Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Serco awarded RAF glider fleet contract

Defence

Serco awarded RAF glider fleet contract

Serco’s Defence business has been awarded a contract to provide all the spare parts for the RAF’s Grob Viking TMk1 glider fleet.


 
Image courtesy Serco

This new contract is in addition to the current contract that Serco has to provide maintenance for the glider fleet.

In a related move Serco has also acquired a specialist Robin DR400/180R aircraft to launch RAF Air Cadets gliders into the air.

In addition to these two new contracts, last year Serco secured a two-year extension to the Glider Maintenance contract until March 2022 and Serco’s specialist glider maintenance team already works to ensure that airworthy Viking Glider aircraft and effective engineering support are available to meet the needs of 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS).

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

The School delivers a glider flying experience in a military environment, including solo flying, for RAF Air Training Corp Cadets through a Centralised Gliding School (CGS) and Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) at several sites across the UK.  At the 2019 RAF Aerospace Cadets Summer Camp, Serco enabled a flying experience for around 300 cadets in one week at RAF Syerston.

Commenting on the contract award, Paul McCarter Managing Director, Serco Defence, said: “We are delighted to be broadening the support we are providing for the RAF glider fleet and helping to give cadets a flying experience.  Through consolidating the Glider Maintenance, spares and aerotow contracts Serco will provide an integrated and cost-effective solution for the Royal Air Force.”

The RAF Air Cadets are a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years.  Sponsored by the RAF, the Air Cadets promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the RAF Force among young people, provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life and encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Lucideon and MTC enter strategic partnership

Aerospace Defence

Lucideon and MTC enter strategic partnership

1 July 2025

Development and commercialisation organisation (DCO) specialising in advanced materials, Lucideon, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to drive next-gen performance in advanced ceramics.

Teledyne FLIR OEM unveils new brand and website

Aerospace Defence Security

Teledyne FLIR OEM unveils new brand and website

1 July 2025

Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the strategic evolution of the Teledyne FLIR OEM brand.

UKDI launched to harness innovative tech for UK Armed Forces

Defence

UKDI launched to harness innovative tech for UK Armed Forces

1 July 2025

Today the UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has been formally established and begins work to streamline delivery of innovative technology to British Armed Forces personnel.

VIVO completes SLA smart energy trial at HMS Collingwood

Defence

VIVO completes SLA smart energy trial at HMS Collingwood

1 July 2025

A smart technology trial by VIVO Defence Services, in partnership with Equans, has resulted in a 44% reduction in energy use in a Single Living Accommodation (SLA) barrack block on a military base.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
SSRO issues single source contracts regulatory guidance for QSCs

Defence

SSRO issues single source contracts regulatory guidance for QSCs

1 July 2025

Following consultation with stakeholders, the SSRO has published new guidance on how the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts applies to qualifying sub-contracts (QSCs).

BAE Systems launch new returners programme

Defence

BAE Systems launch new returners programme

30 June 2025

For the past seven years, BAE Systems and STEM Returners have been working together to help engineers across the UK return to work after a career break and today the partnership has announced a new programme at BAE Maritime and Land Defence Solutions in Portsmouth and the Radar Integration Test Facility in Cowes, which will include 10 positions and see the ...

Advertisement
Leonardo RT