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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.

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."

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.

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.

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.