§ 85. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Aviation how the actual drag of the F.111 compares with the design drag; what progress has been made on re-matching the high and low pressure compressors in the engine for the F.111, and whether the re-matched engine has yet been flight tested; how much work remains to be done on the variable spike control of the F.111 engine inlet; and what tests have been conducted on the compressor bleed mechanism for the F.111 engine.
§ Mr. MulleyI cannot disclose details of the progress of the F.111 development programme. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I have, however, been kept closely informed of the situation and we are satisfied that measures in hand to deal with the matters to which the hon. Member refers will ensure that the R.A.F. receives an aircraft which meets its requirements.
§ 86. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Aviation whether the price quoted for the F.111 in the Defence Review includes the avionics; if he will state the total cost per aircraft; and what arrangements over what period have been made for the purchase of spares for the F.111 at fixed prices.
§ Mr. MulleyThe unit ceiling price of £2.1 million quoted in the Defence Review is for the basic F.111A aircraft and includes some but not all the avionic 261W equipment required by the R.A.F. The total unit cost of the aircraft is estimated at about £l½ million, including all the R.A.F.'s special requirements. A supplementary ceiling price will be negotiated as soon as practicable.
As far as the second part of the question is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the same point by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 28th February, 1966 in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley).