QuintiQ joins consortium in pitch for £13b contract (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

QuintiQ joins consortium in pitch for £13b contract

QINETIQ at Boscombe Down could earn about £30m over the next few years for design support and a flight test programme for the RAF's new in-flight refuelling plane.

The organisation has been sub-contracted to do the work by the European Aerospace Defence and Space Company - but only if the consortium they are part of wins the £13bn contract.

If successful, QinetiQ would provide support during the design system process at various UK locations, participate in ground testing at its Hurn base and run a flight test programme from Boscombe Down.

Robert Key, MP for Salisbury, said: "This would bring steady work over many years to the QinetiQ workforce at Boscombe Down.

"Steady work in aeronautical engineering is just what we need."

He added: "The Salisbury constituency now has the lowest unemployment in the whole of the UK.

"We are all going to have to work very hard to keep it that way and this could be a great start."

The test programme at Boscombe Down, scheduled for 2007/8, would involve the first prototype tanker flying up to four test flights a week, with refuelling taking place in designated areas over the sea.

Stephen Cooke, media relations manager for QinetiQ, said: "The aircraft chosen for the role is the Airbus A330200, a modern plane with a computerised cockpit, quiet engines and low running costs.

"It's a twin-engine derivative of the four-engine A340, that retains the A340's large fuel tanks.

"This makes conversion relatively easy, because no additional fuel tanks are necessary.

"The airliner cabin seating is also retained, allowing the aircraft to operate as military personnel transport and to revert easily to being a civil airliner."

He added: "This is the first time the A330 has been used in a military role and also the first time an aircraft has been given the capability of regular transition between military and civilian roles."

The ministry of defence will now enter into detailed negotiations with the consortium, AirTanker Ltd, to validate its proposals for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft project.

A decision on whether or not to proceed with the contract will not be taken until these discussions have been successfully concluded.