§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he ordered an attrition batch of Sea Harriers; with what inertial navigation system they will be fitted on delivery to the Royal Navy; if he will list Sea Harrier losses over the past five years, showing for each how far electronic and electrical systems and sub-systems were recoverable for reuse; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanAn initial batch of 10 new aircraft was ordered in March 1990. A further order, bringing the total to 18, was placed in January 1994. An additional five conversions were ordered separately in July 1994 to358W complete the attrition reserve. On delivery, some aircraft will be fitted initially with the current standard inertial navigation equipment known as NAVHARS—navigation, heading and attitude system—taken from Navy spares stocks. The possibility of fitting later deliveries with a replacement navigation system incorporating more modern technology, including a global positioning system, is currently being examined.
The Sea Harrier losses over the past five years are as follows:
Sea Harrier FRS Mk1
- 4 October 1989 (HMS ARK ROYAL)
- 1 December 1989 (HMS INVINCIBLE)
- 8 May 1990 (HMS INVICNIBLE)
- 10 May 1991 (Wales)
- 28 May 1992 (HMS INVINCIBLE)
- 16 April 1994 (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Sea Harrier F/A2
- 5 January 1994 (Chivenor)
Electronic and electrical systems and sub-systems are not re-used after the inevitable impact damage which occurs when an aircraft is lost.