ETPS to continue to train RNLAF pilots
QinetiQ has signed a training contract on behalf of the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) - a five-year deal worth £5.5 million with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), the company announced on 9 January.
Under the contract the ETPS - managed by QinetiQ on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) - will continue to train the Dutch force’s test pilots and flight test engineers until at least 2022.
RNLAF students for the 2018 course will be among the first to fly the school’s new aircraft, purchased in 2017. The new fleet comprises two Grob 120TP, two Pilatus PC-21 fixed wing aircraft and four Airbus H125 helicopters. These aircraft will be complemented by new modular courses, featuring modern working environments, materials and teaching practices, including student-centred and distance learning. The school will continue to be led by military staff with the MoD being involved in the running, supervision and oversight of courses.
Nick Lay, operations director of test and evaluation and training transformation, QinetiQ, said: ‘This commitment from the RNLAF is a significant vote of confidence in the reinvigorated ETPS, and in QinetiQ’s strategy to modernise UK test aircrew training.
‘The introduction of multi-year agreements raises exciting new possibilities for our customers, such as tailored courses, bespoke equipment and activities, and long-term cost savings. They provide extra certainty, which increases our ability to plan for future opportunities and accommodate customer requirements, giving a huge boost to the school’s commercial appeal.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Training
-
![British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four]()
British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four
Three of the bidding consortia have dropped out of the competition to become STP for the British Army Collective Training Service.
-
![What is preventing the US Pentagon from succeeding in multi-domain scenarios?]()
What is preventing the US Pentagon from succeeding in multi-domain scenarios?
Outstanding issues to be addressed include improving doctrine, increasing the number of joint exercises and better integrating capabilities across the services.
-
![AI innovation set to revolutionise military training landscape]()
AI innovation set to revolutionise military training landscape
Artificial intelligence offers unprecedented potential to revolutionise military training, enabling agile and decisive forces.
-
![Training Together: Unlocking Educational Excellence through Military and Industry Collaboration (Studio)]()
Training Together: Unlocking Educational Excellence through Military and Industry Collaboration (Studio)
Military training is ultimately about people. At Capita, training programmes are built on close engagement with partners, delivering an educational approach that can adapt to individual needs, cultivate leadership – and drive wider cultural change.
-
![Three A-29 Super Tucanos find new home at US Air Force Test Pilot School]()
Three A-29 Super Tucanos find new home at US Air Force Test Pilot School
Embraer’s light attack aircraft were selected by Edwards Air Force Base to join its test pilot school, following their abandonment by US Air Force Special Operations Command.
-
![Enhancing Military Training Through Digital Technology (Studio)]()
Enhancing Military Training Through Digital Technology (Studio)
Digital technologies offer huge opportunities for defence training. However, militaries must adopt an agile approach, placing the needs of their organisations and personnel at the centre of their efforts.
