MoD helicopter training centre to be built in Somerset

The Wildcat Training Centre will provide courses for Army aircrew and maintainers

A new Lynx Wildcat helicopter training centre for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to be built at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.

The government has awarded the £76m contract to helicopter-maker AgustaWestland.

The Wildcat Training Centre will provide courses for Army aircrew and maintainers from January 2013.

Training for Royal Navy aircrew and maintainers is due to start in January 2014.

John Ponsonby, from AgustaWestland, said: "This contract represents a step change in the way AgustaWestland is partnering with the MoD to deliver world-class training for front line crews."