Software firm’s work on RAF training contract scheduled to take off later this year

Aviation software and training business Pennant International today said it expects to start work on a major contract to upgrade an RAF training systems in the third quarter of this year.

The firm, based at Staverton, near Cheltenham, landed the £4.9m contract from the MoD last October.

The three-year deal is for a comprehensive technology upgrade of the hardware and software on the RAF’s Generic Flying Controls (GenFly) training system rigs at RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton.

Pennant’s involvement in the project will enable it to draw on its know-how in software design, human/machine interface design, and mechanical and hydraulic components along with the sending and sequencing of software commands to physical hardware.

Pennant today said as the MoD’s chosen supplier, it had now received an ‘Invitation to Negotiate’, which starts the formal negotiation process intended to lead to contract award.

Pennant has extensive experience working with multiple industries, including defence, aerospace and rail. Founded in 1958, it has grown significantly over the years through a combination of organic growth and through several acquisitions and now employs more than 100 people in its offices in Europe, North America and the Indo-Pacific.

The firm also recently secured contracts with defence firms in the US and Canada.