§ 11. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the standard of present flight simulators used in pilot training.
§ Mr. PattieYes, although in this fast developing field there is always room for improvement and we are progressively replacing and updating our simulators.
§ Mr. FarrI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware of recent technical developments in computer development imagery within British industry for flight simulators? Is he certain that these latest developments are available for his Department to assess?
§ Mr. PattieThe straight answer is yes, I am aware of those developments. My Department keeps constantly in touch with such developments to ensure that the latest forms of simulation are available to our armed forces.
§ Mr. Robert AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware of the combat simulator made by British Aerospace in the Warton division and its significance in combat simulation worldwide? When does he expect the Royal Air Force to buy a combat simulator to encourage further sales abroad?
§ Mr. PattieI had the opportunity to inspect the simulator to which my hon. Friend referred as recently as 10 days ago. The RAF is considering such an acquisition.