HC Deb 14 December 1953 vol 522 cc31-2
52. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made by the Fairey Aviation Company in the production of the jet-propelled helicopter, the Rotodyne; and what the proposed seating capacity is to be

Mr. Low

The Fairey Rotodyne project is still in the early stage of development. The rotodyne principle will be tested soon in flight on a small helicopter. A contract was placed in the summer with Fairey Aviation Company for the devel- opment and manufacture of one Rotodyne for use as a research aircraft. This Rotodyne will be of a size and power which could be the basis of a 30- to 40-seater helicopter.

Mr. Dodds

As the designers have declared that they will have these helicopters ready for service in 1955, will the Minister do his best with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to get him to make a decision about a landing station in London, as all the local authorities are waiting for that decision to be made?

Mr. Low

I am not aware of any such statement by the designers. The hon. Gentleman must have misunderstood something they said, for no contract has yet been placed for the production of a helicopter of this sort.