§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Jaguar and (b) Tornado aircraft have crashed during flight operations since 1979; and what is the total cost in (i) lost aircraft, (ii) recovery operations, (iii) damage repairs and (iv) number of lives lost and pilots forced to discontinue flying because of severe injury.
§ Mr. FreemanSince 1979, 37 Royal Air Force Jaguars and 12 Tornados have suffered irreparable damage in crashes, as a result of which 18 aircrew died and two others sustained injuries which prevented them from undertaking further flying duties. The cost of the aircraft lost, in 1987 prices, is £430 million. It would not be possible to quantify associated recovery work without disproportionate cost and effort.