Project Description
The Envoy IV CC Mk1 fleet transport high priority military personnel and small items of mission critical freight to, from and within operational areas.
What is the Envoy IV CC Mk1?
The RAF’s Envoy IV CC Mk1 fleet operate out of RAF Northolt and discreetly transports key military and diplomatic personnel around the world quicker and more efficiently than before. They can fly further, faster, and more sustainably than the aircraft they have replaced.
This ability will strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, which will in turn increase regional and national stability. It also facilitates regular and timely global engagement in-line with the UKs International Defence Engagement Strategy.
The replacement of four aircraft with two based on a modern and efficient medium sized business aircraft will reduce carbon emissions compared to delivering CSAT by re-purposing larger aircraft. High quality synthetic training facilities will minimise the requirement for live training sorties and the associated carbon emissions.
About the Envoy IV CC Mk1
The Envoy name reflects the role of the aircraft in defence diplomacy and relationship building and is a nod to previous Envoy aircraft in RAF service.
The original Envoy aircraft in RAF service was the Airspeed Envoy, first flown in 1934. It was a twin-engine light transport aircraft, used by the RAF across Marks I, II (as the Oxford) and III, before and during World War 2 in the communications role; one of which served with the ‘Kings Flight’, the precursor to today’s No 32 (The Royal) Squadron.
Envoy IV CC Mk1 can fly further, faster, and more sustainably than the aircraft they have replaced. This ability will strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, which will in turn increase regional and national stability.
How is Fixed Wing CSAT Recapitalisation delivered?
The Fixed Wing Command Support Air Transport Recapitalisation (FW CSAT Recap) programme saw the accelerated 10-month procurement of the £73 million contract for two Dassault 900LX (tri-jet) aircraft and two years of initial support in February 2022. They replaced the four BAe146 aircraft that were withdrawn from Service in March 2022.
Initially the RAF will fly the aircraft alongside pilots from our industry partner, Centreline AV Ltd, a specialist business jet service provider based at Bristol Airport. This contract supports the employment of 38 civilians, based both in Bristol and at RAF Northolt
In 2024, a new multi-million contract will see the competitive procurement for the design and embodiment of military modifications such as defensive aid suites and military communications, as well as a 5-10 year in-service support package. It will then be crewed by RAF personnel from No 32 (The Royal) Squadron and operate on the Military Aviation Authority register.
Meet the DE&S CSAT delivery team
Become part of the team
Forming part of the Air Domain’s C17 Airborne Delivery and Airborne Forces Equipment team, the CSAT Delivery Team is based at Abbey Wood, Bristol and at RAF Northolt
The team is responsible for the delivery of the CSAT programme and work closely with the RAF to achieve their objectives.
Peter Searle, C17 Command Support & Airborne Equipment Delivery Team Leader:
“It is an exciting time to be in a DE&S Delivery Team with the introduction of a new, high-profile platform; the challenges are being met with an enthusiastic and determined group of Defence-output minded people.”
