UK offered Tucano Upgrade as Training Contract nears

[BUFF 8]

DATE:03/03/08

SOURCE:Flightglobal.com

Tucano upgrade on offer as UK nears Military Flying Training System contract

award

By Craig Hoyle

 

 

With a partnering contract for the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS)

within weeks of being signed amid a deepening defence budget crisis, the

manufacturers of two of the UK's in-service types have outlined upgrade

proposals which, they claim, would significantly reduce short-term programme

costs.

Industry sources expect the Ministry of Defence to sign a deal with the

Lockheed Martin UK-led Ascent consortium in early April, with this to

combine almost 120 subcontracts.

This will enable the partners to advance efforts to select a simulator

provider for the BAE Systems Hawk 128 advanced jet trainer, acquire new

aircraft to support Royal Navy observer training, and seek a replacement

basic trainer fleet.

The latter requirement could draw offers based on new types, including the

Alenia Aermacchi M-311, Hawker Beechcraft T-6B and Pilatus PC-21.

But with cost a major consideration, a team comprising Marshall Aerospace

and airframe manufacturer Shorts says it will offer an extensive upgrade to

the Royal Air Force's current Tucano T1 fleet, which the companies claim

could enable operations to continue for more than 20 years.

A CMC-sourced glass cockpit and mission computers would provide the core

element of the proposed modernisation project, which would also provide 10%

more engine power and aerodynamic improvements, says Richard Howman,

Marshall's senior business development manager.

Revealing details of the proposal at IQPC's 27-28 February Military Flight

Training conference in London, Howman said upgraded Tucanos could be

provided for 10-15% of the cost of fielding a new aircraft type, with

remaining development and test work requiring about 18 months from the

contract award.

The current UK aircraft have an average of 60% of their planned airframe

lives to use, he says, which represents about 8,000 flight hours each.

As well as offering the Tucano upgrade as a bridging measure for the UK, the

Marshall/Shorts team could also be interested in acquiring surplus examples

for potential international buyers.

Fifteen aircraft are currently being offered for sale via the UK Disposal

Services Agency, with 40 more held in long-term storage.

Meanwhile, Grob Aerospace is eyeing a potential glass cockpit and propulsion

system upgrade to the UK's G115E screening aircraft. VT Aerospace-managed

operations of the type are currently set to conclude in 2012.