Multi-million defence aircraft contract awarded to BAE’s Prestwick base

A £15.5 million contract to to convert two commercial aircraft for military use has been awarded to Scottish workers

The Ministry of Defence gave the deal fo BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, based in Preswick.

The two BAE 146 200QC (Quick Change) aircraft are to be used alongside military aircraft when troops leave Afghanistan.

New military equipmwent needs to be fitted to the planes. That means they will be at least as well protected as other UK aircraft operating in Afghanistan.

BAE Systems will be responsible for designing how the specialist equipment needed by the military can be fitted on the planes.

The actual conversion work will be sub-contracted to a firm in North Wales.

When being used for commercial purposes, the planes can carry 10.6 tonnes of freight and 96 passengers.