Spitfire Major up for tender

[solotk]

From this months "Flypast"

The MOD have put an advert in, for civilian organisations, willing to tender for the major overhaul of one of the BBMF Spits.

Which is interesting, because i thought that St. Athan could do it for at least 17.5% cheaper than the next nearest tender.....(No Vat) as well as a lot of experience on type, or is there something I'm missing?

Is this a trend that will continue?

Tony :0)

[Zlin526]

The RAF have been sending their vintage types to civvy contractors for some time now (For 'vintage', read Spitfires, Chipmunk etc and not Jaguar or NCO aircrew!)

[FJJP]

These days, St Athan has to tender for work like any other company- and I believe that VAT is charged as well (someone may wish to confirm that). Last year they did the Lanc.. .. .Aircraft modification, painting, servicing, etc go to various companies. Marshalls of Cambridge, for instance, stretched the Herc, converted the Tri* to the K model, and a few other jobs. Companies at Heathrow, Teeside and Paris have painted aircraft.. .. .It's all about the accountants running the Forces now - best value for money, lowest tender, etc.. .. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" />

[A and C]

No doubt the RAF can get the VAT back from the C&E !.

[Greg Baddeley]

Might as well use the expertise that exists out there with the specialist restorers - Historic Flying rebuilt the BBMF's Hurricane after it's disastrous force landing and subsequent fire, and you couldn't fault their work. It ain't worth the mountain of logistics and admin required for the RAF to do one aircraft every so often; used to be OK when it was done on a "grace and favour" basis, but as you say, the accountants run it now, and if HM government doesn't get value for money, then vintage aircraft will be removed from RAF service as a cost-cutting measure - I don't think that any of us would wish to see that.

[fradu]

I also read in a magazine that Historic Flying did an overhaul on the BBMF Mk.V a few years ago.. .They also have the contract for maintaining the BBMF Chippies too from memory.. .. .Hope this helps

[Biggles Flies Undone]

I don’t think this is anything new. I paid quite a few visits to Cranfield in the 80’s and 90’s and there was often one of the BBMF aircraft in for overhaul, tucked in with the College’s Jetstreams and other assorted interesting aircraft. As far as I know, Cranfield still provide all the parts support for the Chippies.