§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the vulnerability of Chinook helicopters to ground fire on the central front.
§ Mr. StanleyOur support helicopters are not normally expected to operate in situations involving exposure to round fire. However, their vulnerability to such action has been assessed by the Defence Operational Analysis Establishment. The conclusions of that study are classified. We are also aware that American experience in Vietnam showed the Chinook to be able to absorb considerable damage from ground fire while maintaining an operational capability.