HC Deb 19 December 2000 vol 360 cc93-4W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of the contract for his Department's Staff Requirement 1248 programme for a precision-guided munition for the RAF, when the contract is due to be awarded; what time scale has been set for development and production of the precision-guided munition; and if he will make a statement. [142173]

Dr. Moonie

The Staff Target (Air) 1248 Precision Guided Bomb project is currently in the Concept Phase and it is not possible as yet to give reliable estimates of the total programme cost. Contract award is expected to be towards the end of financial year 2000–03, or shortly thereafter. Development and Production is likely to last some three to four years depending upon the complexity of the chosen solution.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines his Department have set Raytheon for the integration of satellite-based global positioning system guidance into the RAF's Paveway II laser-guided bomb system; and if he will make a statement. [142174]

Dr. Moonie

Enhanced Paveway II bombs from Raytheon company have been selected to meet the all-weather precision guided bombing capability which was announced in the House on 24 July as one of the immediate enhancements being made in the light of our analysis of operations in Kosovo. The company has been set accuracy requirements that the systems must achieve in all weathers, as well as a delivery schedule for the supply of equipment. The company has also been asked to demonstrate basic compatibility with the host aircraft in advance of contract signature.