§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the advanced short take-off and vertical landing project.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe United Kingdom and United States Governments are engaged in a bilateral programme of studies into propulsion and control technologies for a possible advanced short take-off and landing (ASTOVL) aircraft. The programme, which is expected to last for some five years, involves research establishments and industry in both countries. The main objective of this programme of work is to develp the necessary technologies up to a point where a decision on a joint flight demonstrator programme could be taken with confidence. Satisfactory progress is being maintained.