RAF Laying Framework for Typhoon Fighter Support

RAF Typhoons(click to view full) Britain’s unusual maintenance approach for military equipment is called “future contracting for availability.” In English, this involves partnerships with contractors that establish fixed-price support services for the equipment’s expected lifespan, with rewards and penalties based on established benchmarks for how often the equipment must be in service. It’s a far cry from the “pay for spares and hours” approach in use around the world, and Britain’s National Audit Office likes what it sees so far. Implementation generally involves a phased set of contracts and agreements that gets the parties closer and closer to the desired goal. That way, each party understands the risks and demands as the contract’s complexity and comprehensiveness grow. “Britain Hammers Out Through-Life Support Framework for Tornado Fleet” described how this approach works on the ground, and talked about some of the keys to success. “UK’s “Contracting for Availability” Adds Hawks, Looks Ahead” mentioned the MoD’s March 2007 Long Term Partnering Agreement Foundation Contract with BAE Systems, which aims to place all British military aircraft under this kind of framework. Now the UK’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, which recently entered Quick Reaction Alert service with the RAF and began flying with new ground-attack […]