Lockheed Martin, VT Group win $82 million Royal Navy training contract

Royal Navy flying training is receiving a significant boost thanks to a £57 million ($82 million) service contract with Ascent, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and VT Group. This new contract will provide an incremental approach to Basic Observer Training improving the current course with the Basic Flying Training phase carried out in new aircraft. The new Basic Observer Course will be delivered by Ascent in three phases. Phases 1 (Introductory Flying Training and Common Core Ground School) and 2 (Elementary Navigation Training) will be conducted at RAF Barkston Heath, the flying elements being delivered on the Grob 115Es, owned by the VT Group. Phase 3 (Basic Flying Training) will be conducted at RNAS Culdrose on four new MOD-owned Beechcraft B350ER King Air aircraft. The contract in-turn includes a sub-contract between Ascent and Cobham plc that will see FR Aviation, part of Cobham, integrate a radar and tactical mission training system into the King Air aircraft and thereafter conduct maintenance and continuing airworthiness services. Valerie Evans, Head of the Defence Equipment and Support Flying Training Support Team which encompasses the UK Military Flying Training System said: “We are delighted to have secured this latest stage of the UK Military Flying Training System with the signing of the Rear Crew Stage 1 Training Service Contract with our industry partner Ascent for the delivery of the Royal Navy Basic Observer Course. We believe this is a prime example of the integrated approach the MoD is now taking with its industry partners to deliver world class training systems for UK military personnel destined for front line service.”