In 2011, as part of the nationwide United Kingdom Military Flying Training System, (UKMFTS), the Jetstream aircraft of 750 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will be replaced by the King Air 350.

The Jetstream T2 has been the airborne classroom for Royal Navy Observer training since 1978 when it was introduced to replace the Sea Prince, but technical advancements in front line helicopters have resulted in a need to update the present training system.

“Although it still performs very well, the Jetstream has reached the end of its service life whereupon the costs required to keep it airworthy and fitted with all the relevant avionics will significantly outweigh the cost of replacing it for a more modern and efficient aircraft,” said Lt Cdr Nick Armstrong, Commanding Officer of 750 Naval Air Squadron. “Rather than fly the 9 Jetstream aircraft we currently have, we will be able to achieve the same quality and level of training with just 4 of the new King Air 350s.”

The United Kingdom Military Flying Training System is being introduced to rationalise military flying training across the three armed services, and the King Air 350s are part of this project. Delivered under a Partnership agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Ascent Flight Training, the Observer training element of this programme will be one of the first to become operational. UKMFTS will provide state of the art training to aircrew from completion of basic training up to the point they are ready to fly in operational aircraft with the flying training of Royal Navy Observers and RAF Navigators taking place at RNAS Culdrose. Fitted with a Tactical Mission Training system, the King Air will provide the ideal teaching platform for students to develop the skills and capacity required to deal with complex tactical situations, where data interpretation and dynamic decision making ensure mission success. Operated by 750 Naval Air Squadron, the King Air will be the latest of a long line of aircraft used to train Royal Navy Observers, and the combination of a modern aircraft, Tactical Mission Training system, Ground Based Training Equipment and supporting Information Management System will ensure that Observers of the future are fully prepared for the challenges modern operational flying.

Ascent Flight Training, is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Vosper Thorneycroft Group, having won the 25-year contract to provide the United Kingdom Military Flying Training System for the MoD. This will replace the present flying training arrangements for the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army Air Corps and will cater for the different training needs of all UK military air crew: from the training of fixed and rotary-wing pilots, to Observers, navigators and other aircrew. The contract, worth £52M, will provide future employment opportunities for local civilians and further secures the long-term future of RNAS Culdrose.