I/ITSEC 2021: PEO STRI hails ‘Team Orlando’
I/ITSEC delegates heard details of how the US Army is innovating a complex portfolio of modernisation programmes.
Ascent obtains additional UK flight training contract
Four new Texan T1 trainer aircraft arrived at RAF Valley in December 2020 under the MFTS programme. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Second ‘uplift’ contract under MFTS includes more Texan trainers and simulators.
UK MoD procurement body Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has awarded incumbent provider Ascent Flight Training an extra £175 million ($239.25 million) contract under the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) programme for student pilots.
Basic flying training within MFTS will increase capacity from 36 to 53 students per year from 2024, the MoD noted in a 27 October announcement.
The latest contract includes delivery of four new Texan T6C Texan II aircraft (designated Texan T1 by the RAF) that arrived at RAF Valley in November 2020; a new static flight simulator; nine Texan mission planning systems; and additional infrastructure at RAF Valley.
Cdre Mark Langrill, head of MFTS at DE&S, said: ‘This second significant uplift to the training system follows on from the Rotary Wing training amendment awarded in December 2019. The additional Fixed Wing capacity provided will enable Fast Jet pilots of the future to train in a ‘state of the art’ facility [at RAF Valley] with modern aircraft and synthetic training devices before proceeding to the Hawk Advanced Jet Training pipeline.’
Ascent is a JV between Babcock International and Lockheed Martin, supported by supply chain partner Affinity Flight Training.
More from Training
-
![I/ITSEC 2021: PEO STRI hails ‘Team Orlando’]()
-
![I/ITSEC 2021: USMC generals line up to outline training challenges]()
I/ITSEC 2021: USMC generals line up to outline training challenges
A panel session at I/ITSEC heard how USMC training strategies must address issues such as deployability and interoperability.
-
![I/ITSEC 2021: Lockheed Martin unveils added training options for F-35]()
I/ITSEC 2021: Lockheed Martin unveils added training options for F-35
Lockheed Martin has developed its MRT-LITE F-35 training device to supplement the current training devices.
-
![I/ITSEC 2021: InVeris launches AR urban training solution]()
I/ITSEC 2021: InVeris launches AR urban training solution
At I/ITSEC 2021, InVeris launched a new AR small arms training device that is well-placed to gain business in the military and law enforcement markets.
-
![I/ITSEC 2021: Saab reports strong growth as USMC contract finalised soon]()
I/ITSEC 2021: Saab reports strong growth as USMC contract finalised soon
Saab Training and its parent company report strong growth as the former starts delivery on three major programmes for the Netherlands, Poland and the USMC.
-
![I/ITSEC 2021: SAIC leads charge for flight training revolution]()
I/ITSEC 2021: SAIC leads charge for flight training revolution
SAIC develops new training technologies and helps the USAF to shape future pilot training.
