New Texan VR Trainers

It’s great to share the latest tech with our UKMFTS colleagues. Ascent and Lockheed Martin recently showcased two of our advanced prototype Texan Virtual Reality Trainers – part of a range of simulators joining the training programme at RAF Valley.

Last year, a new building opened at RAF Valley, as part of a £175m investment by the MOD into Ascent’s delivery of Basic Flying Training within UKMFTS, the UK’s military flying training system. The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) aims to increase Basic Flying Training throughput of trainee pilots by almost 50%, emphasising the importance of our commitment to provide responsive, globally recognised turnkey training solutions.

Trainee pilots complete fixed wing Basic Flying Training on the Texan T1 at RAF Valley. The expansion of this service through the SDSR Programme will provide for growing training needs, with four additional Texan T1 aircraft already operational.

In addition to this, Ascent is determined to further enrich the learning environment for our trainees at RAF Valley, and we are now introducing cutting edge technology throughout the Fast Jet Transformation programme.

The new Texan Virtual Reality Trainers are part of this programme, that will see a raft of upgrades delivered to benefit training across the Texan and Hawk Squadrons.

Representatives from 4 FTS, Squadron personnel and a number of 22Gp and DE&S colleagues were joined by Dr Jon Allsop from Development & Delivery Wing, Central Flying School, to take a look at the new trainers.

The demonstration received very positive feedback.