HC Deb 04 March 1964 vol 690 cc222-3W
40. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Minister of Aviation what research is at present being undertaken in Great Britain to produce a passenger aeroplane of medium range in which speed would be subordinate to flying and maintenance economy.

Mr. Marten

A great deal of work is being done in the aircraft industry and in Government establishments with the object of reducing the operating costs of existing and proposed types of transport aircraft, by studying such matters as improved aerodynamic efficiency, engine fuel consumption, and reliability of systems and components. In addition, at the request of the Transport Aircraft Requirements Committee, a Working Party, consisting of representatives of industry, the airlines, and the Ministry of Aviation, has comprehensively reviewed the possibilities of new designs of aircraft for minimum cost operation on stage lengths of up to 500 miles in the 1970s.

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