The Future Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS) is a pillar of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS).
FIRCTS provides additional training capability to the British Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to significantly increase trainee throughput and prepare mission aircrews to engage with emerging technologies and platforms.
Under FIRCTS, Lockheed Martin is providing high-fidelity ground based training equipment, including mission simulator and aircraft provision services to Ascent -- a joint venture of Babcock International and Lockheed Martin.
Increased Capacity
4x increase in mission trainees to 140 per year
Working to Reduce Costs
85% of training delivered via classroom and mission simulator, reducing aircraft use
Operational Effectiveness
Mission simulator provides high-fidelity, immersive training environment that can rapidly evolve to meet operational needs
Modernized Equipment
Extends current aircraft support services and proactively addresses obsolescence