That was discussed here "back then." It was claimed that the differences were actually so extensive that it could not just be one basic kit with a few different parts for each version. Dragon had to choose, and they opted to do the beehive version. That was the claim. I certainly have not studied it enough to know either way. Off the top of my head, they probably would have to produce two different islands. All the radars and weapons would be different. But, I would agree, I think the basic hull and flight deck should be common, at least. It does seem that way to you and me. But, the experts advising them--whoever they were--apparently had them pick one or the other, then ripped apart their test shot(s) after they did. No wonder they gave up.

On more than one occasion I have found that being on the outside looking in makes many things look pretty simple. But, then if one ever actually gets into it "for real," all the little nitty-gritty stuff looms up, and it wasn't all that simple after all. So, I read all this stuff, and it is believable, so I accepted it at face value. No Enterprise from Dragon. I moved on.

Whatever the situation with which version to produce, accurate plans and data are the foundational keys to eventual success. If they had both good materials, and someone who understood them, they could have determined for themselves whether multiple versions were feasible, then would have produced acceptable test shot(s). In those early heydays, though, eager Chinese "venture capitalists" were new and naive, and happy to use questionable or inacurate info, often from lack of knowing any better. So, it looks like--regardless of outside advice they were getting--they found either a really bad set of plans, or used no plans and "eye-balled it," such that when their test shot(s) got to knowledgeable folks, they were garbage.

As Bill noted above, their earliest offerings were simply full hull PitRoad kits. When they later did start offering new original subjects, there were accusations of piracy, and complaints against accuracy. While I rather liked their Virginia CGN kit, I was rather startled at how poor their San Antonio LPD stacked up against the Hobby Boss item when I looked into both to buy. Dragon seldom seemed to put in the extra effort to put their kits "over and above" (consistently, anyway.) They generally put out Skywave clones and affordable basic quality stuff.

If they do go back to releasing new items, I seriously hope this changes. It would be great if they took on a quality design team, and made a serious effort to get good research on their intended subjects. That requires investment. It would likely also make their kits more expensive as well. I wish them success whatever path they take.