“Our greatest successes have come when we innovate with our customers”, a phrase embodied by the work undertaken in partnership between the RAF and Rolls-Royce since our first support contract signed in 1978. Under the current ROCET2 support contract, signed in 2010, this joint propulsion team has achieved some significant milestones and, in turn, delivered value to both Rolls-Royce and the Royal Air Force. Here are some of the key achievements:
- 243,000 Total EFH (to date)
- 100% engine availability maintained for the customer
- 600 Repair & Overhaul engines output (including 145 in 2011 to support operations in Libya)
- Expanded service support ‘on base’ through the opening our Service Delivery Centre at RAF Marham in 2013
Having shared reflections on the RAF and Rolls-Royce achievements, the celebrations culminated with Air Commodore David Bradshaw cutting a commemorative cake. As Lightning Force Commander, the presence of Air Commodore Bradshaw was particularly poignant as the RAF looks to build capabilities previously fulfilled by Tornado with the new F-35B fleet with its unique Rolls-Royce LiftSystem. Many of the Service innovations pioneered for the RB199 at Marham will continue to be used to support the RAF’s new Lightning Force capability.