HC Deb 03 March 1966 vol 725 cc350-1W
79. Sir J. Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what stage the type of F111A that will be brought into service with the Royal Air Force has now reached in its development and flight programme; what are the problems that have so far been encountered; to what extent and in what way each one is being overcome; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Healey

Nearly all development and tests associated with the F111 aircraft which the R.A.F. will be getting will be covered as part of the United States' F111A programme. Development of the F111A started in December 1962 and the first flight took place in December 1964. Twelve aircraft are now flying and 390 flights, totalling 590 hours, have been made of which 124 were supersonic, a number being above Mach 2.0. As regards problems encountered, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation to the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock) on 1st March.

80. Sir J. Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the expected differences in cost, performance and communications avionics between the basic F111A aircraft, as referred to in paragraph 10 on page 11 of Command Paper No. 2901, and the completed aircraft which will be in service with the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Healey

There will be a number of small changes in configuration from the basic F.111A aircraft of which the most important will be the inclusion of an improved navigation/attack system using components which will be incorporated in United States aircraft. Other changes include British communications and reconnaissance equipment and provision for the carriage of AJ.168, the Anglo/French air to ground guided weapon. The unit cost is expected to be about £2½ million.

Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Air Force pilots have flown the F111; and whether they have evaluated the aircraft's performance.

Mr. Healey

A senior R.A.F. test pilot is currently being given the opportunity to fly the F111 during its development test programme. He has already flown the aircraft at least twice and his reports have been included in our evaluation of the aircraft.