FSTA training and simulation milestones on schedule
30 November 2010
Thales UK, a shareholder in AirTanker, has completed the construction of the training building at RAF Brize Norton for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme more than four months ahead of schedule.
The facility will be the centre of FSTA training activities over the next 24 years, and includes the simulator hall to house the full-flight simulator as well as purpose-built classrooms to support the many different types of training undertaken to support all aspects of AirTanker’s activity.
Thales has also confirmed that it is on schedule to start initial FSTA engineering training for the first tranche of RAF technicians in January 2011.
Initial conversion to type training of aircrew will commence in mid-2011 from the new training facility, which will house a CAA/EASA compliant full-flight simulator (FFS) and a part-task trainer, both of which are in production at Thales’s Crawley facility. The FFS is based on the ‘RealitySeven’ flight simulator product family and is reconfigurable between the civil and military roles.
The commencement of this training will mark another key activity and milestone in the FSTA programme, which continues to run on schedule. The first two RAF KC30 aircraft are currently undergoing flight testing at Airbus Military in Getafe, Madrid.
Victor Chavez, Deputy Chief Executive, Thales UK, says: “The FSTA training service programme continues to achieve all milestones on schedule and the early completion of the training building emphasises our commitment in delivering this much-needed capability for this important programme.”
The FSTA programme, delivered by AirTanker, will provide the RAF with a safe, efficient and reliable air-to-air refuelling and air transport service. Using 14 new, specifically converted aircraft based on the A330-200 commercial airliner, the programme will also cover all aspects of an integrated aircraft service over a 24-year period, ranging from the provision of the infrastructure - including a two-bay hangar and associated office accommodation - and a full-flight crew and engineer training service, to aircraft maintenance, despatch and ground support.
The FSTA programme will combine best practice from civil aviation with RAF operational expertise and military ethos to create a highly efficient and effective operational solution for the Royal Air Force. The 500-strong workforce will be around 60:40 military:industry. With the services being delivered to support front-line operations, this programme takes collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and industry to a new level.
The first aircraft is due to be delivered towards the end of 2011.
- Ends -
Notes to editors
1. AirTanker Services is an SPV company that was created in 2008 to deliver the FSTA service to the UK Ministry of Defence, which will provide the RAF with a reliable, safe and efficient air-to-air refuelling (AAR) and air transport (AT) service over 24 years.
2. The FSTA service will use 14 new, specially converted, state-of-the-art A330-200 aircraft, each of which will be capable of carrying passengers with associated freight or aero medical patients in addition to its AAR role. As well as reducing overall running costs and significantly improving reliability, the aircraft will have considerably less impact on the environment than its predecessors. The first aircraft is due to be delivered towards the end of 2011.
3. The FSTA programme covers all aspects of an integrated aircraft service, ranging from the provision of the infrastructure, a full flight crew and engineer training service, through to aircraft maintenance, despatch and ground support. It will combine best practice from civil aviation with RAF operational expertise and military ethos to create a most efficient and effective operational solution for the RAF.
4. The FSTA service will be provided by AirTanker Services under fixed-pricing arrangements with clear performance indicators. The MoD will only pay for the service once it is available and then only for the capacity that it uses, subject to agreed minimum usage levels.
5. AirTanker Services is contracted to operate the service from AirTanker Ltd, who hold the contract from the MoD. AirTanker Services has five shareholders, who are also primary sub-contractors for the programme. They are: EADS (aircraft manufacture and initial conversion via Airbus Military); Cobham (refuelling equipment and aircraft conversion); Rolls-Royce (engine assembly, support and project management); Thales UK (mission simulators, defensive aids, avionics and mission planning systems); and Babcock (infrastructure and communications/information systems, design, build and support, and certain elements of technical support to the aircraft).
6. AirTanker will create and sustain high-value, high-quality UK jobs. The FSTA programme will directly sustain up to 3,000 jobs and indirectly sustain up to a further 4,500 jobs.
For further information about AirTanker Services and the FSTA programme, please visit www.airtanker.co.uk
About Thales and Thales UK
Thales is a global technology leader for the defence & security and the aerospace & transport markets. In 2009 the company generated revenues of £11.5 billion (€12.9 billion), with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.
Thales UK employs 8,500 staff based at 40 locations. In 2009 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.5 billion.
Press contacts:
Thales UK
Kathryn Bell
Mob: +44 7813 903274
Email: kathryn.bell@thalesgroup.com
Marc Holloran
Mob: +44 7854 438065
Email: marc.holloran@thalesgroup.com
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