HC Deb 26 March 1984 vol 57 cc93-4W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the reasons for the choice of a turbo-prop over a turbo-fan to replace the jet provost basic trainer.

Mr. Pattie

In drawing up the short list of aircraft to meet air staff target 412, as an alternative to refurbishment of the existing jet provost fleet, we were guided by the ability of their engines to give the required performance in a cost-effective way.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify his reasons for considering the P-164 unsuitable as a jet provost replacement.

Mr. Pattie

No. Aircraft manufacturers have provided us with commercial information in confidence, and it would not be appropriate to comment on any particular aircraft.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate how many hours flying training can effectively be carried out on a turbo-prop basic trainer before the pilot will move on to the advanced Hawk trainer.

Mr. Pattie

Up to 140 hours per student.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the decision to opt for a turbo-prop to replace the jet provost will have on flying hours on the advanced Hawk trainer; and what effect it will have on operations at RAF Valley in Anglesey.

Mr. Pattie

No decision has yet been taken on whether to replace the jet provost. However, if the jet provost is replaced by a turbo-prop trainer, it is estimated that students would have to do an additional 15 hours on the Hawk. this would be within the operational capacity of RAF valley.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate (a) how much it would cost to refurbish the jet provost basic trainer and (b) how many years' service the aircraft would provide if refurbished.

Mr. Pattie

It is a long-standing practice of Her Majesty's Government to treat information relating to procurement contracts as commercially confidential. This is designed to protect the Government's position as buyer.

Based on current usage patterns, the refurbishment of the jet provost pilot training fleet would maintain the required aircraft establishment for a further six years for the Mk3A and a further seven years for the Mk5A.