§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure helicopter blades are more resistant to desert conditions. [HL1247]
§ Lord BachThe rotor blades of UK military helicopters are protected against erosion in desert conditions in a variety of ways. A number of helicopter types have polyurethane self-adhesive tape applied to the main rotor blade leading edges. This tape is readily removed and replaced as necessary. The remainder have blades with integral titanium or stainless steel leading edges designed to withstand sand erosion.