Boeing Signs New STS Contract for C-17 Training at Farnborough, England

Boeing has signed a new Synthetic Training Service (STS) contract that will see the aircraft manufacturer continue training Royal Air Force (RAF) C-17 aircrew and engineers at the C-17 International Training Centre (ITC) in Farnborough, England through 2040.

“Ensuring we have a modernized Armed Forces capable of tackling future threats begins with access to world-class training for all of our personnel," said UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, MP. “This £247 million ($348 million) investment will allow our air crews to operate this aircraft to its highest capability and maintain critical defence outputs and will extend our use of modern synthetic training techniques.”

The training program will apply a combination of digitally based training, advanced aircraft simulation and desktop training devices to advance the expertise of pilots, loadmasters and engineers who operate and maintain the C-17.

The STS contract also includes development of two new engineering training devices that employ the latest technology for practical maintenance training on a C-17 wing engine and the main landing gear assembly.

“The RAF’s C-17 is one of many defense platforms that Boeing provides standard, advanced and digital training systems for, helping to ensure the safety and readiness of the UK armed forces,” said Anna Keeling, managing director of Boeing Defence UK. “We are proud to continue our long-term support for the RAF’s fleet of eight C-17s, delivered by highly skilled Boeing UK employees in partnership with our UK-based suppliers to enhance aircrew and engineering training and proficiency, while providing flexibility for the UK’s strategic airlift capability for decades to come.”

Since 2014, Boeing has provided aircrew and engineering training support for the RAF’s C-17 Globemaster III fleet, which first arrived in the UK in 2001.

The C-17 can carry equipment, supplies and troops directly to airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world, day or night, as well as supporting humanitarian operations.

The RAF is one of nine global operators of the C-17.

“We’re proud to work closely with the RAF to deliver the best learning experience for their pilots, aircrew and maintainers,” said Tonya Noble, senior director of Boeing Government Training. “We continue to innovate and develop our training solutions on proven platforms like the C-17 to meet evolving customer requirements and to capitalize on the significant benefits and efficiencies of digital technologies.”

The ITC is home to a C-17 full flight training simulator, a fixed-base maintenance procedure trainer and a loadmaster station. Those devices, related courseware and support equipment, along with a group of 20 Boeing instructors and support staff, provide instruction on in-flight and ground operations checks, emergency procedures and C-17 avionic and mechanical systems. Along with the RAF, C-17 operators from defense forces around the world engage in training sessions with the Boeing team in Farnborough.

Boeing has a UK workforce of 2,500 direct employees across the UK and spends £2 billion a year in the UK supply chain.

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