The UKMFTS programme will serve the training needs of all UK aircrew regardless of their specialisation, intended role or parent service.
UKMFTS is made up of three distinct elements:
- Ascent Flight Training Limited – Private company
- 22 Flying Training Group – RAF, on behalf of the military
- UKMFTS Project Team – MOD Civil Servants
UKMFTS will be delivered by Ascent, a company underpinned by two parent companies – Lockheed Martin and Babcock International PLC, as the Training System Partner (TSP) and integrator. Ascent has been fully embedded, integrated and co-located with the UKMFTS Project Team and 22 Training Group RAF within the UKMFTS joint headquarters in Bristol.
The UKMFTS mission is to deliver, incrementally, a world class flying training system for UK military aircrew through six streams:
- Elementary Flying Training
- Basic Trainer
- Multi Engine Pilot Training
- Rotary Wing
- Rear Crew Stage 2
- Fast Jet and 18 output disciplines.
Rear Crew Stage 1and Advanced Jet Trainer are now on contract with Ascent and BAE Systems respectively.
Ascent, led by Sir Barry Thornton (Managing Director) has lead responsibility for designing and acquiring the training systems and delivering training throughout the life of the programme to meet all existing and future requirements.
DE&S UKMFTS Project Team, led by Laurence Bryant, is responsible for providing the government furnished equipment interface into the MOD, as part of programme delivery and acting, on behalf of the department, as the customer across the contract boundary.
Air Command 22 Group, led by Air Commodore Andrew Sudlow (Director of Flying Training) has lead responsibility for the seamless transition from legacy training to MFTS, supported by Ascent and the Project Team.
The Joint Organisation structure has evolved to one that enables the close working relationship required to deliver a complex programme but protects against duplication of effort between organisations. It also maintains an independent MOD scrutiny role where appropriate.
Aircraft used within the UKMFTS include: Hawk, Tucano, King Air, Tutor, Squirrel, Griffin, Viking Vigilant and Firely.
Page updated 4 August 2011