MFTS aircraft

[flyingflea]

The replacement for Tucano might be the Texan, PC21 or some other type. My Italian friends tell me the M311 is in the running. Would that be for Tucano replacement or something else?

[Dengue_Dude]

Suspect it might be Pilatus this time - if the politicians don't stick their noses in again. Some people I know have been visiting Switzerland just recently.

Don't hold your breath though - never underestimate the politicians.

[LFFC]

BAE systems signs exclusive agreement for UK fixed wing aircraft service provision (http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/mil-log/bae-systems-signs-exclusive-agreement-for-uk-fixed-wing-aircraft-service-provision/7700/) 15 Nov 2010

BAE Systems has agreed a set of exclusive agreements to lead a team comprising Gama Group Limited, Babcock Aerospace Limited and Pilatus Aircraft Limited to offer a training aircraft availability service solution for the UK armed forces.

BAE Systems is well placed to deliver a low risk, innovative aircraft availability service to Ascent to underpin the provision of a first class training environment. The solution proposed by BAE Systems would build upon the success of the output based Hawk availability contracts and deliver fully supported elementary, basic and multi engine aircrew training platforms into the UK MFTS Fixed Wing programme for 25 years.

BAE Systems is working with its partners to submit a proposal to Ascent in January 2011.

[iRaven]

I hear that BWoS have something to offer...

http://www.popularaviation.com/PhotoGallery/1149.gif

[Dengue_Dude]

Wasn't aware it had gone public - well there you are then.

[LFFC]

DDude

BAE Systems might be happy with it, but I'd prefer that they paint it black! :8

[Question_Answer]

I am slightly confused by how the taxpayer (me) is going to be assured we are getting value for money from this rather complicated commercial arrangement. How much fee on fee is there going to be?

As I understand it:
"Ascent" (LM and Babcock) have a 25 year contract to "provide the UKMFTS". As part of this, Ascent are managing the FW and RW aircraft service provider competition.

BAES sign this agreement with a group of companies which in itself includes Babcock!

So how does Ascent demonstrate impartiality in a) running a fair competition and b) getting value for money over the next 25 years when one of the bidders for this part of it is actually part of its own group?

Someone please tell me this is all easy to sort with firewalls etc...., else I wonder what the fees are to have the commercial experts sort this out! Of course the BAES group has not yet won the competition to be the FW aircraft service provider.