Scott Nicholas
The Lockheed Martin–Babcock International joint venture Ascent Flight Training has awarded a potential 17-year, $728 million subcontract to Airbus for service as the primary aircraft service provider for a U.K. military training initiative.
Airbus will manufacturer and deliver rotorcraft with an integrated support system over 18 months with an intended start date for training in April 2018, plus also oversee the development of support infrastructure and initial training for crews and maintenance personnel, the company said Friday.
Ascent serves as prime contractor for the British defense ministry’s 25-year Military Flying Training System program that aims to offer a single avenue for aircrew and pilot instruction for the country’s air force, navy and army air corps.
Airbus will also supply a fleet of H135 and H145 units with the goal to deliver 28,000 hours of service per year to meet training requirements as well as an H135 Helionix avionics kit that will update performance and safety features.
The company will also help prepare 121 pilots and 99 rear crew members per year that will work to follow the predecessors.
