Babcock has over 70 years’ experience of delivering flying training, aircraft provision and through-life support to the UK’s armed forces.
Babcock’s solutions are characterised by the total integration of engineering, maintenance and logistics support services, from development to delivery, providing the skilled professionals who ensure both the availability of our customers’ assets and support infrastructure, and the safety of personnel.
The UK’s armed forces have some of the best aircrew in the world. The training they receive is vital for the ongoing success of missions, from protecting ground operations through transporting humanitarian aid to proving search and rescue services around Britain’s coastline.
We provide the skilled professionals who ensure both the availability of assets and support infrastructure, and the safety of personnel. Our integrated approach is evident in our ongoing contracts.
Flying Training
As part of the Ascent consortium, Babcock provides the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). UKMFTS caters for the flying training needs of the UK armed forces, by providing a cost-effective, coherent, flexible and integrated training capability.
We also deliver elementary and multi-engine flying training on a tri-Service basis to the UK Armed Forces, responsible for all aspects of equipment supply and engineering support including the provision of a fleet of T67 Slingsby Fireflies at the Defence Elementary Training School (DEFTS), Light Aircraft Flying Training (LAFT2) and Tucano In-Service Support (TISS).
Asset Management
Babcock plays a significant part in the delivery of Integrated Operational Support (IOS) contracts. Under the Hawk IOS contract, Babcock supports the entire UK-based Hawk TMk1 fleet, maintaining the aircraft and ensuring availability for their vital role in the fast-jet pilot training at RAF Valley, RAF Leeming, RNAS Culdrose and RNAS Yeovilton.
Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft
Babcock is a shareholder of Airtanker Services, responsible under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) [link to: http://www.airtanker.co.uk ] programme for the delivery of new infrastructure at RAF Brize Norton including a two-bay hangar, support building and a training building with state-of-the-art simulator. In addition, Babcock is a primary subcontractor to the programme, supplying equipment and infrastructure and providing through-life support to the end of the contract.
Flight Simulator Maintenance
Babcock provides training simulator maintenance for the Harrier GR9/7 full mission simulators at RAF Wittering, and also a large number of desktop training devices spread across the UK from Kinloss in Northern Scotland to Culdrose in Cornwall. The majority of equipment is located at RAFC Cranwell and RAF Cosford. Maintenance staff based in these centres undertake planned maintenance visits to a further 14 sites in addition to providing a call-out response across the UK.
Multi-Activity Airfield Support Services
Babcock operates a Multi-Activity Contract for the Royal Air Force providing logistical, airfield and administrative support to RAF Valley and its satellite airfield, RAF Mona. Activities include the maintenance and repair of airfield navigation and communication aids, as well as a Fire and Rescue service that provides continuous 24/7 cover. Additional services include the delivery of support for the regional airport, ranging from site-wide cleaning and waste recycling, IT and administration support, to management of a suite of machine and fabrication shops.
Equipment Support
Babcock commenced the wheels and brakes element of the Commodity Availability Procurement System (CAPS) contract in January 2009 and is responsible for the maintenance of over 1,000 wheel and brake assemblies for the Hawk, Harrier, Nimrod and VC10 aircraft.