§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost per Hercules flight from the United Kingdom to Port Stanley; how many times in each flight in-flight refuelling is necessary; what aircraft are used for this purpose; whether they themselves need in-flight refuelling; and in each case, what percentage fuel margin is allowed for.
§ Mr. BlakerThe estimated cost of a return flight by Hercules transport aircraft from the United Kingdom to Port Stanley via Ascension Island is about £135,000, including tanker support. In-flight refuelling is carried out twice on the southward journey from Ascension Island to Port Stanley. It is carried out by Hercules or Victor tanker aircraft. The tanker which carries out the second refuelling has itself to be refuelled in-flight once. The margin of fuel allowed is calculated specifically for each flight depending on such factors as the forecast weather conditions for the flight and the pay-load.