£99.5M RNAS Culdrose Project by Kier & Mott
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Royal Navy have officially launched a significant construction project at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, following a recent contract-signing and groundbreaking ceremony.
The £99.5 million project will focus on replacing and refurbishing the facilities for the 820 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), including new hangars, associated office buildings, and a complete overhaul of the Engineering Training School (ETS). The contract has been awarded to Kier Construction, with Mott MacDonald providing technical services.
The initial phase of the project will involve the construction of a new Engineering Training School and hangar, as well as the refurbishment of existing buildings. This initiative is crucial for 820 Naval Air Squadron, which plays a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier strike groups.
RNAS Culdrose is a key component of the UK’s defence strategy, serving as the base for the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. The Engineering Training School located at Culdrose is responsible for training specialists in Air Engineering, ensuring a steady supply of fully qualified engineers to support Merlin helicopter operations.
The collaboration between DIO and its contractors marks a significant investment in the capabilities and infrastructure of the Royal Navy, enhancing operational readiness and support for future missions.
Pennant to Head £4.9 Million RAF Upgrade
Pennant International Group, the Cheltenham-based training technology provider has provided an update on its contracts, revealing plans for a significant technology upgrade to the RAF’s GenFly training systems. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has expressed its intention to award the company a contract valued at £4.9 million.
This upgrade is expected to be delivered over a period of three and a half years, with the award date slated for April 2025. However, the potential contract is subject to the necessary procurement processes and formal agreements.
The company has been actively pursuing opportunities within its core markets, which include aerospace, defence, and rail, as well as other safety-critical sectors such as shipping and nuclear. The latest developments reflect Pennant’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and expanding its footprint in the industry.
Further announcements regarding the contract will be made as developments occur.
AEM/AMETEK MRO Wins Liebherr E-Jet E1 Contract
AEM/AMETEK MRO has secured a Landing Gear Service Agreement with Liebherr-Aerospace to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the Embraer E-Jet E1 across the EMEA region, specifically for the E190 platform.
As air traffic continues to rebound robustly post-pandemic, market demand for landing gear services is on the rise. In response, AEM is set to expand its workload from Liebherr-Aerospace at its Ramsgate facility in the UK. With a strong reputation and expertise in MRO, AEM is well-equipped to assist Liebherr in delivering high-quality, efficient services, thereby increasing the availability of overhaul slots for E-Jet E1 operators.
“This partnership strengthens our relationship with Liebherr and showcases AEM’s capabilities as a leading landing gear maintenance provider,” said Mike Audus, Divisional VP & Business Unit Manager – Aerospace Europe for AMETEK MRO.
Andy Wheeler, Divisional Vice President and Managing Director of AEM, emphasized the significance of the contract, stating, “Our highly trained technicians in Ramsgate consistently deliver the quality of MRO that Liebherr’s customers expect. This agreement reflects the confidence Liebherr has in AEM and complements our broader range of landing systems capabilities.”
Zelim Wins US Navy AI Detection Contract
Scotland-based SME Zelim has been awarded a significant contract with the US Navy to deploy its innovative AI-enabled Person-in-Water detection and tracking technology, known as ZOE. This partnership, in collaboration with TEDGAR Consulting LLC, marks a major milestone as Zelim embarks on its first deployment in a critical defence application.
Under the Phase I SBIR contract, Zelim and TEDGAR will develop an advanced Person-in-Water System for the US Navy, integrating Zelim’s cutting-edge AI capabilities. The collaboration aims to enhance maritime safety, leveraging TEDGAR’s expertise in defence solutions alongside Zelim’s pioneering technology.
“This partnership represents a significant leap forward in maritime safety innovation,” said a spokesperson for Zelim. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of this vital project, which highlights our commitment to contributing to the safety and security of naval operations.”
Looking ahead, Zelim plans to expand the deployment of its technology across ships, major global ports, search and rescue assets, and air assets. This ambitious growth strategy underscores the impact of DASA’s support in fostering UK innovation and enhancing global maritime safety.
The US Navy contract exemplifies the benefits of targeted innovation support, showcasing how backing Zelim’s vision has not only advanced a UK technology but also opened doors for British SMEs on the global stage. This investment in innovation stands to deliver significant returns for national security and economic prosperity.
That’s it for this week folks, enjoy the weather.