Operational insight: LAFT2 (Light Aircraft Flying Task)
Babcock operates the UK Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT2) fleet for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The first 10-year LAFT contract was completed in 2009 and re-awarded to Babcock for a further 10 years (with three option years) commencing 01 April 2009 under the working title of ‘LAFT2’. This was extended again in 2019 for a further three years and again for a further four years (with four further option years) in October 2022. Over the 23 years of LAFT, we have delivered almost 700,000 flying hours in support of flying training.
This full-service partnership provides the MOD with a cost-effective way to operate flying training backed by our understanding of the military training ethos. Babcock’s operational delivery is supported by engineering expertise and detailed asset management to ensure high levels of aircraft availability to support the delivery of the flying task. By taking a whole force capability approach, we ensure every element of the aircraft availability programme is working as one; all with the objective of supporting the training of front line aircrew, University Air Squadron cadets and Air Experience Flying for the RAF Air Cadets.
At a glance:
- Flying grading to the Army and Royal Navy
- 91 Babcock-owned Grob 115E Tutor aircraft
- Delivering up to 35,000 flying hours per year to support flying training across all 3 services
- Operational at 14 sites across the UK
