OFTs for RAF Poseidons land in Lossiemouth
The RAF has received its first pair of high-fidelity flight training simulators from Boeing for the P-8A Poseidon (pictured - designated Poseidon MRA Mk1 in UK service).
The full-scale Operational Flight Trainers (OFTs) will be installed in the £100 million Poseidon base at RAF Lossiemouth, along with other training devices.
‘A suite of Boeing training devices have been developed to provide interactive, high-fidelity simulations to train the pilots who operate the aircraft, and the rear crew who operate the sensors, communication and weapon systems,’ the company announced in an 18 August statement.
The Poseidon multi-mission MPA is capable of broad-area, maritime and coastal operations. The RAF has nine aircraft on order; the first arrived in the UK on 4 February and the second followed in March. All nine are expected to arrive in the UK by the end of 2021, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Both aircraft operate from Kinloss Airfield, before the Poseidon MRA Mk1-specific facilities and the upgraded runway at RAF Lossiemouth are formally opened later in 2020.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
![France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production]()
France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production
Expanded fighter jet and missile production, next-generation engine cooperation and helicopter assembly deals have all been struck between the two countries, signalling a strengthening bilateral partnership between France and India.
-
![L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities]()
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
