Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on the use of leaded aviation fuel within the armed forces.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
Policy dictates that the current issue of the fuel specification, Defence Standard (Def Stan) 91-090, for Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) is adhered to.
Avgas 100LL is the staple fuel for most piston engine aircraft and contains the additive tetra-ethyl lead (TEL). TEL is used to boost and maintain the octane level and prevent destructive detonation within engines. High-compression and turbocharged engines are particularly affected by such issues.
The Ministry of Defence is driving to reduce environmental contaminants such as TEL where possible and, as soon as alternatives are proven to be fit for purpose and safe in use, it is our policy to seek clearances from the airframe and engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for their inclusion in the procurement process.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what type of training will be provided through Project TELUM.
Answered by James Heappey
Project TELUM will provide the end to end solution for RAF Air Cadet and University Student flying experience, whilst simultaneously supporting Defence flying grading and streaming. In addition to the necessary live flying, where feasible the use of synthetics and virtual training to support training requirements will be encouraged from potential bidders.
The objective is to inspire a practical interest in aviation, attract undergraduates to military service through provision of military flying training and to de-risk flying training through early introduction and screening as a precursor to the provisions of UKMFTS.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of providing virtual training through Project TELUM.
Answered by James Heappey
Project TELUM will provide the end to end solution for RAF Air Cadet and University Student flying experience, whilst simultaneously supporting Defence flying grading and streaming. In addition to the necessary live flying, where feasible the use of synthetics and virtual training to support training requirements will be encouraged from potential bidders.
The objective is to inspire a practical interest in aviation, attract undergraduates to military service through provision of military flying training and to de-risk flying training through early introduction and screening as a precursor to the provisions of UKMFTS.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what priorities his Department has set for Project TELUM.
Answered by James Heappey
Project TELUM will provide the end to end solution for RAF Air Cadet and University Student flying experience, whilst simultaneously supporting Defence flying grading and streaming. In addition to the necessary live flying, where feasible the use of synthetics and virtual training to support training requirements will be encouraged from potential bidders.
The objective is to inspire a practical interest in aviation, attract undergraduates to military service through provision of military flying training and to de-risk flying training through early introduction and screening as a precursor to the provisions of UKMFTS.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the value is of his Department's contract with Babcock for light aircraft flying training.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
The whole life costs for the Light Aircraft Flying Training 2, through to March 2022, have been assessed as approximately £263 million.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his timescale is for the (a) procurement process and (b) contract award for the UK Light Aircraft Flying 3 project TELUM.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
The TELUM Prior Information Notice (PIN) seeking expressions of interest was issued to industry on 7 October 2020. Project TELUM is still in its early stages and it is still under development. It is, therefore, too early to state when the new contract will be awarded.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for a tender for a new contract for the UK Light Aircraft Flying 3 project TELUM; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
The TELUM Prior Information Notice (PIN) seeking expressions of interest was issued to industry on 7 October 2020. Project TELUM is still in its early stages and it is still under development. It is, therefore, too early to state when the new contract will be awarded.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's contract with Babcock for light aircraft flying training was subject to oversight by the Single Source Regulations Office.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
The Light Aircraft Flying Training 2 contract was awarded to VT Aerospace Ltd, (subsequently taken over by Babcock Interantional) in 2009 following a competitive tender exercise. The Single Source Regulations did not apply at that time as they did not come into force until the Defence Reform Act 2014.
In December 2019, the contract was transitioned to a Qualifying Defence Contract and is now subject to Single Source Regulations and oversight by the Single Source Regulations Office.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the contract for UK Light Aircraft Flying Training 2 was first tendered.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
The contract was awarded in 2009. Information relating to the first tendering of the contract is not held electronically and can be provided only, if at all, at disproportionate cost.
Asked by: James Gray (Conservative - North Wiltshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the value of the Light Aircraft Flying Training 2 contract is.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
The whole life costs for the Light Aircraft Flying Training 2, through to March 2022, have been assessed as approximately £263 million.