Scope
Reference
715631469
Description
Requirement
The Typhoon Training Facility (TTF) at RAF Coningsby and the Weapon Load Training
Cells (WLTCs) at both Main Operating Bases (MOB) are responsible for delivering
weapons training and re-certification to Typhoon Weapons technicians. TTF delivers the
Pre-Employment Training Weapons course which includes on-aircraft practical covering
the Armament Control and Installation System (ACIS) and Armament Control System
(ACS) testing. Both WLTCs are responsible for all weapon load training and re-certification, which currently is carried out on Forward Available Fleet (FAF) aircraft.
This proposal sets out the need for procuring a Weapon Load Trainer (WLT)
for both MOBs which is capable of meeting the ACIS training requirement of TTF and the
wider training requirements of the WLTCs. The driver for change is the increasing
pressure on the forward environment to provide training resources and the increasing
pressure on Typhoon Force (TF) training facilities, assets and resources, which Force
Growth and the export training demand is driving. The procurement of a WLT will reduce
the impact of training on the operational environment and on the FAF. It will also ensure
a consistent training output standard aligned to the aircraft fit at both MOB.
The acquisition of high fidelity WLT Ground Training Aids (GTA) will facilitate all initial
and re-certification weapon load training. This requirement is seeking the procurement of
one, possibly two, Weapon Load Trainers with a view to minimising the impact on the
operational environment and the FAF, whilst providing a consistent TTF & WLTC output
standard aligned to the aircraft fit. The driver for change is the increasing pressure on
training facilities, assets and resources, and to minimise the training impact on the FAF.
Background
A Weapon Load Trainer (WLT) was part of the original Eurofighter training solution.
The RAF WLT was cancelled by the RAF/Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) around
2002 to release funding for improved pilot training courseware. An attempt to resurrect
the WLT was made by the RAF staffed UK Joint Training Team in 2004, but the attempt
failed.
Using a 'live' aircraft is not without its issues; it is necessary to remove and refit some
pylons twice on each course. The aircraft structure and pylons are not designed to meet
this continued removal/refit utilisation rate; therefore, an increased component wear and
failure rate could be expected which would place an additional demand on the supply
chain and aircraft serviceability.
The current training solution necessitates the transferral of training from a controlled
environment in TTF, which is conducive to learning, to an operational workplace
environment, which has many distractions and is less beneficial to initial learning. Using
maintenance opportunities to train is fraught with risk and subjects the students and
instructors to added pressure and danger; "one off" activities do not provide sufficient
opportunity for practice to mastery or formative and summative assessment as necessary
to meet the RPS hence, exercises have to be repeated in an inefficient and ad-hoc
manner.
Considerable time is required to prepare a FAF aircraft for the training role and then to
recover it, which in itself can add to the maintenance burden and or repairs. Furthermore
and on a regular basis, these FAF aircraft can be subject to official robs that can
jeopardise training if it is the subject matter that is required and removed.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2028
- 2 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80650000 - Training and simulation in aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 October 2025
Engagement process description
To be decided
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Defence and security
Contracting authority
Defence Equipment and Support
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRL-5831-GLMM
MOD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Ryan Ground
Email: Ryan.Ground100@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-equipment-and-support
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government