Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Cobham supports Full Service Date achievement for RAF Voyager

Defence

Cobham supports Full Service Date achievement for RAF Voyager

On 30th September 2016 the AirTanker consortium, of which Cobham is a shareholder, reached the final milestone in the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme with the achievement of Full Service Date (FSD).

The FSTA project, which is the largest private funded defence project to date, includes a 27-year contract through to 2035 that covers the delivery of aircraft as well as the associated infrastructure, service and support.  Cobham, which has provided its air-to-air refuelling equipment for the aircraft, will be maintaining these systems on the Wing and in the Fuselage of the Voyager for the duration of the contract. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

Alan Ephgrave, Vice President at Cobham Mission Systems in Wimborne said “When we stand back and take stock of what has been achieved it is truly magnificent.  Working alongside our colleagues within AirTanker Services Ltd to deliver such outstanding capability to the RAF is ground-breaking and we are very proud of the role played by Cobham in helping deliver this.”


Courtesy Cobham © Geoffrey Lee

The final aircraft, FSTA 14, arrived at RAF Brize Norton in July 2016, completing the aircraft delivery requirements of the FSTA Contract.  The fleet of nine core and five surge aircraft, operate in both the military and civil leasing sectors. 

Phill Blundell, CEO AirTanker Ltd, said: "Today is a landmark date for everyone involved in the Voyager programme. Following the contract award to AirTanker by the Ministry of Defence in 2008, the whole AirTanker team has worked tirelessly together with our industry partners and RAF colleagues to deliver this vital capability. The fact that we have done so on time and on budget is testament to that teamwork and commitment." 

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

 

 

Advertisement
Tritax leaderboard 728x90 Tritax leaderboard 728x90
BAE Systems to produce additional Bradley A4s for US Army

Defence

BAE Systems to produce additional Bradley A4s for US Army

27 November 2025

The US Army and BAE Systems have definitised a contract modification worth over $390 million to upgrade additional Bradley A4 Fighting Vehicles.

Bourton Group appoints Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner

Aerospace Defence Security

Bourton Group appoints Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner

26 November 2025

Bourton Group LLP has announced the appointment of Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner, to enhance the consultancy’s expertise in supporting UK defence and aerospace manufacturers with operational improvement, engineering excellence and capability development.

Babcock to lead on enhancing Indonesian naval capabilities

Defence Security

Babcock to lead on enhancing Indonesian naval capabilities

26 November 2025

The UK and Indonesia have agreed a landmark £4 billion maritime deal that includes joint development of the Indonesian navy’s maritime capability, with Babcock chosen as the prime industrial partner for the new Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP).

GKN Aerospace and Swedish Defence Ministry to advance UAV demonstrator

Defence

GKN Aerospace and Swedish Defence Ministry to advance UAV demonstrator

26 November 2025

GKN Aerospace has entered into a collaborative programme with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop and demonstrate a flying uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) capability within the next 18 months.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
Women In Defence UK 10th Anniversary award winners revealed

Defence Events

Women In Defence UK 10th Anniversary award winners revealed

26 November 2025

Women in Defence UK has announced the winners of the 10th Anniversary Women in Defence UK Awards, held yesterday, celebrating a decade of honouring exceptional women, men, individuals and teams who contribute to the defence of the United Kingdom.

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for Mk 41 VLS canisters

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for Mk 41 VLS canisters

26 November 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $22 million contract by the US Navy to produce missile canisters for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), with the total value potentially reaching $317 million.

Advertisement
ODU RT