HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 c417
25. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to encourage further development of the Decca omnitrac navigation system to enable it to be accepted as the standard long range safety navigational aid, particularly on oceanic routes.

Mr. Snow

Flight trials of the Dectra aircraft navigation system were recently carried out at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down. An operational evaluation of the system will begin in 1967. Major transatlantic airline operators have been invited to fit the equipment for a year, and to report on its use.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that those of us who have seen the system in operation have been greatly impressed by it, as also have the pilots who were with us? Will he say whether or not there are any competing systems and what attention they are receiving from the Government?

Mr. Snow

There is only one other system, made by the same company, which has been brought to our attention. But I might say that the Government are helping very substantially in the installation of equipment supplied by the company for experimental purposes.