§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has instituted an inquiry into the operation of pilotless aircraft on Royal Aircraft Establishment ranges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeNo general inquiry has been instituted. The board of inquiry following any specific incident in which an unmanned target aircraft is lost, unless the loss is clearly associated with damage by missile during a trial, considers any safety matters of which it becomes aware and does not confine itself to issues related only to that incident. The findings of recent Boards of Inquiry have not indicated any requirement for a general investigation.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the safety procedures for (a) Royal Aircraft Establishment personnel, and (b) the general public, arising from the operation of pilotless target aircraft from Royal Aircraft Establishment ranges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe safety record of the operation of pilotless target aircraft from RAE ranges is excellent. The target currently used, the Jindivik, has been in continuous service since 1953 and there have been no accidents involving it causing injury to either members of the public or Ministry of Defence personnel. Safety procedures are kept under continuous and constant review.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents of malfunction have occurred involving (a) piloted and (b) pilotless target aircraft on Royal Aircraft Establishment ranges in each year since 1979; and in how many cases specific aircraft were grounded pending an investigation.
§ Mr. LeeThere have been no significant incidents of malfunction involving piloted target aircraft on RAE ranges in the period specified. In 1983 one unmanned Jindivik target aircraft was lost due to malfunction. On two occasions in 1982 and once in 1984 Jindiviks have been lost due to operator error rather than technical malfunction. The aircraft were all operated from RAE Llanbedr. Each was fully investigated and, except for one accident in 1982 attributable to a heavy landing, Jindivik flying ceased until the cause had been determined and any necessary measures taken to prevent a recurrence.