02/06/2008

£635 Million Overhaul For Military Flight Training

Navy, RAF and Army flying training will be completely transformed, thanks to a £635m PFI contract with Ascent -a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and VT Group.

Ascent will work with MoD to deliver the UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS) designing, delivering and managing ground and flying training across multiple locations in the UK. This will be the first step in a 25 year programme.

The UKMFTS programme will cater for the different training needs of the entire flying element of the UK front-line, ranging from fast-jet pilots and weapons systems operators, through helicopter and multi-engine pilots to all the rear crew personnel. It will encompass all flying training for students following selection up to the point they are ready to fly operational aircraft such as Typhoon, Chinook and C17.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said: "The partnering contract with Ascent brings together MoD and industry skills to deliver a first class flying training capability.

"It will significantly improve training for Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army aircrew by bringing together the current range of fragmented training schemes into one modern and cohesive programme."

Working with Ascent the MoD intend to reduce costs and improve overall training times for aircrew and reducing delays between flying courses.

The first step will deliver Fast Jet Pilot training at RAF Valley in Wales, using the HAWK 128 aircraft, and providing the training infrastructure, including classrooms, simulators and aircraft hangars.

(GK/JM)

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