We are delighted to share that we are now supporting @Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and its work with veterans, through sponsorship of its annual RAFA Rides cycle event. RAFA Rides - with 12, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile options - take place 6-27 June. .uk/blog/2026/04/16/more-businesses-pledges-support-for-rafa-rides-2026/
Did you know that Ascent began its Rotary Wing Training at #RAFShawbury in May 2016? Ten years later, we are celebrating a decade of success, after reshaping how helicopter aircrew are trained across the UK's Armed Forces. Read more /celebrating-10-years-of-rotary-wing-training/
Our people are always happy to be invited to talk about their careers and the work they do at Ascent - especially when they get to talk to other inspirational guests! BFT Instructor Vince Hargreaves from RAF Valley was honoured to meet up with Captain Ian Whittle, son of turbojet engine inventor Sir Frank Whittle, at a recent presentation at Staverton Airport.
"It's always a great pleasure to meet Ian and listen to him talk about his father and the challenges he faced when designing the early jet engines," says Vince. "A former RAF pilot and still active private pilot, Ian is a true inspiration and great motivator. Thanks too to Chris Campbell (Trustee) for organising a great event"
As we prepare for new Mission Aircrew training at #RNASCuldrose, the 2nd modified Avenger has had its first in-service flight, after 2 years of work. Progress on the new Operational Support Base (pictured) is also on track to host a large uplift in trainee throughput from 2027.
Ascent staff were delighted to join military colleagues to welcome HRH the Prince of Wales, as he visited RAF Valley for its 85th anniversary celebrations. Prince William’s tour of the site included a visit to the #UKMFTS area, to check out how training is going for our latest cadre of trainees and take a trip down memory lane. He spoke of “fond memories” of his former air base.
As we continue to update and upgrade our equipment across our UK sites, it is important at Ascent that we work sustainability and reuse unwanted items, while helping our local communities. Recent sharing of defunct screens and a lectern has helped local air cadets and a charitable trust near our sites at #RAFCranwell and #RAFShawbury.
Our friends at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have shared some fantastic photos of the Spitfire flying alongside #UKMFTS training aircraft from RAF Valley. The Spitfire 90th anniversary flight around the UK is an RAF initiative led by @BBMF and @Spitfires.com . It saw a series of nine flights – one for every decade – take place across the UK, escorted by a variety of aircraft including our Texans and Hawk T2. Photos Crown Copyright.
It’s full steam ahead for #RIAT26. The event kicked off with its Sponsors’ Forum this week, and despite concerns about cancellation, the new Chief Exec of RAF Charitable Trust, Gavin Gager, assured industry partners: “We are 100% committed to delivering #RIAT!” More than 100 aircraft have already confirmed attendance, with 250+ expected and 38 international Chiefs have already been confirmed, with 80% of public tickets sold out for the Saturday.
2026 will see some exciting changes. There’s a new, free, fast track park and ride for attendees at South Cerney, and some colourful themed areas. #UKMFTS aircraft will be joining the RAF Experience in the new ‘Best of British’ zone - aircraft details coming soon – while Ascent will host customers and international guests. With the inclusion of our training aircraft in the RAF Experience, visitors will get a much better understanding of the whole RAF journey - from recruitment to frontline action.
Ascent’s experts will be on hand to talk about the future of aircrew training at various sessions during the event, and visitors will get a chance to talk to trainees and instructors and find out more about what we do. The world’s largest military airshow takes place 17-19 July 2026.
Inzpire's GECO Mission Support System is now enhancing mission planning capabilities for RAF and Royal Navy mission aircrew training at RNAS Culdrose.
GECO is designed to improve situational awareness and decision-making for military aircrew. It provides detailed mapping and tactical planning tools, and real-time data integration, that allow personnel to plan, brief, execute and debrief missions more effectively. GECO enables crews to undertake critical calculations more efficiently, with automated features that verify the safety and accuracy of mission plans and alert users to potential issues.
The new software will be used alongside @LockheedMartin ’s Ground Mission Trainer and the Avenger T1 twin-engine aircraft – an advanced training platform that is used for delivery of Phase 2 training for Royal Naval Observers and Royal Air Force Weapon System Operators, prior to conversion onto operational aircraft such as the RN Merlin Mk2 and Wildcat helicopters and the RAF Poseidon and Rivet Joint.
The #RNASCuldrose team has been saying fond farewells to long-serving staff, including Ascent's own Emma Hunt. Senior Operations Officer Emma is retiring after 16 years at Culdrose and says she will miss the close bond within the squadron.
Emma has been at Culdrose since the inception of #UKMFTS and the Avenger, having previously served in the Royal Navy as an engineer. Her hard work and knowledge of flight operations, as well as her experience in the aviation training environment has made her a go-to person for staff and trainees alike and all at Ascent wish her well.
Emma is pictured with Lieutenant Commander Graeme 'Geordie' McCutcheon, who is also leaving Culdrose. And the Avenger pictured is also leaving service - at least for a little while. It is the fourth and final aircraft going into refit, completely replacing the interior of the aircraft with new mission and control systems, as well as installing new radar, as preparations continue for the rollout of our new Mission Aircrew training.
The Ascent team at RAF Valley have been turning their hands to new challenges this month, with an Easter bake raising money for the @BearForcecharity , which helps young children develop positive mental health and resilience. Talented bakers from Ascent joined military colleagues for the Great 72 (F) Sqn Cheesy Bake, sharing some of their homemade cheesecakes in the hopes of winning the cup for the best cheesecake - judged by the whole squadron. A tasty Easter task!
Our latest spotlight team member is Scheduling and Operations Manager, Danny Hanks - who is based at our RAF Valley site. He has been sharing his story of personal challenges, support and development at Ascent.
"Over my eight years with Ascent, I’ve genuinely felt valued and supported, both personally and professionally. The company has given me opportunities to grow my confidence, develop as a leader, and feel part of a culture that puts people first," says Danny. Read more: /people/overcoming-obstacles-together/
