§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Merlin helicopters have been lost since their original delivery; for what reasons; and what plans he has for their replacement. [167644]
§ Mr. IngramTwo Royal Navy Merlin Mk 1 aircraft have been lost since the Merlin entered service with the United Kingdom armed forces. The first crashed into the sea off north-west Scotland in October 2000 following the loss of both the main and tail rotor control. The second crashed at RNAS Culdrose on 30 March this year. The cause of this accident is still being investigated
These helicopters will be replaced from the Departmental fleet, which allows for the loss of aircraft in service with front line commands.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the procedure is for acquiring spares for Merlin helicopters; and if he will make a statement. [168561]
§ Mr. IngramMerlin helicopter spares are acquired in the same way as those for the majority of other aircraft used by the United Kingdom armed forces. Spares requirements are calculated at regular intervals throughout the year based on activity levels, deployment patterns and mission types. Predicted requirements are then compared with current spares holdings and current orders from industry and the difference is the future requirement. The process of spares ordering and distribution is managed by the Defence Logistics Organisation working closely with the relevant front line command to meet current and predicated requirements.