QinetiQ boosts ETPS fleet with three more helicopters
The ETPS fleet includes the Augusta A109E. (Photo: QinetiQ)
Two AW109S helicopters and one AW139 will reach initial operating capability in mid-2021 at the Empire Test Pilots’ School.
The Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down site is expanding its helicopter fleet with the impending arrival of two Agusta AW109S Grand platforms and one Leonardo AW139.
All three helicopters at the QinetiQ-run ETPS are due to reach IOC in summer 2021. They are equipped with an integrated EO/IR camera turret and a modern avionics suite.
QinetiQ stated on 19 April that the latest expansion to the ETPS fleet takes its investment in new training, test and evaluation capabilities beyond £100 million ($139 million) over the past three years.
‘Every airframe in the QinetiQ fleet based at MoD Boscombe Down will also benefit from additional enhancements including comprehensive Flight Test Instrumentation suites’, the company added.
‘Staying ahead of the curve is absolutely vital in the challenging world of Test and Evaluation – both here in the UK and on the international stage,’ says Simon Tate, QinetiQ director of air and space operations.
He added: ‘This substantial new investment will ensure we do just that. And it will provide all ETPS customers and students with the additional assurance that comes from using the very best learning resources available.’
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