The MoD’s UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) has signed a £183 million contract to boost training services for new Rotary Wing pilots.
The contract amendment includes:
- An uplift of four new Airbus H145 helicopters
- A state-of-the-art simulator and infrastructure improvements
- Support in attracting and training personnel to meet the increased helicopter demand from the frontline
According to an MoD news release, the new H145 helicopters and simulator will enable students to learn how to fly a range of missions, covering expected scenarios on operational deployment. In addition, the H145s enable students to practice winching tasks and rear crew activities.
There are more than 1,300 H145 family helicopters in service around the world and the global fleet has clocked more than 5.5 million flight hours.
Defence Minister James Heappey said:
“This £183 million boost for our helicopter training will see our student pilots benefit from an ultra-modern simulator, new infrastructure at RAF Shawbury and four brand-new Airbus H145 helicopters. These crucial upgrades will help our students become the finest helicopter pilots in the world.”
The aforementioned release states:
“The Rotary Wing contract amendment was signed by UKMFTS – part of Defence, Equipment & Support (DE&S) – and Ascent Flight Training Management Ltd, which delivers pilot training for the UKMFTS in a partnering arrangement. It is part of a wider programme to increase training capacity for UK military pilots overall, as part of the £3.2 billion UKMFTS programme and helps address the increased demand for pilot training identified in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.”
The four new H145 helicopters and simulator will be based at RAF Shawbury, Shropshire, which is where the Rotary Wing element of UKMFTS is delivered.
The infrastructure improvements will cater for the increased student numbers.
Is there nothing available from AW/ Leonardo that can be used as a training helicopters? Where are these manufactured?
The primary manufacturing facility for the EC145 is located at Donauwörth in Germany
Here are some of the options available DRS.
https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/air/helicopters
that is a lot of money for 4 helos, 8-10m max each. Sim another 10m. whats the other 88m to be spent on?
Another to the list ?
the aw109 is a good option
Good, when are we going to order more Hawk T2s and more Texans since we are threadbare with both
Quite incredible isn’t it. 10 Texan being increased to 15.
We have more T2 than basic trainers.
If only the original contract was fit for purpose……..
Bringing the total to 7?