The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a significant procurement opportunity for the provision of advanced air traffic control (ATC) visual simulators for the Royal Air Force (RAF). A recently published tender notice outlines a requirement for 16 simulator units to be deployed across various RAF sites, establishing a new synthetic training environment for aerodrome control personnel. The contract is valued at up to £3 million and is scheduled to run for a five-year period. The delivery and support programme is planned to commence in February 2026 and will conclude in February 2031.
This procurement aims to enhance training capabilities by allowing RAF controllers to rehearse complex procedures in a controlled, office-based setting. The selected supplier will be responsible for the on-site installation of all 16 simulators, in addition to providing comprehensive through-life support, including ongoing maintenance and software updates for the duration of the contract.
The tender specifies that the system must accurately replicate the visual environment of an ATC tower, supporting training for day, night, and degraded weather conditions such as fog, rain, and variable cloud cover.
A key technical requirement is the inclusion of a dynamic scenario control function, operated via a pseudo-pilot position, enabling instructors to modify training exercises in real time. The simulators must also realistically model the behaviour of various aircraft and ground vehicles.
Crucially, the system will need to integrate seamlessly with existing RAF equipment, including Frequentis voice communication systems, Thales TopSky displays, and other standard surveillance and aerodrome lighting systems. This emphasis on integration presents an opportunity for specialist sub-contractors with relevant expertise.
The MOD has also stipulated a need for training flexibility, requiring a system that allows RAF operators to create, edit, and manage their own training exercises without incurring additional costs. Each simulator unit is expected to accommodate a trainer, a trainee, and a pseudo-pilot simultaneously within a compact footprint equivalent to two standard office desks.
Bidders must also address social value considerations by demonstrating how the contract’s delivery will support the government’s net-zero objectives. The deadline for submissions is 14 January 2026, with the MOD noting that further details will be released as the opportunity progresses beyond its current preview stage.
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Post written by: Christian Doak
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