Discovery Air is one the companies hoping to win a deal to provide jet fighters such as this Skyhawk for the RAF to train against
Posted on 08/26/2017 9:34:42 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Civilian pilots could soon be training up the RAF’s “top gun” fliers as the military budget comes under increasing strain.
Private defence companies are jostling for position ahead of an expected deal to help develop the skills of pilots flying Britain’s frontline Typhoon fighters.
Civilian pilots are understood to be working with the RAF at Coningsby airbase as weapons instructors on the Typhoon, with negotiations taking place about authorisation so they can fly the supersonic military aircraft.
Although no contracts have yet been put in place, such an arrangement would help pave the way for an Air Defence and Operational Support (ASDOT) deal. This is estimated to be worth up to £1.5bn over its 10-plus year lifetime and will see private companies supply jet fighters flown by civilians that the military could train against in dogfights.
Contracting such “private airforces” would save the MoD money as it would only have to pay for the hours it used to practise air battles, rather than pay the full cost of ownership, maintenance, crewing and operating the jets. A less complex version of ASDOT is currently supplied by Cobham.
According to government estimates, the military could face a £20bn funding shortfall over the coming decade as ot fails to make planned efficiency savings, though PwC’s defence experts said the true figiure was closer to £30bn.
As well as saving money, using private companies is also seen as a way of keeping the experience of expensively trained fighter pilots in the military world, rather than see it lost to airlines when they leave the forces.
“These guys are as good as they come but are being drawn away by airlines once they get some experience,” said a source. “This keeps continuity in training and ensures pilots are learning from the best.”
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Discovery Air is one the companies hoping to win a deal to provide jet fighters such as this Skyhawk for the RAF to train against
The U.S. military (navy at least) used Hawker Hunters, Israeli Kfirs, etc. as adversary aircraft in good numbers. No direct knowledge of the pilots, but it is likely a pool of former navy and AF pilots.
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