QinetiQ - Our aircraft

First Party Fleet

QinetiQ has invested in an extensive and modern air fleet to ensure the highest quality of delivery at ETPS. The fleet draws from a wide range of manufacturers to ensure our students experience and learn to test the many different design philosophies used to develop modern aircraft. In addition to the fleet change, QinetiQ is investing in its own simulation facilities to replace its existing capability.

With the changing needs of the future flight test professional – via the introduction of digital T&E and the future evolution of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies - it is ETPS’ mission to provide a forward step in how to train and test the next generation with the different approaches required for these emerging technologies.

Our newest addition to the fleet, the King Air at ETPS affords our students the opportunity to flight test a modern, systems-rich, multi-engine turboprop that is ubiquitous around the world as a result of its utility and performance. Seeking to offer our students a unique perspective, our King Air 350 features extensive performance and handling quality modifications from the stock King Air and comes equipped with a special mission fit that enables it to not only supplement the PC-21 and RJ fleet but also extend our module offerings.

Drawn in from the wider QinetiQ air fleet, ETPS has access to the Airbus H145 D2 typically used to support the T3E ranges in North-West Scotland. The H145 is primarily used to deliver Qualitative Evaluation of a helicopter, featuring a rigid head rotor system and advanced integrated avionics, including a sophisticated, modern 4-axis autopilot system.

Our multi-engine fleet at ETPS features two Avro RJ models, one RJ70 and one RJ100, which deliver a bespoke flying classroom environment for ETPS. In the cabin, student engineers are provided with an unparalleled learning experience through our custom flight test instrumentation workstations, which provide a broad array of data for live analysis in the airborne environment.

Our three A109s (two A109S and one A109E) here at ETPS provide an advanced, twin-engine platform ideally suited to training rotary wing flight test professionals. As with our H125s, each A109 features a bespoke flight test instrumentation suite, which is further enhanced with an in-cabin workstation for flight test engineers to gather and evaluate data in real time.

As the workhorses of our rotary wing fleet, the four H125s at ETPS provide a reliable and high-performance capability for flight test professional training. Each aircraft has been extensively modified for delivery at ETPS and features a complete Flight Test Instrumentation suite designed to gather valuable flight data that can be used in the classroom and for evaluation work.

Designed for next generation training, the two Grob G120TPs at ETPS provide an enhanced training capability for ETPS. As with the PC-21, each aircraft features a full Flight Test Instrumentation suite that integrates with the modern cockpit environment. The side-by-side cockpit configuration provides an agile and dynamic environment for flight training at ETPS.

Fully instrumented 21st century advanced jet trainer selected for its suitability for training civil and military pilots and engineers in evaluation techniques, students learn flight test techniques, including assessment of aircraft performance, handling and assessment of modern systems like air-to-ground radar.

The PC21 has been modified with a full flight test instrumentation system developed in partnership with Pilatus. This state of the art system allows the students to remove data post flight and download it into a unique Mission Debrief System (MDS) within minutes. The data can then be analysed within a post flight briefing combining video, comms, 3D graphics and all flight data, including FTI data, which was not presented on the displays within the flight.

Third Party Fleet

In addition to our own fleet, QinetiQ and ETPS have developed long-standing relationships and close collaborations with suppliers and test centres around the world.

This enables us to ensure our students gain access to unique aircraft and capabilities that ensure an exceptionally rich learning experience that gives students an insight into numerous working methods and operating environments, meeting both military and civilian requirements.

Calspan LearJet IFS

A vital element of training flight test professionals is demonstrating the impact of changes in control laws or aerodynamic characteristics on the flying qualities of an aircraft. Through Calspan’s Learjet In-Flight Simulator (IFS), students at ETPS are able to assess performance and handling quality changes through the variable stability systems.

NH90 Sim and Platform

Working in Partnership with the Finnish military, we expose students to a modern large military helicopter, taking advantage of the symbology capabilities in the simulator for systems integration testing.

4th Generation Fighter Jet

To expose Fast Jet students to a relevant High Order Flight Control system (HOFCs), a 4th generation front line fighter jet is required. At present, this capability is fulfilled in partnership with UK MoD and BAES for access to the Eurofighter Typhoon. This offers the students a unique opportunity to fly an advanced front line fighter jet, whilst exposing them to an operational flight fest environment within the highly experienced BAES Typhoon flight test team.

Airbus A350

Delivered by Airbus, SAS Flight Test Department provide a unique opportunity to expose the FW heavy platform students to world leading Test and Evaluation establishment, covering High Order Flying Control systems (HOFCs).

GB1 GameBird

This provides the perfect platform for students to get accustomed to a highly aerobatic platform, as well as some Lateral Directional behaviours exhibited by a tail dragger. Delivered under ETPS ATO in partnership with Airtime Aerobatics and there world renowned Red ball racing pilots.

Third Party Aircraft Simulators

Capstone

Using the partnered relationship with the national schools of USA and France, coupled with key commercial suppliers/manufactures, we exchange/procure platforms to support this final exercise (Capstone). This gives ETPS the benefit to pull together a wide range of relevant military/commercial platforms to allow the students to work in small groups, pulling together all their training throughout the course and ultimately preparing them for the role ahead.

Qualitative Evaluation

A range of third party civilian and military aircraft used throughout the course for Rotary and Fix wing courses.

NRC Rotary Wing Airborne Simulator

A highly modified helicopter configured to simulate airborne handling qualities and advance controls, pilot-vehicle interfaces and aircraft systems. This airborne simulator is outfitted with single axis full authority fly-by-wire controls, programmable inceptors and force-sensing side arm that make it an ideal platform for research into digital fly-by-wire control systems and human interface issues.

Cat D Fixed Wing Sims (B777 and A300 series)

Using a range of Cat D sim to deliver a range of training requirement from engine testing, minimal control speed (ground) and minimum unstick speed.

F35 Sim

Access to F35 sim allows exposure for the students to experience in 5th generation integrated systems in a modern relevant environment.

Rotary Wing Sims - Helmet Mounted Display (HMD)

Delivered in partnership with NLR in the Netherlands, RW students are exposed to the latest development in HMD. A broad range of Cat D and military simulators are used throughout the course to deliver Flight Management System (FMS), auto transitions, AFCS runaways, Ship-Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOL), and simulator assessment.

Delivered in partnership with NLR in the Netherlands, RW students are exposed to the latest development in HMD.

A broad range of Cat D and military simulators are used throughout the course to deliver Flight Management System (FMS), auto transitions, AFCS runaways, Ship-Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOL), and simulator assessment.