Elbit Systems and KBR will join forces to contest the remaining fixed-wing element of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) programme, and have confirmed their intention to offer the Grob Aircraft G120TP as part of their proposal.
First details of the teaming decision came at the Royal International Air Tattoo, where the companies had a G120TP on static display and also shared a chalet.
The partners will establish a joint venture company to answer a request for detailed proposals which is due to be released by Ascent Flight Training on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence late this year.
So far, the only confirmed element of their possible solution is the G120TP, which features cockpit avionics supplied by Elbit. “We want to remain flexible until the formal requirement comes out, so that we can offer what is required,” said an industry source speaking at RIAT on 16 July.
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© Craig Hoyle/Flightglobal |
Fitted with dual ejection seats from Martin-Baker, the G120TP is “available now, off-the-shelf and ready to fly”, the source said. By using jet fuel, its Rolls-Royce 250-B17F engine also offers an operational advantage over the UK’s in-service G115Es, the source claimed.
The Elbit/KBR team will face competition from another two bidders for the fixed-wing MFTS deal: a BAE Systems-led team also comprising Babcock, Gama Aviation and Pilatus; and the Team C3 consortium formed of Cobham Aviation Services, CAE UK and Cassidian Air Systems.
Elbit has experience in operating the G120 “Snunit” for the Israeli air force since 2002 under a recently extended private finance initiative arrangement, while KBR is a leading support, infrastructure and base services supplier to the UK MoD.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
