UK modernises military flying training

Ascent Flight Training has been awarded the £1.1 billion contract to design, deliver and manage the UK's fixed wing training service until 2033, it was announced on 2 February.

The new fixed wing flying training programme will provide up-to-date ground based training devices including classroom learning and simulators, as well as modern training aircraft for aircrew across the Army Air Corps, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force.

The contract includes multi-engine pilot training, basic flying training and elementary flying training. Multi-engine pilot training will start from mid-2018, with basic flying training to commence by early 2019. Ascent will provide flying training support, infrastructure and instruction across the three armed services.

Sue Gray, Air Vice-Marshal, Director of Combat Air, Defence Equipment & Support, UK Ministry of Defence said: ‘This contract will replace legacy fleets of aircraft with new, modern platforms that better replicate the aircraft used by front line operational squadrons.

‘Up-to-date training methods will also be developed to ensure that students are able to progress to operational training more efficiently and provide value for money.’