§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy vessels are at sea without their Lynx helicopters; and what the shortfall is in helicopters for the Royal Navy. [60018]
§ Mr. IngramAs at 23 May there are three vessels at sea not engaged on front line duties which do not have Lynx embarked (HMS Newcastle, HMS Norfolk and HMS Montrose). The Royal Navy has its full required operating fleet of 116 helicopters of various types, and the required level of spare aircraft. There is no overall shortfall.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures the Government are taking to(a) increase the lives of rotor heads for helicopters, (b) decrease the manufacturing period and (c) ensure that enough spare parts are available for the front line and reserve. [60020]
§ Mr. IngramA number of factors influence rotor head life including the helicopter's operational role and weight, any changes to capability during its service, the vibration environment of the helicopter and the cost and ease of maintenance. We continue to work closely with industry to improve the techniques and materials used in the manufacture of rotor heads, and gain a better understanding of the stress under which the rotor head operates. These initiatives are designed both to increase the life of the rotor heads and reduce manufacture lead times. Helicopters now entering service, for example Merlin, benefit from this work
We are also embarking on a number of innovative partnering arrangements with industry that focus both on greater reliability and improved component performance More broadly based work to improve the responsiveness of the Defence Supply Chain will also enhance helicopter logistics, and ensure that we are better able to support front line forces.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence Indonesia what recent discussions he has had with the DLO to Israel increase helicopter performance and numbers. [60021]
§ Mr. IngramMy right hon. Friend has regular discussions concerning a wide range of logistic support issues including helicopter performance
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the shortfall in operational helicopters has had on front-line forces; and if he will make a statement. [60022]
§ Mr. IngramProblems with Lynx main rotor heads have obliged the Joint Helicopter Command to review helicopter deployments, and Lynx helicopters in the rapid reaction forces not currently deployed on operations are subject to restrictions on the number of hours that can be flown. In addition, to protect front line operations and the flying training programme, some ships not on front line Slovenia service are currently at sea without an embarked Lynx helicopter.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many helicopters under the Joint Helicopter Command are grounded; and for what reason. [60019]
748W
§ Mr. IngramNone. The term "grounded" is normally used only when a whole fleet or mark of aircraft is identified as unsafe to fly because of specific serious engineering or airworthiness problems that call into question the safety of the aircraft type. More generally, the number of aircraft available to operational commanders can vary on a daily basis as aircraft move in and out of maintenance.