Future Fleet (4) : The upgrade timebomb

Since the advent of the G3 family of ships (i.e. Quasar, Isometric and Velocity) in the early 2100s the DDS has aimed for a service life of at least 30 years for its ships (though as yet of course has not tested this). This service life is split into 3 blocks of around 10 years each. At the end of the first block there comes the Intermediate Life Update or ILU which is a major upgrade of the ship and the replacement of worn components and structural elements. After another 10 years comes the similar Multi-Update Life Extension or MULE which will keep the ship viable for the rest of its life.

This is all very fine but because the DDS built so many ships at the same time this of course means that a lot of ship classes will have to receive their ILU or MULE at the same time! DDS Engineering has produced the following schedule estimate for a number of major classes.

As can be seen the crunch years will be at the end of the decade in 2119 and 2120 with multiple programmes ongoing simultaneously. One thing to note though that some ship classes (like the Provider) have been built over a long time so although their ILU will be taking place it will be well spread out. Other classes like the Freedom however have been built over a fairly short time period so their programmes will be intense.

The DDS are currently looking for leeway in their planned upgrade programmes thus an ILU/MULE here or there may be put forward or back a year or so depending on the condition of the fleet. The DDS estimate though that completing these projects will stretch the DDS logistically, shipyard capacity wise and of course financially to the limit. It is thought that no new ship building programmes will be able to take place from about 2117 onwards unless new capacity is bought online. It is possible the Raegris or another DDS ally could do some of this work of course.

Future Fleet (3) : Zephyr 76A

One problem the DDS have with combat deployments is that combat ships in the fleet are much faster than the support craft that are needed to refuel and supply them. After first looking if it was possible to speed boost the Extender 73A oiler the DDS decided it would be much easier to take an existing high-performance design and turn that into an oiler instead of the other way around.

The Velocity-N/Solaris 37C platform was chosen because of its internal volume and also because it is cheaper to build than the Type 35. The Fast Fleet Tanker as the design was originally called (now recently renamed the Zephyr 76A) has a similar performance to the Solaris hull it is based upon. Refuelling/resupply equipment will be installed externally to allow more of the internal hull to be used for supplies. Although it can only supply a small detachment this does fit in with how the Zephyr will be employed. It is a specialist type but will prove invaluable for the DDS in operational flexibility and speed of deployment.

The Zephyr is expected in service in 2113.

Future Fleet (2) : Corkscrew 51A

In the mid-2100s the DDS came to the conclusion that the evergreen Isometric platform was starting to reach the end of its potential so began a programme for a "future frigate". Very quickly the DDS decided upon using the then-new Rome 46A patrol ship as the basis for this new generation of frigates (later medium combat ships) which will form the core of the DDS patrol fleet for the next 20-30 years.

Corkscrew 51A (as the programme became) is based on the Rome design but is scaled up and will be a very flexible and versatile ship. Expected in 2114, finalised specifications have yet to be set but it is now expected to have 2 TPM VLS systems (32 cell and 16 cell) plus a Z7 cannon, a missile launcher able to fire a variety of ordinance (including TPMs too) and MRMs can be carried externally. It will also have some form of modular weapon/mission capability though this has yet to have been detailed, Rome modules will be incompatible.

A key part of the Corkscrew design will be a large docking bay able to take ships up to Falcon 47A size. Its top speed is likely to be in the 800c range though it will have worm drive too. The DDS have issued the following design concept and like the Warspite concept also recently announced whilst the final design may differ this should be considered more or less what the future of the DDS patrol fleet will look like.

Future Fleet (1) : Warspite 16A

The Warspite 16A is a new strike bomber for the DDS fleet which is expected to enter service in 2114. The Warspite was ordered after the cancellation of the Chrysalis future cruiser programme following budget increases and a change in direction in DDS design philosophy with Heavy Combat Ships taking on the space combat role and larger ships becoming strategic platforms. The Warspite will be such a platform designed to carry stand-off and close range weapons for the strategic attack role and unlike Chrysalis was turning out, is designed to be affordable.

To keep costs down the Warspite has (what the DDS call) a "pragmatic" performance. That means a top speed in the 600-700c range (plus worm drive) instead of trying to reach over 1000c with the associated technical and cost implications. Warspite will employ off-the-shelf technology as much as possible including the same HS-760GX engine as the Rome 46A (albeit two of them). It will carry its weapons in an interchangeable weapons module which means like other roles like strategic reconnaissance may also be possible. It will also have a Z7 cannon and self-defence weapons.

The DDS have just released the latest design concept. The finalised Warspite design may differ to an extent though the DDS are confident that the design is "at least 95% done".