§ 18. Mr. Gregor Mackenzieasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the special features of the Seadart missile system.
§ 55. Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether a production order has been placed for the Seadart missile system for the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. MasonThe special features of the Seadart medium range surface-to-air guided weapon system are its anti-missile capability, its effectiveness against targets at low-level, and its quick reaction. Certain contracts have been placed both for ship-fitted equipment and missiles to be deployed in H.M.S. "Bristol". The system is also intended for the new destroyers and cruisers heralded in the July White Paper.
§ Mr. MackenzieWhat are the advantages of this system over other systems which have been developed, particularly Seaslug?
§ Mr. MasonIt has a better all-round performance than Seaslug, particularly against low-flying or very fast targets. We consider that it will be able to engage the smallest and fastest anti-ship missiles which we foresee.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesAs regards the low-level capability of Seadart, is it not a fact that its range is less than half that of the Komar, and is not this a reason for re-examining from the beginning the whole question of a simpler and cheaper aircraft carrier?