Contract tender launched for Lancaster bomber upkeep

According to the contract notice, the project will cover “major maintenance, IAW the Aircraft Document Set including additional and emergent work.”

The supplier will also be responsible for the “design and manufacture of jigs and tools, procurement of long lead materiel and technical preparation activity to support the replacement of the Front Main Spar,” although the spar replacement itself is scheduled for 2029–2030 and falls outside this particular contract.

In addition, the contract will include the “supply, maintenance, repair and overhaul of Lancaster airframe components IAW approved Technical Information.” However, the MoD specifies that “engine and propeller component support does not form part of this contract requirement.”

The MOD outlines strict requirements for prospective bidders. The supplier must have “experience in delivering maintenance of large historic aircraft with Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) as part of the extant workforce.”

Additionally, companies must hold “a minimum of a BCAR A8-23 (M1) approval with appropriate Component Maintenance codes.”

Physical infrastructure is another crucial factor: “The maintenance location must have infrastructure in situ (hangar space) to accommodate the Lancaster, noting the aircraft has a wingspan of 102ft/31m,” the notice states. Moreover, “the maintenance location must be at a paved airfield that the Lancaster can operate in and out.”

The value of the contract is set at £4 million, and the work is to be delivered from 1 July 2025. Bids must be submitted by 11:00 on 7 May 2025.

The MOD has indicated that “variant bids may be considered,” but also stresses that “this is a one-off contract” and “renewals are not available.” The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Project Team within Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is overseeing the tender.

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