The Air Cadet Charity is proud to announce a major donation from Lockheed Martin that will significantly expand immersive flight training opportunities for Royal Air Force Air Cadets across the UK.

Lockheed Martin has donated nearly 700 Prepar3D® flight simulation licences, with a total value of over $172,000 USD, giving cadets access to industry-leading flight training software.

The licences will be deployed across 20 ground schools and more than 500 local RAFAC units, directly supporting cadet training at scale. Crucially, the donation is aligned with the Air Cadet Charity’s Immersive Technology Grant Programme, which launched on 1 December 2025, meaning all 881 Air Training Corps squadrons are eligible to apply for access.

“We’re honoured to provide cutting-edge simulation tools like Prepar3D® to nurture the skills and qualities that will shape tomorrow’s pilots, engineers and innovators. Supporting Royal Air Force Air Cadets is part of our ongoing commitment to education and career development in aviation.”
David Haeske, Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Lockheed Martin Training, Logistics and Simulation

Hands-on, top quality flight simulation gives cadets a realistic and accessible pathway into aviation, aerospace engineering and defence careers.

By removing cost and equipment barriers, this donation directly supports the Charity’s mission to ensure every cadet, regardless of location or background, can access modern, top quality training resources.

“Using Prepar3D® has deepened my understanding of aviation and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the field. I’m grateful to Lockheed Martin for making this resource available to cadets like me.”
Cadet Warrant Officer James Nicholas

About Prepar3D®

Prepar3D® is a powerful and highly flexible simulation platform used across civilian and military aviation environments.

Key features include:

·        High-fidelity aircraft models

·        Real-time weather systems

·        Fully functional virtual cockpits

·        Ability to run consistent training scenarios across different locations and hardware setups

This means RAFAC units can deliver the same immersive learning experience nationwide, whether they’re based in a large ground school or a small local squadron.

“This generous donation strengthens our shared commitment to opening doors for the next generation of aviators. Nearly 700 Prepar3D®licences will give thousands of cadets access to immersive, high-quality flight training and help inspire their future in aviation.”
Jess Gilbert, Director of the Air Cadet Charity

This partnership is about more than software - it’s about equal access, modern training, and long-term opportunity, ensuring every cadet can experience what aviation really looks like, before they step into a cockpit for real.

Lockheed Martin is investing in tomorrow’s pilots.
The Air Cadet Charity is making sure every cadet gets the chance to take off.