It is thought the Clones are developing a space combat version of its iconic Tapir infantry fighting vehicle. The project, known as TRV-5X, is developing a combat vehicle that can be used in low gravity and low or no atmosphere environments such as on a small moon or asteroid. Changes to the Tapir are extensive. The engine has been replaced by an electric motor, the entry doors at the rear of the Tapir have been enlarged due to the bulky suits personnel would be wearing.
"Space Tapir", as one publication has called it, would not have its own life support equipment installed due to size and power constraints. Personnel such as Red Lizard Space Corps would wear their space suits. The turret has been changed, the hatch being removed and the gun replaced by a laser. The interior of the Space Tapir is said to have an absorbent anti-shatter layer to prevent shrapnel in the event of a hull penetration (which in space could be from enemy action or a meteorite).
Two prototypes are under test according to reports. If the Clones decide to go ahead with Space Tapir then its likely older Tapirs will be rebuilt and modified instead of new build.
9.10.17
Clones go to second highest alert status
The Clone Defence Forces have been placed on Red 2 status, the Clone equivalent of the New Sparta ORANGE status, the next step down in their alert scheme from actual war. The decision is said to have been made by Deputy Emperor Sleeze and all Clone space and land forces are now on full readiness.
Oojok and Admiral Anderson were returning from a meeting with Terin on Austini 55. As per the protocol for Red 2 status Oojok's ship was diverted to another planet in the CSE (judging by the most usual flight path probably Petric) where he will be guarded at a secret location before being collected by an elite Red Lizard unit to be taken to Cloneworld.
New Sparta are said to be a bit bemused as to the Clone alert status as no apparent threats are known. NS Commander Knobhead has ordered the NS alert status increased to AMBER as a precaution though units near the Clone border will be on a localised ORANGE.
Oojok and Admiral Anderson were returning from a meeting with Terin on Austini 55. As per the protocol for Red 2 status Oojok's ship was diverted to another planet in the CSE (judging by the most usual flight path probably Petric) where he will be guarded at a secret location before being collected by an elite Red Lizard unit to be taken to Cloneworld.
New Sparta are said to be a bit bemused as to the Clone alert status as no apparent threats are known. NS Commander Knobhead has ordered the NS alert status increased to AMBER as a precaution though units near the Clone border will be on a localised ORANGE.
8.10.17
6.10.17
Windscorpion monitor will receive new engine and worm drive
The first Windscorpion 18A monitor ship entered service a few days ago. At the moment it is only conventionally powered, using an engine developed from the Neptune powerplant used in the Quasar 15A. NS have revealed that the engine is only a stop-gap due to delays in developing a new engine based on the Hitachi HS-740 used in the Missileer 21B.
The new engine is expected to be fitted next year, it will include the more efficient Proton e-Core technology being developed by NS as well as provide more power. The Windscorpion 18A can reach higher speeds and the new engine will enable it.
The ship will also be fitted with worm drive. It had been expected to have been fitted already but low yields in producing the heavy duty Electron W1AA meant that the ship had to be released for service without it. NS said the geometry and testing of the power grid has been done. The worm drive will be fitted either later this year or early next.
The new engine is expected to be fitted next year, it will include the more efficient Proton e-Core technology being developed by NS as well as provide more power. The Windscorpion 18A can reach higher speeds and the new engine will enable it.
The ship will also be fitted with worm drive. It had been expected to have been fitted already but low yields in producing the heavy duty Electron W1AA meant that the ship had to be released for service without it. NS said the geometry and testing of the power grid has been done. The worm drive will be fitted either later this year or early next.
Light Patrol Ship contest to begin next week
A contest between the Mariner 56A prototype and a modified Pentekonter in a form similar to the proposed Protector 57A is to begin next week. The winner of the contest will receive series production to replace the legacy fleet of light patrol vessels which are fast coming to their end of life.
SS Paris is still being modified to Protector standard (it is expected to be completed by the end of October) so Mariner will be evaluated first. The ships will be used in a number of patrol and combat simulations. As the need to begin series production is urgent the winner will be decided by the end of the year and series production will begin in the next Ship Building Plan starting next April.
Director of Technology Sea Urchin said that both ships had a chance though its known that he prefers the Protector (and will most likely be leading NS by the time the decision needs to be made).
SS Paris is still being modified to Protector standard (it is expected to be completed by the end of October) so Mariner will be evaluated first. The ships will be used in a number of patrol and combat simulations. As the need to begin series production is urgent the winner will be decided by the end of the year and series production will begin in the next Ship Building Plan starting next April.
Director of Technology Sea Urchin said that both ships had a chance though its known that he prefers the Protector (and will most likely be leading NS by the time the decision needs to be made).
5.10.17
Windscorpion 18A enters service
The first of 2 Windscorpion 18A monitors, 018-101 Windscorpion, has entered service. The ship is basically a gigantic gun, the ZMax, with a basic ship built around it. The ZMax is said to be as powerful as every Z cannon in the rest of the fleet put together. One shot from the ZMax could devastate enemy ground bases and orbital facilities.
The Windscorpion 18A is an "options ship", it is a luxury admitted Director of Operations Caratore at a media briefing aboard the ship. "Its the most specialised warship we have, maybe we will never have the right circumstance with which to use it. But it gives us another option. Obviously we could only consider such a weapon with a powerful full spectrum fleet."
The ship will be based with the fleet reserve at Proxima 5 though will be deployed on an exercise to test combat readiness soon.
The Windscorpion 18A is an "options ship", it is a luxury admitted Director of Operations Caratore at a media briefing aboard the ship. "Its the most specialised warship we have, maybe we will never have the right circumstance with which to use it. But it gives us another option. Obviously we could only consider such a weapon with a powerful full spectrum fleet."
The ship will be based with the fleet reserve at Proxima 5 though will be deployed on an exercise to test combat readiness soon.
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