Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Vector gains Boeing's supplier gold rating for FTQ

Defence

Vector gains Boeing's supplier gold rating for FTQ

Vector Aerospace UK announced today that its Project Julius Team, responsible for the embodiment of the avionics upgrade to the UK MOD's fleet of 46 Chinook aircraft, has obtained supplier 'Gold' status for their First Time Quality (FTQ).

Above: Vector Aerospace UK's Project Julius team at Fleetlands, Gosport, UK.

This is an excellent achievement requiring a six month sustained 98.5% inspection satisfaction rate as part of Boeing's quality 'buy off' of the embodiment; the FTQ now stands at 100%.

Michael Tyrrell, Managing Director for Vector Aerospace UK said, "Our quality standards are always top of our agenda in any work that we undertake, but to be formally recognised by Boeing for our efforts on Project Julius - especially knowing how strict the criteria was - is truly an achievement and one our team can be very proud of."

Advertisement
ODU RT

Project Julius is the modification of UK's RAF Chinook helicopters converting MK2 and MK3 aircraft into MK4 and MK5 configurations. This major programme at Vector Aerospace's Fleetlands site employs over 70 technician and support staff and now completed 23 of the 46 aircraft fleet. The conversion includes the upgrade and integration of cockpit displays and the addition of a third crew member seat. The new cockpit displays includes the addition of four Multi-Function Displays and two Stand-by Flight Displays, interfacing with the aircraft through Vehicle Management Modules.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Speaking at the recognition event that was held recently, Steve Hall, Senior Manager Supply Chain from Boeing Defence UK said: "Boeing has been delighted with the quality improvements made by the Vector Aerospace team over the last six months and the continued partnered approach to Boeing and Vector Aerospace has been key to delivering this."
 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Royal Navy extends Systematic MTF contract

Defence

Royal Navy extends Systematic MTF contract

12 May 2025

The UK’s Royal Navy (RN) has awarded Systematic a five-year extension for the ongoing support for leadership of the development of Message Text Formats (MTFs) and production of the NATO Message Catalogue (APP-11).

UK-US trade deal confirmed

Aerospace Defence

UK-US trade deal confirmed

9 May 2025

The UK Government confirmed yesterday - on the 80th anniversary of VE Day - that the UK is the first nation to secure a trade deal with the new US administration.

RTX

Defence

RTX's Raytheon completes first PhantomStrike flight test

9 May 2025

RTX's Raytheon has successfully completed the first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft.

DE&S awards Rolls-Royce Typhoon engine support contract

Defence

DE&S awards Rolls-Royce Typhoon engine support contract

9 May 2025

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has awarded a contract to Rolls-Royce - worth £563 million - for the continued maintenance and repair of EJ200 engines for Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
UK issues MTC for RAF

Defence

UK issues MTC for RAF's Protector RG Mk1

9 May 2025

The UK’s Military Aviation Authority has issued a Military Type Certificate (MTC) to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 uncrewed aircraft - also designated the MQ-9B - certifying that it has passed a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying it is safe to operate without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.

Airframe Designs creates full-scale 3D-printed torpedo mock-up

Defence

Airframe Designs creates full-scale 3D-printed torpedo mock-up

8 May 2025

Aerospace leader Airframe Designs has been working with a global prime defence contractor to create a full-scale 3D-printed mock-up of a torpedo-style weapon using polymer additive manufacturing.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025