Ascent Seeks Fixed Wing Assets for the UM Military Flying Training System

Ascent Flight Training, the Ministry of Defence's training service partner, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for fixed wing training platforms to support the latest stage in delivering the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS).

Ascent, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Babcock International, will manage the procurement process to contract a holistic training service, including the new aircraft, in 2015.

The new capability will deliver assets for use in elementary, basic, multi-engine and fixed wing rear crew training for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps.

Within 90 working days, consortia are being asked to respond to an output-based specification that includes supplying aircraft, aircraft related infrastructure and support to 2030 and beyond.

"The emphasis on an output-based specification within the RFP will ensure that we utilise the most efficient methods to deliver high quality training more affordably," said Ascent Flight Training Managing Director Jim Keeler. "Within the Ascent training system design, we are seeking to increase the use of synthetic training technology whilst continuing to train key tasks via live flying to ensure best value-for-money."