HC Deb 05 April 1965 vol 710 cc7-8
4. Commander Courtney

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in the interests of operational flexibility outside the United Kingdom and more particularly east of Suez, he will ensure that staff requirements for the production model of the P 1127 aircraft for the Royal Air Force will specifically include the ability to operate from Her Majesty's aircraft carriers and, if possible, also from commando ships; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Healey

I am still studying the detailed requirements for the P1127. There should not be any difficulty in landing and take-off and using carrier lifts. But it is not practicable because of weight problems to give it a full operational capability off carriers. The main rôle of the P1127, of course, will be the close support of the Army from forward operating areas on land.

Commander Courtney

Can the Secretary of State explain why the P1127 evaluation squadron at West Raynham has pilots from all three American armed services and from the German air force though there is no representative of the Royal Navy? Is it not, as is implied in his reply, becoming obvious that tactical aircraft in the future, including, if possible, the P1127, should be able to operate from aircraft carriers?

Mr. Healey

On the second point, I agree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman that, wherever possible, we should try to make aircraft inter-operable. This is one of the great advantages of buying the Phantom for the R.A.F. On the earlier part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question, of course the Royal Navy is kept fully in touch with all the results of work by the international evaluation squadron.

Sir J. Eden

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what are the main differences which make it conceivable that the P1127 could operate from a carrier when the P1154 could not? Is it mainly a question of weight? Would not the P1127 weight, anyway, have to be substantially increased to make it a serviceable military weapons system?

Mr. Healey

Weight is a major factor in the difference between the capabilities of the two aircraft. I cannot go into detail on the second part of the hon. Member's, question without revealing operational details, which he, as much as I, would wish to keep secret.

10. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the fact that the use of the P1127 will probably be in the course of amphibious operations, and in view of the experience of the Royal Marines in such operations, he will consider training Royal Marines for service with P1127 squadrons and in their operational control.

Mr. Healey

Royal Marines, as well as Army personnel, are already being trained as forward air controllers: to this extent they would have operational control of P1127 and any other aircraft deployed in their support.