UK’s “Contracting for Availability” Adds Hawks, Looks Ahead
Related Stories: BAE, Britain/U.K., Contracts - Awards, Contracts - Intent, Other Corporation, Partnerships & Consortia, Procurement Innovations, Public Partnering, Specialty Aircraft, Support & Maintenance, Transformation
(click to view full)
In January 2007, “Britain Hammers Out Through-Life Support Framework for Tornado Fleet” offered an in-depth look at British efforts to move toward a new way of supporting their aircraft, one that involved through-life umbrella maintenance contracts based on availability rather than hours or spares. It’s a model that Britain is using for several weapons platforms, and with the recent B-2 bomber contract it’s even beginning to take hold in the USA.
In recent days, the UK MoD and BAE Systems have taken a pair of steps to extend that model. One step is a recent GBP 74 million contract (currently about $145 million) that introduces the concept to Britain’s fleet of 131 Hawk T Mk.1 trainer aircraft...
(click to view larger)
The Hawk-T Mk.1 is currently used at RAF Valley for fast-jet pilot advanced flying training with No 208 {R} Squadron and weapons and tactical training on No 19 {R} Squadron; by No 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming for advanced fast-jet weapons systems officer training and operational support- flying; and RNAS Culdrose which will be added from April 2008. The team will provide fleet and supply chain management, forward and depth maintenance, and technical support. In addition, a spares availability service will be provided to RAF Scampton, home of the RAF’s famous Red Arrows Aerobatic Team, and to the MoD at Boscombe Down. Some of these aircraft will be replaced when Britain begins taking delivery of its Hawk Mk.128 LIFT aircraft in 2008.
As the prime contractor, BAE Systems will work in a close partnered relationship with the UK MOD, the Royal Navy, the RAF and industry partner Babcock Defence Services. Where this contract breaks new ground is that in that forward (i.e. flight line) operations are being directly supported by BAE Systems personnel.
The UK MoD estimates that this contract will save GBP 18 million in support costs over the its 4 year period. See UK MoD release | BAE Systems release.
(click to view full)
A few days later, on March 1, 2007, BAE Systems and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed of a Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) Foundation Contract covering the support and upgrade of the UK’s current and future fixed wing aircraft fleet.
The end-state goal is an eventual binding agreement between us that will provide effective through-life support to the RAF’s entire fixed wing fleet for front line service.
