RAF seeks zero-emissions trainer aircraft

摘要

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is seeking a zero-emissions trainer aircraft as part of a wider national drive to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Announced by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) organisation on 7 July, the Zero Emissions Air System requirement aims to field a light trainer aircraft towards the latter half of the decade. "This market exploration is being run on behalf of the RAF and seeks information on the development of relevant technologies and systems that are in development and maturing over the coming four years," DASA said, adding that an entry-into-service date of 2027 is anticipated.The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) currently utilises the Grob Tutor T1 elementary trainer aircraft for pre-service, entry flying training, grading, and assessment roles across a range of organisations that include RAF university air squadrons, air experience flights, and flying grading and streaming for the RAF, Army Air Corps, and Fleet Air Arm.