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Ministry of Defence

Statement on the Private Finance Initiative Project to replace the Bulldog training aircraft.

Asked by

Laura Moffatt (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 June 1998

For answer on

18 June 1998

Answered on

18 June 1998

Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Private Finance Initiative Project to replace the Bulldog training aircraft. [46914] Dr. Reid: I am pleased to announce that Bombardier Services has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Royal Air Force's planned Light Aircraft flying task contract. The contractor will supply Grob 115D aircraft. The aircraft will be owned and maintained by the contractor who will provide flying hours and support services to the University Air Squadrons and the Air Cadet Air Experience Flights at 13 locations across the UK. The planned contract will provide the RAF with a modern aircraft that is ideally suited to the training role it is required to perform. The aircraft is quieter and significantly cheaper to run than the aging Bulldog aircraft it will replace. The choice of aircraft was narrowed down to the Grob 115D and the Firefly M260. The Grob 115D better meets our particular requirements for the University Air Squadron and Air Cadet tasks and in particular its cockpit size and ergonomics offer a better teaching environment. Moreover, the Grob is quieter and operating costs are significantly less than the Firefly. Taking all factors into account it offers better value for money on this occasion. Subject to final negotiations, the contract is expected to result in savings in excess on £30 million over its ten-year life, compared with the cost of running-on the Bulldog. It is also cheaper than our assessment of the cost of a conventional procurement of a new aircraft fleet. The service is to be procured in line with the Private Finance Initiative, demonstrating the Government's strong resolve to achieve value for money in Defence support. Appropriate risks will rest with the contractor and the contract will contain suitable incentives to ensure the RAF receives a high quality service.

Date

18 June 1998

Reference

314 c265-6W; 46914

House

House of Commons

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