§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when RAF Sea Kings dedicated to search and rescue will begin to use a satellite-based navigation system; and when he expects all search and replace aircraft to be using the system.
§ Mr. HanleyIt is planned to equip Mk3 RAF Sea Kings with a global positioning system—GPS—a satellite-based navigation system. The Sea King Mk3a helicopter scheduled to be delivered to the RAF in 1996 will be fitted with GPS, and it is expected the whole RAF fleet will be equipped with GPS by late 1997. Royal Navy search and rescue helicopters are expected to be fitted with GPS within the next two years.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what navigation system is currently used by RAF Sea Kings dedicated to search and rescue.
§ Mr. HanleyThe main navigation systems used by the RAF search and rescue Sea Kings comprise a Decca Mk19 hyperbolic navigation system, a doppler radar, an air data system and a tactical navigation system. These are supported by VHF omni-range, instrument landing system equipment, a VHF and UHF homing system and automatic direction finding equipment. In addition, a horizontal situation indicator at each pilot station displays navigational steering information.