THE TUCANO GILDER SUPPORT AUTHORITY

The Tucano Gilder Support Authority (SA), located in Lancaster Block, is part of the Training Aircraft IPT that is based at RAF Wyton. Its role is to provide logistics support for the RAF’s fleet of Tucano aircraft, ensuring its continued airworthiness. The Tucano SA supports one customer, Training Group, which operates an active fleet of 55 aircraft at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in the Basic Fast Jet Flying Training role for RAF and RN pilots. The SA originally comprised a mix of military and civilian personnel but now includes two engineers employed by Babcock and one engineer employed by ITP. Babcock conducts maintenance of the aircraft and its components under an all-encompassing Tucano Total Support Programme partnering contract, which is managed by the Tucano SA. The Partnering Arrangement between Babcock and Tucano SA provides for continued improvement in the logistics support and the reliability and maintainability of the Tucano fleet over the contract term. The branch is organised in 2 Sections:

Tucano Systems Engineering Authority (Systems EA) - Responsible for all of the safety and maintenance of the aircraft’s structure, mechanical, avionic, electrical and propulsion systems. This includes the investigation of technical faults, structural integrity, and the development of system related technical instructions and modifications. The engine is managed under contract with ITP and the technical support is with the design authority, Bombardier (Shorts).

Tucano Business Improvements (BI) -. Responsible for business improvement and contractual issues as well as gainshare measures and monitoring contract outputs. The Section also has a quality assurance role, oversees fleet management, and manages technical publications.