Empire Test Pilots’ School modernisation takes off

Air January 5, 2017

As part of a £1Bn programme with the UK MoD, QinetiQ has taken the first steps to modernise training for test pilots and aircrew, which has seen two Pilatus PC-21 aircraft purchased for the programme.

The contract for the aircraft is the first awarded under by QinetiQ under the deal, announced in December 2016, which will see £85M invested in the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS). The investment will see modernisation of the school in order to reduce operating costs, as well as enhancing its future capabilities.

The ETPS is managed by QinetiQ in partnership with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Warfare Centre (AWC). The school is dedicated to the development and testing of air capabilities and provision of advice to enhance frontline decision-making.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd won the contract for the two PC-21 turboprop aircraft that will be based at MoD Boscombe Down, Salisbury. Once supplied, the craft will take over from the school’s Hawk and Alpha Jets. The craft were chosen due to their significantly lower operating costs than other options, whilst also providing an appropriate venue for assessing civil and military aircrew and engineers in the skills needed to qualify as test pilots and flight test engineers.

Steve Wadey, QinetiQ CEO, said: “Under the recent £1Bn contract amendment with the MOD, we made a commitment to reducing cost and modernising training for test pilots and aircrew. The purchase of these aircraft shows we are getting straight to work in delivering on our promises. The PC-21 and subsequent introductions to the ETPS fleet will further cement the school’s position as a world leader in military test aircrew training, and guarantee that it continues to meet customers’ needs long into the future. A revised syllabus will also support the training of test pilots for civil aircraft, creating opportunities for growth into new markets.”

The new craft will be used to teach students how to assess aircraft performance from handling to cockpit displays and simulated weapons. Students of the school have gone on to test F35s and Typhoons as well as working on space programmes, with Major Tim Peake a famous graduate of the programme.

Markus Bucher, Pilatus CEO, said: “Pilatus are delighted that, after a hard fought competition, the PC-21 has been selected by QinetiQ to be the mainstay of the UK’s ETPS training. Ultimately, test flying is the basis of aviation safety and selection of the PC-21 as a successor to the Hawk and Alpha Jet is testament to both the aircrafts performance and flexibility. We look forward to working with QinetiQ and supporting ETPS, one of the world’s leading test establishments, to deliver its Test Aircrew Training.”

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ETPS F35 Major Tim Peake MOD Pilatus pilots QinetiQ Training Typhoon UK