As Phase 1 of our Fast Jet Transformation campaign continues apace, we were delighted to demonstrate upgrades to our Hawk and Texan synthetic training equipment at RAF Valley.
The formal demonstration for the MOD, showcased progress so far. This included a demonstration of the upgraded Hawk T2 Flight Training Devices (FTD) and the initial capabilities of the replacement for BFT Desk Top Trainers (DTT). The new devices are Extended Reality Training Devices, or XTD for short.
This new tech exploits latest generation extended reality visual display systems, which are immersive, low cost, low power and maintenance, and keep trainees abreast of rapidly advancing tech. Key objectives of FJ Transformation are to create capacity, reduce time in training and reduce outsource costs.
This is achieved by enhancing the learning environment, improving prep for flight, extracting more value from live flying, reducing re-fly rates, reducing skill fade post flight, reducing attrition rates, and exploiting innovation and technology.
Ascent’s RAF Valley General Manager, Andy Cooper, said: “This is our evolutionary journey along an enhanced technology capability that will deliver value benefit both to the UKMFTS trainees through their syllabus events and self-study, as well as providing the foundation of further tech enhancements as both hardware and software revision evolves.
“Thanks to our Programme Manager Rich Saunders and the Lockheed Martin team, both in the USA and locally, for the hard work and professionalism on the journey so far – more to come of course.”
The two-day event was well received and we continue to build out Phase 2 of FJ Transformation, with scoping for the procurement of a new twin cockpit synthetic trainer for Hawk currently underway.
Pictures: Crown Copyright
