Big changes are happening to training provided at RNAS Culdrose in Helston that should not only update personnel with the latest skills but also boost the Cornish economy.

Ascent Flight Training, which provides training for the MOD using the UK Military Flying Training System, has been running the programme for rear crew at Culdrose since April 2011. It trains around 26 Royal Navy students at 750 Naval Air Squadron every year. 

Rear crew operate at the back of an aircraft, in roles such as winch crew, gunners and Search and Rescue operations. 

The programme is now being updated, with new simulators providing training in both ground-based and airborne missions.

The Avenger aircraft will also be extensively modified to include electronically scanned array radar and an electro-optical camera, while the cabin area and consoles will be reconfigured, to continue its use until 2033.

750 NAS trains Royal Navy observers in basic flying training, before they go on to learn how to operate RNAS Culdrose’s Merlin or RNAS Yeovilton’s Wildcat helicopters.

They learn a range of skills such as how to navigate, plan missions, work out fuel consumption, talk to air traffic control, use radar to investigate targets and how to command missions. 

Highly skilled technical work is now underway by Ascent and its suppliers – Babcock, Lockheed Martin and Draken. This includes:

  • Two of the four Avenger training aircraft at RNAS Culdrose currently undergoing the modification programme – all four will be upgraded in two separate batches.
  • New courseware being introduced for trainees.
  • New training simulators being introduced.

The updated training facilities will be ready for use by the end of 2025, with the final two Avengers completing modification by mid-2026.

While this work is helping to update and upgrade mission aircrew training, even bigger changes are on the horizon with the Future ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) and Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS) programme.

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The FIRCTS programme will train mission aircrew in the latest advancements, to ensure they are up to date on all platforms.

The seven-year training system will allow four times as many students to go through the programme – training 140 "critically important" aircrew personnel each year for aircraft such as Wildcat, Merlin, P-8, Rivet Joint, Wedgetail, Protector and Shadow.

New operational support buildings and training equipment on the ground will be added at RNAS Culdrose, as well as at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

The estimated value to both centres is a combined £19 million. 

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Ascent’s Culdrose General Manager, John Bramwell, said: “FIRCTS is an excellent programme that will not only update and increase our already successful rear crew operations here in Cornwall but will also provide much-needed social and economic value to our local community.

“The increased and modernised synthetic environment coupled with a crucial core element of live flying will give our trainee aircrew the skills, ethos and knowledge to get them to the front line and help to provide a strong national defence to our country and its citizens.”