§ 32. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the performance of the Jaguar aircraft following its introduction into service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JohnYes. The RAF is well pleased with the Jaguar's performance. Pilots have found the aircraft easy to fly and have been particularly impressed with its low-level performance and handling. On the engineering side the aircraft has proved to be easy to maintain and reliable, so that the flying rate has been consistently higher than forecast. By the end of 1974 or early 1975 the first two operational squadrons should be well advanced towards taking over completely from Phantoms in Strike76W Command. Under current plans the Jaguars will subsequently enter service in RAF Germany in the strike/attack rôles. Looking still further ahead, the Jaguar will eventually replace the Phantom in the tactical reconnaissance rôle in Strike Command and RAF Germany.