§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations led to the fitting of Searchwater radar in Sea King helicopters; when this process was begun; and when the first helicopter so fitted became operational.
§ Mr. PattieSince land-based airborne early warning was not available to the task force, Thorn-EMI, Westlands Helicopters and the Ministry of Defence undertook interim modifications to the Searchwater radar to enable it to be used for this purpose in Royal Navy helicopters. Work started early in May and two suitably modified Sea Kings with specially trained crews became operational at the beginning of August.