May 16, 2019 4.25 pm This story is over 64 months old

RAF pilots to take on new ‘gladiator’ training

The defence minister unveiled £36 million technology today
Defence Minister Stuart Andrew unveiled the training. Photo: Calvin Robinson for The Lincolnite

Pilots at RAF Waddington will now be able to take on a ‘Gladiator’ simulation with their American counterparts across the Atlantic.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew unveiled the £36 million technology at the RAF base just south of Lincoln.

Speaking at the base on Thursday, May 16 the Minister announced that the technology will able to replicate three real-life scenarios simultaneously.

It would allow both British and American pilots to experience the same battle, environment and threats.

The technology is being developed over the next two years, with aircrews expected to start training in autumn 2021.

Stuart Andrew said: “This synthetic training technology offers the RAF a cost-effective, powerful and safe way to prepare our aircrew for the complex threats they will face on the battlefield.

“The UK-US defence partnership is already the deepest and most advanced of any two countries and now our pilots will be able to train for the frontline most closely than ever.”

Up to 40 highly skilled jobs will be created by the contract to support the design and manufacture of the simulation systems.

The system will be developed in Hampshire and Bristol before it is installed at RAF Waddington.