§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what stage the C130K Hercules fleet is at in its life cycle.
§ Mr. HanleyThe aircraft is now some 26-years-old, having entered service in 1967. At purchase, it was foreseen that the fleet would have a life of only 13 years. However, following major wing modifications in the 1970s, and ongoing fatigue monitoring, the majority of the fleet is expected to last until 2007.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what distinguishes the C130K Hercules, or similar military airlifter, from its civil counterparts in terms of operational capability and on-board equipment.
§ Mr. HanleyThe basic aircraft structure, systems and engines for both the civil and military variants of the Hercules transport aircraft are likely to be the same. Civil aircraft are not generally equipped for tactical tasks such as air dropping of troops, equipment or supplies, may not be capable of operating onto unprepared strips and are not equipped with the defensive aids necessary for operating in hostile airspace.