§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Apache helicopters(a) are based and (b) will be based at AAC Dishforth; [165091]
(2) what assessment he has made of the maintenance condition of the Apache helicopters based at AAC Dishforth; [165090]
(3) what funding has been allocated for the maintenance of Apache helicopters at AAC Dishforth. [165092]
§ Mr. IngramThere are currently 12 WAH-64 Apache aircraft based at Dishforth Station. A further four will be located at Dishforth within the next few months, bringing the total to 16.
All Apache helicopters held at Dishforth are consistently maintained to a high level. Their airworthiness condition is formally assessed by Army aircraft engineers before each flight, and is constantly monitored by aircrew during flight.
The funding allocated in financial year 2004–05 for spares maintenance support for WAH-64 Apache aircraft at Dishforth Station totals some £450,000.