New Helicopters for the Empire Test Pilots’ School

Airbus Helicopters

QinetiQ has signed an order for four Airbus Helicopters H-125 Squirrel helicopters for use by the Empire Test Pilots' School at Boscombe Down.

The aircraft will enter service in early 2019 and replace the Westland Gazelles in the ETPS fleet. The deal is worth around £15 million and also includes ten years worth of support.

John Anderson, Managing Director Air & Space, QinetiQ said: “We and the MOD are investing £85m in ETPS under our strategy to modernise the UK’s Test Aircrew Training capability. Assembling a fleet that provides the very best value and performance is vital to this strategy and the H125 will play a leading role. It’s an exciting time at ETPS, not just for us, but for our customers, who can look forward to improved programmes, delivered in more flexible way, using cutting edge aircraft.”

More details in the Airbus Helicopters press release