BAE Systems to prolong VC10 life
BAE Systems is to continue supporting the UK Royal Air Force VC10 tanker-transport fleet until the type’s projected out of service date (OSD).
The VC10’s current OSD is estimated for the middle of the next decade when it is replaced in service by the long-delayed Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) PFI initiative. A new UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract extension worth £123 million has been awarded under the Joint Approach to VC10 Engineering and Logistics Integration (JAVELIN) initiative with BAE Systems at RAF St Athan in partnership with the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA). The latest phase of VC10 support for the ageing tanker is known as JAVELIN Green, which will be based on supplying mission-capable aircraft to the front line to meet operational requirements.
Under the original JAVELIN contract signed in 2003, BAE Systems took responsibility for providing spares and major maintenance for the VC10 fleet at DARA St Athan and supporting first and second line maintenance at the type’s home station at RAF Brize Norton.
Navy Rafale refueller
Dassault has been flying a number of new Rafale stores configurations from the Freanch naval aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and conducting firing trials of various weapons.
Among the most interesting configuration tested during the CDG7 trials was a heavy tanker configuration, with a ‘Nounou’ centreline refuelling store, and with two 1,250 litre tanks outboard and two 2,000 litre tanks inboard.
The Rafale M has seen operational use as a buddy tanker, though previously never with four tanks.
Samlesbury go-ahead
BAE Systems has received the green light for an ambitious plan for a significant new development at its Samlesbury plant in north-west England.
The local authority has approved a plan for the company’s airframe engineering and manufacturing site to build a new l00,000m2 development which will employ about 6,000 workers.
The first phase of the development will see the establishment of a new state-of-the-art machining centre for the F-35 Lightning II.
Source: Flight Daily News
