The Royal Air Force is preparing to place a seven-year support contract covering its air cadet gliding fleet, including a mid-life update to the Viking T Mk1 that will carry the aircraft in service until around 2050, the department stated in a request for information issued under Project VENTURE. The Military Aviation Authority endorsed a Life Extension Plan for the glider in March 2026, moving the out of service date from 2028 to circa 2050. Ac…