The Provider transport and Extender oiler fleets will receive an update this Summer. Provider 2108 Update A (PRO2108UA) will include improved communication and computer systems with improved anti-cyber attack security. The ship security system will also be upgraded with improved camera coverage. The ships will also receive a new engine management module which will improve the efficiency of the engine by 12%.
Extender 2108 Update A (EXT2108UA) has the above plus improvements to the fuel handling system and improved radiation shielding. Each update should take around 3-4 days per ship and will be undertaken as the ships receive routine maintenance.
31.5.08
DDS go to court to get third Pangaea
Because of HCS/DDS tensions over Oscar the 3rd Pangaea class LPD, the shell of which is built by the Clones and then completed by the DDS, has been delayed due to unspecified "technical problems". The DDS however say it is because of the strategic situation but, they also say, the ship has been paid for and is DDS property.
The DDS, via the UNP embassy on Cloneworld, have gone to court to force the shipbuilders to release the ship however the chance of success they admit is slim. "The HCS are behind this and they are not bound by a civilian court." a spokeswoman said.
The DDS, via the UNP embassy on Cloneworld, have gone to court to force the shipbuilders to release the ship however the chance of success they admit is slim. "The HCS are behind this and they are not bound by a civilian court." a spokeswoman said.
30.5.08
HCS Round-up (30/05/08)
The HCS has been awarded 210 million zarks to increase it's ammunition stocks. In a sign the HCS think war with the DDS could be near HCS ammunition factories (a mixture of private and government owned factories are used) are now producing ammunition from bullets and rockets and missiles at the fastest rate for 10 years.
A new battlefield rocket system has been cleared for production, the RBU-9000 uses the same chassis of the RBU-6000 series but has improved networking capabilities and uses the new R6J rocket with mid-course correction. The first models to be produced are the RBU-9010 and RBU-9011, the latter has different radios as specified by Benito.
200 A-85 COIN aircraft are to receive a rebuild/update. The aging A-85Cs will be given another 15-20 years of service in the new A-85C Enhanced Capabilities (CEC) model which features improved sensors, more armour and a new turbocharger to boost the engine.
25 more AH-50 Dragonfly anti-tank helicopters will be added to the fleet. These were built some years ago but placed into storage as the HCS could only afford to operate 250. The helicopters will be ready for service by the Autumn.
A new battlefield rocket system has been cleared for production, the RBU-9000 uses the same chassis of the RBU-6000 series but has improved networking capabilities and uses the new R6J rocket with mid-course correction. The first models to be produced are the RBU-9010 and RBU-9011, the latter has different radios as specified by Benito.
200 A-85 COIN aircraft are to receive a rebuild/update. The aging A-85Cs will be given another 15-20 years of service in the new A-85C Enhanced Capabilities (CEC) model which features improved sensors, more armour and a new turbocharger to boost the engine.
25 more AH-50 Dragonfly anti-tank helicopters will be added to the fleet. These were built some years ago but placed into storage as the HCS could only afford to operate 250. The helicopters will be ready for service by the Autumn.
28.5.08
DDS seek battlefield helicopters
The DDSAF has formed a new Army Co-Operation Division to support ground troops and has received budget for 2 helicopters, one a combat anti-tank helicopter said to be similar to the HCS AH-50 Dragonfly and the other a general transport and support helicopter. These will support the DDS Army which is continuing it's expansion plans.
Currently Remedian aerocars are used for supporting the ground forces but these are old and need replacing badly.
Currently Remedian aerocars are used for supporting the ground forces but these are old and need replacing badly.
27.5.08
HCS/DDS tensions threaten Pangaea and other projects
The tensions between the DDS and HCS over Oscar are putting at risk a significant arms trade between the two sides. The most important project is the Pangaea LPD class of ships that will form the backbone of the DDS amphibious warfare fleet. Pangaea is based on the HCS Intruder design and is supplied by the HCS in shell form for completing with DDS specific systems. One Pangaea is now near service with the second in test. However the third hull was supposed to be delivered to the DDS this week but has been delayed for "technical reasons".
If the supply of hulls ceased then the DDS would be in a tricky situation as the Pangaea is unlike any other DDS class, to complete the much needed requirement for 10 ships it is likely the DDS would either have to reverse engineer the HCS design or create a new design based on the SUP. Either option would greatly increase the cost of the project and delay completion of construction by years.
The second significant area where HCS technology is used by the DDS is in minesweeping. To urgently fill a gap in the DDS portfolio the DDS purchased SPECNES and Pave Yellow MCM systems from the HCS and fitted them to Pentekonter-M and Isometric-PYs. Although all systems are in service and there are enough spares to complete the planned expansion of the minesweeping fleet spare parts will run out without HCS supply and future development of systems would cease, at least from the HCS. The DDS have set up a working party to analyse options, they are looking at the possibility and cost of reverse-engineering the HCS system, adapting a Raegris system or creating their own from scratch.
The third area is the recent large sale of vitally needed transport aircraft for the DDSAF. If this sale falls through then there are few UNP based companies with the range of aircraft to replace the order though the DDS may bring this in-house if needed. Again this would greatly increase costs and delay the delivery of aircraft.
If the supply of hulls ceased then the DDS would be in a tricky situation as the Pangaea is unlike any other DDS class, to complete the much needed requirement for 10 ships it is likely the DDS would either have to reverse engineer the HCS design or create a new design based on the SUP. Either option would greatly increase the cost of the project and delay completion of construction by years.
The second significant area where HCS technology is used by the DDS is in minesweeping. To urgently fill a gap in the DDS portfolio the DDS purchased SPECNES and Pave Yellow MCM systems from the HCS and fitted them to Pentekonter-M and Isometric-PYs. Although all systems are in service and there are enough spares to complete the planned expansion of the minesweeping fleet spare parts will run out without HCS supply and future development of systems would cease, at least from the HCS. The DDS have set up a working party to analyse options, they are looking at the possibility and cost of reverse-engineering the HCS system, adapting a Raegris system or creating their own from scratch.
The third area is the recent large sale of vitally needed transport aircraft for the DDSAF. If this sale falls through then there are few UNP based companies with the range of aircraft to replace the order though the DDS may bring this in-house if needed. Again this would greatly increase costs and delay the delivery of aircraft.
Rome Block 3 mooted
With the Rome Block 2 now in production (also known as Rome B) the DDS are considering, when the current order for 24 has been completed, producing a further batch of a further improved model. Rome Block 3 has been offered to the DDS Ship Procurement Committee and could see the Rome fleet expanded up to 36 examples.
Rome Block 3 would have a 2m fuselage plug that would allow for a larger docking bay able to accommodate Feeder and Coril-B shuttles as well as extra storage space to allow for longer patrols. Crew accommodation would also be enhanced. The combat module system that differentiates the Rome would also be improved to allow for faster switching of combat modules (though would be compatible with existing modules). Rome Block 3 would have an improved version of the combat suite 5036-C, probably use passive sensors for primary tactical analysis and have improved data bandwidth and ship automation.
The DDS may decide whether to pursue this design later in the year.
Rome Block 3 would have a 2m fuselage plug that would allow for a larger docking bay able to accommodate Feeder and Coril-B shuttles as well as extra storage space to allow for longer patrols. Crew accommodation would also be enhanced. The combat module system that differentiates the Rome would also be improved to allow for faster switching of combat modules (though would be compatible with existing modules). Rome Block 3 would have an improved version of the combat suite 5036-C, probably use passive sensors for primary tactical analysis and have improved data bandwidth and ship automation.
The DDS may decide whether to pursue this design later in the year.
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