Naval Interceptor Aircraft

HC Deb 28 April 1965 vol 711 cc58-9W

83. Commander Courtney

asked the Minister of Aviation if the naval interceptor aircraft project which was cancelled in December, 1957 at an estimated cost of £3.2 million was the B.A.C.583, incorporating the variable geometry principle; and to what extent the experience and knowledge gained at that time are still available for the production of a joint-service variable geometry aircraft which could also serve as a supersonic trainer, and thus have good export prospects, without the necessity for collaboration with the French.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The naval interceptor aircraft which was cancelled in December, 1957 was not the B.A.C.583 but the Saunders-Roe 177. It did not incorporate the variable geometry principle.