is intended to replace the Halogen in the transport, multi-mission and reconnaissance roles. The attack role is already being taken by the Z50 Dragonfly. The Z35 is a simpler aircraft compared to the Z26, it does not have turbofans to augment performance (which has proven to be only useful in the attack role). The Z35 will have twin contra-rotating rotors instead of the ducted fan used in most Clone helicopter designs. Compared to the Z26, the Z35 will have 30% greater cargo capacity and a longer range.
The Clones say they plan to fly the prototype by 2130 with an entry into service by 2133.
