HC Deb 14 April 1954 vol 526 cc113-4W
74. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further information he can now offer to all the local authorities interested in intercity helicopter travel which will enable them to decide whether this type of travel is going to be a feasible proposition or not.

Mr. Profumo

Arrangements already exist to provide interested local authorities with information about the performance of helicopters as it becomes available. Full information has already been given about helicopters in current civil use in this country. It is unlikely that I shall be able to add materially to this information until more is known about the performance of future types.

75. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further information he now has to show that he new type of small aircraft, described as quick lift and short run aircraft, will be the answer to future intercity air travel; and if he will give some information on the performance of this type of aircraft.

Mr. Profnmo

Presumably the aircraft the hon. Gentleman is referring to is the Twin Pioneer, now under development by the Scottish Aviation Company. Its estimated performance suggests a take-off run of the order of 1,000 ft. at its maximum all-up weight, which will allow for the carriage of 16 passengers or over 4,000 lb. of freight for a distance of 160 nautical miles.

Further information about the performance of this aircraft must await the flight testing of the prototype, which is expected to begin towards the end of this year.